Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the 'Temple City of India'. It boasts of a rich historical heritage and is home to many ancient temples like the Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Mukteshvara Temple. The city is a gateway to the Golden Triangle of Eastern India, consisting of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark.
The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant with cool to comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
While Bhubaneswar itself does not have a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple in Konark, which is approximately 65 km from Bhubaneswar, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Golden Triangle that can be visited from the city.
Popular tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar include Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteshvara Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Giri Hills, Nandankanan Zoological Park, and Odisha State Museum.
Yes, Bhubaneswar is just an hour's drive from the Bay of Bengal, where you can visit several beaches. The closest and most popular beach town is Puri, which is renowned for its beaches and the famous Jagannath Temple.
When in Bhubaneswar, you should try local Odia cuisine, including dishes like Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), Dalma (lentils cooked with vegetables), Khichdi, and different types of sweets like Rasagolla, Chhena Poda, and Khira Sagara.
Yes, the Nandankanan Zoological Park, which is also a sanctuary and botanical garden, is located around 20 km from Bhubaneswar. It is home to various species of flora and fauna and is known for its white tiger population.
In Bhubaneswar, you can shop for traditional handloom saris like Bomkai and Sambalpuri, silver filigree work, applique artwork from Pipli, stone and wood carvings, and other handicrafts. The main shopping districts include Market Building, Ekamra Haat, and Bapuji Nagar.
Yes, Bhubaneswar is served by the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is located approximately 3 km from the city center. It is well-connected to major cities in India and has limited international flights.
Bhubaneswar offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. From luxury hotels and business-class properties to mid-range hotels and budget stays, travelers have multiple choices. There are also traditional guesthouses and homestays for a more authentic experience.