There is a different kind of pleasure in travelling somewhere that doesn’t appear on every weekend itinerary.

No long queues. No crowded viewpoints. No rush to take the perfect photograph.

Just a quiet road, the sound of birds, a small local eatery and enough time to actually enjoy where you are.

Odisha is particularly rewarding for this kind of travel. While destinations such as Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar attract the majority of visitors, the state has plenty of lesser-known places where travellers can experience a slower and more peaceful side of Odisha.

Some are coastal villages. Others are surrounded by forests, hills or rivers. A few are simply places where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.

If you’re planning your next Odisha trip and want to stay away from the crowds, here are some places worth considering.

1. Satkosia – Where the River Meets the Forest

For travellers who prefer nature over busy tourist attractions, Satkosia is an excellent choice.

The Mahanadi passes through a spectacular gorge here, surrounded by forests and hills. The landscape feels very different from the coastal Odisha that most visitors know.

Satkosia is particularly appealing to people interested in wildlife, nature photography, river views and peaceful surroundings.

Don’t expect a typical city-style holiday. The attraction here is the landscape itself.

Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and slow travellers.

2. Chandipur – A Beach That Changes With the Tide

Chandipur is one of Odisha’s most unusual coastal destinations.

Its most famous feature is the dramatic retreat of the sea during low tide. At certain times, the shoreline can appear to move surprisingly far away, creating a landscape that looks completely different from a conventional beach.

The experience depends heavily on the tide, so visitors should check local tide information before planning their visit.

Beyond the natural phenomenon, Chandipur has a more relaxed atmosphere than many popular beach destinations.

Best for: Families, photographers and travellers looking for something unusual.

3. Daringbadi – Odisha’s Hill Station

Often referred to as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” Daringbadi offers a completely different landscape from the state’s coastal belt.

Located in Kandhamal district, the region is known for hills, forests, plantations and cooler weather compared with much of Odisha.

The journey to Daringbadi is itself enjoyable, particularly when the landscape begins changing from plains to green hills.

For people who want to spend a few days away from city life, it can be an excellent choice.

Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers and anyone looking for a hill escape.

4. Gopalpur – A Quieter Coastal Break

Puri may be Odisha’s best-known beach destination, but Gopalpur offers a more relaxed coastal experience.

Located on the state’s southern coast, Gopalpur has long been associated with its seaside atmosphere. Visitors can spend time walking along the beach, enjoying local food or simply watching the evening sky.

It is particularly attractive if your idea of a holiday is doing less rather than more.

Best for: Beach lovers, couples and relaxed weekend trips.

5. Barunei – A Green Escape Near Bhubaneswar

If you don’t have enough time for a long road trip, Barunei can be an interesting option.

Located near Khordha, the area combines hills, greenery and religious significance. The landscape makes it a refreshing change from the urban environment around Bhubaneswar.

It can work well as a short outing rather than a full holiday.

Best for: Short trips, nature lovers and visitors based around Bhubaneswar.

6. Raghurajpur – Where the Village Becomes an Art Gallery

Raghurajpur is different from a conventional tourist destination.

This heritage crafts village near Puri is famous for Pattachitra and other traditional artistic practices. Instead of walking through a museum, visitors can see artists working in their own homes and workshops.

The colourful paintings, decorated houses and conversations with artisans make the experience particularly memorable.

If you enjoy culture and handicrafts, give yourself enough time to explore rather than simply buying a souvenir and leaving.

Best for: Art lovers, culture enthusiasts and photographers.

7. Bhitarkanika – Mangroves, Rivers and Wildlife

For travellers who want to see Odisha’s natural side, Bhitarkanika is difficult to ignore.

The mangrove ecosystem, waterways and wildlife make it one of the state’s most distinctive natural destinations.

Boat journeys through the waterways can offer a very different experience from visiting a conventional forest or wildlife park.

The area is especially known for its saltwater crocodiles, but the broader ecosystem is what makes the destination fascinating.

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and nature lovers.

8. Deomali – For Travellers Who Love the Mountains

At 1,672 metres, Deomali is the highest peak in Odisha and lies in the Koraput district.

The surrounding landscape of hills, valleys and greenery makes southern Odisha particularly attractive for travellers interested in landscapes rather than conventional sightseeing.

The Koraput region also offers opportunities to learn more about the area’s communities, culture and traditional way of life.

Best for: Trekkers, photographers and adventure-minded travellers.

9. Mangalajodi – A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Located around the wetlands of Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi is a destination that becomes especially interesting during the migratory bird season.

Thousands of birds visit the wetlands, attracting birdwatchers and photographers from different parts of the country.

The experience here is less about rushing from one attraction to another and more about sitting quietly, observing and allowing nature to unfold.

Best for: Birdwatchers, photographers and peaceful travellers.

10. Mahendragiri – Ancient Stories Amid the Hills

Mahendragiri, in Gajapati district, combines mythology, nature and history.

The hills and surrounding landscape offer a very different experience from Odisha’s coastal tourist circuit. The region also has religious significance and is associated with stories from Indian mythology.

It is the kind of destination that rewards travellers who enjoy exploring places with a story behind them.

Best for: History enthusiasts, nature lovers and pilgrims.

11. Similipal – For a Deeper Nature Experience

Similipal is one of Odisha’s most important forest landscapes.

Spread across a large area in Mayurbhanj district, the region is known for its forests, waterfalls, wildlife and biodiversity.

It is not simply a place to visit for a quick photograph. Visitors should plan carefully, follow local rules and respect restrictions related to forest and wildlife protection.

For those who genuinely enjoy being around nature, Similipal can be one of the most rewarding experiences in Odisha.

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and serious nature travellers.

12. Taptapani – A Peaceful Stop in Southern Odisha

Known for its natural hot springs, Taptapani is another interesting destination in southern Odisha.

Surrounded by green hills, it can be combined with a wider trip through the Ganjam and Kandhamal regions.

The attraction is not flashy—and that’s precisely the point. It is better suited to travellers who enjoy quiet surroundings and slower journeys.

Best for: Relaxed travellers, families and road-trip enthusiasts.

Why Choose Offbeat Odisha?

The biggest advantage of travelling to lesser-known destinations isn’t simply avoiding crowds.

It’s the opportunity to experience another side of the state.

You may discover a small tea stall serving something you’ve never tried. You may meet an artisan who has spent decades practising a traditional craft. You may find yourself on a forest road with nothing but hills around you.

These experiences don’t always fit neatly into a tourist itinerary, but they are often the memories people carry home.

A Few Things to Remember Before You Go

Offbeat travel also requires a little more preparation.

Check road conditions: Some destinations are located away from major cities and may involve long stretches of rural roads.

Don’t depend entirely on internet connectivity: Mobile networks can be unreliable in forests and remote areas.

Respect local communities: Avoid treating villages and tribal communities as tourist attractions. Ask before photographing people or private spaces.

Follow wildlife rules: Never feed animals, disturb wildlife or enter restricted areas.

Carry essentials: For remote trips, keep drinking water, basic medicines, cash, power banks and necessary documents with you.

Travel responsibly: Avoid plastic waste and leave natural areas as you found them.

The Odisha That Doesn’t Make Every Travel List

The beauty of Odisha isn’t limited to its famous temples and beaches.

There is another Odisha waiting beyond the usual tourist circuit—an Odisha of forest roads, quiet villages, mountain landscapes, traditional crafts, wetlands and uncrowded coastlines.

You don’t necessarily have to travel far to find it.

Sometimes, you simply need to take the road that isn’t on the usual itinerary.

And that is where an interesting journey can begin.