Bhubaneswar is a bustling metropolis and a land of architectural marvels. The city leaves an indelible mark on tourists due to its long list of ancient temples and serene surroundings. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or an ordinary tourist, you won’t have a dearth of enchanting places to explore in this city. Bhubaneswar has always been the center of attraction for renowned historians and archaeologists due to its art and rich cultural heritage. There are many majestic temples to explore in the city. These temples were constructed centuries ago, but the divine aura of these religious spots still attracts tourists from all over the country.
Best Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar
Here are a few important places to visit in Bhubaneswar:
Lingaraj Temple
It is one of the ancient temples in the city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple was constructed in the 7th century. It is believed that the Linga (the manifestation of Shiva) appears here naturally. The linga here rises to 8 inches in height and 8 feet in diameter. This temple is located in the old region of Bhubaneswar. You can easily reach the temple with the help of local transport. The structure of the temple is a fine example of Odissi-style architecture. You will also find a small temple in the courtyard of the Lingaraj Temple. However, only Hindu devotees are allowed to enter here. The temple is famous due to the Mahashivratri celebrations that are held here. During the celebrations, the whole sanctum of the temple is decorated with lights, lanterns, and flowers. You will be immersed in the spiritual essence of the place if you visit it during this celebration.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park is a popular sanctuary established in 1960. It was constructed with an aim to protect the flora and fauna of the region. It is the first zoo in the whole world that succeeded in breeding white and melanistic tigers. Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the largest of all zoos in the country. The animals that are preserved here can roam easily in the park. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you must visit this place during your Bhubaneswar tour.
Raja Rani Temple
This is one of the sacred shrines of Bhubaneswar city. Constructed in the 11th century, Raja Rani Temple is the perfect example of Kalinga temple architectural style. You won’t find any deity in the shrine. However, it is believed that the temple was dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is constructed with the help of yellow and red-colored sandstone. These stones are called ‘Rajarani’ by the local people. People of Bhubaneswar call the temple a ‘love temple,’ as several images of men and women are carved on the walls of this edifice.
One of the striking features of the shrine is that it conducts a Rajarani Music Festival in January and February. Music lovers from all over the country visit Bhubaneswar and take part in this festival. This is an annual 3-day event that is highly popular among tourists.
Regional Science Center
Established in a large area, the Regional Science Centre was inaugurated in the year 1989. This is one of the 26 science museums under the National Council of Science Museums. The Science Centre is committed to popularizing science as well as technology among the students. There are three galleries in the museum, namely Mathematics, Popular Science, and Motion. It also has a Prehistoric Life Park that has animated models of dinosaurs. The museum fosters science-associated knowledge among the people.
Mukteswara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was constructed in the 10th century. It is a fine example of Kalinga-style architecture. The temple is 35 feet tall and looks extremely beautiful. It houses beautiful carvings and sculptures that depict a variety of Panchatantra stories. The temple is situated near the Parasurameswara temple. This is another popular temple in Bhubaneswar. Mukteswara Temple is also close to Lingaraj Temple. This structure is made with the help of red sandstone. It is a 35-foot temple and is quite popular for its decorated gateway. The carvings done on the arch are simply beautiful. These designs and carvings are the perfect epitome of the craftsmanship of that era.
Chilika Lake
This lake is another place to explore in Bhubaneswar. People in large numbers visit this lake. It is the largest saltwater lake in all of Asia and is extremely popular among tourists. This is a haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. The shape of the lake resembles a pear, and it houses a variety of flora and fauna. The lake has a wide range of birds in a variety of colors. Some of the birds you will find here include golden plovers, white-bellied sea eagles, sandpipers, etc. People visit the lake to experience the beautiful view of the sunset and sunrise. It is also a place where you can see the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. If you come here with your friends, you can get a lodge here and spend the day in the lap of nature. You will cherish your time spent at the lake.
State Tribal Museum
Established in 1953, the State Tribal Museum is one of the unique tribal museums in the country. It is committed to imparting knowledge to visitors about the culture, religious aspects, and social life of tribal communities. Also known as the ‘Museum of Man, the museum organizes several seminars, workshops, and training programs on a regular basis.
Ram Mandir
Dedicated to Lord Rama, Lord Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita, Ram Mandir is one of the most famous places in Bhubaneswar. This temple was constructed by a private trust, which is responsible for maintaining it. It is a great example of architectural brilliance. This is the reason why the temple is visited by a large number of people. One of the striking features of this structure is its large spires. They are visible from different regions of the city. Devotees in large numbers visit this temple on special occasions such as Dussehra and Ramnavami. The atmosphere of this place during the festivals is divine.
Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar
Winter (October to February)
Winter is the ideal time to explore Bhubaneswar. During this season, the weather remains cool and pleasant. Thus, you won’t have any difficulty while exploring Bhubaneswar city during this time. This is the right time to visit the city with your family. The temperature range during the winter season is between 16°C and 28°C. Thus, you can easily explore the city’s beautiful museums, lush parks, and iconic temples. You can take part in many festivals if you visit Bhubaneswar city in winter. Some of the festivals that you can enjoy during this season are the Puri Beach Festival, Magha Saptami, Makar Mela, etc.
Summer (March to May)
The summer season in Bhubaneswar lasts from March to May. During this time, the temperature rises to 38°C. However, mornings as well as evenings are cool during the summer season. Although this is not a good time to visit Bhubaneswar city, you will be able to get good discounts. Not many people visit the city during this season. Thus, all the places in the city are less crowded. This makes it easy for you to visit the important places of the city without any inconvenience. However, it is not advisable to visit Bhubaneswar in the summer with your family due to the extreme heat.
Monsoon (June to September)
The monsoon season in Bhubaneswar gives a new life to the lush and green surroundings of the city. The rain-washed green spaces look extremely beautiful this season. The temperature in monsoon stays between 25°C and 32°C, with unexpected heavy rainfall. During this season, the city is less crowded and offers tranquility to the visitors. You can also take part in many festivals that are held in the city during this season. Some of these festivals include Gamha Purnima, Rath Yatra, etc. If you are planning to visit Bhubaneswar in the monsoon, don’t forget to pack important winter gear such as non-slippery shoes, waterproof clothes, umbrellas, etc.
Shopping in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar offers a lot of shopping options for the shopaholics. Here are a few important shopping zones in the city where you can go shopping:
Market Building
It is one of the oldest markets in the city. This shopping destination boasts all types of electronics, clothing, and footwear. You can find the best clothing here that is suitable for all people. These items are sold here at the best prices. Apart from shopping, you can also enjoy a variety of street food in the market, such as dahi bara-alu-dum, pani puri, pao bhaji, chat, etc.
Shahid Nagar Market
If you want to purchase handicrafts, mobile phones, or computers, exploring Shahid Nagar Market would be highly beneficial for you. The market sells a variety of inexpensive items such as headbands, bangles, braided necklaces, etc. You can also find God sculptures here at the best prices.
Bapuji Nagar
It is a popular shopping zone in Bhubaneswar that is quite famous for its quality footwear, clothing, and accessories. You can get these things at the best prices. Bapuji Nagar Market has many shops where you can bargain with the shopkeepers.
Unit 2 Market Building
This is also a popular market to get the best quality grocery items, fresh produce, and important household items. Due to the lively atmosphere of the market, this is one of the most popular areas for shopping.
Utkalika
Utkalika is among the best shopping destinations in Bhubaneswar. If you want to buy handicraft items in Bhubaneswar city, this is the best place to shop for them. You will find a great variety of handicraft articles here. Some of the items that they sell include brass appliqué works, tribal jewelry, terracotta items, textiles, etc. Run by the Orissa State Co-operative Handicraft Corporation, Utkalika ensures that it sells authentic handicraft items to the visitors.
Getting Around in Bhubaneswar
You can easily get around in Bhubaneswar due to the variety of transportation options. Here are a few means of transport in Bhubaneswar that you can choose to travel within the city:
By Bus
Town buses are easily available throughout the city. Thus, you can catch them irrespective of the location you are staying in. These are government-run buses, and their fares are not high. Thus, anybody can catch them and travel from one place to another without any difficulty.
By Taxi
Many taxi companies are offering their services in Bhubaneswar. However, they charge the tourists according to the distance they need to cover. If you are comfortable with their fare, you can book them. You can also pick cabs if you want to go for a half-day or full-day Bhubaneswar tour. They will provide you with maximum comfort during your journey.
By Autorickshaw
Another transportation option you can pick is an auto rickshaw that can take you anywhere within the city. However, make sure to know about the fare of an auto-rickshaw. The drivers often charge you high, so you must be wary of their charges before choosing them.
How to Reach Bhubaneswar?
By Air
Bhubaneswar Airport is approximately 6 kilometers away from the city center. There are regular flights from the major cities of the country to Bhubaneswar. After reaching the airport, you can book a taxi or take a bus to reach the main city.
By Train
Bhubaneswar Railway Station is connected to other railway stations. Many trains run from the major cities to Bhubaneswar. Thus, whether you are coming to Bhubaneswar from Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, or Hyderabad, you can catch a train easily to Bhubaneswar. When you reach the station, you can take a taxi or a cab to reach any place within the city.
By Road
Bhubaneswar city is connected with other regions of the country through roads and national highways. The main bus stand is located at a distance of 5 kilometers from the city center. Regular bus services are available from cities such as Sambalpur, Paradip, Rourkela, etc. You can also catch interstate buses that are easily available here.
