Where is odisha located

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India, bordered by West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. It covers an area of 155,707 square kilometers (60,119 square miles) and has a coastline of approximately 485 kilometers (301 miles) along the Bay of Bengal.

Key Facts

Odisha covers an area of 155,707 square kilometers (60,119 square miles)
Odisha has a coastline of approximately 485 kilometers (301 miles) along the Bay of Bengal
Odisha was established as a separate province on April 1, 1936
Odisha's population was approximately 41.9 million as of the 2011 Census
Odisha is divided into 30 administrative districts

Overview

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a state located on the eastern coast of India. It is bordered by West Bengal to the northeast, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the east. The state covers an area of 155,707 square kilometers (60,119 square miles), making it the 9th largest state in India by area. Odisha has a rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation from the Lower Paleolithic era.

The state was established as a separate province on April 1, 1936, during British rule in India. It became a state of the Indian Union after India gained independence in 1947. The capital and largest city is Bhubaneswar, which is known as the "Temple City of India" due to its numerous ancient temples. Odisha is known for its classical dance form Odissi, intricate temple architecture, and vibrant tribal cultures that have been preserved for centuries.

How It Works

Odisha's geographical location and administrative structure define its position within India and its regional significance.

Geographical Coordinates: Odisha is situated between 17°49'N to 22°34'N latitude and 81°29'E to 87°29'E longitude. The state extends approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) from north to south and 400 kilometers (250 miles) from east to west. The coastline along the Bay of Bengal stretches for about 485 kilometers (301 miles), providing important maritime access.
Administrative Divisions: Odisha is divided into 30 administrative districts, which are further subdivided into 314 blocks. The state has three distinct geographical regions: the coastal plains, the middle mountainous country, and the plateau region. Each region has distinct geographical features and economic activities that contribute to the state's overall development.
Neighboring States: Odisha shares borders with four Indian states: West Bengal (480 km border), Jharkhand (450 km border), Chhattisgarh (890 km border), and Andhra Pradesh (400 km border). These borders facilitate interstate trade, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation in various sectors including agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development.
Maritime Boundaries: Odisha's eastern boundary is formed by the Bay of Bengal, with the state having exclusive economic rights over coastal waters extending 200 nautical miles (370 km) from the shoreline. This maritime access supports fishing industries, port operations at Paradip and Dhamra, and potential for offshore energy development.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Odisha	Neighboring State: West Bengal
Geographical Area	155,707 sq km	88,752 sq km
Coastline Length	485 km	157 km
Population (2011 Census)	41.9 million	91.3 million
Number of Districts	30	23
Major River Systems	Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani	Ganges, Hooghly, Damodar

Why It Matters

Economic Significance: Odisha's location provides strategic advantages for economic development, with the state contributing approximately 2.8% to India's GDP. The coastal location supports major ports like Paradip (handling over 100 million tons of cargo annually) and Dhamra, facilitating international trade and industrial growth in sectors like steel, aluminum, and petrochemicals.
Cultural Preservation: Odisha's geographical isolation in certain regions has helped preserve unique cultural traditions, including 62 distinct tribal communities that constitute about 22.8% of the state's population. The state is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, attracting millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.
Environmental Importance: Odisha's coastal location makes it ecologically significant, with the state hosting important biodiversity hotspots like the Bhitarkanika Mangroves (India's second largest mangrove ecosystem) and the Chilika Lake (Asia's largest brackish water lagoon covering 1,100 sq km). These ecosystems support diverse flora and fauna while providing livelihoods for local communities.

Looking forward, Odisha's strategic location on India's eastern coast positions it as a key player in regional development initiatives like the East Coast Economic Corridor and the Sagarmala project for port-led development. The state's geographical advantages, combined with ongoing infrastructure improvements and policy initiatives, create opportunities for enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and sustainable development. As India continues to develop its eastern regions, Odisha's location will play an increasingly important role in national economic strategies and regional cooperation frameworks with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.