About Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar is known as the City of Temples due to its vast collection of temples, shrines, and other religious sites. It boasts a modern and well-planned infrastructure while maintaining deep-rooted traditions within its local culture. The city warmly embraces tourists with the belief of Atithi Devo Bhav considering guests as divine entities. Exploring the nearby attractions in Bhubaneswar is easy and hassle-free. You have various options at your disposal, including private taxis, auto-rickshaws, state buses, and rental cars. To ensure you make the most of your trip, we've compiled a list of the top 10 places to visit in Bhubaneswar.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
- Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves: These Jain temples are like a historical treasure from over 2,000 years ago, and people come from all around to see them. They're not entirely artificial, and rulers carved some of the caves from the Chedi dynasty way back in ancient times. In these caves, there are 18 in Udayagiri, and they have fantastic carvings, especially in the Queen's Cave, which is the most famous. There are 15 caves in Khandagiri and one of them, Ananta Gumpha, is like a work of art with its stunning carving of two serpents.
- Parashurameshvara Temple: Bhubaneswar is home to numerous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among them, the Parashurameshvara Temple in Bhubaneswar stands out as a revered ancient temple, dating back to the 7th century. This impressive structure showcases Odisha's architectural and artistic brilliance. The temple area attracts history buffs and students studying archaeology who explore its fascinating surroundings. If you're in Bhubaneswar in June or July, be sure to check out the lively festival that takes place here.
- Dhauligiri: Dhauli Hills, also known as Dhauligiri, is a renowned historical site near Bhubaneswar. Emperor Ashoka's life took a transformative turn after the Kalinga War, right here at this significant location. Atop the hill, visitors can discover the tranquil Shanti Stupa and enjoy a delightful picnic spot within 100 km of Bhubaneswar.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: Home to over 1600 animals, Nandankanan Zoological Park is set in a dense forest. It's a top destination for tourists, scientists, and researchers from around the world, featuring animals like Asiatic lions and Indian pangolins. Travelling to the zoo is best done by taxi or private vehicle, as it can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the city.
- Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts: Bhubaneswar is renowned for its vibrant tribal culture, boasting a remarkable presence of over 62 distinct tribes within the state. To delve into the captivating traditions of these tribes, one can explore the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts. Conveniently situated near the Railway Station, this enlightening museum offers a comprehensive insight into their rich heritage.
Bhubaneswar Airport
The Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) is the sole airport serving the city of Bhubaneswar. It handles explicitly international flights and spans an area of 5177.50 square metres. The terminal is equipped with multiple check-in counters, immigration counters, custom counters, and security check booths. Accessibility to the airport from the bus stand, which is approximately 8 km away, is made easy through taxis and private buses. Private cabs are also readily available for a short commute from the railway station, which is around 5 km away. The Bhubaneswar Airport offers various shopping and dining options and more.