One of the most prominent cultural hubs in india! People know Odisha as a state of one of the Char Dhams- Puri but not much of it is considerably explored. A unique architecture called the Kalinga  is unique to the region and bestows distinctive curvilinear shapes and decorative delicate stone carvings. With so much art, craft and culture embedded in it, here are some of the best offbeat activities to do in Orissa.

1. Holy caves

A unique plethora of natural and a man made combination – The Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves possess immensely intricate  sculptures and Brahmi inscriptions. Udaygiri has 15 caves, and the neighboring Khandagiri has 18 caves. Originating from as old as the 1ST CENTURY, these caves are known to be one of the oldest Jain rock cut shelters in the world. 

2. Handicrafts

The remarkable new Kala Bhoomi Crafts Museum in the capital city of Bhubaneswar is amongst the top museums of bulging display of culture and heritage of the country and boasts fine displays of terracotta work, traditional paintings, stone and wood carving, metal crafts, tribal crafts, and hand-looms. The interactive part here is that you can view the artisans at work and join your hands in the workshops.

3. Birdwatching 

The Chilika lake-  Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon (a combination of sea and freshwater)  is a sight to behold. This is one of the best offbeat activities to do in Orissa because the water , the peace and the flock of migratory birds that hover around is surely a pleasantry in itself. Without much disturbance and pollution it makes a visit worthy place.

4. Tribal travel

It is said that more than 60 tribal communities in Odisha practice mystical ancient ways dwell in Odisha’s remote, deep forests and hilly interiors – in a world that is so advanced, the chance to go on a tour that gives you access to usually inaccessible spots to make contact with the long lost natives of the land is something that’s totally offbeat and surely a must to do! 

5. More than one religion

It’s not only about Hinduism in India (and Odisha) . The place is a hub for some of the most sacred and aesthetically soothing buddhist sites in the country, The diamond triangle of  Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitagiri make for some of the largest buddhist remains that include a series of monasteries, temples, shrines, stupas, and beautiful sculptures of Buddhist images.

6. Dance of eternities

Attend a classical music or a classical dance festival in the  Konark Sun Temple, and Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples. Witness the oldest surviving dance form of the Royal ancient India- The Odissi. Devoted to the worship of lord Jagannath, this dance is a feast of the eye and takes you on a journey of respect, lore and devotion through its pure portrayals hence considered one of the best offbeat activities to do in Orissa.

7. Heritage stays

With a brimming history of palaces and mansions of royalty, Odisha is home to some of the most royally offbeat and secluded spots of Luxury accommodations. The Dhekanal palace is the only fort palace in the entire state and the Gajalaxmi palace nad the Belgadia palace are cupped amidst the wilderness of the forests to give a touch of stay in the wild and nature and offer activities like cycling and trekking.

8. Beach day 

With the low lying sand dunes and a tide until the edge of the horizon,  paved with a path of Casuarina trees, the beach of Chandipur makes up for a peaceful stroll. With being at a secluded underdeveloped place, expect solitude , less people and more peace in the calm beach waters while you enjoy a sunset 

9. Art can not only be learnt but purchased too

A total heritage and arts and crafts village that’s known for its extremely acclaimed “PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS” and Gotipua dance form  These are some of the evergreen classical stuff which trace back to their origin in this village. Apart from this 5th century art form, they also indulge in handicrafts , masks,stone idols and paper maches. Every art at this place carries a vibe of mythological dedication which every artist puts in it that you can take home as an honorable souvenir. 

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By, Ghanshyam Prasad