Odisha

Let the enchanting nature spoil you

Bhubaneswar's idyllic nature awaits your visit. With many lakes, dams, hills and other attractions that will amaze and charm any nature lover - Bhubaneswar offers something to satisfy all kinds of interests in terms of outdoor entertainment. From the natural beauty of dams to lakes and hills - each of these attractions will surely enthral you!

Atri, a serene natural spring

Atri is located in Khurda district of Odisha about 42 km from Bhubaneswar and is known for its hot water spring. Believed to contain healing properties from sulphur, taking a dip can reportedly cure skin ailments for visitors. Temperature-wise, its water can reach 55 degrees centigrade - not boiling but suitable for children too. There's even an accompanying bathing complex offering steam bathing facilities! This spring can be visited year-round and is considered sacred by many. Local families come here for family picnics too. Visiting Atri is worth your while as well and while you are here do not forget to pay a visit to some nearby temples!

Explore the beautiful Hirakud Dam

Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur stands as India's longest human-made dam at over 56 km long, making it one of the premier tourist spots. Not only does the Hirakud provide irrigation and hydroelectricity to nearby areas, it is also home to various bird species like common pochards, red-crested pocards and great crested grebes; making this an attractive birdwatching spot. Furthermore, visitors enjoy breathtaking views as well as boating opportunities here while its stunning surroundings create a relaxing space - both visual treats!

More information

Odisha

Deras Dam

Deras Dam is an excellent weekend escape from Bhubaneswar, offering visitors many picnic spots, hillside cottages and jeep safari facilities. Situated approximately 25 kilometers outside of Bhubaneswar and used primarily for irrigation, Deras Dam also lies within Chadaka Elephant Sanctuary for added charm. Visitors may take part in guided safaris that cover 40kms to take in spectacular hilltop cottage views of this breathtaking place where several films from Odiya film industry have been shot at this picturesque location.

Biju Patnaik Park

Named in honour of Biju Patnaik, the former chief minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik Park is a recreation spot that is often visited for picnics due to its accessibility. Boasting an amusement park and boating facilities among beautifully landscaped gardens, this recreational place draws nature lovers in large numbers.

Gandhi Park

Gandhi Park in Bhubaneswar is one of the city's most beloved green spaces, this serene park is located near Janta Maidan in Jaydev Vihar. It also features a grand statue of Mahatma Gandhi right at its core with lush, verdant lawns perfect for running, walking, relaxing and picnicking.

IMFA Park

Situated in the Sahid Nagar area of Bhubaneswar, IMFA Park is stands among many stunning parks of Bhubaneswar. Boasting well-kept orderly lawns and flower beds as well as benches to relax on during morning or evening walks. It also features an exclusive play section just for kids which makes it an ideal venue for day trippers as well as visitors from out of town.

Kharavela Park

Kharavela Park can be found in Bhubaneswar's Khandagiri suburb and boasts of numerous shady trees, green carpeted lawns, jogging track, benches and even an exclusive play area for kids.

Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Park

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Park in Bhubaneswar is one of the city's most beloved public spaces, dedicated to one of India's greatest freedom fighters: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. This park features lush gardens and flowerbeds, splashing fountains, play areas for kids, benches for yoga practice or meditation, spaces to rest or practice meditation and more!

Ekamra Kanan

Ekamra Kanan covers an expansive 500 acres and is the city's premier Botanical Garden. The beautiful landscaping makes the garden an oasis for nature enthusiasts who can spend hours strolling across its lush lawns, sitting by flowerbeds or gazing upon its tranquil lake waters.

Bindu Sarovar

Nestled within the bustle of Bhubaneswar's vibrant temple district lies Bindu Sarovar, an enormous tank known for storing holy waters from throughout India's rivers, pools and tanks. Also dubbed Ocean Drop Tank for this reason, Bindu Sarovar holds water from every holy river, pool or tank across India - during Ashokashtami festival held at nearby Lingaraj Temple the main deity is immersed into this pool for bathing! Said to have been made during its construction period between 7th-8th centuries!

Barunei Hill

Barunei Hill is a beloved picnic spot near Khurda Fort and other tourist hotspots, drawing thousands to its picturesque setting each year for sightseeing tours. Legend has it that King Ramachandra Dev built the shrine dedicated to Goddess Barunei here; in turn, Swarna Ganga, said to possess curative properties, flows down its slopes. Tourists visit regularly in search of its healing waters - with local lore claiming the Pandavas had hidden out in these hills' caves during one of their epic treks over 300 years!

Ramachandi Beach

Ramachandi Beach, named after Goddess Ramachandi of Konark, is an elegant beach located at the convergence of the Bay of Bengal and Kushabhadra river systems. Easily accessible, Ramachandi is visited primarily by picnickers, couples and college students in addition to regular tourists. Ramachandi features shimmering silver sands with clear indigo waters surrounded by towering palm trees that keep it undisturbed despite frequent visitors looking for scenic sunrise and sunset scenes.