Orissa lies in the eastern coast of India and is renowned for its temples spread across the state. The famous ones are Lingaraj temple, Jagannath temple, and the Sun temple of Konark or the `Black Pagoda.` The holy cities of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar are situated here. It is also the home to several sun drenched beaches. Bhubaneshwar is the capital of the state, which is a famous temple city and handicraft center. An ancient classical dance form Odissi originated in this state.

The state is divided into thirty districts.
Angul district is located in central Orissa spread over an area of 6,347 sq. km. This district is one of the top revenue generating states of Orissa. The district is rich in wildlife and also has vast deposits of coal. It is also the home to big industries such as the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Mahanadi Coal Field Limited (MCF), Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI), and Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS). The major attractions in the district are Tikarpada, Darjan Falls, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, Kapilas Hills.

Balangir district is a paradise for all nature lovers. The region has substantial deposits of graphite, quartz and quartzite, bauxite, and manganese. It is the homeland of the Kutia, Binjhals, Khonds, and Ganda tribesmen. Lying on the northwest of the Gandhamardan Hills, this hill is a major attraction in the district. Other tourist attractions in the district include Hirapur, Jogisarada and Patnagarh.

Baleswar district is spread over an area of 3,706 sq. km. The district has vast stretches of paddy fields. Major tourist attractions of the district are Remuna, Chandaneswar, and the sun drenched Chandipur and Talasari beach. The district headquarters is at Baleswar, which is the home to the Defence Research Development Organization (DRDO).

Baragarh district is located in the western part of Orissa spread over an area of 5,832 sq. km. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy and the main crops produced here are rice, pulses, and oil-seeds. Fruits such as mango, banana, citrus, papaya, guava, and litchi are also grown. The places of interest in the district include Ambabhona (remains of an old fort), Barpali, Bhatli, Bijepur, Diptipur, and Panimura.

Bhadrak district is famous for the Bhadrakali temple. Major places of tourist interest in the district are Aradi, Dhamra, Arharpada and Ishwarpur.

Boudh district is rich in mineral deposits and therefore mining is an important industry of the district. The Mahanadi and its tributaries traverse through Boudh rendering the plains fertile, which contribute, to the agrarian economy. Paddy is cultivated here in large quantities. The riverbed of Mahanadi is also a rich source of diamonds and other valuable gemstone. Boudh also has a flourishing textile industry. Boudh district is a region with rich cultural heritage which is manifested in the aesthetically temples, ancient Buddha statues and caves spread in the region. The Ramanath temple, Jogindra Villa Palace, Hanuman temple, and the Charisambhu temple are some of the prominent ones.

Cuttack district is dominantly rural famous as the land of antiquities, monuments and handicrafts. Cuttack is also known as the granary of eastern Orissa. Few towns of the district are developing industrially which are, Choudwar, Vyasnagar and Dhanamandal. Dhabaleswar Island, Lalitgiri, Naraj, Choudwar, Niali-Madhav, and Paramahansanth Temple are some of the major attractions in the district.

Deogarh district has its headquarters at Deogarh. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. Pradhanpat hill and waterfall is a famous attraction of the district.

Dhenkanal district is spread over an area of 4,600 sq. km. and is basically an agricultural district. Dense forests and colourful wildlife characterize this district. Forest products like timber, bamboo, firewood, and kendu leaf generate good revenue for the district. The district also has a number of largescale industries like the Nilachal Refractories, Utkal Asbestos Ltd, Orissa Polyfibres Ltd, and Shakti Sugar. Dhenkanal is famous for the Balbhadra Temple built in the 18th century.

The tribal community dominates Gajapati district. The district headquarters is located at Paralakhemund. It is spread over an area of 3,056 sq. km. The Vamsadhara and Mahendratanaya are the major rivers flowing through the district. Gajapati is well known for its cane and bamboo handicraft works. In some parts of Gajapati granite stones are also found.

Ganjam district has rich deposits of manganese, monazite, sand, and talc. It covers an area of 8,033 sq. km. with the district headquarters at Chhatrapur. The district is covered with dense green forest, which have exotic wildlife. Ganjam is also famous for horn works, silver works, and spinning mills.

Jagatsinghpur district is spread over an area of 1,759 sq. km. with district headquarters at Jagatsinghpur. Paradeep, a major port of the state is located in this district. It is an ideal tourist destination because of the several sun-drenched beaches.

Jajpur district has its headquarters in the town of Jajpur, which is an important pilgrimage destination. The district is situated on the banks of the Baitarani River spread over an area of 2,885 sq km. It has rich mineral deposits and many industries and mines are situated here. Some of the places worth visiting are Ashokajhar, Langudi Hill, Gokarnika, Mahavinayak, Chandikhol, Patharajpur, Ratnagiri and Siddheswar Temple.

Jharsuguda district is situated in the western part of the state and is one of the most industrialized and urbanized districts in the state. Jharsuguda is rich in mineral wealth especially coal and is also an important commercial center. The Kharasrota, Birupa, and Ib Rivers flow through the district. This renders the plains fertile, which contribute to the agrarian economy. Rice, wood and leather are some of the major products of the district.

Kalahandi district has the district headquarters in the town of Bhawanipatna. It is an industrial district and some of the industries located here are Western Sugar and Chemical Industries Ltd, Konark Growers Cooperative Spinning Mills Ltd, and Kesinga and Orissa Regional Cooperative Oil Seed Growers Union Ltd. The region also has rich mineral deposits of graphite, manganese, iron, and quartz. Ravanadhara waterfall, and hot water spring Banshakela are some of the major attraction in the district.

Kandhamal district is nearly covered with forests and mountains. The region has substantial deposits of graphite, manganese, coal, bauxite, china clay, limestone, and semi precious stones. Daringbadi a hill station in the district, Belghar Sanctuary and the Putudi Waterfalls are some of the major attraction in the district.

Kendrapada district is spread over an area of 2,546 sq km. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and national park at Bhitarkanika and the Crocodile Research Farm at Dangamal are some of the prime interests in the district.

Keonjhar district is a green land of scenic beauty with rich mineral deposits. The district is home to many industries. Keonjhar district has vast deposits of iron, manganese and chrome ores. It is an important pilgrimage destination because the shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali, and Panchabati are located here. Sitabinj is located at a distance of 30 km. from Keonjhar is noted for the ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya.

Khorda district is spread over an area of 2,889 sq. km. and is famous for its cottage industries. The major attractions of the district are Barunai Hill, Chilika (Barkul), Hirapur and Nandankanan Sanctuary. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, comes within Khordha District.

Koraput district is located in the southern part of Orissa and the district headquarters is at Koraput. Dense virgin forests, cascading waterfalls, flashing springs and green meadows characterize the district. It has vast deposits of manganese, mica and graphite. The beautiful Duduma, Bagra and Khandahati waterfalls are bestowed on Koraput. Cereal crops are cultivated in the district.

Malkangiri district is located in the southern part of the state and half of the district is covered with forests. The tribal and the marginalized communities dominate the district. The district has substantial deposits of tin, limestone, black granite, asbestos, mica and soapstones. The main tourist interests are Chitrakonda, Motu, Balimela, and Manyamkonda.

Mayurbhanj district is the largest district of Orissa. The district headquarters is at Baripada. Majority of the district is covered with forests, which have a varied flora and fauna. Mayurbhanj is famous for the horn works, stone and clay works, tussar silk, jute mills and spinning mills. The major attractions of the district are Deokhund with its enchanting waterfalls, Haripur, Khiching and Simlipal National Park.

Nabarangpur district of Orissa consists of tribes and nomads and they mainly depend on agriculture. The district also has substantial mineral deposits of iron, chlorite, mica, quartz and granites. The forests of the region have rich wildlife common ones are panther, leopard, tiger, hyena, buffalo, black bear, bison, red and grey jungle fowl, spotted deer, sambar and barking deer.

Nayagarh district located in the eastern region is one of the oldest districts of the state. The Burtanga River flows through the district. It is well known for its leather works, brass and bell utensils and sugar factory.

Nuapada district lies in the western part of the state covering an area of 3,408 sq km. Budhikomna, Patalganga, Thipakhol, Patora, Sindursil and Yogimath are ideal tourist destination in the district.

Puri district is famous for the Lord Jagannath Temple and the car festival, which is an important pilgrimage destination. It is one of the four dhams (spiritual place of the Hindus) Spread over an area of 3,055 sq.km. the district is famous for its stone sculpture, palm leaf paintings, tassar paintings, sand art and appliqué work. Other tourist attractions are the sun drenched Balighai Beach, Baliharachandi Beach and the Ramchandi Beach. The historic Sun Temple at Konark and the Chilka Lake are also popular tourist destinations.

Rayagada district is dominated by the tribal population mainly the Kondhas and the Souras. The region has vast deposits of mineral resources like bauxite, graphite, manganese, quartz and gemstones. The main industries of the region are ferro manganese factory, ferro silicon factory, paper mill and sugar factory. Sambalpur district is bestowed with exotic wildlife, lush green forests, captivating waterfalls and enchanting array of hills. The district is famous for its textiles, varied tribal life, colourful dances and festivals and exquisite historical monuments. The major attractions of the district are Ushakothi Sanctuary, the Leaning Temple of Huma that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sonpur district has the district headquarters at Sonpur and is located in the western part of Orissa. It is spread over an area of 2,284 sq.km and is famous for its handloom and handicraft products.

Sundargarh district is located in the northwestern part of Orissa and is dotted with lofty peaks, virgin forests and rocky terrain. It is spread over an area of 9,942 sq. km. with its headquarters in the town of Sundargarh. It is an important industrial district and also has vast reserves of mineral resources like iron-ore, limestone, manganese, dolomite, and fire clay. The places worth visiting in the district are Darjeeng, Ghogar, Khandadhar, Mandira, and Miriglotah.