Best Sunrise Point in Odisha: Top 10 Places to Watch

Best Sunrise Point in Odisha: Top 10 Places to Watch the Sunrise

Disclaimer: All images used in this article are AI-generated and are for illustrative purposes only. They are intended to enhance the reading experience and should not be considered exact photographs of the location.

Introduction

There is something magical about watching the sun rise over Odisha. One moment the sky is dark blue, and the next it turns gold, orange and pink as the sun climbs slowly over the Bay of Bengal or a misty green hill. If you are searching for the best sunrise point in Odisha, you are in the right place. This guide covers ten of the finest sunrise spots in the state, from famous beaches like Chandrabhaga to quiet hill stations like Mahendragiri, along with practical tips on timing, photography, travel and safety.

We have personally visited or spoken to local guides at most of these locations, and this guide is written to help real travellers families, solo backpackers, photographers and nature lovers plan a proper sunrise trip in Odisha. Whether you want the best sunrise point near Konark, a peaceful lake view, or a hill sunrise far from the crowds, this article has something for you.

"Planning more trips to Odisha? You might also enjoy our Bhubaneswar Odisha Complete Travel Guide 2026, Daringbadi Odisha Complete Travel Guide or Ansupa Lake Odisha: Complete Travel Guide 2026 and for some more unique destinations in the state"

Why Odisha is Famous for Sunrise Views

Odisha sits on the eastern coast of India, facing the Bay of Bengal. This simple fact of geography is the biggest reason for its stunning sunrise views. Since the sun rises from the east, and Odisha's coastline runs almost directly along that direction, the sun appears to come straight up out of the sea. Few states in India offer such a clean, unobstructed sea-facing sunrise.

But Odisha is not just about beaches. The state also has:

• Ancient hills and peaks like Mahendragiri and Deomali that rise above the plains
• Large water bodies like Chilika Lake and Hirakud Reservoir that reflect the morning sky
• Cool hill stations like Daringbadi with a misty, almost Himalayan feel
• Forested gorges like Satkosia where the Mahanadi river cuts through hills

This mix of coast, hills, lakes and forests is what makes Odisha tourism special for anyone chasing a great morning view. Add to that the cultural richness of temples like Konark and Puri, and you get a destination where sunrise photography and heritage travel go hand in hand.

Top 10 Best Sunrise Points in Odisha

Here are the top 10 sunrise points in Odisha for photography, peace and pure natural beauty.

1. Chandrabhaga Beach

Chandrabhaga Beach Golden sunrise where the sun meets the sea

If you ask any local photographer about the best sunrise point in Odisha, Chandrabhaga Beach usually comes up first. Located close to the world-famous Konark Sun Temple, this beach has golden sand, gentle waves and a wide open horizon. The Chandrabhaga Beach sunrise is especially loved because the temple's sun-worship connection adds a spiritual feel to the morning.

Fishing boats often dot the water in the early hours, giving photographers a natural foreground for their shots. This is one of the top sunrise points near Konark that combines nature with culture.

2. Mahendragiri Hill

Mahendragiri Hill Misty peaks glowing at dawn

For those who want a hill sunrise instead of a beach view, Mahendragiri is the answer. It is the second-highest peak in Odisha, located in Gajapati district, and is also considered a sacred site with ancient temple ruins on top. The Mahendragiri sunrise rewards early trekkers with a view of clouds settling in the valleys below while the sky turns orange above the tree line.

The trek takes a few hours, so visitors need to start well before dawn to catch the full sunrise.

3. Puri Beach

Puri Beach Fishermen greet the morning sun

Puri Beach is one of the most popular and easiest sunrise places in Odisha to reach, since it sits right in the town of Puri, close to the Jagannath Temple. It is a great sunrise place near Puri for families and first-time visitors because of the wide beach, easy parking and food stalls nearby.

Even though it can get busy later in the day, early mornings are peaceful, with fishermen pulling in their nets as the sun rises.

4. Konark Coast

Konark Coast Sunrise beside the ancient Sun Temple

Just a short walk from the Sun Temple, the wider Konark coastline offers another excellent sunrise point near Konark, slightly less crowded than Chandrabhaga Beach itself. Standing near the temple ruins as the sun rises feels symbolic, since the temple was originally built as a giant chariot dedicated to the sun god.

5. Deomali Hills

Deomali Hills Odisha's highest peak at first light

Deomali, in Koraput district, is officially the highest peak in Odisha. This makes it one of the top sunrise points in Odisha for photography if you want dramatic, layered hill views with the sun breaking through morning mist. It is more remote than the coastal spots, so it suits travellers who enjoy hidden places in Odisha away from typical tourist crowds.

6. Daringbadi

Daringbadi Foggy pines waking up to sunrise

Often called the "Kashmir of Odisha," Daringbadi in Kandhamal district is known for its cool climate, pine forests and rolling hills. In winter, mornings here can be foggy and cold, and watching the sun slowly burn through the mist over the hills is a unique experience compared to the coastal sunrise points.

7. Satkosia

Satkosia Golden river winding through the gorge

Satkosia Gorge, where the Mahanadi river cuts through the Eastern Ghats, is a wildlife sanctuary as well as a beautiful sunrise spot. Watching the sun rise over the river, with forested hills on either side, is peaceful and less crowded than the beach destinations. It is a good pick for nature photography and birdwatching lovers.

8. Hirakud Reservoir

Hirakud Reservoir Still waters, glowing skies

Near Sambalpur, Hirakud is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India. The wide expanse of water, especially near the dam viewpoints, offers a calm morning view in Odisha with the sun reflecting off the surface. It is a good option for travellers exploring western Odisha rather than the coastal belt.

9. Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake A quiet boat ride into the sunrise

Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and one of the most peaceful sunrise places in Odisha. A boat ride at dawn lets you watch the sun rise over the water while spotting migratory birds and, in some areas, Irrawaddy dolphins. This combination of morning view and wildlife makes Chilika a favourite for nature photography enthusiasts.

10. Ansupa Lake

Ansupa Lake Calm waters, soft morning glow

Ansupa, the largest freshwater lake in Odisha, sits in Cuttack district surrounded by small hills. It is a quieter, less commercial sunrise point compared to the bigger tourist spots, ideal for travellers who want a calm, offbeat morning by the water without large crowds.

Comparison Table: Top Sunrise Points in Odisha

Sunrise Point	Type	Best For	Nearest City	Difficulty
Chandrabhaga Beach	Beach	Photography, families	Konark	Easy
Mahendragiri Hill	Hill	Trekkers	Paralakhemundi	Moderate
Puri Beach	Beach	First-time visitors	Puri	Easy
Konark Coast	Beach	Heritage lovers	Konark	Easy
Deomali Hills	Hill	Photography, offbeat travel	Koraput	Moderate
Daringbadi	Hill station	Cool weather lovers	Phulbani	Easy
Satkosia	Gorge/River	Wildlife lovers	Angul	Moderate
Hirakud Reservoir	Reservoir	Calm mornings	Sambalpur	Easy
Chilika Lake	Lagoon	Birdwatching, boat rides	Balugaon	Easy
Ansupa Lake	Lake	Offbeat, quiet travel	Cuttack	Easy

Best Time to Watch Sunrise in Odisha

The best time to see sunrise in Odisha is between October and February, when the sky is usually clear and the air is cool. During this period:

• Sunrise generally happens between 5:45 AM and 6:15 AM
• Skies are clearer, giving sharper colours for photography
• Hill destinations like Daringbadi and Mahendragiri may have a light, photogenic mist

In summer (March to June), sunrise happens earlier, around 5:15 to 5:30 AM, but the heat rises quickly afterward, so it is best to leave right after sunrise. The monsoon months (July to September) are unpredictable, with cloud cover often hiding the sunrise, so this is not the ideal season if watching the sunrise is your main goal.

Photography Tips for Sunrise

Sunrise photography needs a little planning. Here are some simple tips:

• Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before actual sunrise time to set up and capture the "blue hour" light
• Use a tripod for beach and lake shots to avoid blur in low light
• For beach sunrise shots like at Chandrabhaga Beach, include boats, footprints or rocks as foreground elements
• For hill sunrise shots like at Mahendragiri or Deomali, look for gaps in the trees or open ledges for a clear horizon
• Keep your phone or camera on a low ISO with a slightly underexposed setting to preserve the sky's colour
• Carry extra batteries, since cold mornings can drain battery life faster

Travel Tips for Visitors

• Check local sunrise timings a day in advance, since they shift slightly through the year
• Book accommodation close to your chosen sunrise point so you don't have to travel far in the dark
• Keep some cash handy, as small tea stalls near beaches and hills may not accept cards
• Respect local customs, especially near temple areas like Konark and Puri
• If travelling with kids or elderly family members, choose easier spots like Puri Beach or Chilika Lake over trekking destinations

Nearby Attractions

• Near Chandrabhaga Beach and Konark Coast: Konark Sun Temple, Konark Museum
• Near Puri Beach: Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach market
• Near Mahendragiri: Ancient Shaiva and Jain temple ruins on the hilltop
• Near Deomali: Koraput town, tribal museum
• Near Daringbadi: Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary, Doluri River
• Near Satkosia: Mahanadi river cruises, Tikarpada eco-camp
• Near Hirakud: Hirakud Dam, Samaleswari Temple in Sambalpur
• Near Chilika Lake: Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Kalijai Temple
• Near Ansupa Lake: Atri hot springs, Cuttack city

How to Reach Each Location

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the main gateway for most sunrise points, including Puri, Konark, Chandrabhaga Beach and Chilika Lake. For Deomali, the nearest useful airport connection is via Bhubaneswar followed by a long road journey, or Visakhapatnam for some travellers coming from the south.

By Train

Bhubaneswar and Puri railway stations connect well to major Indian cities and are the best base for the coastal sunrise points. Sambalpur station serves Hirakud Reservoir, while Koraput station is closest for Deomali.

By Road

Most of these sunrise points are well connected by state highways. Puri to Konark is about an hour's drive, and Konark to Chandrabhaga Beach takes only about 10-15 minutes. Daringbadi and Mahendragiri require longer drives through hill roads, so hiring a local taxi or a driver familiar with the route is recommended.

Entry Fee, Timings, Parking and Facilities

Location	Entry Fee	Parking	Facilities
Chandrabhaga Beach	Free	Available	Food stalls, restrooms nearby
Mahendragiri	Free (forest permission may apply)	Limited	Basic, carry your own supplies
Puri Beach	Free	Available	Hotels, food stalls, restrooms
Konark Coast	Free (Sun Temple entry fee separate)	Available	Food stalls, guides available
Deomali Hills	Free	Limited	Very basic, remote area
Daringbadi	Free	Available	Homestays, small eateries
Satkosia	Sanctuary entry fee applies	Available at eco-camps	Eco-camp facilities
Hirakud Reservoir	Free	Available	Basic viewpoints
Chilika Lake	Boat ride charges apply	Available at jetties	Boat operators, small eateries
Ansupa Lake	Free	Limited	Very basic

Note: Fees and facilities can change over time, so it is a good idea to confirm locally before you travel.

Things to Carry

• Torch or phone flashlight for pre-dawn walking
• A light jacket, since Odisha mornings can be cool, especially in hill areas
• Water bottle and light snacks
• Fully charged camera or phone with extra storage
• Comfortable walking or trekking shoes
• Sunglasses and a cap for after sunrise
• A basic first-aid kit for hill treks like Mahendragiri and Deomali

Safety Tips

• Avoid walking alone on unlit beach stretches before sunrise; go in a group where possible
• For hill treks, inform your hotel or a local guide about your route and expected return time
• Be careful of slippery rocks near river and gorge areas like Satkosia
• Keep a safe distance from the waterline during high tide at beach sunrise points
• Carry a fully charged phone with local emergency numbers saved

Suggested 2-Day Sunrise Trip Itinerary

Day 1

• Early morning: Watch sunrise at Puri Beach
• Breakfast in Puri, then visit Jagannath Temple
• Afternoon: Drive to Konark, visit the Sun Temple
• Evening: Check into a hotel near Konark or Chandrabhaga Beach

Day 2

• Early morning: Watch sunrise at Chandrabhaga Beach
• Breakfast near the beach
• Late morning: Drive towards Chilika Lake
• Afternoon: Take a boat ride on Chilika Lake, spot birds and dolphins
• Evening: Head back towards Bhubaneswar for onward travel

This 2-day plan works well because Puri, Konark, Chandrabhaga Beach and Chilika Lake are all within a short driving distance of each other, making it an efficient sunrise point Odisha travel guide for short trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best sunrise point in Odisha?

Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark is widely considered the best sunrise point in Odisha because of its clean coastline and clear view of the sun rising over the sea.

2. Is Chandrabhaga Beach good for sunrise photography?

Yes, it is one of the top sunrise points near Konark for photography, thanks to its open horizon and fishing boats that add character to photos.

3. What is the best time to see sunrise in Odisha?

The best time is between October and February, when skies are clearer. Sunrise usually happens between 5:30 AM and 6:15 AM.

4. Is Mahendragiri good for sunrise trekking?

Yes, but it requires an early trek before dawn, so wear proper shoes and carry a torch.

5. Which sunrise point is closest to Puri?

Puri Beach itself is the closest sunrise place near Puri, with Chandrabhaga Beach about an hour away.

6. Do I need an entry ticket to watch sunrise at these places?

Most beach and hill sunrise points are free. Some spots like Satkosia and Chilika Lake boat rides have separate charges.

7. Which is the highest sunrise point in Odisha?

Deomali in Koraput district is the highest peak in Odisha, followed by Mahendragiri.

8. Can beginners do the Mahendragiri trek?

Yes, it is a moderate trek suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness, ideally with a local guide.

9. Is Chilika Lake a good sunrise point?

Yes, a boat ride at sunrise offers peaceful views along with birdwatching opportunities.

10. What should I carry for a sunrise trip in Odisha?

Carry a torch, warm layer, water, a charged camera, comfortable shoes and some snacks.

11. Is it safe to visit sunrise points alone early in the morning?

Beach spots like Puri are generally safe, but hill and forest spots are safer with a guide or group.

12. Which sunrise point in Odisha is best for a 2-day trip?

Combining Puri Beach, Konark Sun Temple and Chandrabhaga Beach works very well for a short trip.

13. Are there hotels near Chandrabhaga Beach?

Yes, budget and mid-range hotels are available in Konark and Puri, both a short drive from the beach.

14. Is Daringbadi good for a hill sunrise view?

Yes, it offers a misty hill sunrise, especially in winter, with pine forests in the background.

15. What is the closest airport for these sunrise points?

Bhubaneswar airport is closest for Puri, Konark and Chandrabhaga Beach, while Jeypore is more convenient for Deomali.

Conclusion

Odisha offers one of the richest collections of sunrise experiences in India, from the golden coastline at Chandrabhaga Beach to the misty hilltop of Mahendragiri. Whichever sunrise point in Odisha you choose, waking up early is always worth it for the colours, the calm, and the memories. Plan your timings well, carry the right essentials, and pick a spot that matches your comfort level, whether that is an easy beach walk or a proper hill trek.

Ready to plan your own sunrise trip? Save this guide, pick your favourite spot from the list, and start your Odisha adventure with an unforgettable morning view.