Important Historical Sites in Odisha
Ancient Buddhist Sites
- Ratnagiri: 5th-13th century Buddhist monastery complex with intricate stone carvings and sculptures; part of the Diamond Triangle
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Rock-cut caves dating to 2nd century BCE during King Kharavela’s reign, featuring Jain inscriptions and sculptures
- Lalitgiri: Ancient Buddhist complex with excavated ruins, stupas, and monasteries from 1st century BCE
- Langudi Hill: Buddhist site with rock-cut stupas and inscriptions from the early centuries CE
Medieval Hindu Temples
- Konark Sun Temple: 13th century UNESCO World Heritage site built by King Narasimhadeva I, famous for its chariot-shaped architecture
- Lingaraj Temple (Bhubaneswar): 11th century Kalinga-style temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a 180-foot tower
- Jagannath Temple (Puri): 12th century temple built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites
- Mukteshwar Temple: 10th century temple known as the “gem of Odisha architecture” with its ornate torana (arched gateway)
Forts and Palaces
- Barabati Fort (Cuttack): 14th century fort built by the Ganga dynasty, overlooking the Mahanadi River
- Raibania Fort (Balasore): 14th century fort with multiple moats, built during the Eastern Ganga Dynasty
- Huma: Site of the leaning temple of Lord Shiva (similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa)
- Kanika Palace: 19th century royal residence with colonial architecture
Archaeological Sites
- Sisupalgarh: Ancient fortified city dating back to 3rd century BCE to 4th century CE
- Dhauli: Site of Kalinga War (261 BCE) with Ashokan rock edicts and peace pagoda
- Ushakothi: Ancient rock shelters with prehistoric rock art and paintings
- Baladevjew Temple Complex (Kendrapara): Ancient temple with historical inscriptions
Colonial Heritage
- Relic Tower (Ravenshaw University): 19th century observation tower built during British rule
- Cuttack Clock Tower: Colonial-era structure in the heart of Cuttack city
- Netaji Birth Place Museum (Cuttack): Colonial-era building where Subhas Chandra Bose was born
- Fakir Mohan Senapati’s Residence (Balasore): Home of the pioneering Odia novelist during colonial period
Natural Heritage Sites with Historical Significance
- Chilika Lake: Ancient trading port mentioned in texts dating back to Emperor Ashoka
- Bhitarkanika: Historical evidence of settlement dating back to Kalingan era
- Simlipal: Ancient tribal settlements with historical significance
- Satkosia Gorge: Historical trade route with ancient riverside settlements
These historical sites represent Odisha’s rich cultural heritage spanning over two millennia, from the ancient Kalinga kingdom through Buddhist, Hindu, and colonial influences, making the state a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and archaeologists.
Important Historical Sites in Odisha
| Description | Location | District | |
| Ruins of the Buddhist temples and images | Bandareswar, | Cuttack | |
| Naltigiri (Lalitgiri) | |||
| Hill containing many valuable sculptures, images and inscriptions Chandia | Cuttack | ||
| related to Buddhism. | |||
| Chandeswar Pillar | Siriapur | Cuttack | |
| Rock-cut relief of Vishnu | Rasol | Dhenkanal | |
| Ashoka rock inscriptions at Jaugada | Pandya | Ganjam | |
| Prehistoric sites | Baidyapur | Mayurbhanj | |
| Paintings on the rock locally known as Ravana Chhaya and other Sitabhanji | Keonjhar | ||
| ancient monuments and remains | |||
| Rock inscription of the edicts of Ashoka and the sculpture of Dhauli | Khurda | ||
| elephant | |||
| Small rock cut cell with a niche and an inscription of Santikara Dhauli | Khurda | ||