Jagannath Dham, Konark’s Sun Temple or Gopalpur. These places come to mind when you hear the name of Odisha. But there is another Odisha beyond this familiar path. Where there is peaceful nature, unique examples of folk art and a fairy tale of solitude. A stone’s throw from Kolkata, a train journey and a few hours of travel can be reached in some unknown secluded corners. The joy of getting lost in some undiscovered places in the mood for a weekend is different. Here are the addresses of 5 such hidden gems of Odisha.

Hill waterfall Sitakunda.

Sitakunda Waterfall

It is located near the Shimlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district. Hill waterfall Sitakunda is a stone’s throw from Pithabata Gate. According to folklore, Goddess Sita rested here for some time during her forest stay in Ramayana. The clear water flowing down the mountain and the small and large stones scattered around create a strange illusion. It is an ideal place to spend time sitting on the rocks in the sunlight on a winter morning or for a small picnic.

The beauty of this dam is worth seeing.

Balidiha Dam

This huge reservoir was built in 1912 on the Palpala River in Mayurbhanj. Although it was built for agriculture and irrigation, its beauty is worth seeing. Surrounded by greenery, the hills are all around and a calm blue water body is in the middle. Where the water is shallow, you can easily spend a lazy afternoon by dipping your feet in it. If you want to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the peaceful nature, there is no alternative to this dam.

Raghurajpur, a village painted in a whole picture.

Raghurajpur Village

A little far from Puri, Raghurajpur is a village painted in a whole picture. A touch of color on the walls of every house in the village. The people of this village have kept the traditional art of painting alive for generations. Palm leaves, pieces of cloth or coconut shells are used as canvases. Stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and folk tales are depicted with natural colors. It is a rare experience to witness the artists creating their works of art directly from their homes.

The tourist crowd here is comparatively less.

Swargdwar Beach

If you want to be different from the Golden Beach or the crowd of ordinary beaches in Puri, then go to Swargdwar Beach. Although the name is familiar to many, the tourist crowd here is comparatively less. The feeling of standing on a deserted beach in the morning watching the sunrise or walking on the seashore in the reddish evening is very sweet. This beach, beloved by locals, has a strangely calm atmosphere in the morning.

It is located near the Srikshetra Chattar in Puri.

Bipadtarini Chandi Bari

This small but vibrant temple is located near the Srikshetra Chattar in Puri. The fierce form of Goddess Kali and Lord Jagannath are worshipped here. It is a piece of peace amidst the busyness of the big temple. When the sounds of congregational chanting float in the air in the evening, a miraculous peace spreads within the mind.