#DiscoverTheUndiscovered: Look beyond the iconic Sun Temple in Odisha’s Konark and mighty Jagannath Temple in Puri, and the state reveals countless spots often sidelined by a traveller’s gaze. We’ve jotted down 10 of these lesser-known destinations in Odisha for your future itinerary. By Bayar Jain1. Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur
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The first of the many lesser-known destinations in Odisha is a temple that celebrates women empowerment. Literally translating to the temple of 64 yoginis—sacred female figurines along with animal vahanas (vehicles) who depict Shakti—Hirapur’s Chausath Yogini Temple, or the Mahamaya Temple is located just 20 kilometres outside the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Since the spiritual site dates back to the 9th century, only 56 idols survive today. However, it continues to be a mesmerising destination, courtesy the temple’s beautiful architecture. The temple is built using sandstone blocks and is designed as a small circle measuring only 25 feet in diameter. At the circle’s epicentre is an image of Goddess Kali who stands valiantly on a human head; symbolising woman power.
2. Mahendragiri
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Revered for its mythological, religious, and cultural significance, Mahendragiri is one of the lesser-known destinations in Odisha itching to be explored. Located in Ganjam district, this quiet hill station boasts of being the second-highest in the state. When here, you can trot from one sacred site to another with ease. Begin with the hilltop Shiva, Parshuram, Kunti, Bhima, and Yudhishthir temples—some of which are believed to have been built by the Pandavas themselves and are widely regarded as the oldest surviving temples of the Kalinga School of Architecture. Next, head to Chandragiri which is dotted with numerous Buddhist monasteries, namely the Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery—the largest of its kind in South Asia.
However, non-spiritual travellers also have many reasons to visit Mahendragiri. Take the Khasada waterfall, for instance. The cascading waters are surrounded by lush green valleys, guaranteed to instil peace and serenity within you. A similar sense of calm can also be found at the Berhampur falls on the way to Chandragiri. Add in a stopover at Jeerang to witness Tibetan settlements at their finest. Alternatively, head to Taptapani, a scenic hot water spring just 35 kilometres away from Jeerang
3. Bhitarkanika National Park, Kendrapara
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Ordinarily, national parks serve as a hotspot for thriving wildlife. Bhitarkanika National Park, however, goes beyond this. Home to endangered saltwater crocodiles, black ibises, Indian pythons, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, cobras, monitor lizards, and more, this lush space also houses many brooks, beaches, islands, rivers, forest, and canals. In fact, it is also home to the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India, the Bhitarkanika Mangrove Forest. Plan your trip between January and March to see nature’s wonders in full swing. During this time, olive ridley turtles lay their eggs at the Gahirmatha Beach that is situated in the same area.
4. Keonjhar
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Picture clear waterfalls spouting at every turn as you traverse the roads of Keonjhar. Beautifully carved and fed by Mahanadi, this region houses many lesser-known destinations in Odisha that are best explored by road. You can drive through the winding ghat roads towards Kanjipani Ghati, making pitstops to pose under the Bhimkund, Gundichaghai, Sanaghagara, Badaghagara, and majestic Khandadhar waterfalls. Carve out time to visit and shop locally at Ghatagaon where more than 100 families craft terracotta products.
5. Nrusinghanath Temple, Mugpal
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Located at the source of the Papaharini stream atop Gandhamardhan hills, Mugpal’s Nrusinghanath Temple dates back to the 14th century. According to Hindu legends, the hill where the temple is now located was once carried by ancient epic Ramayana’s Hanuman. Naturally, then, the temple holds immense sacred significance even today. When here, visit the Harishankar temple dotted with countless Buddhist ruins arguably of the ancient university of Parimalagiri, as claimed by 7th-century Chinese traveller, Hiuen Tsang.
6. Deomali
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Perched at an elevation of 1,672 metres, Deomali is waiting to be explored. Once here, you can trek to several waterfalls such as Gulmi Duduma and Rani Duduma, and walk through dense valleys. Alternatively, head to the cave shrine of Gupteswar, which Hindu God Rama is believed to have walked through during his voyage to Panchabati in Dandakaranya. For a dose of conscious travelling, visit Onkadelli where, every Thursday, Bondas set up a weekly market.
7. Tampara Lake
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A few kilometres away from Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon), Tampara Lake is an upcoming tourist destination currently spotlighted by the state tourism board. Rapidly being developed as a water recreation zone, this sweet water lake is a developing Eco Resort Zone for leisurely stays. No wonder, then, the landward bank has many adrenaline-pumping watersports to ignite the adventure-enthusiast in you.
8. Satkosia Tiger Reserve
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There’s a lot you can do at Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Also known as the Gorge Sanctuary, this coveted destination provides the ideal blend of nature and meditative recreation. Consider camping at the riverbank, cruising through River Mahanadi, posing against a majestic gorge, and—of course—spotting big cats in their natural habitat. Flanked by green mountains and valleys, this wildlife sanctuary has many eco-tour camps situated at multiple points throughout the space. For example, Tikarpada Nature Camp is located on the banks of a magnificent gorge created by Mahanadi, while Chhotkei Nature Camp is nestled in the lap of nature atop a forested hill.
9. Diamond Triangle Buddhist circuit
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While the Diamond Triangle Buddhist circuit is not strictly one destination, it surely deserves a spot in this article. Comprising of Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, and Lalitgiri, this circuit is believed to be the inception of Buddhism’s Vajrana sect. Ratnagiri, which literally translates to the hill of gems, houses many small-sized Votive stupas. Archaeologists have unearthed two monasteries here which point towards the prevalence of Mahajana and Hinajana sects of Buddhism here. Udaygiri, on the other hand, has two monasteries dating back to the 2nd century AD. The oldest site of the trio is at Lalitgiri which dates to the 1st century AD.
10. Rayagada
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At the heart of the state’s ethnic hinterland is Rayagada, a place replete with vibrant tribal communities. Approximately 20,000 tribal folks are believed to reside in the nine panchayats on either side of River Nagavali here. Do pay a visit to the nearby 151-metre-long hanging bridge in Chekaguda. From here, head to Chatikona which is roughly 48 kilometres away. Chatikona not only offers gorgeous views of waterfalls but is also grounds for Dongria Kondh’s (a local tribe) weekly market.
Related: Discover The Many Secrets Of Gopalpur, Southern Odisha’s Hidden Gem
