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Things to do · 9 ideas in the collection

A closer look.
A richer visit.

A painted street, a carved surface, a moment by the water. Find something you want to spend time with.

Two unmasked Chhau performers in colourful costumes on a dark stage.
Mayurbhanj Chhau performers · Ramesh Lalwani, 2016. The source does not identify the individual artists.

Made by hand in Odisha → Look closely at Pipili appliqué, Pattachitra and Cuttack’s Tarakasi before arranging a maker visit.

Woven in Odisha → Begin with Bandha, Khandua, Kotpad and Tasar, then plan a conversation with a weaver.

Ideas to research, not bookable activities. Confirm permission, timing and a suitable local contact before planning a visit.

1 idea to make your own

Bhubaneswar

A red mural wall showing a painted procession beside a pavement in Bhubaneswar.

Bhubaneswar

Follow the painted streets ↗

Ahimanikya Satapathy’s photographs from February 2009 offer another view of the city: walls, colour and public imagination.

2 ideas to make your own

Cuttack

A pendant and earrings with intricate looping filigree patterns.

Cuttack

Follow a silver thread ↗

Silver filigree is a defining craft in the district’s description of Cuttack.

White arches and a courtyard at Netaji Birth Place Museum in Cuttack.

Cuttack

A biographical thread through the city ↗

Born in Cuttack, shaped by its classrooms: follow Subhas Chandra Bose’s childhood through his birthplace museum and his own recollections.

3 ideas to make your own

Chilika

A narrow covered boat with people aboard on a still channel between green wetland vegetation.

Mangalajodi

Watch the wetlands at Mangalajodi ↗

Make birds the centre of the visit. A local birding guide can help you notice what would otherwise pass as a distant shape on the water. Winter is the season to plan around for migratory birds.

The blue Kalijai temple beside a palm tree, with its courtyard in the foreground.

Barkul / Kalijai

Take the boat to Kalijai ↗

Combine a lagoon crossing with a visit to the island shrine. Barkul is a starting point to investigate; agree on the route before leaving the shore.

A blue passenger boat crosses grey water, with birds flying above and the distant shore on the horizon.

Satapada

Look for dolphins from Satapada ↗

Satapada is known for boat trips associated with Chilika’s Irrawaddy dolphins. Go for the lagoon as well as its wildlife: a sighting is never guaranteed.

1 idea to make your own

Balasore

A garlanded commemorative bust of Fakir Mohan Senapati.

Balasore

Carry a Balasore story ↗

Fakir Mohan Senapati was born near Balasore. His writing offers another way into the region.

2 ideas to make your own

Mayurbhanj

Two unmasked Chhau performers in colourful costumes on a dark stage.

Mayurbhanj

Meet Mayurbhanj Chhau ↗

Mayurbhanj is one of Chhau’s three regional styles; unlike the Seraikella and Purulia styles, it does not use masks.

Mayurbhanj

Look closely at sabai craft ↗

The district’s craft account describes sabai-grass work including ropes, mats, baskets and trays.

Make it useful

Before you decide

  • What needs permission or advance arrangement?
  • Who can confirm whether an activity is available?
  • How much unplanned time do I want to leave?
Open my journey checklist →Start with a few connected ideas →
Sources, photographs & research notes

These selections reuse the Utkal Project knowledge collection. Each linked entry retains its sources and checked date. Local conditions and individual arrangements still need confirmation.