Odisha is not just a destination but an experience. We bring you some travel tips for visiting Odisha, which might help you to make your stay seamless, safe and super.
Odisha by Air
Biju Pattnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar (IATA Code : BBI) facilitates direct international arrivals currently from Bangkok & Kualalumpur. Along with Veer Surendra Sai Airport at Jharsuguda ( IATA Code : JRG) it also serve traffic from all over the world connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad daily on frequent intervals.
Odisha by Rail
Indian Railways has connected Odisha to all major cities & destinations of India through its 41 semi major or major stations. Superfast, Exclusive AC, Source to Destination Non Stop ‘Duronto’ & inter state “Satabdi” Trains cater passengers through from every corner of the country.
Odisha by Road
Bhubaneswar is well connected by regular luxury Busses from Kolkata, Ranchi, Raipur, Visakhapatnam & Hyderabad. It is also possible to drive into Odisha with the requisite permits & tax paperwork in order. Intra State & City bus services to reach various destinations are highly efficient in Odisha.
Know the Entry Requirements
To enter India at Bhubaneswar directly from your home country, you need to have a valid passport, an Indian visa and a return/onward ticket. If you’re visiting as a tourist and your period of stay is no longer than 30 days, apply for ‘Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)’. This facility is available for holders of passport of following countries:
Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cook Islands, Djibouti, Fiji, Finland, Germany, Guyana, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kiribati, Laos, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Zealand,Niue Island, Norway, Oman, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands,Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Ukraine, USA, Vanuatu, Vietnam.
Apply online prior to arrival. We need your passport copies prior to commencement of tour by mail for obtaining special permit to visit Tribal belt.
Don’t Try to cover too much on your trip
Take your time and explore fewer destinations in more depth – you’ll have a more enjoyable trip. Also, you’ll have more opportunities to connect with the local people and have interesting experiences.
Entry to Places of Worship
Please take off your footwear before entering to Temple, Mosque, Gurudwara & Jain places of worship. So, it is a good idea to wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off, like sandals. Somewhere Cameras & Mobile phones are not allowed or asked to switch off. You can keep these in the facility centre or in your car. It is obligatory to cover your head before entering Sikh shrines. Jagannath temple at Puri & Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneswar restrict non Hindus to enter, but to watch from a designated place.
Use a local SIM card in your phone
Getting a pre paid local SIM card with data for your phone should be one of your top priorities. It helps you to contact with your family, coordinate with driver & guide. BSNL, Airtel & Jio are the major telecom operators in Odisha
Hygienic precautions
Always carry & drink bottled mineral water. As most of the time you are in rural area away from reputed restaurant our tour guide always eager to assist you tasting delicious local dishes. It is a good idea to carry these around with you, as they are rarely found in public washrooms.
Say No to the Panhandlers
Do not give alms to pan handlers, no matter how hard it might be. The urge to donate or feed the hungry stomachs can be satisfied by a registered .
Learn some local words
While English & Hindi widely understood & spoken in cities Odia is commonly used and understood language throughout the State. Hence, familiarising yourself with a couple of commonly used words or phrases will help in communicating with local people. Few basic Odia Words: namaskar (hello/goodbye), dhanyabad (thank you), theek achi (alright or Okey), haan/aagnya(yes), nahi (no), garam paani (hot water shower), Sahajya(help), daya Kari (help/please), aaji(today), kali (tomorrow), chaha (Tea), khaiba (food), chalo (let’s go).
Try haggling
Souvenir vendors in Odisha doesn’t resort to high price. However for fun experience taste your skill in moderate bargaining. Please avoid bargaining in tribal markets & wild berry seller on street.
Do Shopping
Shopping is recommended from Government Emporia other then local products from street vendors. Export of most wildlife and their products is either banned or strictly regulated. Export of the few permissible items - even as passengers' personal luggage - is allowed only under an appropriate export permit. Insist on getting a certificate for the legitimate sale of a particular animal or coral product and permission for its export to avoid inconvenience on departure.
Cash Matters
Use travel cards, debit cards, credit cards, travellers’ cheques and money wallets for transactions. You can exchange money at your hotel, banks or foreign exchange companies available at Bhubaneswar. Insist on a receipt when exchanging money. Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India. While on tour access to international banks and ATMs is quite less in small towns and villages. So, always have a reasonable amount of cash.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion and not compulsory, however, on more than one occasions, the person providing you a service (driver, bell boy, waiter, porter, etc.) would expect a tip which would mean you liked his services.
Voltage
Electrical current is 220/240 volts, with a circular two pin and three pin power outlets. For all electrical appliances that you bring with you, please carry the appropriate adapters. It is also recommended that you take battery-operated appliances where possible, along with a supply of extra batteries.
Be Mindful of local customs
In Odisha people from different faiths and religions live in harmony. Being mindful of a modest dress code in general, removing shoes when entering religious places, covering your head as a mark of respect on some occasions, and being aware of local etiquette, is appreciated.
Travel Insurance is Vital
Emergencies and mishaps cannot be predicted. It’s better to be prepared in advance. Get travel insurance from your own country that covers health issues, accident, travel delays, damaged or lost luggage, cancellation and other possible eventualities. Carry an extra set of your prescribed medication (if any) and keep handy a ready list of allergies and other relevant information regarding your health.
Be cautious in Sanctuaries
Animals are wild and can be dangerous. Do not feed, touch or handle birds and animals, do not approach or photograph them in ways that may cause them to alter their behaviour. Take special care when animals are breeding or moulting. Silence and discipline is required to spot wildlife. Early mornings and late afternoons are the ideal time to visit forests. Be careful during boat rides. Don't do anything that will rock the boat or endanger lives. Always remain inside your accommodation at night.