Bhubaneswar is the capital of the state of Odisha, in eastern India, until recently known as Orissa. Bhubaneswar is a perfect blend of heritage, history, and urbanization. Beaches around Bhubaneshwar aren't as commercial as beaches in Goa or Kerala but they are surely much more cleaner. Bhubaneswar is world famous for its classic example of heritage, history, and urbanization.
Bhubaneswar, otherwise renowned as the City of Temples has emerged as the first smart city of India and is bestowed with plethora of architectural marvel, natural beauty, clean and green environment. Despite being home to a majority of tourist attractions in Odisha, this capital city is highly underrated in terms of contribution to Odisha Tourism.
There is no dearth of exciting activities to do in Bhubaneswar such as exploring hot water springs, scrubbing for handicrafts, shopping out to your heart's content at an artisan's village and many more. A Bhubaneswar tour should be in your bucket list if you don't want to miss out exploring the incredible artwork, wildlife sanctuaries and caves of Odisha.
Some of the key attractions you shouldn't miss on your Bhubaneswar trip include Dhauli Hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations, Bindu Sarovara, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park and Lingaraj Temple among others.
Once you get yourself into this incredible city, you will come across multiple things to do in Bhubaneswar and also tourist places to see in Bhubaneswar with a meticulously crafted Bhubaneswar Puri Konark tour package.
Check out the rundown of exciting activities to enjoy in Bhubaneswar to attain rich and unique experiences.
1. Lingaraja Temple
If you are planning to visit Bhubaneswar, then do visit the ancient temples. These temples were mostly built before 12th Century BC. This town was once a cornerstone of several temples. Out of them, only a few remain, but all are impressive to witness the architectural splendor. Learn about the historical tales of the temples in Bhubaneswar and get amazed by the intricate sculptures and immaculate carvings.
The best you can do is plan a one-day temple hopping tour in Bhubaneswar. Once you step in Bhubaneswar you will get to know why it is called the Temple City. It has many ancient temples dedicated to Shiva.
A masterpiece and the culmination of the revolution of architectural grandeur in the city, Lingaraj Temple is a huge building enveloped by dozens of smaller temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. This 54 meter high revered building is restricted to Hindus only but others can catch a sight of the architecture from a distantly located platform.
This temple is believed to have been established more than a thousand years ago and stands as a gorgeous Kalinga type structure filled with extraordinary details and traditions. The granite black idol of Shiva is bathed daily in milk, bhang, and water. The two moustachioed lions at the main gate add more points to its glory.
Visiting Time - Between 5 am and 9 pm
Entry Fee - Nil
2. Nandankanan Zoological Park
Spread over a huge area of almost 400 hectares in Chandaka Forest, Nandankanan National Park is nestled on the banks of Lake Kanjia. The national park is home to almost 81 species of birds, 18 varieties of reptiles, 57 kinds of mammals, and a botanical garden too. It is believed to be the very first zoo of India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Visiting Nandankanan Zoo happens to be one of the most fun things to do in Bhubaneswar. One can spot Gharial crocodiles, panthers, white tigers, and several other animals, reptiles, and birds. Enjoying a toy train ride to witness the wildlife closely adds more excitement to your holiday in Bhubaneswar. One can also enjoy the forest safari ride and boating in Nandankanan Zoo.
Visiting Time - from April to September between 7.30 and 5.30 pm; October to March between 8 am and 5 pm. This tourist site is closed on Monday.
Entry Fee - INR 10 for children, INR 40 for adults, and INR 100 for foreigners and if you are coming by car then you will have to pay INR 30 for car parking.
3. Mukteswara Temple
One of the most astonishing religious sites in Odisha, Mukteshwar Temple belongs to the Somavamsi Dynasty. It is believed to have been sculpted by Yayati I. The origin of this ancient shrine dates back to almost the 10th century and since then it has been the star attraction of Odisha for its impeccable architecture. There are several scholars suggesting that the shrine was constructed before Brahmeswara Temple and after Parashurameshvara Temple.
The most ideal time to visit Mukteshwar Temple is between October and February. Mukteshwar Dance Festival is organized every year at the end of the winter months.
Visiting Time - The temple is open for public visit between 7 am and 7 pm.
Entry Fee - Nil
4. Odisha State Museum
Visiting Odisha State Museum is one of the most liked activities in Bhubaneswar where hundreds of travelers visit every single day. The museum houses a treasure trove of artifacts resembling the magnificent history of the state and the families who ruled for centuries. Constructed in 1948, the museum houses a wide array of scroll paintings, palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze-age tools, and folk musical instruments.
The Odisha State Museum is a well maintained treasure and a majestic pleasure to visit at least once in lifetime.
Visiting Time - between 10 am and 5 pm
Entry Fee - INR 10 for Indian tourists and INR 50 for foreigners
5. Rajarani Temple
Established in the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple is one of the most popular temples in Bhubaneswar enclosed by paddy fields and gardens. Locally called Rajarani, the temple derives its name for the gorgeous red and gold sandstone. Locally called as the ‘love temple’, Rajarani Temple is reckoned for several intricate and beautiful carvings of nymphs and the erotic scenes of couples and women.
Visiting Time - The temple is open for public visit between 6.30 am and 7 pm.
Entry Fee - INR 15 for Indians and INR 200 for foreigners
6. Indira Gandhi Park
One of the top tourist attractions in Odisha, Tribal Museum is a place for all ages of people. Established in the capital city of the state, the museum showcases the life and culture of tribal people of Odisha. A treat to every kid, Indira Gandhi Park sprawls over a massive area of 42 acres of land and offers a toy train ride for the kids.
This toy train ride offers an enthralling experience to the kids and adds more fun and excitement to your trip to Bhubaneswar. There is a life-size statue of Indira Gandhi installed in this beautiful park and is renowned as the major highlight of this tourist destination.
Visiting Time - Between 5 am and 9 pm
Entry Fee - INR 10
7. Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts
Also renowned as The Orissa Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts, Tribal Museum is at a distance of 3 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station. There are several tribal communities residing in the state. Hence, if you are keen to learn about the livelihood and lifestyle of such tribal people then do take out a few hours’ time to visit this tribal museum in Bhubaneswar.
Visiting Time - Between 10 am and 5 pm
Entry Fee - INR 10 for Indians and INR 100 for foreigners
8. Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves
About 100 kms from Bhubaneswar is the ancient Buddhist Centers of Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri, which together with the site of Udaygiri form what is known as the diamond triangle of Odisha. You need to hike up hill to reach these caves. These caves are hundreds of years old and very intriguing.
On a day trip from Bhubaneswar, visit the ancient Buddhist sites of Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri, dating from the 1st century BC to the 12th century AD to see the stone coffin containing the relics of the Buddha in Lalitagiri, standing statues of the Buddha and sculptures of the Gandhara School of Architecture.
9. Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Continue towards Bhubaneshwar and stop at Dhauli Stupa where Ashoka of Kalinga dynasty embraced the teachings of Buddha.
10. Ekamra Haat
One of the most enthralling activities to enjoy in the city is shopping. There are several markets, malls, and other market areas in Bhubaneswar. From here you can buy a lot of things such as handicrafts, handloom products, traditional dresses, local artist’s products, whiskey bottle paintings, jewelry, and Sambalpuri Sarees.
Ekamra Haat happens to be the best shopping site in Bhubaneswar. From here you can traditional sarees, decorative items, and wooden products for your home. Saree Mandir is another famous spot for saree shopping and from here one can buy Sambalpuri and Ikkat Saree.
Quite popular for its stunning temples and other magnificent travel destinations, Bhubaneswar is a city where you can enjoy partying for the whole night. All you need to do is to select the best nightclub or pub in the city to witness how the locals party with their family, friends, and loved ones. 10 DC Lounge Bar and Pub, Pegasus Bar, and Yangon Horizon are some of the most sought night places in Bhubaneswar.
The capital city of Odisha has a lot to offer its travelers like one can visit several ancient and modern temples, night places, shopping out to your heart's content etc. From interesting culture and rich history to flavorsome cuisine, the city offers plenty of exciting opportunities to the travelers. Crab Kalia, Macha Ghanta, Bhendi Bhaja, and Chungdi Malai are some of the most delectable cuisines of Bhubaneswar.
Chhena Jalebi, Rasmalai, and Malpua are some of the most savored sweet dishes that one must try out on their holiday in Bhubaneswar. One can find these delicacies at almost every small as well as world class restaurants in Bhubaneswar.