This blog discusses about the 13 best things to do in Bhubaneswar that you must visit when you are planning of a trip.
Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha, located in the eastern part of India. Bhubaneswar is also popularly referred to as the “The Temple City Of India”, which is named after Tribhubaneswar – “Lord of Three Worlds”. It is believed that there had been approximately 7000 temples in Ekamra Kshetra in historic times. Ekamra Kshetra is known as the old town currently, is the heritage part of the capital city having best temples. It reveals the fine of Kalingan architecture which were built in between 8th to 12th century AD. Some of them are famous Lingaraja Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Parasurameswar Temple. This part of city additionally has water bodies along with Bindu Sagar Lake, Mirichi Kunda, Ganga Yamuna. It is believed that most of the water bodies have medicinal properties.
Though modern city of Bhubaneswar was formally established in 1948, the history of city can be traced back to 3rd century BC or earlier. Kalinga (the ancient name of present Odisha) has seen many dynasty changes in between 3rd century BC till 15th century AD. Though Hinduism is the predominant faith, the cultural and historical heritage of the city speaks about the influx of Buddhism & Jainism. Dhauli is the place, where the famous battle was fought between Emperor Ashoka and the Kalinga army, after which Ashoka followed Buddhism. Famous Khandagiri & Udaigiri caves are rock-cut architectural beauties of the 1st century BC of Jain importance.
Modern Bhubaneswar, is a well planned city and is emerging as important information & technology hub as well as a venue for conference and convention. Bhubaneswar is also the Sports Capital of India & has organised numerous national & international sporting events including World Cup Hockey.
Bhubaneswar is well connected by air with various major cities of India and with South East Asia. The state comes under East Coast railway and have good connectivity of trains from various parts of India. Similarly, State transport has very good bus services to multiple tourist destinations in India.
Odia is the most common language spoken with in the city. However, Hindi and English are very much understood and accepted.
Best time to visit is from October to March.
#1. A visit to Iconic Lord Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar
Lingaraja, literally means the king of Lingam, the iconic form of Shiva. Presiding deity in the temple is “Swayambhu Lingam”(self originated). Shiva is worshiped as Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu, which is a unique feature of the temple. On the top of the temple instead of Trishula (primary weapon of Shiva) and Chakra (primary weapon of Vishnu), it has arrow, which is another unique feature of the temple. It is also believed that Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva at this place and the unique features of the temple represents the harmony between Shivaites & Vaishnavites.
It is one of the largest temple in Bhubaneswar, the central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple exhibits the best sculpture works of Kalinga architecture. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), nata mandira (dance hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings). It’s a huge temple complex with images of Goddess Parvati, Lord Narasimha, Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya & Nandi etc.
As per local tradition, Shiva & Parvati were staying in Varanasi after their marriage. After the passage of time, this place got populated, hence Shiva came to Ekamra Kshetra (present name Bhubaneswar) for meditation. Devi Parvati got to know about this place from Lord Brahma and visited in search of Lord Shiva. Here, she changed herself to a milkmaid to take care of cows in the area. Parvati was looking beautiful in her milkmaid look. Two demons Kirti & Vasa were got attracted and proposed her to marry. She asked them to carry her in their shoulder. They agreed and later Parvati crushed them to the ground with her feet. She was feeling thirsty, so Shiva struck his Trident at the ground and spring came out. Later this place was sanctified by drops of water from various scared rivers, streams and later it took a shape of water body which is known as Bindusagar. Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati resided at this place thereafter.
Ashoka Ashtami is the main festival celebrated at the temple. It falls on the eighth day of Chaitra masa as per hindu calender (month of March – April).
Non-hindus are not allowed inside the Lingaraj temple, one can view from outside platform.
#2. The Mukteswar Temple – Gem of Odisha Architecture in Bhubaneswar
Mukteswar temple is a 10th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. This temple is a small one as compared to other large temples in Bhubaneswar and well known as the “Gem of Odisha architecture” or “Gem of Kalinga Architecture”. The temple is enclosed within an octagonal compound wall with elaborate carvings on it. The temple has a porch, reffered to as torana, makes this temple unique and it is believed that its design marks a transition point between the early and later phases of the Kalingan School of Architecture.
Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha organises three day “Mukteswar Dance Festival” every year. Festival focuses on Odissi dance which is the Classical dance form of Odisha and Odissi music.
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#3. Rajarani temple – a hidden beauty in Bhubaneswar
Rajarani temple is believed to be originaly known as Indreswara. It is also known as love temple because of erotic sculptures on the walls of the temple. It’s a 10th century Hindu temple, built in the pancharatha style on a raised platform with two structures: a central shrine called the vimana (structure containing the sanctum) and jagamohana (assembly hall) with a pyramidal roof. The temple is constructed of dull red and yellow sandstone locally referred to as “Rajarani”. The most unique thing about this temple is being a shrine without any idol, hence it isn’t related to any particular sect of Hinduism.
Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha organises “Rajarani Music Festival” every year from 18 to 20 January. The festival focuses on three types of musics – Hindustani, Carnatic and Odissi giving equal importance to Musicians from different part of country.
#4. Visit to beautiful Parashurameswar temple in Bhubaneswar
Parashurameswar represents Shiva as the lord of Parashurama, one of the avtars of Vishnu. This temple is considered to the best preserved specimen of an early Odia Hindu temple, built in Nagara style, which emphasises on vertical structure. Temple is dedicated to Shiva and built sometime between 7 to 8th Cenrury AD. Parashurama temple has a vimana (the sanctum) and jagamohana (hall of worshippers), from where pilgrims view the sanctum. It is the first temple to have an addittional structure called jagamohana, compared to earlier temples that had only the vimana.
Parashurameswar temple along with Rajarani temple provide existence of Devadasi tradition during 7th & th century CE. Devadasi is a woman dedicated to worship & serve a deity or a temple, for rest of her life.
#5. A visit to Bindu Sagar Lake in Bhubaneswar
Bindusagar is located in walkable distance from Lingaraj temple. The tank is enclosed within a masonry embankment made of dressed laterite blocks. It has embankments on all of four sides. The temple of Ananta Vasudeva stands on the eastern embankment across the road, Mohini temple in southern embankment, Markandesvara temple in south-eastern embankment, Uttaresvara temple precinct in northern embankments. It is considered as a holiest water tank and all rituals of Lord Lingaraj are closely associated with Bindusagar.
#6. The historical Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves in Bhubaneswar
The caves at Udayagiri and Khandagiri were excavated by King Kharavela (2nd – 1st century BC) of the Mahamegavahana dynasty, which ruled the ancient kingdom of Kalinga (modern day Odisha state) from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. The caves located on two adjoining hills, had been made for Jaina ascetics for their stay and meditation. There are 18 caves in Udayagiri & 15 caves in Khandagiri. The most important of these caves is Rani Gumpha – a double storeyed monastery, is the largest and most beautiful among the complex. Other important caves are Hathi gumpha, Ananta gumpha, Ganesha gumpha, Jaya Vijaya gumpha, Mancapuri gumpha, Bagha gumpha and Sarpa gumpha.
One can visit these caves any day of the week between 8 AM to 5 PM.
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#7. The stunning Shanti Stupa at Dhauligiri in Bhubaneswar
Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri is also known as the Peace Pagoda. Dhauli has huge open space, located on the bank of the river Daya. It is the place where famous battle between King Ashoka and Kalinga army was fought and Daya river was flooded with the blood of the deceased at the end of the war. Ashoka realised the extent of the horror associated with it and embraced the path of peace and tranquillity. Gradually Dhauli became the important place for Buddhist activities. There are number of rock edicts lying on the way to Dhauli, which display various welfare schemes initiated by King Ashoka for his citizens and also diktats to his officials on governance. Among all the edicts, the rock cut elephant that is considered to be the earliest Buddhist sculpture in Odisha.
#8. Chausathi Yogini Temple in Hirapur – A Gem of Odisha in Bhubaneswar
Chausathi Yogini temple (64 Yoginis) is believed to be built by Queen Hiradevi of Bramha dynasty during the 9th century. It is located in a place called Hirapur, 20 kms outside Bhubaneswar. Temple built in circular style and inside the wall there are cavities, each one of it houses statue of a goddess. The presiding deity is Goddess Shakti along with her sixty four incarnations. Yoginis are goddesses or demi-goddesses worshipped in Tantric practices. It is believed that Tantra Vidya was quite popular during 6th century CE, which marked the beginning of decline of Buddhism.
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#9. Nandan Kanan – A tiger’s paradise in Bhubaneswar
Nandankanan literally means “Celestial Garden”, located at a distance of approx. 20 kms from Bhubaneswar, came into existence in 1960. Along the bank of lake Kanjia and amidst natural forest, it is spread across more than 1000 acres and is most famous for it’s white tigers. It is the first zoo to breed the Gharials in captivity. It also houses endangered species such as the Gharial, esturine crocodile, common mongoose, Indian porcupine, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles etc. Besides the zoo includes 34 aquaria which are home to a large variety of fresh water fish. The zoo has the largest Orchid House of Odisha spreading over 5000 sq ft and around 130 species of orchids are found here
This is first zoo in India with a white tiger safari. Besides, Lion safari by specially protected vehicle, Sloth bear safari by bus are also available. For elderly and physically challenged people battery operated vehicles are available.
It’s open daily except on Monday. The timings are different for winter and summer months. From April to September it’s open from 0730 hrs till 1730 hrs and October to March from 0800 hr till 1700 hrs.
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#10.Odisha State Museum in Bhubaneswar
The origin of this museum can be traced back to 1932 by Prof. N.C. Banerjee & Prof. Ghanshyam Das of Ravenshaw College, Cuttack. The museum started with a small collection of archaeological treasures from various places. It was then housed within the premises of the college. In 1938, by a suitable order, the Government of Odisha transformed this nucleus into the Provincial museum of Odisha. In 1960, the Museum shifted to present building which is located near Kalpana square which is in the heart of city. These days, it houses an extensive collection of arts & artifacts and now maintained by State Government and Archaeological Department of the Government of India.
The museum is divided into eleven sections, viz, Archaeology, Epigraphy, Numismatics, Armoury, Mining & Geology, Natural History, Art & Craft, Contemporary Art, Patta Painting, Anthropology and Palmleaf Manuscripts. It houses rich and invaluable collection of stone inscriptions, archeological findings, tools dating back to the stone and bronze-age, rare copper plates, paintings and traditional and folk musical instruments of the region. Patta paintings and manuscripts exhibit in the gallery is the most appealing one with a big collection of rare Palm leaf manuscripts including devotional poem Gita Govinda. Museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM and closed on Monday.
#11. Odisha Crafts Museum “Kala Bhoomi” in Bhubaneswar
Odisha Crafts Museum also known as Kalabhoomi, founded in 2018, dedicated to the arts and crafts of Odisha. The museum celebrates the craftsmanship of artisans by putting on display their breath-taking masterpieces. At Kala Bhoomi 8 galleries are open to the general public out of 10, which houses Terracotta, Traditional Paintings, Stone and Wood carving, Natural material crafts and Tribal Crafts, unique and antique raw materials and equipment as well as variety of Handlooms. Several handloom and handicraft items are very rare and over a 100-year-old.Upon arrival visit Kala Bhoomi.
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It’s open to public daily from 1000 hrs till 1730 hrs except on National holidays and public holidays.
#12. Spend a day for exploring market and shopping of Odisha textiles and handicrafts in Bhubaneswar
Shopping in Bhubaneswar is an experience. The city offers a lots of options for people to collect souvenirs like handicrafts and hand-looms. This city is famous for its Sambalpuri silk fabric, appliqué worked fabric called chandua, ikat fabrics, silk, wooden work, silver filigree jewelry. The Boyanika at Market building is a state hand-loom shop having all variety of hand-loom products, Utkalika is the state emporium in Market building where handicrafts works are available, Ekamra Haat at Madhusudan Marg is also a good option for shopping authentic products.
#13. Must try dishes of Odisha
Odia cuisine uses less oil and less spicy, however it has a unique cooking style which makes it flavourful. Some of the hand picked list of Odisha’s dishes are – khichdi, dalma, kanika, fish curry, chungdi malai, aloo potala rasa, besara, macha ghanta, dahi vada aloo dum, the traditional sweet dishes – chhena poda, rasabali, chennai jhili etc
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Author note : Anima Biswal is a New Delhi based Travel & Tourism Professional. The author has consulted various open-source information for preparing this article.
Image source : Odisha Tourism
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