Odisha has a rich religious and cultural heritage that goes back more than two thousand years. The state is full of historical places to visit and has many heritage monuments that reflect its history and culture. Home to Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, Odisha offers historic sites and tourist attractions that will leave you spellbound. There are many historical monuments in Odisha, scattered all over the state. Thanks to these sites, no one leaves Odisha dissatisfied. If you are interested in heritage tourism, you will definitely not want to miss the top historical places in Odisha. In fact, you will even find some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Odisha. Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a place every tourist must visit; indeed no Odisha heritage tour is complete without it. The city is home to around 500 temples, because of which it has been nicknamed the Temple City of India. The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a major draw both for devotees who journey here every year in the thousands and for tourists who want to stand in the shadows of a monument that is a window into the history. The strong Buddhist influence in the state can be seen in the Shanti Stupa, a joint Indo-Japanese construction. One of the most powerful remnants of history,
the Rock Edicts of King Asoka can be found at Dhauli and no list of tourist destinations is complete without the caves of Khandagiri, Udayagiri and Rani Gumpha whose ornate carvings are a sight to behold. Another destination that shouldn’t be missed is the Sun Temple in Konark. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the temple has a unique structure. It is built in the form of a chariot, but not just an ordinary one. This is Surya the Sun God’s chariot and it comes complete with seven horses and twelve pairs of wheels. The architecture of the temple alone is astounding giving us a glimpse into the 13th century when it was built; the carvings on the walls only serve to enhance its wonder. Religious monuments aren’t the only historical sites Odisha has to offer. A significant part of its history is reflected in forts such as the Barabati fort in Cuttack, Sisupalgarh fort in Bhubaneswar, and Asurgarh fort in Kalahandi. The Atharanala bridge in Puri, which consists of 18 arches, dates back to the 13th century and is definitely worth a visit. Odisha is full of historical sites that reveal its culture and heritage. A heritage tour of the state will reveal about the places that have played an important role in Indian history, and thus, should not be missed.