Central Odisha
Bhubaneswar
The Temple City of India
About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar once held over 700 temples and still preserves several hundred, making it a living museum of Kalinga architecture. It is simultaneously India's first planned smart city — cafés, museums, malls and craft haats sit beside 7th-century sandstone shrines and 2nd-century BCE Jain caves.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple
The grandest Kalinga temple, 11th century, 55 m tall. Open 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM; entry for Hindus only, with a viewing platform for other visitors.
Mukteswar Temple
The 'gem of Odishan architecture' (c. 950 CE), famous for its carved torana arch.
Rajarani Temple
Built of warm dull-red sandstone with sensuous sculptures; hosts the January Rajarani Music Festival.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
The Kalinga War battlefield where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence. A white peace pagoda crowns the hill; sunset views are exceptional.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
2nd century BCE Jain rock-cut monastic caves with the Hathigumpha inscription. Open 8 AM to 6 PM.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
India's celebrated white tiger sanctuary with a lion safari and botanical garden. Closed on Mondays.
ISKCON & Ram Mandir
Serene modern temples with evening kirtan and excellent prasad.
Ekamra Haat & Odisha State Museum
Handloom, silver filigree, Sambalpuri ikat, palm-leaf manuscripts and tribal artefacts under one roof.
What to eat
- ·Dalma, Santula and Pakhala Bhata
- ·Chhena Poda — Odisha's baked cheese dessert
- ·Street food at Ekamra Haat and Unit-2 market
- ·Modern cafés around Patia and Jaydev Vihar
Photography spots
- ·Mukteswar torana arch
- ·Bindusagar tank reflecting Lingaraj
- ·Dhauli stupa at golden hour
- ·Khandagiri hilltop panorama
Travel tips for Bhubaneswar
- ·Cover the old-town temple circuit early morning on foot or e-rickshaw.
- ·Nandankanan needs at least 3 hours; go on a weekday.
- ·Dhauli is best at sunset, Udayagiri in the morning.
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