Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha, a state in eastern India that is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Bhubaneswar is home to some of the most magnificent temples in India, such as the Lingaraj Temple, the Mukteshvara Temple, and the Srikalahasti Temple. It is also a hub of art and crafts, with workshops that showcase the traditional Pattachitra paintings, wood carvings, and metal works.
Bhubaneswar offers a variety of attractions for travelers who want to explore the history, culture, and nature of Odisha. Whether you are looking for a spiritual retreat, a cultural immersion, or an adventure-filled getaway, Bhubaneswar has something for everyone. In this article, we will introduce you to 15 best places to visit in Bhubaneswar that will make your trip unforgettable.
Places to visit in Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to have a natural linga that emerged from the earth. The temple has a magnificent architecture and a serene atmosphere. It is one of the most visited temples in Odisha.
ISKCON Temple: This is a beautiful temple built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1991. It is an alternative to the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri, which is restricted to Hindus. The temple has a spacious hall, a garden, and a museum that showcases various aspects of Krishna culture.
Hirakud Dam is a large dam built on the Mahanadi river in 1956. It is one of the largest dams in Asia and provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to several states. The dam also offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.
Parasurameswara Temple is another ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built in 650 A.D. The temple has a unique feature of having one thousand lingas in its north-west corner. The temple also has intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of Hindu mythology.
Rajarani Temple is an old temple that was originally known as Indreswara Temple. It was renovated and expanded by King Rudra Pratap Singh in 1800 A.D. The temple has a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles of architecture and houses several deities such as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Lord Subhadra, and Goddess Durga.
Bindu Sarovara is a sacred water tank that is believed to be formed by the tears of Lord Shiva when he was separated from his consort Parvati by Lord Rama. The tank also has a legend associated with it, which says that if anyone throws a coin into it, they will get their wish fulfilled.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the largest zoos in India, which houses over 2000 animals belonging to 200 species. The zoo also has a marine aquarium that displays various aquatic creatures such as dolphins, sharks, turtles, and seahorses. The zoo also offers various activities such as safari rides, boating, bird watching, and nature walks.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are two ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century B.C.E. They are located on the banks of the Mahanadi river and contain some of the finest examples of Pattachitra paintings, which are traditional Odia folk art forms that depict stories from Hindu epics.
Odisha State Museum is one of the oldest museums in India, which was established in 1861 by King Khandagiri Deva Raya. The museum displays a rich collection of artifacts and sculptures from various periods and regions of Odisha’s history and culture. Some of the notable exhibits include terracotta figurines, bronze idols, ivory carvings, coins, weapons, musical instruments, and paintings.
Dhauligiri Hills: These are three hills located near Bhubaneswar that offer panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. The hills are also known for their natural springs that provide fresh water to the city. The hills are ideal for trekking, camping, bird watching, and photography.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa is a peace pagoda monument that was built on the site of the Kalinga War, which was one of the bloodiest wars in history. The stupa is located on the Dhauli Giri Hills, which are also known for their natural springs and scenic views.
Rajarhat is a residential area that is known for its colonial architecture and heritage buildings. The area has many old mansions, churches, and museums that reflect the history and culture of Bhubaneswar. Some of the notable places to visit in Rajarhat are the St. John’s Church, the Rajarhat Museum, and the Rajarhat Art Gallery.
Sundari Lake is a man-made lake that was built in 1955 by King Tribhuvan Narayan Singh Deo. The lake is surrounded by gardens, parks, and monuments that create a beautiful scenery. The lake also offers boating facilities and a musical fountain show at night.
Deras Dam, a large dam in Odisha, was built on the Mahanadi river in 1956. It is one of the largest dams in Asia and provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to several states. The dam also offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and forests. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and camping.
Chandaka Reserve Forest is a wildlife sanctuary in Odisha that covers an area of 175.79 square kilometres. It is home to many species of animals and birds, especially elephants, leopards, and peacocks. It also has a rich diversity of flora, including teak, sal, bamboo, and orchids. This forest is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
