Bhubaneswar – The temple city of India
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is an important centre for its commerce and tourism. The metropolis of Bhubaneswar covers an area of 422 sq. km and is situated at an elevation of 58 m. The city is home to about 8.38 lakh people. Along with its historical background, Bhubaneswar is also famous for its religious relics and temples as well as for its developing IT sectors.
The religious history of Odisha is reflected through the ancient temples scattering the city. Bhubaneswar is thus rightfully called ‘the temple city of India’.
Things to do in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is a rapidly developing metro city which is drenched in the old world charm of its heritage. People often visit Bhubaneswar for business purposes or vacations. The city has a variety of tourist attractions which make it a hotspot for tourists. You can visit the BDA City Centre which is an amusement park attracting both adults and children of all ages. Also, you can visit numerous temples to taste the architectural, historical and religious heritage.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
Nandankanan Zoological Reserve is one of the most popular tourist attractions. This zoological park is located 15 km away from the main city. Located right adjacent to Nandankanan is the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. Lingaraj Temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. It has over 150 shrines and has an intricately carved tower.
Atri Springs is a hot spring bathing complex which is known for its religious and medical significance. It is believed that taking a dip in the waters of the hot spring can grant wishes and also cure ailments. The Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves are the finest examples of Jain cut rock architecture.
Best time to visit Bhubaneswar
The time from December to February is best for visiting Bhubaneswar.
Places to shop in Bhubaneswar
To shop in Bhubaneswar, you can visit Odisha' Handloom and Ekamra Haat. Apart from these, other shopping centres include Bapuji Nagar and Shahid Nagar.
Mode of transport
Bhubaneswar, being the capital city Odisha, is well-connected by roads. There are local government and private buses operating in the city all through the day. You can also get a taxi for hire for long journeys. Bhubaneswar also has metro services connecting different parts of the city.
Weather in Bhubaneswar
The dry winter (Dec-Feb) with an average temperature of 15-28° C is the peak travel time. Mar-May is hot with an average temperature of 32-40° C. Monsoon season (Jul-Sep) is cooler with an average temperature of 28° C.
Airport in Bhubaneswar
Biju Patnaik International Airport (IATA: BBI) is the primary airport serving Bhubaneswar. It is the 11th busiest airport of India.