Bhubaneswar, known as the ‘temple city of India’ is one of the most culturally effervescent cities of India. The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneshwar represent a happy combination of old-world charm with new world comforts. A place where culture and technology flourish together, where the glorious past is preserved, and an illustrious future is in the making, the city has many surprises gift wrapped for everyone
About Bhubaneshwar
The city of Bhubaneswar has a long history of around 3000 years. While the old city is 2600 years old, the modern city came into being in 1948 when the German architect OH Koeingsberges designed it as the new capital of Odisha. Before the present city came into being, Bhubaneswar was home to about 7000 temples (hence the name temple city) before the vagaries of nature and ill-apathy of the people took its toll. Nonetheless, there are still hundreds of temples in the old part of the town that stand majestically as mute witness to the glorious history of Odisha architectural heritage.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is steeped in a rich cultural and traditional heritage, shaped by the legacies of great rulers like Kharavela. Temple construction holds a central place in its history, showcasing the evolution of Kalinga architecture from the 7th to the 13th century. From the ancient marvel of Parsurameswar (7th century) to the grandeur of Vaital Deul (8th century), Mukteswar (10th century), and the iconic Rajarani, Brahmeswar, and Lingaraj temples (11th century), each structure stands as a testament to Odisha’s architectural brilliance.
Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraj temple is one of the oldest temples in the capital city of Bhubaneshwar. This non jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva stands 54 m in the midst of several small temples located within its complex. One of the most prominent temples of city, the Shiv Linga here is worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Note: Like the Jagannath temple of Puri, non-Hindus are not allowed inside the premises of the Lingaraj temple.
Bindu Sagar Lake
Located close to the Lingaraj temple, Bindu Sagar lake is the largest water body and one of the most auspicious lakes of the city. The lake is integral to all the rituals of Lord Lingaraja. During the Ashokastami festival the area around the lake turns to a hub of religious activities as the deity of the temple is taken to the lake accompanied by a huge procession.
Anant Vasudev Temple
Situated on the eastern bank of the Bindu Sagar lake is the 13th century Anant Vasudev temple. One of the few temples dedicated to the Vaishnavite tradition, the temple enshrines the idols of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra.
Mukteswar Temple
Built in the 10th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 34 feet high temple with a magnificent arch (torana) at the entrance is considered the gem of Odisha’s architecture. The outer walls are full of sculptures with some depicting the famous tales from the Panchatantra.
Every year a three-day dance function called Mukteswar Dance Festival is held in the temple premises by the state tourism department. This festival celebrates the Odissi, the classical dance form of Odisha and Odissi music, the classical music of the same tradition.
Rajarani Temple
Situated towards north-east of Lingaraja Temple, is the renowned Rajarani temple. Constructed in the 11th century, the temple gets its name from the local red and gold sandstone that was used to build it. Originally known as Indreshvara, the unique thing about this temple is the absence of any presiding deity and its exquisite carvings and sculptures.
Every year, from January 18th to 20th, the Department of Tourism of the Government of Odisha orchestrates the Rajarani Music Festival at the temple premises. This cultural extravaganza celebrates classical music, embracing Hindustani, Carnatic, and Odissi styles with equal reverence. Musicians from across the nation converge to enchant audiences during this three-day spectacle.
Ekamra Haat
Located in the heart of the city, Ekamra Haat is the perfect place where one can buy Odisha’s textiles and handicrafts like pattachitra, dokra metal art, sarees etc. directly from artisans and state appointed representatives. Also included within the premises of the haat are an open-air theater, lily pond with water fountain, information center and food stalls where you can savor Odisha’s delicacies.
Pathani Smanta Planetarium
Spread across 5 acres, the Pathani Smanta Planetarium is named after the well-known Odisha astronomer Mahamahopadhyaya Chandrasekhar Simha Harichandan Mohapatra Samanta. Located near the Acharya Vihar Square the planetarium features show related to astronomy. With a unique domed shaped auditorium, the planetarium aims to create awareness in the field of astronomy, astro-physics and space science.
Show timings: Four shows are held between 2 pm and 6 pm in various languages: two in Odia, one in Hindi, and one in English (2:00 pm and 5:00 pm in Odia, 3:00 pm in Hindi, and 4:00 pm in English) respectively. Each show lasts from 30- 40 minutes. The planetarium is opened 6 days a week except Mondays.
Regional Science Center
Built in the 1980’s, the Regional Science Center aims to cultivate interest in science through various games and models. A place where children can learn with fun, the center also houses a prehistoric park and a games corner.
Regional Plant Research Center (Ekamra Kanan)
Spread across 500 acres of land, Ekamra Kanan boasts of having the largest cacti park in Asia. The park also houses several collections of roses, orchids and other rare plants. A must visit place for naturalist, plant lovers and researchers. An annual plant and flower show held during the month of November attracts both locals and visitor alike.
Regional Museum of Natural History
Established in 2004 and located Pathani Smanta Planetarium, the Regional Museum of Natural History showcases the varied geology as well as the flora and fauna of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, the Northeast and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through its biodiversity gallery as well through various exhibitions, workshops and educational activities. The museum also has a library on life science and, natural history. Daily shows on nature & wildlife are held from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm to 04:00 pm.
The Regional Museum of Natural History is opened from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Entry is free.
Visit Regional Museum of Natural History to book your tour.
Odisha State Museum
Located in Kalpana Square, the Odisha State Museum showcases the best of Odisha’s archaeological remains and treasures. A veritable treasure house of ancient sculptures, stones inscriptions, rare palm leave manuscripts, stone and bronze age, it also has a wonderful collection of Buddhist and Jaina sculptures, copper plates and various traditional and folk musical instruments, ancient weapons and rare photographs.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM all days of the week except Monday and 2nd and 4th Saturdays.
Timing of Entry Ticket Counter: 10.00 A.M. to 4.30 P.M.
Paika Rebellion Light and Sound Show Time:
- 1st show -11.30 to 12.15 P.M
- 2nd show -3.00 P.M. to 3.45 P.M.
Odisha Crafts Museum (Kalabhoomi)
The first of its kind in eastern region of the country, the Odisha crafts museum, popularly known as Kalabhoomi showcases the arts and crafts of Odisha. Spread across 12.68 Acres of an area, the museum is divided into 2 blocks of which one is a live section where workshops are held while the other is a display area comprising of several galleries dedicated to Terracotta, Traditional Paintings, Stone and Wood Carving, Pre-weaving techniques, Tribal Crafts, The Crafts of Shree Jagannath Culture and Handloom.
Also located within the museum precincts is an open-air amphitheater, and souvenir shop.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM all days of the week.
Indira Gandhi Park (IG Park)
Built in memory of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who gave her last public speech before her death, the Indira Gandhi Park is known for its lush greenery, serene environment, and well-maintained walking paths. It serves as a recreational space for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat where they can enjoy leisurely walks, jogging, yoga sessions, or simply relax and unwind amidst nature. The park is also equipped with facilities such as benches, playgrounds for children, and sometimes hosts cultural events or exhibitions. The park is opened from 5am-9pm.
Biju Patnaik Park
Biju Patnaik Park, also known as Forest Park, is another prominent park in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Named after Biju Patnaik, a notable politician and former Chief Minister of Odisha, the park is known for its lush green surroundings, well-maintained gardens, and variety of trees and plants. There are pathways for pathways for walking, jogging and a dedicated play area for kids.
Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves
Located some 6 kms east of Bhubaneswar, the twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri are known for the caves that were built for the Jaina ascetics in the 1st-2nd century BC by Emperor Kharvela. While Udaigiri has 18 caves, Khandagiri has 15 caves. These caves partly natural, partly artificial are famed for the impeccable sculptures and, reliefs. The main highlight of the cave however is the Hathigumpa inscriptions that details the 13 years of Kharvela’s reign.
NandanKanan Zoological & Botanical Park
Located 18 kms from Bhubaneswar, the Nandanandan Zoological and Botanical Park is home to several exotic species of birds and animals. The zoo was the first in the country where endangered Gharials were born in captivity in 1980 and where the White tiger and Melanistic tiger were first bred. Also located within the park is the Botanical Garden which has within its precinct a Butterfly Garden, an orchid house spread over 5000 sqft, a rosarium with 1200 Rose plants belonging to 55 varieties, a cacti house with more than 1200 cacti and many more.
Guests visiting the zoo can go on lion and tiger safari, boating and curated special walks. There is also a toy train that goes 1.58 km on a circular track around the lake and through thickly vegetated areas where herbivores roam freely.
*For walks, do check their website for timings and other details.
NandanKanan Zoological & Botanical Park Opening Timings
| Zoological Park | Botanical Garden |
| April to September (07.30 hrs. to 17.30 hrs.) | April to September (07.30 hrs. to 17.30 hrs.) |
| October to March (08.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs.) | October to March (08.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs.) |
| Zoological Park remains closed on every Monday | Botanical Garden remains closed on every Monday |
NandanKanan Zoological & Botanical Park Fees
Entry Fee
Adult – is Rs 50/-
Kids (3-12 years) – Rs 10/-.
Foreigners -Rs 10/-
Safari
Safaris (Non-AC) (45 Min for 4 safaris) – Rs 65/-
Safaris (AC) (45 Min for 4 safaris) – Rs 100/-
Ropeway – 120 per person
Bicycles – Rs 5/- For 6 hours
Toy Train Price
Adult – is Rs 50/-
Kids (3-12 years) – Rs 30/-.
The train leaves every 30 minutes starting from 9.30 am till 4.30 pm with break 1.00 pm-2.00 pm.
Tickets to NandanKanan Zoological & Botanical Park can be booked online or via Whatsapp.
In addition to these sights, there are several other temples, parks and other recreational areas in and around Bhubaneswar that one can visit. Keep about 2-3 days in hand if you want to comfortably see the city and its sights. For areas around Bhubaneswar, check out part 2 of our Bhubaneswar travel guide.