Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal, a former princely state, retains its royal palace, now partly converted into a heritage hotel, alongside temples and a compact old town reflecting its history as an independent kingdom before merging into independent India. The district is also known for its elephant conservation efforts, with Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary nearby supporting a healthy elephant population within reach of the town.

As a relatively less-visited heritage town compared to Bhubaneswar or Puri, Dhenkanal offers visitors a quieter, more understated introduction to Odisha's princely-era history, and the surrounding district's forests and hills provide additional natural attractions for those extending their stay beyond the town itself.

Dhenkanal was ruled by its own line of kings as an independent princely state until India's independence, and the surviving palace and associated heritage sites reflect this history, distinct from the larger, more prominent Gajapati dynasty history associated with Puri and coastal Odisha.

About 95km from Bhubaneswar, roughly 2 hours by road.