Bhubaneswar – The Temple city
Bhubaneswar Airport Directory (BBI)
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Historically described as Ekamra Kshetra, Utkala and Kalinga, Odisha was the cradle of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. Bhubaneswar became the capital of Odisha (then Orissa) in 1949 after the capital moved from Cuttack. Designed by the German architect Otto Königsberger, the new city was named after Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord of the three worlds', an aspect of Shiva worshipped as the main deity of Lingaraj temple. With nearly a thousand shrines, Ashokan edicts and inscriptions, India's Temple City's history, is etched in stone. With direct connectivity to Bhubaneswar airport, travelling is very convenient.
Best time to visit:
The ideal time to explore the city is from October to March.
How to reach Bhubaneswar
Flights to Bhubaneswar : Bhubaneswar Airport or Biju Patnaik International Airport, about 6km from the city centre connects the city with its rest. IndiGo now operates 24 daily non-stop flights between Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Kochi.
By Train: Bhubaneswar railway station is the central station, connecting the city with the county's significant parts through various passenger and superfast trains.
By Bus: Bhubaneswar has a vast network of government-operated and privately-owned buses that connect the city with all other prime towns in the country. Baramunda Bus Stand is the main bus terminus serving the city.
Getting around/local transport in Bhubaneswar: Buses by Dream Team Sahara (DTS) and OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation), auto-rickshaws and cabs on rent are the primary modes of transportation to travel around the city.
Most spoken languages in Bhubaneswar
- Odia
- Hindi
- English
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7Kg
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Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
- Lingaraj temple: There are many places to visit in Bhubaneswar. The city's most important shrine is the Lingaraj temple, which includes a cluster of 50 smaller shrines around the main Shiva temple within its complex.
- Rajarani and Muktesvara temples: Located near Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani and Muktesvara temples with their magnificent Torana (arched entrance), are imbued with erotic art that would make the temples of Khajuraho blush. Though more recently built, the Ram Mandir and ISKCON Temple are also worth a visit.
- Khandagiri and Udayagiri: The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, the site of an ancient Jain monastery carved into cave-like chambers in the hillside, have artistic stone carvings dating back to the 2nd century BC. After the Mauryan empire, the area was ruled by the Mahameghavahana dynasty, whose mighty king Kharavela etched the famous Hathigumpha inscription.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: Bhubaneswar's most famous attraction is Nandankanan Zoological Park, located on the city's northern outskirts. India's first zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums can marvel at white tigers and other magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Places to eat in Bhubaneswar
Dalma, Sachivalaya Marg
Named after Dalma (Odiya lentil-vegetable curry) a traditional Odiya cuisine, the place is excellent with mutton kassa and bamboo mutton.
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Bling It On, Hotel Marrion
One of the rare joints in Bhubaneswar to serve excellent Continental, Mexican and Italian! Try their Hungarian goulash, lasagna, chicken chowder, Starry Nachos Chicken and caramel custard.
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Zaika, Jayadev Vihar
A fine-dine restaurant with plush interiors; the highlight is the complimentary crispy roomali roti to munch on while you wait for the order to arrive!
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Hare Krishna, Lalchand Market
The best vegetarian restaurant in town for the last two decades, all the dishes here, are cooked without onion or garlic. Try the dum aloo, stuffed brinjal, navratan korma and pulao, dal fry and dhaniya gobi.
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Nakli Dhaba, Mayfair Lagoon
Easily the pick of the nine eateries in the complex, the speciality restaurant has all the taste but none of the trappings of a Punjabi Dhaba—killer black dal, methi corn, chicken dishes, complimentary chaas (a yoghurt based drink) and amazing baked gud rasgulla!
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Shopping places in Bhubaneswar
High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Bhubaneswar
- The Pal Heights
- Forum Mart
- BMC Keshari Mall
- Esplanade 1
- D.N. Regalia Mall
- Symphony Mall
- OSRTC Mall
- The World Mall
- Galaxy Mall
Street shopping in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is a great shopping destination with everything from Sambalpuri cotton saris, tussar silks, dokra metal artefacts, patachitra paintings on palm leaf or cloth, appliqué work from Pipli, stone sculpture, shell handicrafts and semi-precious stones for sale.
- Main markets: The main shopping hubs are Bapuji Nagar Market, Ashok Nagar Market and Shahid Nagar Market. Ekamra Haat is a beautiful handloom and handicrafts market with food stalls as well.
- Utkalika: This state-run government emporium in the busy Marketing Building, is also suitable for handicrafts, like Mayuri and Soumya Handicraft near Chausath Yogini. Besides Utkalika, Boyanika, the oldest brand name in Odisha handlooms, also have an outlet at Unit-1 Market.
- Anwesha Tribal Arts & Crafts: For a wide range of dokra craft and tribal paintings, drop in at Anwesha Tribal Arts & Crafts at IRC Village, Nayapalli. And if you're looking for good old retail therapy, try malls like The World, MTG Mart and Mega Shop.
Where to stay in Bhubaneswar
Swosti Premium, Jaydev Vihar Located on Nandan Kanan Road, this is a newer hotel by the company behind the Bhubaneswar landmark Swosti Grand. They also run branches at Chilka and Gopalpur.
Mayfair Lagoon, Jaydev Vihar Set amidst pretty gardens and a lagoon, this luxury resort, is decorated with garden sculptures, vintage cars, even a beautiful old Beech aircraft. There’s a cluster of restaurants, swimming pool, spa, gym and a jogging track that encircles the 10-acre property.
The Presidency, Nayapalli A decent three-star hotel offering free Wi-fi and airport pick up, inclusive of breakfast.
VITS Bhubaneswar, Cuttack-Puri Road It is one of the best hotels near Bhubaneswar railway station where you can stay at an affordable price. The hotel offers value for money comfort, two dining options and a business centre.
Nightlife/party places in Bhubaneswar
- Lounge Bar at Hotel Hindustan International
- Galaxzee the restro bar at Suryansh Hotels & Resorts
- Baron And Baroness
- HHI Underground
- Desire at Hotel Pal Heights
- Jalsa The Bar at Suryansh Hotels & Resorts
More reasons to visit Bhubaneshwar
State Botanical Garden (Odisha) and Regional Plant Resource Center
The State Botanical Garden (Odisha) and Regional Plant Resource Center, are botanical gardens with an extensive collection of exotic and regional fauna.
Museums and Galleries in Bhubaneswar
The Odisha State Museum has archaeological artefacts, weapons, local arts and crafts, and insights into the state's history. The SCST Tribal Research and Training Institute Museum has life-size models of various tribal dwellings and stunning dokra (metal casting using the lost wax process) pieces – both ceremonial and functional. The Odisha Art Gallery at Forest Park is good for art buffs. Other museums include Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Regional Museum of Natural History, Regional Science Center and State Handicrafts Museum.
Dhauligiri or Dhauli
Drive 8km south of Bhubaneswar to Dhauligiri or Dhauli for short to see the Japanese Peace Pagoda built in the 1970s and the complete Ashokan Edicts engraved on the rock. The site of the bloody Kalinga War (262-261 BC), where the Daya river turned red from this vantage point made Mauryan Emperor Ashoka shun violence and convert to Buddhism. This is one of the most important tourist places in Bhubaneswar. The rock-cut elephant above the Edicts is the earliest Buddhist sculpture in Odisha. Continue via the village of Pipli (famous for its appliqué work) to Puri and visit the beach and the holy Jagannath Puri Temple.
Chilika Lake
Along with the Sun Temple of Konark, it forms the Golden Triangle of Odisha. Just a little southwest of Puri is the saltwater lake of Chilika, India's largest coastal lagoon and the most substantial wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent. During the annual Puri Rath Yatra in June–July, witness grand processions of the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra pulled in massive chariots by thousands of devotees.
Festivals in Bhubaneswar
The city of Bhubaneswar is known for its rich culture; hence there are a number of festivals in Bhubaneswar that are rejoiced in the city.
Ashokastami Festival
The Ashokastami Festival is celebrated in April. This festival is also known as Rath Jatra or Chariot Festival. During Ashokastami Festival, the idol of Lord Lingaraj is kept on a chariot and carried from the main temple to Rameswar Temple. The idol is returned after four days.
Makar Sankranti
In January, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with a lot of enthusiam. At this time, Makar Mela is held. During the festival, the locals worship the Sun-god with great reverence.
Taratarini Mela
One of the state's biggest festivals is the Taratarini Mela, which is held in the months of March and April. On each Tuesday, from mid-March to mid-April, this festival is celebrated at Tara Tarini pitha.
Rajarani Festival
One of the significant music festivals of the city, the Rajarani Festival is celebrated in January, for a period of three days. The key focus of this festival is to promote the Indian classical and traditional music.
Megha Mela or Fair festival
January and February are also the months when the vibrant and colourful Megha Mela or Fair festival is held in the city.
Durga Puja
Another key festival in Bhubaneswar is Durga Puja that is held in September-October with fanfare and enthusiasm. This is a nine-day festival. Lakshmi Puja is also held in September-October. This is one of the prime festivals of Bhubaneswar that is celebrated with great reverence.
Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is an essential festival celebrated between February-March. On this occasion, devotees, especially women, fast and worship Lord Shiva to seek his divine blessings.
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