Places to see in Bhubaneswar

How to Reach

One can travel to Bhubaneswar by plane as all major cities and airlines are well connected here. Similarly if one wishes to travel by the rail route then it too is well connected with the major cities. You can also drive here. Tourists would have to take the National Highway 5 which is the fastest route to here.

Photo Courtesy: vishwaant avk

Lingaraj Temple

A 10th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Lingaraj Temple is described as the 'truest form of dream and reality'. The intricate carvings and the architecture leaves one dazed. The temple is strictly for Hindu's only.

Photo Courtesy: G.-U. Tolkiehn

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

The two hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri have carved in them a Jain monastery. The caves are filled with beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha or the Queen's Cave is the largest and is well decorated. There is also the Hati Gumpha or Elephant Cave which showcases the King Kharavela's reign.

Photo Courtesy: Steve Browne & John Verkleir

Dhauli

Dhauli holds an important place in history. It is here that Emperor Ashoka realised the brutality of war and thus, filled with remorse, took up Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa is located here and is a symbol of peace.

Photo Courtesy: Sankara Subramanian

Mukteshwar Temple

Thamizhpparithi MaariDating back to 10th century, the Mukteshwar Temple marks the important transition phase between the early and the later half of the Kalinga architecture. The highlight is the magnificent torana - the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Odisha. This temple is considered to be the gem of Odishan architecture. The beautiful sculptures eloquently speak of the sense of proportion and perspective of the sculptor and their unique ability in the exact depiction of the minutest objects. Mukteswar means 'Lord of freedom'.

Photo Courtesy: Thamizhpparithi Maari

Nandankanan Zoo

The zoo houses many a wild animals of which the noteworthy is that of the white tiger. There is a lake inside the zoo where one can go boating. There is a ropeway located here and the Botanical Gardens is adjacent to the zoo.

Photo Courtesy: Dreamodisha

Shopping

Bhubaneswar offers a few items to it's visitors in terms of shopping. One can purchase cloth items from the hand woven textile shops or wooden idols of Jaganath from small roadside shops.

Photo Courtesy: RubyGoes

Food

Bhubaneswar has many multi-cuisine restaurants where one can have their food of choice, but then do not forget to try out the local cuisine as well. Take a trip to one of the local restaurants where food is served on a plates made by leaves. One will not only enjoy the food but will end up asking for more.