Northwest Odisha, India: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northwest Odisha, India? If you're planning to go to Northwest Odisha, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northwest Odisha, India

Based on the climate and weather in Northwest Odisha, India, the best time to go is December. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest Odisha, India

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northwest Odisha, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northwest Odisha, India by month

January

If you vacation in Northwest Odisha during January, you may find that it is warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

February

February for Northwest Odisha is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to find the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you are traveling to Northwest Odisha in March, you will notice that it is blindingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to find the necessary kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

If you go to Northwest Odisha in April, you will notice that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

May

If you vacation in Northwest Odisha during May, you might find that it is a scorcher and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you find the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

June

If you are traveling to Northwest Odisha in June, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. It's important that you get the correct kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

In July, Northwest Odisha can be very hot. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Northwest Odisha, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Ensure that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in Northwest Odisha is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Check that you choose the correct type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

September

September here is really hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

October

If you are traveling to Northwest Odisha in October, you will notice that it is really hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be sure to get the necessary kind. Many adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

November

November here is extremely warm and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Northwest Odisha is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, India has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northwest Odisha. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C, D and M. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

What to do in Northwest Odisha, India

Northwest Odisha is a hidden gem in India, with its rich cultural heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and scenic beauty. With so many fascinating destinations to explore, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. Here are the top tourist attractions in Northwest Odisha that are not to be missed.

1. Sambalpur: The city of Sambalpur is a cultural hub with a rich history that dates back to the 3rd century. The city is known for its handloom textiles, Sambalpuri sarees, and the famous Sitalsasthi Carnival held every year in June. The carnival attracts thousands of tourists from across India and the world. The city is surrounded by beautiful hilly landscapes and is also known for its numerous temples, including Hirakud Dam and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Barpali: Barpali is a small town located in Bargarh District, northwest Odisha. It is famous for its handwoven textiles and beautiful terracotta pottery. The town is also known for the Barpali Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of species of birds and animals. Barpali is also the venue for the annual Sonepur cattle fair, which attracts visitors from across India.

3. Sonepur: Sonepur is a small town located on the banks of the Mahanadi River. It is famous for the Sonepur Mela that is held annually in November. The fair is said to be the largest cattle fair in Asia and attracts buyers and sellers from all over the country. Sonepur is also home to the famous Sonepur Beach, which is a popular picnic spot.

4. Nrusinghanath Temple: The Nrusinghanath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Odisha, and it is located in Bargarh district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Nrisimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is surrounded by beautiful forests and hills, and it is said that the water from the nearby Kapilash spring is infused with medicinal properties.

5. Hirakud Dam: Hirakud Dam is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Odisha. It is India's longest dam spanning across the Mahanadi River. Built-in 1957, this dam is about 25 kilometers upstream from Sambalpur. The dam is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is a popular spot for birdwatching and picnic.

6. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sunabeda, which is about 60 km from Sambalpur. It is home to several species of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and many more. The sanctuary is also a birdwatching paradise and is an ideal destination for nature lovers.

In conclusion, Northwest Odisha is a fascinating destination full of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and wildlife. Plan your next vacation to this lesser-known destination in India and explore the uniqueness that this region has to offer.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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