Best Places to Visit by Month in Odisha
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Exploring Odisha
If you’d like to go on a vacation to Odisha but don’t know when you should go here? You have come to the right site. Here is a month-by-month summary on visiting this splendid state written by someone who has visited Odisha in all four seasons and found something wonderful every time of year. All seasons in Odisha have something unique to offer their visitors – you only need to find out where to look!
We start at the beautiful beginning of the year. When you think of January, it is “just right”. The winter sun shines gently and the air is cool and refreshing. There’s nothing better than taking your binoculars to watch birds at Chilika Lake during this time of year! You can see thousands of migrating birds at Chilika Lake, an experience that will never grow old. January is also the best time of year to visit the beautiful temples and enjoy the eclectic architecture in Bhubaneswar without breaking a sweat!
February has perfect weather. If you want to have a holiday on the beach in Puri, before the heat of summer comes, February is the best time. I love to visit the Raghurajpur artist village to see the Pattachitra painters and visit the wonderful Konark Sun Temple. The photographs of Konark taken in February are beautiful.
In March you will begin to see the signs of spring on the coast, but as the weather warms up, I find that my interest shifts inland to the hills above Koraput. The hills surrounding Koraput are so beautiful. If you can be fortunate enough to attend the Dhanu Jatra Festival held in Bargarh, it is not only an outstanding play but also an incredible cultural experience as for the two weeks it occurs, the entire town becomes a part of the festival!
April can be extremely hot in the coastal areas, so my recommendation for April is to visit Daringbadi. Daringbadi is considered to be the “Kashmir” of Odisha, as the temperature in the hills is cool, the hills are covered with beautiful coffee plants, and at night, you may need to wear a light jacket. So if you live in a coastal region where it gets hot, you will appreciate the cool temperature of Daringbadi.
By May, summertime is in full swing; the hills and dense forests are where I prefer to spend my time. Taptapani is a fantastic hill station that has a natural hot spring and the cool mists of Simlipal at higher altitudes. It’s a peaceful, green retreat while the plains are scorching hot.
The first hints of monsoon will arrive in June; Odisha undergoes a complete metamorphosis starting at this point. A month ago, the numerous waterfalls were simply small trickles, and now they have increased dramatically. If you are lucky enough to be greeted by the first thunderstorms in June, visiting Barehipani Falls, that is located within Simlipal, is an unforgettable experience; the surrounding forests will be a vibrant and unbelievable green.
The month of July will see the arrival of monsoon weather, and I completely understand that monsoon weather is not for everyone; however, if you enjoy the splendor of raindrops and the smell of wet earth, then the beauty of the rainy seasons is absolutely incredible!
During July, the area of western Odisha will witness the transformation of many waterfalls, such as Pradhanpat, into roaring and mighty waterfalls. Every part of the state will feel clean and incredibly green after being washed away by the recent heavy rains.
The lush green season continues throughout the month of August, providing a quiet and contemplative period for travel. In certain years, there may be additional cultural celebrations associated with the monsoon. Be aware though, during this time of year, many of the National Parks will be closing, such as Bhitarkanika, during the wildlife breeding season; therefore it is always prudent to verify ahead of time what parks you may wish to visit.
The end of the monsoon in September provides for the opportunity to explore with renewed vitality and vigour because the crop harvest is occurring at this time. If you wish to immerse yourself in the rich local culture, visit the tribal regions of Odisha during the festival of Nuakhai; an occasion for Friendliness, Food, and community that is very special and will warm your heart.
October is when Odisha opens its doors to the travelling public again. Fresh weather, flowing rivers, and restored National Parks make exploring Odisha in October an ideal option! I go directly to Bhitarkanika during this time as the mangrove forests are full of life and experiencing the intense moment of seeing the saltwater crocodiles from your boat will remain with you for a long time!
When I think of one month that would be my favorite month, my top choice would likely be the month of November for many reasons; it has a blue sky, a temperature that feels “just right” (i.e., Goldilocks temperature), and is home to all of the best places to visit!
Beaches in Puri, and the wildlife safaris located in Satkosia give you many options; you cannot go wrong! During November, you will also find some beautiful glamping sites, such as the newly created “Eco Retreat” glamping sites that pop up during this period of time.
The month of December is the time for Odisha’s festivals to be at their highest levels of celebration! The Konark Dance Festival provides classical music and dance in the ancient temple and starlit night sky!
The Bali Yatra Festival is being hosted in Cuttack, and the celebration of Odisha’s Maritime Trade Routes over the years! If you visit Chilika Lake during December, you will see many birds, creating a beautiful birding experience; it is an exhilarating time to be in Odisha!