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Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha, India. Considered to have more than 1000 temples, Bhubaneswar is known as the “Temple City of India”. It attracts thousands of tourists across the country with its rich cultural and historical heritage. It is known for its ancient temples, vibrant wildlife, and historical caves. When planning your trip to Bhubaneswar with family, do not miss visiting the top destinations and shopping at Ekamra Haat, and trying delicious cuisine. If you are planning to visit the Temple City, our well-crafted Bhubaneswar travel guide would be a great help. The comprehensive tour guide highlights the best places to visit, the best time to visit, and where to shop in Bhubaneswar. And if you want, Footloose Holidays can help you design a perfect Bhubaneswar tour itinerary tailored to your preferences, pace, and interests.
About Bhubaneswar
Located in the eastern part of India, Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated in the Kordha District and is a perfect combination of ancient heritage and contemporary allure. Being home to approx. 1000 temples, it is renowned as the Temple City of India. Nestled amidst lush greenery and historical landmarks, Bhubaneswar attracts thousands of visitors from all around the country. Bhubaneswar captivates its visitors with its bustling markets, ancient temples, captivating architecture, and natural surroundings.
Top Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is famed for both its cultural heritage and ancient temples, as well as the bustling markets. So, there are plenty of places to see and visit in Bhubaneswar. Our Bhubaneswar tour guide includes all the major tourist spots that you must include in your itinerary to make your trip memorable:
Mukhteshwar Temple
Built in the 10th century, Mukhteshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest temples, dedicated to lord Shiva. Ever since its inception, this temple has stood tall in all its glory and charm, which makes it a quintessential example of the Kalinga style of architecture. Located just 1.5 km from the revered Lingaraj Temple, Mukhteshwar Temple is famous for its intricate carvings and harmonious blending. With its very fascinating artwork, the temple is one of the top tourist spots in Bhubaneswar.
Parsurameswar Temple
Believed to have been built around 650 CE. Parsurameswar Temple is one of the oldest existing temples in the state of Odisha. This temple is renowned for its splendid architecture and is regarded as the temple where the evolution of the Odisha Temple structures started. The legends have it, this was the first temple to have the entrance hall called Jagmohana, which was attached to the main sanctum. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Parsurameswar Temple is located on the same premises as Mukhteshwar Temple.
Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj Temple is Bhubaneswar’s largest and most important shrine in the Temple City of Bhubaneswar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Harihara. Hari means lord Vishnu, and Hara means Lord Shiva. The temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga. The Shivalinga is 8 inches tall and 8 feet in diameter. Built in the 11th century in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple boasts finely carved sculptures on its walls of the temple. It is spread over a large area and comprises 150 smaller temples.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Located just 15 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Nanakanan is a famous zoological park and a popular tourist spot. Unlike other zoos in India, this Zoo is built inside a natural forest. The best thing to experience here is that the animals freely roam in the natural surroundings without any apprehension. The meaning of Nandankanan is “The Gardens of Heaven”. It is home to many endangered species, including the Hippopotamus and gharial. It is the first zoo to breed Melanistic and White Tigers. Do not miss to enjoy Lion, Tiger, Bear, and Deer Safari here. You can also enjoy a boat ride at Kanjia Lake.
Tribal Museum
Located in the CRP Square, the Tribal Museum was established in 1953. Today, this place is one of the major tourist sites in Bhubaneswar. This museum gives an insight into the life of the tribal community. This museum is known as the Odisha State Tribal Museum, which celebrates the life of Odisha’s 62 tribal communities.
Where and What to Shop in Bhubaneswar
All the shopaholics can indulge themselves in shopping for souvenirs for their friends and families. Bhubaneswar offers its visitors a delightful shopping experience. If you are in Bhubaneswar, do not forget to explore and shop at these vibrant and bustling markets for handicrafts and traditional textiles.
Bapuji Market: If you want to purchase some traditional Odiya textiles and fabrics, Bapuji Market is the best shopping destination for you. From colorful Sambalpuri Sarees to handmade cotton Ikat clothes, you get a wide variety of traditional attire to buy from this bustling market in Bhubaneswar.
Shaheed Nagar Market: This supermarket is famous for its fashionable accessories, clothing, and footwear. Browse through the trendiest and stylish accessories or clothes to buy the best one for you and your loved ones.
Ekamra Haat: People who visit Bhubaneswar never miss visiting this beautiful market in Bhubaneswar. It is one of the most popular markets in the city that is considered a must-visit place during your Bhubaneswar tour. It is the cultural hub that showcases Bhubaneswar’s rich heritage through its handicrafts, handloom fabrics, and decorative pieces.
Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar
While Bhubaneswar is a year-round tourist destination, the winter season is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar. The climate remains pleasant, cool, and dry throughout the day with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28 °C. It is the best time for sightseeing and temple visits, as well as attending festivals. However, the monsoon season is also one of the best times to visit this metropolis when it turns into lush greenery. Summer is the off-peak season. Hence, you get fewer crowds and good discounts on hotels and Bhubaneswar tour packages. If you want to explore the city to its fullest, plan your trip in the winter season from October to February.
How to Reach
Bhubaneswar is well-connected to all the major cities in India by road, air, and railway. So, one can travel from any city in India and the world to Bhubaneswar. The fastest way to reach Bhubaneswar is to fly, and the cheapest and most convenient way is to travel by train.
By Flight: Bhubaneswar has its own airbase, Biju Patnaik International Airport. It handles both domestic and international flights from all the major Indian cities and international locations, including Kuala Lumpur, Thailand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. So, you can fly to Bhubaneswar from Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi, Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, and Nagpur.
By Train: A large number of trains run through Bhubaneswar from the major Indian cities. It has its own railway station, and you get direct superfast and express trains to reach Bhubaneswar.
By Road: There are many government and private buses available from different cities and neighboring states to Bhubaneswar. You can travel by bus or even book a taxi or cab to reach Bhubaneswar.
