From atop the Dhauli Hill, the highest point in the region around Bhubaneswar, the view is picturesque – a lissome river meandering lazily through lush green paddy fields. As you savour the scene, remember that you’re probably gazing at the site of one of the oldest battles known in Indian history – the Kalinga War in the 3rd century BC that transformed Ashoka the Conqueror into a great pacifist monarch.
The most distinguishing feature of this city is the abundance of magnificent temples that showcase the architectural excellence of Odia sculptors.
The Bhubaneswar of today lacks the aesthetics of its previous avatar. The new parts of the city came up when it became the new capital of Odisha, taking over from Cuttack. This modern capital has been developed by engineers and architects with a clearly utilitarian ethic, and can appear somewhat soulless.
Things to See & Do
Temples
Legend has it that there were originally 7,000 temples in the city, built over 700 years. Only 600 have survived the ravages of time and iconoclasts. They can be divided into three loose clusters that can be explored on foot.
Tip With the exception of the Raja Rani Temple, entry to all Bhubaneswar temples is free
The Lingaraja Cluster
Built in the 11th century, the imposing 185-ft-tall Lingaraja Temple is considered the quintessence of the Kalinga School of Architecture and the most important temple in Odisha. The sheer size and scale of Lingaraja defies belief. It is surrounded by a large courtyard full of smaller shrines. The 8th century Vaital Temple is worth a visit. You can see life-size chlorite stone statues, beautiful carvings and erotic sculptures here.
Tip Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Lingaraja Temple
The Raja Rani Temple Cluster
The Raja Rani Temple, also from the 11th century, stands in splendid isolation amid well-manicured lawns. Incidentally, the name of the temple has nothing to with any king or queen; it refers to a type of sandstone locally called rajaraniya.The carvings, wonderfully baroque and indulgently sensuous, are stunning.
Entry Indians ₹15; Foreigners ₹200 Timings Sunrise–Sunset Photography Free Videography ₹25
The Mukteswara Temple Cluster
The Mukteswara Temple cluster has two important shrines – Parsurameswara and Mukteswara. Said to be built around 650 CE, Parsurameswara Temple is the best preserved of the earliest temples in the region.
The relatively small 10th century Mukteswara Temple has a beautiful arched gateway and exquisite carvings.
Nandan Kanan Zoological Park
Acclaimed as one of the most well-maintained zoos in India, Nandan Kanan is an open-air zoo carved from natural forests. The zoo also includes a botanical garden. Both are separated by a lake and spread over a scenic landscape of several hundred acres. Because of amenities such as wheel chairs and battery-operated vehicles, the zoo bustles with visitors. However, the botanical garden is an oasis of calm and serenity.
Entry Indians ₹25; Foreigners ₹100 Timings 7.30am–5.30pm Closed Mondays
There are Forest Rest Houses by the side of the lake. For bookings, contact the Director, Nandan Kanan (Tel: 0674-466075/ 77; nandankanan.org)
Museums
The Odisha State Museum has an amazing collection of palm leaf manu-scripts. The oldest manuscript here dates back to 1690 – 80 different folios make the Geet Govinda, an important work in the Krishna Bhakti tradition, by the 12thcentury poet Jayadeva.
Entry Indians ₹10; Foreigners ₹100 Timings 10.00am–5.00pm Closed Mondays Tel 2431597
The Tribal Museum houses objects depicting tribal social and cultural life – photographs of healers, musical instruments, handmade wooden guns, and items relating to tribal worship practices.
Timings 10.00am–5.00pm Closed Mondays Tel 2563649
The Regional Museum of Natural History exhibits skeletal remains of animals, information on endangered species and photos of wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha. The gigantic egg of an elephant bird (now extinct), sourced from Madagascar, is a rare exhibit.
Timings 10.00am–5.00pm Closed Mondays Tel 2567114
Pathani Samant Planetarium
Named after a famous astronomer, the planetarium has regular shows and special programmes such as night sky watching. Light, sound and water shows are held from October to June.
Entry Adults ₹30; Children ₹20 Timings 2.00–5.00pm Closed Mondays Tel 2567653
Ekamra Kanan
Also known as the Regional Plant Resource Centre, a vast expanse of green lawns, flower gardens and a lake provide much succour during sultry summer evenings. Major attractions here are the migratory birds, a children’s park, boating and a musical fountain. However, the main park is open on all days (8.00am–7.00pm).
Ekamra Haat
Browse through stalls selling ethnic handicrafts. Terracotta, crafts and handloom exhibitions from other states are held throughout the year. A couple of food kiosks serve Odia snacks and meals too.
Timings 10.00am–10.00pm
Dhauli
Dhauli is where Ashoka was overcome with remorse in the aftermath of the Kalinga War. He embraced Buddhism and spent the rest of his life spreading the message of non-violence.The famous rock edicts (dated to 257 BCE) here describe Ashoka’s philosophy of life. One can also visit the Shanti Stupa atop Dhauli Hill and enjoy the splendid view of the Daya River winding its way through paddy fields.
Timings 6.00am–6.00pm Sound & Light Show Entry ₹25 Timings 7.00–7.35pm; 7.45–8.20pm (English, Odia, Hindi)
Tip There is no show on Monday
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
The multi-tiered rock-cut caves of Udayagiri (ancient Skandagiri) and Khandagiri symbolise Jainism’s cameo in Odisha’s historical drama. Comm-issioned by the great Jain king Kharavela, they were meant as dwellings for Jain monks. Cave 4 or Rani Gufa in Udayagiri is a two-storeyed structure with attractive sculptures. Cave 10, Ganesh Gufa, has a statue of Ganesha and two elephants. Khandagiri is disappointing, with disintegrated statues of Jain Tirthankaras.
Entry Indians ₹15; Foreigners ₹200 Timings 8.00am–5.00pm
Where to Stay
For luxury, try the Trident (Tel: 0674-2301010; Tariff: ₹12,000–25,000), Mayfair Lagoon (Tel: 2360101, 6660101; Tariff: ₹7,000–40,000) or Toshali Sands (Tel: 2547720; Tariff: ₹6,600–15,000). Less costly options are Ginger Bhubaneswar (Tel: 6663333; Tariff: ₹3,499–4,299), the OTDC’s Pantha-nivas (Tel: 2432314/ 515, Cell: 09861126800; Tariff: ₹2,200), Hotel Nandan (Tel: 2534346; Tariff: ₹1500–1,800) and Hotel Pushpak (Tel: 2310185; Tariff: ₹2,400–5,000).
Where to Eat
Several places in Bhubaneswar serve an authentic Odia meal: Dalma, near Nicco Park, Odishi at Bapuji Nagar, Swastik Plaza and Mayfair Lagoon (both near Nayapalli) and Hotel Crown in Nayapalli. Chandni, at the Trident, is expensive for the city but worth the cost. For vegetarians, Hotel Harekrishna is often the best bet. About 12km away, en route to Cuttack, is the Kalinga Sweet Market at Pahala village – a row of roadside shacks selling superb Indian sweets.
Fast Facts
When to go October–March
Tourist office
Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, Paryatan Bhawan, Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar, Tel: 0674-2432177, Cell: 09437196064
STD code 0674
Getting There
Air Bhubaneswar Airport is connected to all the metros and many major cities
Rail Bhubaneswar Jn is linked to Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and many more
Road Long drive from Kolkata (420km/ 10hrs) but it’s smooth highway driving
Bus Overnight buses are available from Kolkata. There are state transport bus services connecting Bhubaneswar to all cities of Odisha