NIRMAL JHAR

35 Kilometers from chilika, the place is sanctified by the shrine of Lord Vishnu. The name Nirmal Jhar is a combination of two words, 'Nirmal' means 'Pure' and 'Jhar' means 'Stream'. The persistent stream flows with its pure water through the Badaghati Mountain of the eastern Ghat is channelised to different ponds at Nirmal Jhar. The main temple premise consists of various small temples like Jagannath temple, Vimala temple, Radhakrishna temple, Niakantheswara temple, Surya Narayan temple and Ganesha temple. These temples were built in 1700 A.D. As a picnic spot and a place for religious worship, Nirmal Jhar has earned considerable distinction. The small ponds present in premises of Nirmala jhar are main attractions for visitors.

NARAYANI

7 Kilometers from chilika lagoon, the holy shrine of Goddess Narayani is a great attraction for the devotees and picnickers. Narayani is on of the famous Shakti Peetha of orissa and the presiding delity of this temple is six handed Goddess Durga. The deity has her place on the top of the Bhalleri hill, surrounded by a dense mango and sal trees. By the side of a natural spring, it is a picnic spot of great scenic beauty. The green jungle with its calm and quiet environment attracts large number of visitors every year. During winter season the number of picnickers to this place is multiplied. The beautiful view of Chillika Lake from the top of bhalleri mountain is unforgetable.

TAPTAPANI

125 Kilometers from chilika, Taptapani is a bubbling hot sulphur spring. The name Taptapani is a combination of two words, 'Tapta' means 'Hot' and 'Pani' means 'Water'. Due to high sulphur content present in the water, it has medicinal properties to cure skin diseases like scabies and eczema. The water is extremely hot near the origin of the spring (900 to 1000 F), is channelised into a pond where people take their bath. The Orissa Tourism Development Corporation has pipelined the water of the spring to the baths of the Panthanivas(tourist bunglaow) where tourists can stay and enjoy this at lieasure.

Taptapani, an all season destination, is surrounded by hills inhabited by the Orissan tribal. Near the pool there is a small shrine dedicated to a tribal Goddess Kandhuni. Lord Shiva is worshiped in the middle of the pool surrounded by iron fence. The presence of a deer park about half a kilometer away from the pool is another attraction for visitors.

BANAPUR

15 Kilometers from chilika and is situated in 85°10' east longitude and 19°47' north latitude, Banapur is a centre of religious activities. It is famous for the temple of Goddess Bhagawati. This temple is one of the twelve famous sakti pithas of Orissa. An image of Mahisamardini Durga , known as Bhagavati in local language, is worshiped in the sanctum of the main temple. Bhagavati temple is famous for Durgapuja. Devotees from different parts of Orissa enjoy this festival at Banapur.

Banapur is also famous for Dakshya Prajapati or Daksesvara Shiva Temple. This temple is one of the best preserved temple of the first half of the 13th century A.D and is a fine example of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissan temple art.

GOPALPUR-ON-SEA

90 Kilometers from Chilika, Gopalpur is one of the most popular sea-side resort of Orissa. Gopalpur has become a favourite resort for the tourists for combating the foamy waves of the sea. It is one of the ancient sea ports of Orissa during the days of the British East India Company. Near the sea there is a old light house stand witness to the old port. Gopalpur is also famous for delicious seafood.

Gopalpur got its name from an 18th century temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna .Gopalpur has a uniform temperature throughout the year. Temperature in the summer months touches a high of 35°C and a low of 23°C respectively. Winter months are relatively cold with a maximum and minimum temperature of 27°C and 16°C respectively. Though a year-round destination, the best time to visit this place is from October to April.