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Bhubaneshwar Tourism

Bhubaneswar is one of the most visited cities of India. As the capital of Odisha, this city offers a mix of history and modernism to all its visitors. Bhubaneswar is also known for its ancient temples and exquisite architecture. Historians have described the Lingaraja temple located here as the “truest fusion of dream and reality”.  This place has much to offer to every traveler. Feasting the fused glory of the past and the present, people here can enjoy the rich and cultural history of different dynasties. The city is a well-planned city offering modern amenities like parks, gardens etc for travelers looking for a break from history.

Bhubaneswar can be divided into different sections of interest for people looking more than history. However, this city is ideal to feast the eyes with temples of exclusive architecture and rich cultural history.  The place also offers zoological gardens, Buddhist shrines, lakes and parks. Tourism in Bhubaneswar not only encompasses temples and shrines but it also includes shopping, eating sumptuous food and visiting tribal fairs. There is always the beach nearby to offer a tropical holiday with family and friends.

bhubaneswar tourism

How to Reach Bhubaneshwar

Getting in Bhubaneswar is quite easy. The city can be accessed through the help of road transport, railway transport and air transport. The city is located from all major cities of the country offering easy access to everyone.

Getting By Plane: Bhubaneswar airport is now an international airport serving people visit destinations like Saudi Arabia and South East Asia. The airport is also connected to local flights throughout the country daily. Air carrier providers like Air India, Jet Lite, Jet Airways, Indigo airlines have regular flights going to and coming from the city. There are also direct flights available from certain cities, for details check flight schedules.

Getting By Train: As a divisional headquarter for eastern railways, Bhubaneswar is well connected with direct train services to all the major cities of India. To learn about the schedules of train services one can visit the Indian railways website.
  • From New Delhi, trains such as Kalinga Utkal Express,duranto express, Rajdhani Express, Nandankanan Express, Puri express and Purushottam Express are accessible.
  • From Kolkata (Howrah) trains available includes, Dhauli Express, Janasatabdi Express, Coromandel Express, Howrah Puri Express, Shri Jagannath Express, Falaknuma Express,Howrah Chennai Mail, Howrah Yesvantpur Express, East Coast Express etc.
  • From Mumbai trains available include; Konark Express and Lokmanya Tilak Express.
  • Form Chennai trains available are, Chennai Howrah mail, Coromondal express.
  • From Bangalore trains that halts at Bhubaneswar includes, Prashanti Express, Yeshwantpur Howrah Express, Yeshwantpur Guwahati Express, Guwahati Express.
There are also trains available from Hyderabad station to Bhubaneswar.

Getting By Road: Going to Bhubaneswar by road can be easy. The city is situated on the national highway number 5. This highway runs between Chennai and Kolkata. Bhubaneswar is 480 km from Kolkata, 445 km from Vishakhapatnam, and 32 km from Cuttack, 1225 km from Chennai. The city is easily accessible by government and private buses that run on this route on a daily basis.

Getting around Bhubaneswar

Getting around Bhubaneswar is much easier because of the wide road it offers. The well-linked roads connected to the national highway offers a smooth ride to people travelling in and around the city. The perfect town planning has enhanced vehicle movement in the city. According to the Indian standards, travelling in this city is much cheaper. The city plies hundreds of auto rickshaws everyday along with other vehicles like taxis and public bus. Public busses are cheap as the government runs them. Auto rickshaws are quicker but one needs to bargain the fare. Taxis are charged on meter and by the distance; however they are not available for all routes.  Some of these taxi’s offer city tour service and they charge a fixed rate for sightseeing.

Modern services like hiring a cab through internet are also available these days. Go musafir offers live cab services in Bhubaneswar for travelers who do not want to bargain with auto rickshaws and want a secured touring deal.

Sightseeing in Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneswar is among one of the famous cities of Odisha that completes the golden triangle of temples. The city is a highly religious centre for Hindus and Buddhists. There are many excellent places to see in Bhubaneswar; however, some of these interesting places are located a little outside the city. As a part of the Oriya architecture and culture, these following places are worth visiting.
  • Old Town: Visiting the old town can be one of the most interesting things you do on your tour. Most of the temples of the city are located in the old town. Visiting the town will give any traveler a firsthand experience of the real architecture and culture of the state.
  • Lingaraja Temple: One of the greatest masterpieces of the state Odisha, this temple is built in praise of Lord Shiva. This place is one of the finest examples of Hindu temples in India. Over the centuries, critics and historians have appreciated the built and curve of this temple. Non hindus are not permitted inside the temple, however there is an elevated platform located that offers perfect view for all.
  • Khandagiri & Udaygiri: These two places are located adjacent to each other and they are 8 km away from Bhubaneswar. Every year thousands of tourist flock this area to visit these twin hills.  The place is famous for its caves and the carvings on the caves, which gives them a nomadic touch. Each cave has its own name that reflects the style of the cave and gives an idea of the residents living there.
  • Dhauligiri: Dhauligiri too is located 8km away from Bhubaneswar. The place is dedicated to Lord Buddha. This place was is an evidence of the Kalinga war. The edicts are well preserved here. Visiting this place to not only see the edicts but also learn about the Mauryan emperor Ashoka can be an enriching experience.
  • Mukteshwar Temple: This temple is a perfect example of the later phases of Kalinga architecture. The decorative gateway, the torana are examples of noteworthy architecture. A perfect reminiscent of Buddhism is clearly visible in this temple. The temple name is quite significance as it means lord of freedom.
  • Nandankanan Zoo: This zoo is famous among travelers visiting this city. This zoo preserves some rare species of animals and birds. The zoo is open from 8 am to 5 pm and remains closed on Mondays.  White tigers and the safari ride are famous in this zoo. Travelers must go for the safari ride while they visit this place located 15 km outside Bhubaneswar.
  • Odisha State Museum: The museum stores a great deal of authentic and historical collection of artifacts, stone inscriptions, Bronze Age tools, rare manuscripts etc. Not every museum in the country offers such collection. Since Bhubaneswar has rich historical background this museum is worth visiting.


Things to do in Bhubaneshwar

There are few things that every traveler visiting Bhubaneswar must do. However, the list is not very long, but it is essential in order to understand the true flavor of the city. 
  • Walk the streets and market areas of Unit 1 and Unit 2. While doing this you will come across true Odisha. It will give you the glimpse of the local style of living. There are also the street hawkers, shopkeepers who will help you taste genuine food and buy products that are only available here.
  • Visit the natamandira and bhogmandapa of the temples in this are to look at the refined artworks around.
  • Take a short trip to the nearby places to learn the art and culture of the area.
  • The lassi in Bhubaneswar is famous. People do not know much about it because of some obvious reasons which needs not mentioning. However, stop in any nearby small lassi shop and enjoy a glass full of buttermilk.

Shopping in Bhubaneshwar

Like any other cities in India, this place has its own piece of shopping items to offer. Bhubaneswar is famous for many handicrafts products. Some of these products includes; hand woven textiles, silver filigree works, paper mache masks in various styles, Shri Jagannath icons carved from wood etc.
The city also caters to big brands, shopping complexes and retail markets. If looking for common shopping, pantaloons, big bazaar and other such outlets are available. For more information on shopping in Bhubaneswar, click here

Eating-Out in Bhubaneshwar

From authentic oriya cuisine to continental food everything is available here. The various small and big, non-stars to five star restaurants offer a variety of delicious food to all. Dispersed all throughout Bhubaneswar one can find a suitable area to relax and eat a meal of their choice. Some famous food joints are:
  • Chhadakhai Restaurant
  • Janak Restaurant
  • Hare Krishna restaurant
  • Dalma
  • Xenia
  • Garam masala multi-cuisine restaurant
  • Golden bird
  • Nakli Dhaba
  • Venus Inn restaurant
  • Chappan Bhog sweets
  • Ravi vai vada and ghugni shop
  • Tara Das's Arisha
  • Badal biriyani

If you are planning for a drink then the following places can be visited:
  • Mirch masala
  • Desire
  • The Cellar
  • Rock on
There are other locations to find a good taste for the taste buds but in order to do that exploring the city is necessary.

Where to Stay in Bhubaneshwar

There are varieties of options available for your stay; they range from 150 to 4000 rupees. Hotel Janpath, city lodge, Ginger Hotel, Hotel Puspak are a few hotels located there. For booking and list of hotels, the internet is a great source.

Follow these important tips:
  • Keep these following tips in mind while you visit Bhubaneswar for a better experience.
  • Wear light clothes during summer.
  • While visiting temples wear long and covered clothing.
  • Avoid getting out late at night.
  • The city is full of dustbins, so keep the city clean.
  • Open your footwear before entering the temples.
  • Avoid touts available nearly at all public and sightseeing locations.
  • Dialing 100 can reach police. Reach them if you find problems with auto rickshaws.

Also Read:

Budget Hotels in Bhubaneswar, Luxury Hotels in Bhubaneswar


Information about Odisha Tourism Department:

OTDC
Dept. of Tourism,
Paryatan Bhawan, Museum Campus
Bhubaneswar - 751 014
Telephone No. (674) 2432177
Website: orissatourism.gov.in

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