Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Orissa, is a bustling metropolis that blends the city’s historical significance with a forward-thinking modern culture that draws thousands of tourists to this multicultural area each year. The stunning temples in the city, home to the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religions, drive most of the city’s tourism. These temples can be found all over the city.
The city is known for its architectural marvels, scenic beauty, and clean environment, and it has risen to the top of the list of smart cities. The city offers various activities, such as visiting hot springs, shopping in artisan villages, hunting for handicrafts, and more. Book a car rental in Bhubaneswar to explore all the hidden gems of the city. We are here with the Bhubaneswar travel guide to facilitate your visit to Bhubaneswar.
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5. Hotels and Resorts in Bhubaneswar
About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, one of India’s historic cities, is located in the country’s East, south of the Mahanadi River. This city serves as the capital of the Indian state of Orissa (also known as Odisha). It has over 600 Hindu temples that demonstrate the evolution of old Kalinga architecture. It is also known as the Cathedral City of India, Temple City of India, or Temple Town.
Bhubaneswar is located 45 meters above sea level. It has a tropical wet and dry climate with cool winters and scorching summers. The name Bhubaneswar is derived from the Sanskrit word “Tri Bhubaneswar,” one of Lord Shiva’s names.
Lord Shiva is one of Orissa’s most revered deities and the subject of numerous temples. Due to several additional local attractions, the city is a popular destination for tourists visiting Orissa. Here is a quick travel guide to the city to help you plan your trip.
History of Bhubaneswar
The city has always piqued the interest of historians, epigraphists, and archaeologists due to the art, culture, and beliefs of the various ancient civilizations that have lived in the area throughout its history.
There used to be over 7000 shrines in the city. However, only a few shrines remain today. Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark form Orissa’s well-known “golden triangle.”
Bhubaneswar travel guide: Interesting facts
- According to extensive historical research, the city was once the seat of the Chedi Kingdom before serving as the setting for the infamous Kalinga War during the Mauryan Empire.
- The descendants of the Chedi family who reclaimed the throne restored the city to its former glory.
- After that, however, the area came under the control of mighty Mughal and Maratha emperors before being recaptured and incorporated into the Bengal Presidency.
Things to do in Bhubaneswar
Here is a list of some of the top places to visit in the city that will enhance and distinguish your visit. Bhubaneswar has the advantage of being primarily underappreciated while still serving as the focal point for all significant Odisha events.
Spiritual things to do in Bhubaneswar
- Take Lord Shiva’s Blessings at the Lingaraj Temple: The magnificent Lingaraj Temple is a masterpiece and a revolution in Odisha temple architecture. A vast complex of numerous smaller temples and shrines surrounds the temple’s 54-meter-high buildings.
Visitors are not permitted inside the main temple, but there is a viewing platform from which to enjoy the view. The thousand-year-old temple is a shining example of Kalinga architecture.
- Visit Rajarani Temple for sensual experiences: The Rajarani Temple, a famous temple in the city, was built in the 11th century. The beautiful red and gold sandstone used to build it, known as Rajarani, inspired the temple’s name.
The absence of a supreme deity is what distinguishes this temple. The temple is known as the “love temple” because of the numerous beautiful and intricate carvings of nymphs and erotic images of women and couples.
Things to do in Bhubaneswar at night
- Enjoy local parties at night: Head to the city’s best bars and nightclubs to see how the locals celebrate. Go to The Cellar and prepare to indulge in a delectable cocktail and some delectable snacks. Other nearby clubs include Pegasus Bar, 10 DC-Lounge Bar And Pub, and Yangon Horizon.
- Horizontal Aangan: The first things that catch your eye are:
- The swinging seats.
- Hip posters of musicians on the wall.
- The modern appearance of Aangan Horizon’s bar area.
- The bar is also wheelchair accessible and offers free WiFi.
- Mellony: Mellony’s atmosphere is fantastic, the bar menu features diverse beverages, ranging from potent concoctions like Long Island Iced Tea to soothing options like a Margarita. Although the menu is small, there is a good selection of chicken, mutton, and fish appetizers.
Shopping in Bhubaneswar
The city’s main export is woven ikat textiles. Fabrics and saris are both available for purchase. Cotton and silk sambalpuri, appliqué-worked fabric, tussar silk, and gold embroidery are also popular. The city has a number of popular shopping areas. Among the notable locations are the Saree Building, Utkalika, and BMC Keshari Mall.
Must try food in Bhubaneswar
Visitors should try authentic Oriya cuisine. The city’s menu features a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but its delectable desserts and seafood are local favorites. Gupchup, Cuttack Chaat, Aloo Dum, Dahi Pakhal, Badi Choora, Dalma, Santula, and other regional specialties should not be missed.
Pithas, Kora-Khai, Rasabali, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda, and Rasagola are just a few of the sweets to try. In addition, vegetarian or Abadha food served in temples may be interesting.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar in 2023
Do you want to do something fun with your family in the city? Here are some activities you should take advantage of while on vacation with young children, infants, or your entire family. Learn about the best playgrounds, water parks, and theme parks for kids in Bhubaneswar.
Places to visit for fun
- Visit the museums: The numerous museums worth visiting and providing insight into the former city’s customs and culture are essential to Bhubaneswar’s heritage. The Museum of Tribal Arts is an excellent place to learn about Orissa’s native tribal communities; the Odisha State Museum has fantastic displays of archaeological treasures from previous eras.
- Celebrating the festivals with the Locals: Like other religiously significant cities in Orissa, Bhubaneswar hosts many lavish festivals honoring local deities. Thousands of devotees take part in a procession that transports the image of Lingaraja from the Lingaraja Temple to the Rameshwara Temple on Ashokastami, which falls in March.
The Adivasi Mela, Makar Mela, and Maghe Mela all take place in January, making it one of the best months to visit Bhubaneswar.
Places to visit for spiritual callings
- Muktesvara Temple: The Muktesvara Temple, one of Bhubaneswar’s most impressive sights, is known for its magnificent structure inspired by Kalinga School temple architecture. The Lord Shiva temple contains several carved representations of scenes from “Panchatantra.”
As a result of several additions over the years, the temple has undergone a dramatic transformation. Therefore, it is unsurprising that the area is now known as a “Gem of temple architecture.”
- Parasurameswara Temple: The Parasurameswara Temple, built in 650 AD, is the city’s oldest surviving temple. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a prime example of Oriyan architecture. Extensive stone carvings of mythological Hindu gods such as Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, Parvati, Muruga, and many others, as well as animal and floral patterns, adorn the walls.
In addition, the images on the temple’s walls depict folkloric tales. Another major draw is the temple’s “one thousand Lingas” in the corner. Anyone interested in ancient architecture and sculpture should visit this location.
Places to visit for nature lovers
- Visits to the park with the family: The city’s many luxurious parks are one of the city’s main draws. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Park is a well-known park named after the legendary freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. There are long stretches of beautiful gardens and fountains, kid-friendly open play areas, and tranquil spots for yoga and meditation.
Indira Gandhi Park has a significant political history because it is where the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi spoke before her assassination. The park is ideal for picnics, with lush vegetation and lovely flower beds.
- A date with nature at the Nandankanan Zoo: The 400-hectare Nandankanan Zoological Park is located in the Chandaka forest. The zoo, located on the shores of Kanjia Lake, is home to over 81 different bird species, 67 different mammal species, 18 different types of reptiles, and a botanical garden.
Nandankanan Zoo was India’s first to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Bhubaneswar because you can see black panthers, gharial crocodiles, white tigers, and various other animals, birds, and reptiles.
Places to visit near Bhubaneswar
If your trip to the city is longer than a day, you can also explore the nearby areas. The best way to visit these neighbouring sights is to book a Savaari in Bhubaneswar, which will let you get to these locations by road comfortably while also enjoying all the attractions that come along the way. Try booking a cab with Savaari’s user-friendly cab booking app and enjoy great offers. These are some places to visit around Bhubaneswar that you should include in your itinerary:
- Konark – Konark, a historical town in Odisha, is well-known worldwide for the Sun Temple, which is even one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Furthermore, Konark’s Sun Temple is an architectural wonder and one of India’s most beautiful monuments. Click here to read the comprehensive travel guide Konark temple and other relevant information about Konark sun temple.
- Chilka Lake – Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon located in the state of Odisha, India. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world. The lake is spread over an area of 1,100 square kilometers and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge.
- Udayagiri – Udayagiri is a historic site located near Bhubaneswar in the state of Odisha, India. It is famous for its ancient rock-cut caves and Jain monuments. The name Udayagiri means “Sunrise Hill”, as the site is located on a hilltop that offers a beautiful view of the sunrise.
- Chandipur – Chandipur, also known as Chandipur-on-sea, is a coastal town located in the state of Odisha, India. It is famous for its unique beach, which experiences a rare natural phenomenon known as the “disappearing sea”.
- Puri – Puri, the Land of Lord Jagannath is an ancient city and a pilgrimage center located around 60 km south of Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa. The city is famous for its 12th-Century Jagannath Temple and is one of the original Char Dham pilgrimage places for Hindus. Click here to read the comprehensive travel guide on Puri and other relevant information about the pilgrimage town.
How to plan a trip to Bhubaneswar?
You want to go to Bhubaneswar because of the breathtaking views, delectable cuisine, and well-known temples, but you’re not sure how to get there. There are three ways to get to the city.
How to reach?
- By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Orissa’s only international airport, offers Air India flights connecting the city to all major cities worldwide. In addition, there are numerous daily flights from the domestic terminal of this airport to other cities in Orissa. The city center and the airport are 5 kilometers apart. Book an airport taxi from Biju Patnaik International Airport to comfortably travel to your accommodation in the city.
- By rail: The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the rail hub that connects the nation’s capital to all major cities and the rest of the state. Several trains pass through this junction daily, including the Puri Express, Howrah Mail, Rajdhani Express, and Coromandel Express, about 5 kilometers from the city center.
- By road: The Baramunda Bus Station is the city’s main bus terminal, connecting it to nearby cities via regular bus services, including those operated by the Orissa State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). In addition, the State and National Highways provide excellent connectivity, allowing visitors to drive into the city. The best way to travel to Bhubaneswar by road is to book a cab from Puri or any other major cities in Odisha to safely travel to your destination.
Best time to visit Bhubaneswar
- From December to February (During winter)
The best time to visit the city is during the winter, when the average low temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius and the afternoons are pleasant and relaxed, making it an ideal season for sightseeing.
- From March to June (During summer)
Summer may not be the best time to visit the city due to the intense heat and humidity in the afternoons when temperatures reach 45 degrees Celsius. However, evenings, in general, are pleasant and cool enough to go out and explore the city.
- From July to September (During monsoon)
The city’s monsoon rains are best described as torrential downpours that prevent locals and visitors from engaging in outdoor activities. On the other hand, the rains significantly reduce the summer’s intense heat, lowering the average temperature to between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius.
Hotels and Resorts in Bhubaneswar
| S. No | Hotel Name | Address | Contact no. |
| 1. | Lemon Tree Premier, Bhubaneswar | Chandrasekharpur Maitree Vihar Road Plot No- B/1334, Bhubaneswar 751023 India | 011 46050101 |
| 2. | Fortune Park Sishmo | 86/A-1, Gautam Nagar near Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar 751014 India | 1-800-419-6444 ; 1-800-102-2333 |
| 3. | Trident, Bhubaneswar | CB-1 Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar 751013 India | 011 2389 0555 |
| 4. | Welcome Hotel By ITC, Bhubaneswar | D/1 Dumuduma, Bhubaneswar 751019 India | 1800 102 2333 |
| 5. | Hotel Hindusthan International Bhubaneswar | A – 112 Unit Iii Shriya Talkies Street Kharvel Nagar, Bhubaneswar 751001 India | 0674 667 7000 |
Love to travel? Include Bhubaneswar in your travel plans.
Travelers’ main sources of inspiration are historical beauty, diversity, traditions, nature, cuisine, and cultural art. These elements contribute to a joyful, exciting, and enjoyable journey. All of these things combine to make up Bhubaneswar.
Renting a car will allow you to enjoy the city’s beauty. By downloading Savaari’s car rental app, you can get the lowest prices for intercity car rentals and taxi services. Booking a reputable rental car company will guarantee a prompt, secure, and enjoyable journey.
The highest road trips were taken from Bhubaneswar by Savaari customers.
| Destination | Distance | Duration |
| Bhubaneswar to Puri | 65 km | 1 Hr |
| Bhubaneswar to Chilika Lake | 71 km | 2 Hrs. |
| Bhubaneswar to Bhadrak | 127 km | 3 Hrs. |
Every month, more than a hundred Savaari customers travel from Bhubaneswar. You can rent a Savaari in Bhubaneswar to travel to any of these places.
Imagine the opportunity to experience these incredible things when planning your trip to Bhubaneswar to discover the beauty of this well-known city in Odisha.
So pack your bags, choose from this list of the top things to do in Bhubaneswar, and prepare for a fun and fantastic time with family and friends!
Bhubaneswar travel guide: Useful links
- Connecting lives through road infrastructure: Biju expressway ushering in a new dawn of development in Odisha
- Smooth drive from Bengaluru to central India
- Dedicated corridor to decongest Jaydev Vihar–Nandankanan Road
Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by V Subhadra
