While thinking of travel destinations in India, Odisha never comes up in anybody's thoughts. Which is very unfair because Odisha is a really pretty place with a lot of diversity and history. There are a lot of temples, ruins, wildlife and beaches to be explored in this coastal state. Here are 13 reasons why your next holiday should be in Odisha:

5. Dhauli

Present day Odhisa is where the ancient kingdom of Kalinga used to be. Situated by the Daya river, Dhauli hills are famous for two things: The Kalinga War and King Ashoka's transformation to a Buddhist.

The Saddharma Vihar monastery and the Shanti Stupa are must visits and so are the rock carvings and inscriptions, some of which have been done by Ashoka himself.