Ondo State is a Nigerian state in the southwest. The former Western State was merged into the new state in February 1976. Ondo State is bordered to the north by Ekiti State, to the north east by Kogi State, to the east by Edo State, to the south west by Delta State, to the north west by Osun State, and to the south by the Atlantic Ocean.
Yorubas, who speak various dialects of the Yoruba language, predominate in the state. It is known as the ‘Sunshine State.’
Ondo is endowed with beautiful landscapes and exciting tourist attractions.
There are numerous places to visit in the state, but here are some of the highlights.
1. Cave of Ashes Isharun: Located in Isharun, Ile-Oworo, in Ifedore Local Government of Ondo State, the cave is famous for its massive rocks of various shapes and sizes.
2. Idanre Hills: If you are a tourist visiting Ondo State, you must make time to visit Idanre Hills. What makes Idanre Hills unique? With 665 steps to the peak of the mountain, this site remains one of nature’s wonders and a fantastic tourist destination for all.
3. Smoking Hills Golf Course: With 140 acres of hilly mounds covered in smokey fog, this golf course is a beautiful sight to behold and a great place to unwind. Smoking Hills Golf Course is located on the outskirts of Ilara Mokin in the state’s Ifedore Local Government Area.
4. Igbo-Olodumare: Tourism is all about adventures, and a trip to Igbo-Olodumare in Okeigbo, Ile Oluji/Okeigbo local government is bound to be exciting.
5. Araromi beach: Araromi beach, located in Ondo state’s Ilaje local government area, is regarded as having the longest coastline in West Africa.
6. Igbokoda Waterfront: The Igbokoda waterfront is situated in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
It is one of the longest territorial waters in Nigeria. The waterfront has a fishing terminal which would pick the interest of any tourist or visitor. It also offers activities such as boating, swimming, picnic, boat regatta, diving and much more.
7.Owo museum of Antiques: The Owo museum of antiques is a national museum that has many wood and ivory carvings, brass and bronze works. The museum has been preserved to serve as a place for visitors to have a taste of historical values of the people of Owo and the neighbouring towns and villages.
8. Ebomi Lake Tourist Centre: The lake is located at Ipesi in Akoko South-East and it is about 115km from Akure – the state capital. The lake which is 1.6km long and 40m wide, has fascinating historical antecedent according to the locals. The word “Ebomi” is an adulteration of a Yoruba word “Abami”.
