Overview
About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the Temple City of India. Hundreds of temples once stood around the sacred Bindu Sagar tank, and many still survive, from small, exquisitely carved shrines to the towering Lingaraj Temple. Together they trace the full evolution of the Kalinga style of temple architecture, with its curved spires (deuls) and dense sculpture.
The region's history goes back more than two thousand years. On the outskirts of the city lies Dhauli, near the site of the Kalinga war that is said to have led Emperor Ashoka to embrace Buddhism, and his rock edicts can still be seen there. The Jain caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, carved in the time of King Kharavela, add another ancient layer.
Alongside the old town, Bhubaneswar is a planned modern capital with broad roads, green spaces and good museums. It forms the Golden Triangle of Odisha with Puri, home of the Jagannath Temple and a long beach, and Konark, with its UNESCO-listed Sun Temple, both an easy drive away. Craft villages such as Pipli and Raghurajpur and the vast Chilika lagoon are also within reach.
- Ancient temples
- Lingaraj Temple
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves
- Odia cuisine
- Gateway to Puri and Konark
- Handloom and crafts
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar
Temples
Lingaraj Temple
The largest and most important temple in the city, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihara. Entry to the inner complex is restricted to Hindus, but a viewing platform outside offers a good look at the spire.
Mukteswar Temple
A small, perfectly proportioned temple with a richly carved stone gateway (torana), often called the gem of Odishan architecture.
Rajarani Temple
Set in a garden, this temple has no presiding deity but is admired for its graceful sculptures of celestial women and guardians.
Parasurameswar and Brahmeswar Temples
Two of the older temples in the city, showing the early and mature phases of the Kalinga style.
Heritage Sites
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Twin hills with rock-cut chambers made for Jain monks, including the two-storey Rani Gumpha with carved friezes.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
A white peace pagoda on a hill above the Daya river, near Ashoka's rock edicts, linked to the Kalinga war.
Museums
Odisha State Museum
Collections of sculpture, palm-leaf manuscripts, coins and arms that explain the state's long history.
Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts
Displays of tribal dress, ornaments, tools and recreated homes from the many communities of Odisha.
Nature
Nandankanan Zoological Park
A large zoo and botanical garden on the city's edge, set around a lake and known for its white tigers.
Nearby Excursions
Konark Sun Temple
About 65 km away, this 13th-century temple is built as a giant stone chariot of the Sun god, with carved wheels and horses.
Puri
About 60 km away, Puri is home to the Jagannath Temple, one of the char dham pilgrimage sites, and a long, lively beach.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
- 1
Walk the old temple town
Explore the lanes around Bindu Sagar on foot or with a guide, stopping at the smaller shrines between the major temples.
- 2
Do the Puri–Konark circuit
Spend a day visiting Konark and the marine drive to Puri, ending with the evening at the beach.
- 3
Visit Raghurajpur and Pipli
Raghurajpur is a heritage village of pattachitra painters, and Pipli is known for colourful appliqué work.
- 4
Watch an Odissi performance
Odisha is the home of Odissi, one of India's classical dance forms; look out for recitals and cultural festivals held in the city, especially in winter.
- 5
Go dolphin spotting at Chilika
A longer day trip to Chilika Lake, about 100 km away, offers boat rides, birdlife in winter and Irrawaddy dolphins near Satapada.
- 6
Shop for handloom
Browse Sambalpuri and ikat saris and fabrics at state emporiums and the market areas in the city.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar
The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
26°C to 40°C
Hot and humid, with very warm afternoons. Visit temples early and keep the beach towns for the evenings.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 33°C
Heavy rain and occasional cyclonic weather from the Bay of Bengal. The Rath Yatra in Puri usually falls in June or July and draws enormous crowds.
Winter
October to March
15°C to 30°C
The best time to visit, with dry, mild weather that is ideal for temple tours and day trips.
Getting there
How to Reach Bhubaneswar
By Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is just a few kilometres from the city centre, with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and other cities.
By Rail
Bhubaneswar railway station lies on the main Howrah–Chennai line, with frequent trains from Kolkata, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Delhi and other major cities.
By Road
Bhubaneswar is about 60 km from Puri, about 65 km from Konark and about 440 km from Kolkata. National highways connect it with the rest of Odisha, and buses and taxis run regularly to Puri and Konark.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Bhubaneswar
Dalma
A wholesome dish of lentils cooked with vegetables and lightly spiced, central to everyday Odia meals.
Pakhala bhata
Fermented rice soaked in water, eaten in summer with fried vegetables, fish or dried fish.
Chhena poda
Odisha's signature dessert of caramelised baked cottage cheese.
Rasagola
Soft cottage-cheese dumplings in syrup, a sweet that Odisha holds very dear.
Machha besara
Fish cooked in a pungent mustard paste, a classic of Odia cooking.
Temple mahaprasad
The food offered at temples such as Lingaraj and Jagannath, served to devotees in earthen pots.
What to Buy in Bhubaneswar
- Sambalpuri and ikat sarees
- Pattachitra paintings from Raghurajpur
- Pipli appliqué work
- Silver filigree from Cuttack
- Stone carvings and dhokra metalcraft
Travel Tips for Bhubaneswar
- Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Lingaraj Temple or the Jagannath Temple in Puri, but can view them from outside.
- Remove leather items such as belts and bags before entering some temples, as they are not permitted.
- Keep an eye on cyclone and weather warnings if travelling between June and November.
- Hire a car for a day to combine Dhauli, Pipli, Konark and Puri in one loop.
FAQs
Bhubaneswar Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?
October to March is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar, with mild, dry weather that suits temple tours and trips to Puri and Konark.
How many days are enough for Bhubaneswar?
Two to three days are enough for the main temples, caves and museums. Add a day or two to include Puri, Konark and Chilika Lake.
What is Bhubaneswar famous for?
Bhubaneswar is famous for its ancient temples such as Lingaraj and Mukteswar, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Odia cuisine and handloom, and its proximity to Puri and Konark.
Why is Bhubaneswar called the Temple City?
Bhubaneswar has a remarkable number of ancient temples, especially around the Bindu Sagar tank, built over many centuries in the Kalinga style.
How far are Puri and Konark from Bhubaneswar?
Puri is about 60 km and Konark about 65 km from Bhubaneswar, and the three are often visited together as Odisha's Golden Triangle.
Can non-Hindus enter the Lingaraj Temple?
No. Entry to the Lingaraj Temple is restricted to Hindus, but visitors can see the temple from a viewing platform outside the complex.
