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Author : Swostiindia | Published Date : 25-04-30

If you’re tired of the same old tourist spots and want to see a different side of India, Odisha is one place you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.
It’s slower here. Softer, too.
You get beaches where you can still hear the waves, villages where traditions aren’t on display for tourists, and days that don’t rush you anywhere.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a proper adventure, here are five Odisha holiday packages worth checking out. No fuss, just honest suggestions.

 

1. Tribal Tour of Koraput and Onukudelli

Let’s start with something different.
If you’re curious about India beyond palaces and postcard views, a tribal tour in Koraput will open your eyes.
You won’t find fancy hotels or tourist shops here — just vibrant weekly markets, handmade crafts, and the proud Bonda and Gadaba tribes carrying their traditions forward.

Tours usually include eco-lodge stays, market visits, and easy walks through villages. It’s not about “doing” things — it’s about simply being there.

Good for: Cultural travelers, photographers, anyone tired of checklist tourism.

Tip: Always ask before taking pictures. A smile and a little respect go a long way.

 

2. Golden Triangle of Odisha: Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konark

If it's your first time in Odisha, start with the classics.
Bhubaneswar’s ancient stone temples are everywhere you turn, Puri brings you the energy of the Jagannath Temple and lively coastal streets, and Konark shows you a Sun Temple so detailed it almost feels like it's moving.

You won’t just get history though.
Puri’s beach might not make the cover of glossy magazines, but walk it at sunset — past families picnicking, kite sellers, and food stalls  and it’ll stay with you.

Feeling curious?
Detour into nearby craft villages where artists still work the old way.

Good for: Families, history fans, anyone who likes their sightseeing with a side of fresh sea breeze.

Tip: Go temple-hopping early in the morning. The carvings look better under soft sunlight, and you'll dodge the worst of the crowds.

 

3. Chilika Lake and Gopalpur-on-Sea

Some trips are about seeing more.
Others are about slowing down.

If you’d pick a traffic jam over a noisy crowd anyday, you’ll probably like this part of Odisha. Start your trip at Chilika lake, where the mornings are cool and little foggy, and the afternoons are slow and peaceful. It’s a kind of place that makes you want to take your time and just enjoy doing nothing for a while.

Start at Chilika Lake, where misty mornings drift into lazy afternoons.
Hop onto a boat, float through the silence, and if you’re lucky, catch a flash of dolphin in the still waters.

From there, head to Gopalpur-on-Sea.
No beach clubs. No blaring music. Just long walks, fresh seafood on your plate, and sunsets that turn the sky soft pink.

By the time you're done, don’t be surprised if your sandals are full of sand and you’re smiling anyway.

Good for: Couples, solo travelers, anyone needing a proper reset.

Tip: Dolphin spotting is best early morning between November and February.

 

4. Similipal Wildlife Safari

Similipal isn't the place for flashy wildlife selfies. It's the kind of jungle that teaches you patience.

The roads into the reserve are bumpy but beautiful tall sal trees crowd the sky, wildflowers brush the sides of your jeep, and now and then, a spotted deer freezes just long enough for you to spot it before vanishing again.

You wake up to a chill in the air, sip tea as mist hangs low over the grasslands, and head out before sunrise hoping to catch a glimpse of tigers, elephants, or giant squirrels. Even if the big cats stay hidden, the waterfalls Barehipani and Joranda make the trip worth it.

They are huge, loud, and full of energy \u2014 perfect spots to sit for a while and just watch.

Staying inside one of the simple forest cottages makes it even better: no phone signals, no endless scrolling. Wind in the trees, birds calling, and sometimes the soft crackle of leaves nearby.

Good for: Nature lovers, families who want kids to see more stars than screen time, and travelers who like the wild on its own terms.

Tip: Morning safaris are better for sightings; evening ones are best for that pink-orange sunset lighting up the forest.

 

5. Handicrafts and Art Village Trail

This one's different and honestly, one of those experiences that stay with you long after the trip. Instead of temples or beaches, you find yourself wandering narrow village lanes where every wall, every doorway, tells a story.

Start at Pipili, where Chandua work intricate applique embroidery brightens every stall and home. It’s not just about colorful souvenirs. Every umbrella, every bag, every canopy shows the kind of patience and skill you only get from people who have been doing it for generations. You can feel the difference just by running your hand over the work.

Then visit Raghurajpur, where every home feels like a tiny art gallery. Here, Pattachitra painters work on palm leaves and cloth, their hands steady, their stories older than memory. You can sit down with an artist, watch them grind their natural colors, and maybe try a few shaky brushstrokes yourself.

And if you love textiles, a quick drive to weaving clusters around Sambalpur gets you up close with the looms where the famous Sambalpuri ikat sarees are made, each thread tied and dyed by hand.

Good for: Art lovers, slow travelers, anyone interested in local crafts.

Tip: Carry cash if you want to shop. Many of these artisans don’t take cards.

How to Pick the Right Package for You

• Want real culture? Go for the Tribal Tour or Handicrafts Trail.
  

• Need a good mix of sightseeing and beaches? Golden Triangle’s your best bet.
  

• Dreaming of peace and ocean breezes? Chilika and Gopalpur will feel like a reset button.
  

• Craving wild forests and waterfalls? Similipal’s waiting.
  

Final Word

Odisha isn’t about ticking off sights or chasing tourist lists.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down without even meaning to where small moments end up being the ones you remember most.

If you’re looking for somewhere real, without all the noise and rush, Odisha is worth your time.

Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink.
Just pick a spot, pack light, and go.