Khordha is a district in the Indian state of Odisha, and it is known for its beautiful temples, shrines, and other historical and cultural landmarks. Khordha is a place with a rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in exploring these aspects of India.
These are the 15 Best Places In Khordha to Visit listed below:
Table of Contents
1.Lingaraj Temple:
Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on Lingaraj Temple Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town of Bhubaneswar (Temple City of India), Odisha. It is an important Odisha landmark that was built by King Jajati Keshari in the 10th century and completed by King Lalatendu Keshari in the 11th century. This 180-foot temple represents the essence of Kalinga architecture and was built in the Deula style with red stones. It is widely renowned because the Linga here, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is said to have appeared naturally. It is one of the popular tourist attractions in Odisha and is known for its annual festivals, including the MahaShivaratri festival.
2.Nandankanan Zoological park:
Nandankanan Zoo, located near Bhubaneswar in the Chandaka forest, is India's second largest. It holds the distinction of being the only zoo in the world where a White Tiger was captive bred using normal coloured parents. The zoo houses approximately 1660 individual animals representing 166 species, including 67 mammal species, 81 bird species, and 18 reptile species. and spread over 400 acres. It is also credited with being the first to begin captive breeding of Gharials. As a result, this is one of the most well-known tourist destinations of Khordha
3.Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary:
Mangalajodi village is located on the northern banks of Chilika Lagoon(The largest brackish water lake in Asia) under Tangi block of Khurda district in Odisha. It has been a paradise for more than 3 lakh migratory birds hosts around 230 species of birds specially in the winter. This is one of the places in India where boat rides can evince large flocks of various species of colourful birds. The Sanctuary has a watch tower where visitors can get an aerial view of Chilika Lake. The entire setting exudes a serene aura. Seeing all of the colourful and varied feathered visitors here is a wonderful experience and It is one of the best Tourist Attraction in Khordha district.
4.Dhauli Giri Hills:
Dhauligiri Hill is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha, located on the banks of the Daya River about 7 kilometres from Bhubaneswar in the Khordha district. King Ashoka laid the foundation for Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, at this location, which is famous for the end of the Kalinga War. The stupa, which is built in a dome shape, represents a magnificent piece of Odisha architecture.The carvings on this hill depict an elephant and the symbol of Gautama Buddha. The main festival celebrated at Dhauli Giri every year in February is the Kalinga Dhauli Mahotsav. Visit this location; it will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on your mind.
5.Khandagiri and Udaygiri:
Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves are located on two adjacent hills in the city of Bhubaneswar in Khordha district, Odisha. These ancient rock-cut caves recall the Kalinga Empire under Jain emperor Kharvela. Around 40 rock-cut caves adorn the two hills separated by a road. The Udayagiti's Rani and Hati Gumpha contains a description of Odisha's dance culture that dates back to the second century BC and is worded by contemporary scholars. Modern scholars are of the opinion that the Udayagiri cave complex was also a theater complex. The Udaygiri and Khandagiri hold architectural significance for India and are must-see destinations because they are among the very few ancient rock-cut caves that remain in India.
6.Nalabana Bird Sanctuar:
The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is located on Odisha's Nalabana Island, which is part of the Chilika Lake and is connected to the Bay of Bengal to the east. The island vanishes during the monsoon season due to inundation, only to reappear afterward. It is well-known for its large green spaces, which attract a variety of migratory birds during the winter season. After Mangalajodi, this is another view of Chilika Lake, which has pleasant weather in the winter and plenty of rain during the rainy season. During the winter, visitors are drawn to the beautiful natural environment and the breathtaking lake views. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction in Odisha's Khordha District.
7.The Atri hot spring :
The Atri hot spring is located in Atri village, Khordha district, Odisha. The Atri hot spring is a natural hot spring known for its therapeutic properties, and the Hatakeshwar Temple located nearby is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The water of the hot spring (57 degrees Celsius) contains small doses of sulfur flavor when heated to 100 degrees Celsius. A bathing complex near the spring provides tourists with steam bathing facilities. Visitors to the Atri hot spring and Hatakeshwar Temple can enjoy the hot spring’s therapeutic benefits as well as participate in Hindu rituals and ceremonies at the temple.
8.Odisha State Museum:
One of the biggest and busiest museums in the state is the Odisha State Museum, which is situated in BJB Nagar in Bhubaneswar. Epigraphy, Numismatics, Mining and Geology, Natural History, Archaeology, Armory, Anthropology, Contemporary Art, Art & Crafts, and Manuscript are a few of the building's distinct sections. Ayurveda, Gita Govinda, Silpasastra, and other topics are covered in about 37,000 palm leaf manuscripts. The Odia Language Literature and Culture Department is another name for the museum. A children's park and a natural history park have been constructed inside the museum complex.The museum is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction in Bhubaneswar.
9.Chilika Lake (Barkul):
Chilika Lake is a large brackish water lagoon in the Odisha districts of Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam. It is India's largest coastal brackish lagoon and the world's second largest lagoon. Chilika, the Queen of Natural Beauty, is home to many of the country's largest flocks of migratory birds, especially during the winter. The lake is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds that visit during the winter months. It is especially migratory bird season, so exploring this lake during these months is even more exciting.
10.Chausathi-Yogini Temple:
The Chausath-Yogini (Mahamaya Tempe) Temple is one of four Chausath Yogini shrines that still exist in India . It is situated in Hirapur village of Khordha district. Goddess Mahamaya, considered to be one of the Yoginis, is the presiding deity of this holy place. The temple is thought to have been built in the 9th century by Queen Hiradevi of the Bhauma dynasty. The temple is notable for its distinctive architecture and layout, which are believed to have been influenced by tantric practices and rituals. The temple is a spherical building with 64 cells arranged around the main shrine in a circular pattern. A labyrinthine layout is created by the corridors and passages connecting the cells. The central shrine is dedicated to the goddess Kali, and there is a tiny shrine in each cell that is dedicated to a Yogini. The sandstone temple is embellished with intricate carvings and sculptures that show the Yoginis and other gods. A tall wall encircles the temple and completely encloses the complex.
11.Barune Temple:
The Barunei Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Barunei, who is thought to be a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Shakti. It is located in Khordha District, nearly 27 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, at the foot of the Barunei Hills. The idols of the twin goddesses Barunei and Karunei are worshiped in the temple's sanctum sanctorum. This is also known as 'Shakti Pitha' of Odisha. The 'Swarna Ganga' is a beautiful stream that flows from the hills. The main temple is built in the traditional Odisha style and is adorned with brightly coloured paints. The temple is also surrounded by lush greenery and is perched on the crest of a hill, affording breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape which make it on of the Best Places In Khordha.
12. Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum:
Kalabhoomi Located in Silpi Vihar, Pokhriput, and Bhubaneswar are the Odisha Crafts Museums. The Handicraft and Handloom Department of Odisha is working on a project to promote the state's wide range of handicraft and handloom practises and to make it easier for customers to interact with the artisans. The museum is split into two sections: a live section and a display area. The live section has an open-air theatre and various workshop areas, while the display area focuses on galleries about handicrafts and handlooms from across the state. The museum's distinctive features include the replica of Kuldevi Temple, the stepped rainwater reservoir, and the outdoor exhibits in the courtyards. A variety of handicrafts are available, including carvings in terracotta, stone, and wood, dokra, bell metal, tarakasi (silver filigree), native carvings, traditional paintings like patachitra, palm leaf etchings, pre-weaving techniques, materials, natural dyes, tools, various types of handlooms, and applique. The museum regularly hosts workshops on palm-leaf etching and applique, events like craft bazaars and craft quizzes, interactions with artisans, fashion shows featuring Odia textiles and sarees, folk and classical dance performances, as well as indigenous theatre.Hence It is one of the Best Places In Khordha.
13.Mukteswara Temple:
Mukteswara Temple is an ancient and well-known temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha's Khordha district. The temple was built in the 10th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the same premises of Parasurameswara Temple. It is known for its beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptural work. The temple is known as the "Gem of Odisha" because its architecture blends ancient and modern Kalinga School of architecture. The magnificent torana - the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa - is the temple's main highlight. This thickly pillared, arched gateway is exquisitely carved with strings of beads and other attractive ornaments, as well as statues of smiling women in languorous poses. As a result, the Mukteswara Temple is a Best Places In Khordha .
14.Deras Dam:
Deras Dam is situated on the suburb of Bhubaneswar in Chandaka, Khordha. The natural beauty of the area is simply breathtaking. It is surrounded by hills and lush green trees, creating a stunning scenic view. The entire setting exudes a tranquil atmosphere. The tranquil atmosphere entices visitors to spend some relaxing time while admiring the natural beauty of the area, especially during the rainy and winter seasons. The Jhumka Dam is another interesting nearby attraction. It is a popular picnic spot close to the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary. As a result, this is one of the Best Places In Khordha.
15.Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary:
The Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Chandaka, Khordha. In August 1982, it was designated as the Chandaka Elephant Reserve. The Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary was established primarily to protect wild elephants and their habitats. In addition to deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species, the sanctuary is home to a wide range of other wildlife. The sanctuary is well-known for its verdant forests and is a favourite spot for hikers and nature lovers. Additionally, the sanctuary has a number of hides and watchtowers that provide visitors with great views of the surrounding countryside and enable them to observe the animals in their natural habitat. A chance to see some of the incredible wildlife that can be found in Odisha can be had at Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, which is generally a lovely and serene location to visit.