Bhubneshwar is blissful for many reasons. Most importantly, it is the capital town of Odisha and is famous as one of Odisha’s Golden Triangle attractions. Thus, it is no no-brainer why the places to visit in Bhubaneswar are the topic of discussion irrespective of the season. Even more, the major crowd pull is the 10-century-old Linjaraja Temple and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage, Sun Temple of Konark. At the same time, Bhubaneswar also has a chain of temples built under several dynasties, including Kalinga. But most of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
What’s Special About Attractions in Bhubaneswar?
Try to resonate with the appeal of attractions in Bhubaneswar with the fact that Mark Twain once said something about it. According to this great travel writer, Bhubaneswar would be the most visited tourist attraction of India if it had been in North India. Undoubtedly, Bhubaneswar has a strong architectural essence like Rajasthan. It is because the city is home to approximately 500 temples. Moreover, Bhubaneswar is the thriving center 5of art and culture. Above all, Bhubaneswar is one of the first planned cities of Modern India with Chandigarh and Jamshedpur.
7 Tourist Places in Bhubaneswar to Admire Thriving Architectural Legacy
Dive right up in our pick of 7 best tourists places in Bhubaneswar to admire the magnificent architectural legacy along with lakes, caves, museums touring:
- Lingaraj Temple
- Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves
- Odisha State Museum
- Dhauli Shanti Stupa
- Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Rajarani Temple
- Mukteswara Temple
Lingaraj Temple
- Temple Opening Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Free for all
- Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 5 km
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)
Embrace spirituality and enlighten yourself at one of the oldest temples in the town. Lingaraj Temple is one of the best places to visit in Bhubaneswar near the airport or railway station. It’s an 11th-century shrine dedicated to Harihara, a combined form of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Devotees, during their entrance, are greeted with mustache lion statues. The temple complex has around 64 small shrines. Moreover, only Hindus are allowed at Lingaraj Temple.
If foreigners or non-Hindus want to visit the temple, a viewing platform at the high compound wall is a great spot. Kalinga architecture is followed in the Lingaraj Temple, and the temple is designed from sandstone and laterite. Also, the temple walls are adorned with beautiful sculptures and intricate carvings. Some of them feature eroticism. It is during Shivratri when the Lingaraj Temple gets thronged with hundreds of tourists.
The Lingaraj Temple attracts lakhs of devotees every year, especially during Shivaratri. Pilgrims from all over the country gather here to offer prayers to the Lord. Chandan Yatra and Ratha Yatra are the other two important festivals celebrated at Lingaraja Temple with great pomp and fervor. Make sure you have a vaccination certificate because you will be asked to provide it before the entry.
Famous Festivals Celebrated at Lingaraj Temple: Chandan Yatra and Ratha Yatra
Best Time to Visit: Early summer (March to April), monsoon (June to September), winter (November to March)
A Few Other Temples Name Within the Complex: Parvati Temple, Yamraj Temple, Baijnath Temple
Advice: No electronic gadget is permitted inside the temple, and it’s a no-photography zone.
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Udayagiri And Khandagiri Caves
Caves Opening Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 3:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 15 (approx.) for Indians, ₹ 200 (approx.) for foreigners
Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 10 km
Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)
If you have 1-2 days in hand and want something out-of-the-box experience, visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. Located on the two adjacent hills, these caves are one of the best historic attractions, just a little outskirt from the main town. Moreover, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are perfect for spotting sunrise and sunset due to their hillock locations. In total, there are 33 rock-cut caves, out of which Udayagiri Hill has 18 caves while 15 caves are excavated on Khandagiri hill.
For Jain Monks to meditate, these impressive caves were built during the 2nd century BC by King Kharavela of the Meghavahana dynasty. Earlier there were supposed to be 171 caves, but now 33 are in surviving state. ASI in the change of Udayagiri Caves, and thus, it is a ticketed historic monument. Did we mention that the cave’s surroundings are encircled with a lush green garden for a picnic?
Must-Visit Caves in Udayagiri Hill: Rani Gumpha, Hathi Gumpha, Vyaghara Gumpha, Ganesh Gumpha
Must-Visit Caves in Khandagiri Hill: Navamuni Gumpha, Ananta Gumpha, Barabhuji Gumpha
Advice: Extra charges of around ₹ 20 (approx.) for video camera
Odisha State Museum
- Museum Opening Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 (approx.) for Indians, ₹ 200 (approx.) for foreigners
- Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 5 km
- Ideal Duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
As the name suggests, Odisha State Museum is the treasure trove of the state’s history. It dates back to 1932 and is regarded as the premium holiday spot to unlock a glimpse into Odisha’s history across eras. This sprawling museum has a complex that houses distinct galleries, and each of them has a string of distinct histories attached to primeval weapons, Buddhist & Jain artifacts, and rare palm-leaf manuscripts.
Upon entry, there is a park for kids with rides. Thus, Odisha State Museum is amongst the top tourist places to visit in Bhubaneswar with kids. Plan to tour Odisha State Museum irrespective of the season because it’s an enclosed tourist attraction. One thing is for sure, you will be bowled over with the rich culture, heritage, and history of Odisha within a few hours.
Famous Sections (Galleries) of the Odisha State Museum: Armoury Gallery, Epigraphy and Numismatic Gallery, Manuscript Gallery, Paika Gallery
Best Time to Visit: 365 days
Advice: Videography and photography charges are additional for both Indians and foreigners.
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Lingaraj Mandir
Dhauli Giri Hills
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
- Distance from the Airport: 11 km (approx.)
- Distance from Railway Station: 35 km (approx.)
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours (approx.)
It goes without saying that Stupa is considered a sacred Buddhist monument. And Dhauli Shanti Stupa is no exception. Located on the Dhauli Hills overlooking the Daya River, this Stupa gets its name. It’s a sacred Buddhist religious place a few kilometers outside of the main town. Peace Pagoda or Dhauli Shanti Stupa is a dome-shaped structure with stone panels displaying Lord Buddha’s footprints. Moreover, its dome has 5 umbrellas that objectify five essential lessons of Buddhism.
A Light and sound show held after dark with state-of-the-art projectors followed by laser beaming rays on the Stupa. As a result, Dhauli Shanti Stupa is commissioned as the principal tourist attraction to visit in Bhubaneswar at night. Moreover, the 3D projection on the Stupa adds strokes of elegance in the Light & Sound Show. You will learn about emperor Ashoka’s Buddhist beliefs during the event, followed by Kalinga, the Mauryan empire.
Light & Sound Show Timings: 7:00 PM to 7:35 PM and from 7:45 PM to 8:20 PM, Monday closed
Duration of the Light & Sound Show: 30 – 35 minutes (approx.)
Entry Fee for Light & Sound Show: ₹ 10 (approx.) for students, ₹ 200 (approx.) for adults
Nandankanan Zoological Park
- Nandankanan Zoological Park Opening Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (subject to change)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 50 (approx.) for Indians, ₹ 100 (approx.) for foreigners
- Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 5 km
- Ideal Duration: 4-5 hours (approx.)
Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the top places to visit in Bhubaneswar for a 1-day trip. As the name conveys, it is a place where wild creatures are kept for public showing. Nandankanan Zoological Park is housed inside Chandaka Forest. As a result, thousands of tourists in Bhubaneswar throng to witness flora and fauna in their natural habitat. The zoo has now sprawled across 437 hectares since it opened to the public in 1979. Wildlife safaris at Nandankanan Zoological Park include White Tiger Safari, and Herbivore Safari.
Around 156 species of animals are housed inside the Nandankanan Zoological Park. Unlike other zoos in India, this one in Bhubaneswar stands out differently for many reasons. Firstly, it is the first zoo in India to become a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA). Secondly, this zoo, since the 1980s has been a captivating breeding ground for the endangered Gharials. Finally, did we mention it is the only zoo in India that houses Open Billed Stork and orangutans?
Nandankanan Zoological Park Opening Season: March to May, October to February
Other Safari Options: Sloth Bear Safari, Lion Safari, Deer Safari
Safari Charges: ₹ 30 for White Tiger and Lion, ₹ 15 for Deer and Bear
Other Facilities: Boating (₹ 50) approx. two seater Battery operated vehicles (₹ 80) approx., guides availability (₹ 150 per hour) approx, toy train
Advice: There is a Botanical Garden also for green enthusiasts where a separate entry ticket is required. Plus, camera and video camera charges are also additional.
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Rajarani Temple
- Temple Opening Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (subject to change during festive seasons)
- Entry Fee: ₹ 25 (approx.) for Indians, and ₹ 300 (approx.) for foreigners
- Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 5 km
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours (approx.)
In the city of temples, it is obvious to come across dozens of temples. Rajarani Temple is another Hindu Temple of Bhubaneswar famous for its sculptures in erotic poses. Its ground is made from sandstone. As a bonus, the Kalinga architecture is a feast to the eyes. Rajarani Temple was dedicated to the Queen by a 10th-century Indian King. Initially, when this temple was built, Lord Shiva was the main deity. But as for now, no idol is inside. Instead, it is the detailed rock sculpture that fascinates the beholders.
Bestowed with a well-maintained lush green garden in its vicinity, Rajarani Temple is one of the best places for a photoshoot in Bhubaneswar. If you plan to manifest the best experiences in Bhubaneswar in January, attend a Music Festival where famous musicians and thousands of music enthusiasts come under one roof.
Best Time to Visit: Early summer (March to April), monsoon (June to September), winter (November to March)
Festival Celebrated with Dates: Rajarani Music Festival,18th – 20th January annually.
Mukteswara Temple
Temple Opening Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (subject to change during festive seasons)
Entry Fee: Free for all
Distance from Airport and Railway Station: Both are within 5 km
Ideal Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
Goddess Saraswati, Lord Krishna, and Lord Shiva are the deities at Mukteswara Temple. Mukteswara Temple is a gem of Orissan architecture, and thus, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar with families. The temple is a 10th-century structure and while you are here, get enamored with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain-style architecture. Even more, the Snake Queen (Naga Rani) looks like a mermaid at the nearby Raja Rani Mandir.
Inside the complex are several small shrines comprising 2-3 of Lingam of Lord Shiva. The temple spire is 35 feet, and the sculptural work on the walls is a sight to behold. Lastly, the archway (Torana) at the front speaks for the Buddhist sculptural influence. ASI is taking care of this magnificent piece of architecture. As a result, the surroundings of the Mukteswara Temple and its USP of decorating the backdrop of the photos make it a worthy photoshoot spot in Bhubaneswar.
Best Time to Visit: Early summer (March to April), monsoon (June to September), winter (November to March)
Advice: Be aware of the scammers in the name of photoshoot opportunities.
What is your purpose for holidaying in Bhubaneswar? Whether you plan to travel with family, friends, or your beloved one, check out the theme-based Odisha tour packages at Indian Holiday!
Tell Me Something About Bhubaneswar Tourism No One Talks About
Bhubaneswar is divided into western uplands and eastern lowlands. As a result, flora and fauna thrive. Legends say that once, Bhubaneswar streets were graced with around 1,000 temples during the Kalinga Empire. Afterward, the empire fell in the 3rd century.
Consequently, the dynasties who conquered Bhubaneswar continued to design temples and monuments. The capital town has a rich settlement history, having its roots back more than two thousand years.
Many of the city’s temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Lastly, Bhubaneswar is a patch on India’s east coastal plains, the perfect confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain worship sites.
Undoubtedly, Bhubaneswar enjoys the status of its proximity to Puri, which makes it one of the best holiday destinations for beach lovers also! If you want to get around Bhubaneswar, it’s best to hire a cab auto, or rickshaw according to your convenience and budget.
Hotels in Bhubaneswar
Visitors on the Bhubaneswar tour can stay on a budget without breaking the bank at the accommodations scattered around the railway station. Those hotels in Bhubaneswar dotted around the railway junction are cheaper than the swanky ones located at the main city center. On the other hand, finding luxury accommodation with a spa and swimming pool is not a hefty task.
Restaurants in Bhubaneswar
Eating places in Bhubaneswar specialize in serving traditional Odishan dishes from their menu. From chhena poda to raswadi, most of the restaurants in Bhubaneswar serve their local delicacies to tourists and locals alike. At the same time, one can nosh on several types of other cuisines at the roadside eateries, street hawkers, or swanky restaurants in the vicinity of the lavish hotels.
Best Time to Bhubaneswar
| Travel Seasons | Avg Min/Max Temperature |
| March to June (Low Season) | 29°C – 41° C |
| July to September (Shoulder Season) | 27°C – 35° C |
| November to February (Peak Season) | 12°C – 29° C |
Nearby Towns, Cities Around Bhubaneswar
| Town/City Name | Distance from Bhubaneswar (approx.) |
| Cuttack | 16 kilometers |
| Balasore | 191 kilometers |
| Kolkata | 439 kilometers |
| Vizag | 431 kilometers |
| Sambalpur | 342 kilometers |
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