If you’re residing in a state that’s just a short drive from one of India’s most culturally rich destinations, why not explore it? We’re offering the “Magical Tour of Orissa,” a journey that takes you through the state’s most exciting historical and spiritual landmarks.
In this tour, we cover all the major cities of Odisha from Raipur via road. The journey is scenic, comfortable, and memorable, thanks to the recently built world-class expressways connecting Chhattisgarh to Odisha.
Table of Contents
The following will be our stops during the journey:
- Raipur – Sambalpur
- Sambalpur – Cuttack
- Cuttack – Bhubaneshwar
- Bhubaneshwar – Puri
Raipur – Sambalpur
The journey starts from Raipur, our head office, with vehicles arranged as per passenger requirements. For long journeys like this, we recommend booking a standard Mid-SUV or a higher segment vehicle for added comfort. The tour begins early morning by 7 am, right after breakfast. The distance between the two stations is 270 km, taking roughly 5 to 6 hours to cover.
Sambalpur is also known for its religious significance, with the Hare Rama–Hare Krishna temple drawing devotees from across the region. The rest of the day is spent exploring nearby local streets and the impressive Hirakud Dam, one of the longest earthen dams in the world. Travellers often pause here for a quiet evening walk along the reservoir, watching the sunset spread across the water — a peaceful moment before the busier days that follow. This region is also known for its handloom weaving traditions, and those interested can take a short detour to see local artisans at work on Sambalpuri sarees, a craft the state takes great pride in.
Sambalpur – Cuttack – Bhubaneshwar
The next day, we move toward Cuttack, roughly 260 km from Sambalpur. Here, travellers visit the Buddha temple, the Netaji Birthplace Museum (a must-see for history enthusiasts), and the historic Barabati Fort, followed by a taste of the city’s famous street food before heading toward Bhubaneshwar the same day.
Since Cuttack to Bhubaneshwar is barely 25 km, we reach by 7 pm, giving travellers enough time to relax, enjoy snacks, have dinner around 9 pm, and rest well before the next leg of the journey. For those keen to see a little more of Bhubaneshwar before Puri, an early morning visit to the Lingaraj Temple can easily be arranged, giving you a glimpse of Kalinga-style temple architecture that the region is renowned for.
Bhubaneshwar – Puri
The following day, we drive to our final destination, Puri, just 61 km away and barely a 1.5-hour ride. The beach city welcomes you with a splash of sea breeze and the irresistible aroma of street-side seafood.
All travellers check in at a hotel close to Puri beach, where they can head straight to the shore after freshening up. We recommend taking a dip in the sea itself, followed by a proper bath back at the hotel. From there, we move toward the Shri Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus worldwide and part of India’s famed Char Dham circuit.
The temple feels almost magical in its atmosphere, which is exactly why we named this journey the “Magical Tour of Orissa.” Travellers have time to offer prayers while a guide shares lesser-known facts and legends about Lord Jagannath. After the temple visit, you’re free to explore the city further. We suggest a visit to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar-recognised wetland known for its Irrawaddy dolphins and rich birdlife — and of course, don’t miss tasting Khaja, Puri’s famous local sweet. A short late-afternoon boat ride across the lake is worth the extra hour, especially if you’re travelling with family or want a few quiet moments away from the temple crowds.
We generally recommend planning this tour between October and February, when the weather across Odisha stays pleasant and comfortable for both travel and sightseeing. Carrying light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a basic first-aid kit is advisable, as some temple visits involve walking on uneven stone pathways.
With that, our tour comes to a close, and the following day, all travellers depart from Puri toward Raipur, carrying home a bag full of sweet memories and stories worth retelling.