The Hidden Jewel of the East
For decades, Odisha was a name that slipped past India’s tourism radar. Despite being home to the Sun Temple of Konark, the Jagannath Temple of Puri, and the lush Chilika Lake, it was often overshadowed by flashier states like Kerala, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.
But that narrative is changing.
Today, Odisha is experiencing what experts are calling a “silent tourism boom” — a steady rise in domestic and international visitors drawn not by hype, but by authenticity. From eco-retreats on virgin beaches to tribal art trails and spiritual circuits, the state is redefining sustainable tourism in its own quiet way.
The numbers tell part of the story: between 2018 and 2024, Odisha’s tourist footfall grew by over 70%, with new themes such as eco-tourism, cultural heritage, handicrafts, and adventure travel gaining momentum. Yet, the most fascinating part? The boom feels organic — less commercial, more soulful.
Why Odisha Was Overlooked for So Long
To understand Odisha’s rise, one must first understand its invisibility.
For years, the state’s image in mainstream media was either limited to natural calamities like cyclones or overshadowed by its neighbors. While Rajasthan flaunted its royal heritage and Kerala sold “God’s Own Country,” Odisha quietly preserved its temples, forests, and crafts — but didn’t know how to sell them.
Poor connectivity and limited marketing also played their part. Bhubaneswar and Puri were known pilgrimage spots, but beyond that, few travelers explored the unexplored — the tribal highlands of Koraput, the ancient caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, or the serene beaches of Gopalpur and Chandrabhaga.
That’s now changing with infrastructure expansion, digital storytelling, and state-backed campaigns that highlight Odisha as a place where culture meets calm.
The Tourism Renaissance: What’s Fueling the Growth
Odisha’s growth isn’t accidental. It’s the result of deliberate policy shifts and a newfound focus on experience-based travel.
1. Eco-Tourism and Responsible Travel
Odisha has embraced eco-tourism as its core identity.
The state now runs 47 eco-retreats under the “Eco Retreat Odisha” initiative — luxury glamping experiences in places like Satkosia, Daringbadi, Bhitarkanika, and Hirakud. These retreats offer a perfect mix of comfort and conservation, run by local communities trained in hospitality and sustainability.
Visitors wake up to bird calls, kayak across pristine lakes, and dine under starlit skies — all while supporting local livelihoods. The model has been so successful that Odisha has been recognized nationally for its community-driven eco-tourism.
2. Improved Connectivity and Infrastructure
With new air routes connecting Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela, and ongoing road upgrades through projects like Gopalpur–Digha Coastal Highway, Odisha is more accessible than ever.
The expansion of Biju Patnaik International Airport and the state’s push for airport tourism connectivity have also made it easier for foreign travelers to land directly in the heart of the East.
3. Smart Marketing and Storytelling
The state’s tourism campaigns — “India’s Best Kept Secret” and “Scenic Odisha” — have turned heads for their cinematic visuals and authentic messaging.
Unlike typical tourism ads, they focus on emotions, local stories, and authenticity rather than luxury.
Social media influencers, travel vloggers, and heritage bloggers have also played a role. A single viral post about Eco Retreat Konark or cycling through the Chilika wetlands has introduced thousands to Odisha’s hidden landscapes.
Heritage & Spiritual Tourism: A Legacy Reimagined
1. The Sacred Triangle: Puri–Konark–Bhubaneswar
This “Golden Triangle” has always been Odisha’s spiritual heart.
Puri’s Jagannath Temple continues to draw millions of devotees every year, particularly during the Rath Yatra, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. Konark’s 13th-century Sun Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage site — stands as an architectural marvel, and Bhubaneswar, the “Temple City,” preserves over 500 ancient shrines.
But now, these sites are being reimagined for new-age travelers through heritage walks, sound-and-light shows, and AR-based guided experiences under the government’s Ekamra Kshetra and OdiArt projects.
2. Beyond Temples: Buddhist and Tribal Trails
Not many know that Odisha houses one of India’s most significant Buddhist heritage sites — Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri — together known as the Diamond Triangle. Archaeological restoration and new museum projects have made these spots increasingly popular among global scholars and spiritual seekers.
Meanwhile, Koraput, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada are witnessing the rise of tribal tourism, where visitors experience authentic local traditions, cuisine, and crafts — ethically and respectfully. This form of tourism not only celebrates Odisha’s diversity but empowers indigenous communities.
V. Nature & Adventure: The Wild Side of Odisha
For travelers craving wilderness, Odisha is a revelation.
1. Chilika Lake — Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon
Spread over 1,100 sq km, Chilika is a biodiversity hotspot where dolphins leap in crystal waters and migratory birds paint the sky. The Satapada and Mangalajodi eco-tours have become favorites among birdwatchers, while boat rides and sustainable stay options are redefining rural luxury.
2. Bhitarkanika National Park
India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, Bhitarkanika is home to saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, and exotic bird species. Unlike the crowded tiger reserves of other states, Bhitarkanika offers a raw, unfiltered jungle experience — a true ecotourism gem.
3. Daringbadi and the Hills of Kandhamal
Often dubbed the “Kashmir of Odisha,” Daringbadi is a misty hill station where temperatures drop to single digits in winter. With pine forests, coffee gardens, and waterfalls, it’s becoming a top pick for eco-travelers seeking serenity.
4. Waterfalls, Caves, and Coastal Wonders
From Barehipani and Joranda Falls in Similipal to the ancient caves of Khandagiri-Udayagiri and the beaches of Gopalpur and Chandipur, Odisha offers a landscape that is as diverse as it is breathtaking.
The Cultural Soul: Handicrafts, Festivals & Cuisine
Odisha’s tourism isn’t complete without its culture, which is both ancient and alive.
1. Art & Handicrafts
From Pattachitra paintings and Applique work of Pipili to stone carving at Raghurajpur and silver filigree of Cuttack, Odisha’s crafts have now found a global audience. Government initiatives like Odisha Crafts Village Scheme and e-commerce tie-ups are helping artisans reach markets far beyond their towns.
2. Festivals Beyond Rath Yatra
While the world knows about the Rath Yatra, few know about the Konark Dance Festival, Rajarani Music Festival, or Ekamra Utsav, which showcase Odissi dance, temple architecture, and the fusion of ancient art forms with modern performances.
3. Odia Cuisine: The Underrated Delight
Food tourism is also rising — with traditional dishes like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chhena Poda, and Macha Besara gaining national attention. Odisha’s food scene is an extension of its identity: humble, flavorful, and deeply rooted in tradition.
The Global Shift: Foreign Interest in Odisha
Odisha’s tourism boom isn’t limited to domestic travelers.
In recent years, international visitors — especially from Japan, France, and Southeast Asia — have begun exploring the state’s Buddhist circuits and nature retreats. The Eco Retreat program, along with cultural diplomacy through events like the Odisha Travel Bazaar, has put the state on the global tourism map.
Moreover, the state’s strong performance in the Responsible Tourism Index and UNWTO sustainability recognition has drawn global attention as a model for eco-driven growth.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the promising rise, Odisha still faces several challenges:
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Underdeveloped tourism infrastructure in remote districts
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Limited international marketing and branding efforts
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Seasonal tourism dependence, particularly around Puri and Chilika
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Skill development gaps in rural tourism sectors
To address these, the state is investing in capacity building, homestay promotion, and digital literacy for local guides. Plans for Odisha Tourism 2030 aim to position the state among the top five domestic destinations in India — with an emphasis on inclusive growth.
Why Odisha’s Boom Matters
Odisha’s success story goes beyond tourism numbers. It represents a cultural awakening, where communities are becoming the custodians of their own heritage.
The silent boom is proof that tourism doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful — it just needs to be authentic.
In a world of over-tourism, where commercial hotspots are struggling with sustainability, Odisha is showing India (and the world) a different path — one where tranquility, tradition, and tourism coexist.
The Secret That Won’t Stay Hidden
Odisha is no longer India’s best-kept secret — it’s the country’s next big revelation.
Its silent boom is not about glittering resorts or crowded attractions, but about the quiet joy of discovery. From ancient temples to untouched beaches, from tribal art to eco-retreats, Odisha invites you to experience travel as it’s meant to be: real, rooted, and rewarding.
So the next time you plan a trip, skip the usual suspects. Go East. Go slow.
And you might just find India’s hidden gem waiting — silently — to surprise you.
