Bhubaneswar is the capital of the state Odisha , India . It is the largest city in the state . Bhubaneswar is well known as the temple city in India . You can visit many temples and ancient architecture in BBSR which were constructed many years ago . Bhubaneswar is well connected by Air , Rail and by road with all the major cities of the country .
There are more than 10 to 12 famous Visiting places at Bhubaneswar which you can visit at any time . Due to some heavy floods (Fani , Hudhud ) in last 3 years the temple city Bhubaneswar lost its Natural view . Here are some famous places to visit in Bhubaneswar .
Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves
Located at a distance of 20 km from Bhubaneswar Railway station Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves are the major tourist attractions . City buses are always available to reach Khandagiri .It is believed that the Caves were constructed during 1st century BC by the king Kharavela of Meghabahana dynasty . Kharavela was one of the most powerful king of the state Odisha . Compared to Khandagiri , Udayagiri offers more beautiful and mentioned caves .
Caves of Udayagiri
There are total 18 Caves built in Udayagiri .Ranigumpha( The Queens Cave) is the largest and most popular cave among all the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri . The Architecture of this cave is unique . There are some other sculptures are constructed like elephant , monkey , women playing musical instruments , and some other animals .
Hati Gumpha ( The Elephant Cave)
Hati Gimpha is large in size. On the wall the inscription erected by the king Kharavela is found .
Sarpa Gumpha(Cave of Snake) is a small cave . You can see two inscriptions here .
There are some other caves namely Bajaghara Gumpha , Chota Hati Gumpha , Alakapuri Gumpha , Jaya Vijaya Gumpha , Panasa Gumpha , Thakurani Gumpha , Patalapuri Gumpha , Mancapuri and Swargapuri Gumpha , Ganesha Gumpha , Jambesbhara Gumpha , Vhyagra Gumpha , Haridasa Gumpha , Jagannatha Gumpha , Rasui Gumpha and Dhanaghara Gumpha . You can also enjoy the flower garden and park inside Udayagiri . This is one of the best place for photography . The entry ticket for Indian and neighbor countries citizens is RS 25 and for foreigners RS 300 per head .
Caves of Khandagiri
There are total 15 caves built in Khandagiri . Some of them are Tatowa Gumpha , Ananta Gumpha ,Khandagiri Gumpha , Tentuli Gumpha , Dhyana Gumpha ,Navamuni Gumpha , Barabhuji Gumpha ……
You can see the overview of the Temple city from the Summit of Khandagiri . Khandagiri Mela is the annual festival , celebrated every year in Khandagiri .
Santi Stupa (Dhauli)
Dhauli Santi Stupa is located at a distance of 8 kilometre from Bhubaneswar city . Visitors can visit the place by city bus running from Bhubaneswar to Puri . The bus ticket is RS 15 only .It is situated on the bank of Daya river . This is one of the most visit place in Bhubaneswar . According to historical point of view The Kalinga war between King Ashoka and king of Odisha was fought in 250 BC at Dhauli . It is also believed that the Daya river turned red with the blood of many soldier . After the Kalinga war king Ashoka changed to Dharmasaka from Chandasaka and built the Santi Stupa at Dhauli . The meaning of Santi means peace . So this is also called as Peace Pagoda . The complete Stupa was built in 1970 by Kalinga Nippon Sangha and Government of Odisha . Four massive idol of Lord Buddha constructed in various posture in Santi Stupa . The visiting time is from 7.0AM to 6.00 PM.
Lingaraja Temple
The Lingaraj temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the oldest temple in Bhubaneswar . This is one of the major tourist attraction in BBSR . The temple is not open for non Hindus ,but thy can see the view of the temple from the viewing platform . Thousands of people come every day to worship lord Shiva . Shivaratri is the major festival celebrated in the temple every year . During the festival Lakhs of people come to celebrate . The temple was built by the king of Somavamsi dynasty and Ganga dynasty . The height of the temple is about 180 feet . Bindu Sagar is another tourist attraction located near the temple . Visitors can reach at Lingaraj temple by local Tempo . Remember that don’t reserve any vehicle to reach there because the temple is situated nearer to the city center .
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan is located at a distance of 12 kilometre from Bhubaneswar main city . It was established in 1960 and opened for public in 1979 . There are many thins to do at Nandankanon . you can see the Tiger Safari , Lion Safari , Bear Safari , Herbivore Safari ,Butterfly Garden , White Tiger Safari , Reptile Park , Amphibian Enclosure , Leopard enclosure , Toy train Aquarium ,Library , Interpretation Centre , Museum . You can also book a battery operated vehicle for elderly and Physically challenged person to visit these places . The ticket for Battery operated vehicle is RS 80 per head .
Boating at Kanjia Lake
You can also enjoy the Boating on paddle in Kanjia Lake . The lake is situated inside the Zoo . The lake is declared as a Wetland of National Importance by Government of India . The charges for Boating is RS 50 per head for 30 minutes . Boating on paddle in the lake is one of the best thing to do at Nandankanan .
Botanical Garden
Botanical garden is another tourist attraction in Nandankanon wild life sanctuary . This is one of the plant conservation and Nature education centre of the state . You can see Glass house , Cacti house , Bonsai , Philodendron house Orchid house in Botanical garden . There are some beautiful and well maintain garden and park which are providing best natural view . Some of these are Dry garden , Butterfly Park , Medicinal garden , Mughal garden , Evolution garden , Heritage garden , Plm garden , landscape garden . You can also see the Children’s park and Buddha park inside the Botanical garden .
The Rope way facility for visitors will available within one or two years . The entry ticket for adult ( more than 12 years )is RS 50 , For child (more than 3 years ) is RS 10 and for foreigners RS 100 at Nandankanan . Parking facility also available near the Zoo . Opening time 7.30 AM and closing time 5.30 PM . Nandankanan is remain closed on Monday and on public holidays .
City buses and other buses are always available to reach Nandankanan Zoological Park . The ticket cost is 12 rupees .
Ram Mandir
Ram mandir is one of the most visit place in Bhubaneswar . The temple is located at Kharavela Nagar . You can see the beautiful idol of Lord Rama , Lord Laxman and Goddess Sita . Ram Navami is the major festival celebrated every year at Ram Mandir . The temple is located on the city centre .
Pathani Samanta Planetarium
The planetarium is named after astronomer Pathani Samanta .The Planetarium provides knowledge about space Science . The Planetarium is located at Acharya Vihar . This is one of the most visiting place for School going Children . The Planetarium is open at 2 PM and close at 5 PM . Food and water is not allowed inside the Planetarium . The showtime is different for different language . In Odia 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm . In hindi 3.00 pm and in English 4.00pm .The show ticket for adult is RS 30 and for child RS 20 .
Odisha State Museum
The museum is located at Kalpana squre . Odisha state Museum offers a view of history of the state Odisha . Visitors can see collection of various ancient and rate them .The museum is divided in to several section Archaeology , Contemporary art , Epigraphy , Numismatic , Mining and Geology , Anthropology , Sanskrit Manuscript , Patta painting etc . The opening timing is 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM . Ticket for Indians is RS 10 and RS 50 for foreigners per head .
Raja rani Temple
Located at a distance of 8 kilometers from main city Bhubaneswar Rajarani temple is one of the ancient temple in Odisha . The temple was constructed during 11th century .The temple is also known as Love Temple due to the erotic image constructed on the walls . There is no idol inside the temple . You can see a well maintained garden inside the boundary .
Mukteswar Temple
Mukteswar Temple is located at a distance of 8 km ( Old Town ) from the city centre . The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva . Mukteswar means Lord of Freedom . The temple was constructed during 10th century . The temple is a major tourist attraction of the city . The temple was constructed with Kalinga Architecture . Mukteswar Dance Festival is celebrated for three days every day .
Kalinga Stadium
Kalinga Stadium is an International Stadium located near Nayapalli , BBSR . The stadium gives the facilities for Athletics , Hockey , Soccer , Basketball , Tennis , Volleyball ,Swimming , Wall climbing etc . Many International tournament has organised in Kalinga Stadium . Men’s Hockey World Cup was held in 2018 at Kalinga stadium . So visitors most visit the Stadium during their Bhubaneswar trip .
Top Hotels at Bhubaneswar
The accommodation facility in Bhubaneswar is available at every side of the city . The price range is affordable for everyone . Mayfair Lagoon is the best hotel to stay and enjoy the trip , but its charges is so costly . Hotel Trident is also providing good facilities . Some other hotels are namely Hotel pushpak ,Fottune Park Sishmo , Hotel Kharavela are also providing good facilities .
Hotel booking in Bhubaneswar
1 – Pal Heights ( RS 570 including all charges )
2 – Fortune Park Sishmo (RS 6300 including taxes and charges )
3 – Mayfair Convention ( RS 6000 including all charges )
4 – La Franklin ( RS 2900 including all taxes)
5 – The Royal Midtown ( RS 2800 including all taxes )
Local Food of Bhubaneswar
Visitors can enjoy both meal and breakfast at Bhubaneswar . A typical meal is consist with Rice , Dal and Bhaji , the price of the meal is RS 50 . As the city is closes to the Bay of Bengal and Chilika lake , hotels are provides different fish curry . Some famous foods are Machha ghanta , Bhendi bhaja , Chingudi curry , Chhena jalebi , Malpua , Rasmalai , Khichdi etc .Bhubaneswar is also famous for sweets like Chhenapoda , Rasagola , Chhena jhili , Malpua .
How to reach Bhubaneswar
By Air -Biju patnaik International Airport is well connected with the all the cities of the country . Buses and taxi services are available to reach each part of the city from Airport .
By Rail – Bhubaneswar East Coast railway station is major communication platform in east India . Regular super fast trains are running on daily basis to each part of the country . All the railway stations of the state are well connected with Bhubaneswar .
By Road – Barmunda bus stand is well connected to every part of the state by road . Bhubaneswar is well connected by road with other major cities of the country .