Bhubaneswar: The temple city of India

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa/Odisha is popular as the 'Temple City of India. The city comes live from the golden pages of History. Since, temples found in large numbers in and around the city, people refer it as the 'Mandir Nagari.' However, the city also known by some other well-known names in the ancient years. The famous battle of Kalinga fought between the State of Kalinga and the Mauryan Empire under king Ashoka at the banks of the Darya river. Orissa/Odisha, known as the Kalinga, during that period of history. The loss of lives and mass destruction made king Ashoka follow non-violence until the last breath of his life. The sad incident transformed him from 'Chandashok' to 'Dharmashok.'

This largest city of Orissa/Odisha state not only the quickest developing city of India now, but also city of great religious and historical significance.

Bhubaneswar is located 60 kilometres away from Puri. Suitable intercity buses and trains available to commute between the cities. Learn more about Puri, its top attractions and how to reach there from different locations from this website.

It would take around seven to ten days time-span to visit all the temples of this Temple City including the bigger and smaller ones. Some of the important attractions as given below:

One may start visiting the temples from the Dhauli Shanti Stupa as it lies in the way from the Puri to the Bhubaneswar. The Buddha Shanti Stupa lies at the mountain peak of Dhauli whiles the Dhauli river flows through the bottom. The place is a witness of the historic Kalinga War. Keeping this incident intact in mind, the Shanti Stupa built by the collaboration of the Indians and Japanese in 1970. The Dhawaleshwar Temple lies beside the Shanti Stupa. Besides, the place has the Ashokan edicts inscribed on rocks written in the Pali language by king Ashoka.

Jajati Keshari, king of the Soma dynasty built this temple in the 1100 century. Famous as largest temple of the city, it is standing180 feet tall. Lord Shiva idolised here as the 'Harihara', the lord of 'Tribhuvan.' He is known as the 'Tribhubaneshwar' after which the city named as the 'Bhubaneshwar.' The temple, constructed with sandstone and laterite as the chief raw materials, faces towards the east direction. Although it receives thousands of visitors every day, but during festivals like Shivratri it gets crowded with religious visitors.

The Bindu Sarovara, and the Ananta Vasudeva Temple locates within a distance from the Lingaraj Temple. Besides, one may also plan to visit the Dudh Ganga, Siddheswari Temple, Rajarama Temple, Kedargauri Temple, Brahmeswar Temple, Vaital Temple, Kapalini Temple, Parashurameshvara Temple, etc. Moreover, other noteworthy places include Udayagiri, Khandagiri, BDA Nicco Park, State Museum, Regional Museum of Natural History, Science Centre, etc.

Nandankanan, one chief attraction of the temple city, locates within 20 kilometres. A great place for nature and fun seekers. One could visit the place and explore the zoo, botanical garden and river. The entry fee for grownup RS 20, for children RS 5 and for foreigners RS 100 per head. One may hire a guide to explore the place in a proper way . However, no need to hire a guide if one comes in conducted tour bus. The bus guide would help explore the place. The zoo remains open every day from 8am to 5pm except Monday. One could have a great time in rope way, cable car, toy train, etc. Besides, the white tigers found here are world-famous. One may board a bus for a tiger and lion safari. The fare for the lion and tiger safari RS 30 each. Toy train tickets costs RS 10 whiles rope way ticket cost RS 30. Moreover, one could also enjoy boating. The charge for 30 minutes ride for a couple RS 25 and family boating rate RS 100. Further more, one may plan to stay in the forest cottage of the Nandankanan during the day that is, from 8am to 6pm. The hire for the same ranges from RS 400 to RS 500.

This twin hills locate 8 kilometres away from the Bhubaneswar in the north-west direction. The Udayagiri hills stretches 110 feet high and has 44 caves. Madhavpura Mahabihar was the ancient name of the hill. Once there was a brick monastery, but now one may find only the remnants. The Khandagiri hill stretches 133 feet high and has 19 caves. The entry fee RS 5 and RS 100 for foreigners.

After reaching Bhubaneswar either by the railways, airways or roadways (buses) one better option is to board an auto for the Kalpana Chowk region. Several private hotels with suitable lodgings available at the Old Station Bazaar Road, Cuttack Road, Buddha Nagar (near Kalpana Chowk) and near the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. The auto fare from the Bhubaneswar Bus Stand to Kalpana Chowk may cost around RS 100. Some of the budget hotels with rent for suitable stay, given below:

Visitors who come here also enjoy shopping and they spend a good amount of time doing so because of the variety of shopping items available from the different markets. Many varieties of items/stocks available including the wooden items, woolen garments, readymade garments, woven fabrics, designer sarees, handicrafts, jewelries, etc. Besides, wooden and stone sculptures, wooden idols, toys, paintings, etc., also draws one's attention.