Bhubaneswar (ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱର) is the capital of Odisha and is widely called the "Temple City of India" for the many Kalinga-style temples in its old town. Visitors come for the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple and its neighbours, the Jain rock-cut caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, the Kalinga War site at Dhauli, and as the gateway to Puri and Konark.

Bhubaneswar became the state capital on 13 April 1948, and the modern city was planned by the German architect Otto Koenigsberger. Today it combines the ancient Ekamra Kshetra with a planned new town and the state's main airport.

What are the best places to visit in Bhubaneswar?

Old Town temples (Ekamra Kshetra)

The old town around the Bindusagar tank holds the city's most famous temples:

  • Lingaraj Temple (11th century), the largest temple in the city, dedicated to Shiva as Harihara. Read our Lingaraj Temple history for its architecture and rituals.
  • Mukteswar Temple (10th century), small but richly carved, with a distinctive torana (arched gateway).
  • Parasurameswar Temple (7th century), one of the oldest surviving temples in the city.
  • Rajarani Temple, known for its sculpted figures; it is a protected monument rather than a place of active worship.

Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation run Ekamra Walks, guided heritage trails started in 2016, including an Old Town Heritage Walk. Check the Ekamra Walks website for current schedules and fees.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves

The twin hills on the western edge of the city contain rock-cut chambers carved for Jain monks, associated with the Mahameghavahana king Kharavela (1st century BCE). The Hathigumpha inscription on Udayagiri is one of the most important early records of Kalinga. See Udayagiri and Khandagiri.

Dhauli

Dhauli hill, on the bank of the Daya river south of the city, is associated with the Kalinga War. It has Ashokan rock edicts and a white Peace Pagoda (Shanti Stupa); a light and sound show is held in the evening, and the Ekamra Walks programme runs a Dhauli trail.

Odisha State Museum and Ekamra Haat

The Odisha State Museum displays archaeological sculpture, weapons, palm-leaf manuscripts and crafts, and is a good introduction before you tour the temples. Ekamra Haat is a handloom and handicrafts market where you can buy Sambalpuri sarees, pattachitra and appliqué.

Nandankanan Zoological Park

On the northern edge of the city, beside the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary and Kanjia Lake, Nandankanan combines a zoo and botanical garden. Its official site describes it as the first zoo in the world to breed white tigers and melanistic tigers, and the first in India where gharials were born in captivity (1980). The park is closed on Mondays; tickets can be booked on the official website.

When is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?

  • October to February offers the most pleasant weather for walking around temple sites.
  • January is a cultural highlight: the Mukteswar Dance Festival, featuring Odissi, and the Rajarani Music Festival are held during this season. Dates change every year, so check Odisha Tourism announcements.
  • April to June is very hot; plan sightseeing for early morning and late afternoon.
  • Monsoon (June to September) brings heavy showers, but the city remains accessible.

How do I reach Bhubaneswar?

  • By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport lies about 3 km south of the city centre, with flights from major Indian cities.
  • By rail: Bhubaneswar railway station is a major East Coast Railway hub with direct long-distance trains from across India.
  • By road: National highways connect Bhubaneswar to Cuttack, Puri (about 60 km) and Konark (about 65 km).

What food should I try in Bhubaneswar?

As the state capital, Bhubaneswar is the easiest place to sample food from across Odisha:

  • Dahibara aloodum, the yoghurt-soaked lentil fritters with spicy potato curry, a street-food favourite of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar; see dahibara aloodum.
  • Dalma and pakhala bhata in local thali restaurants; see dalma and pakhala bhata.
  • Chhena poda and rasagola from sweet shops; see famous foods of Odisha.

Etiquette and temple rules

  • Lingaraj Temple: entry to the sanctum is reserved for Hindus. Non-Hindu visitors may view the temple from a designated platform outside. In January 2026 a foreign tourist who entered the sanctum was detained and purification rituals were carried out, so the rule is taken seriously.
  • Since 1 January 2024, tobacco products such as gutkha have been prohibited at the Lingaraj Temple, as reported alongside the similar ban at Puri's Jagannath Temple.
  • Dress modestly at active temples, remove footwear where asked, and ask before photographing priests or rituals.
  • At protected monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India, follow posted rules on photography and tripods.

Nearby places

Plan your visit

Spend at least two days in Bhubaneswar: one for the Old Town temples and the State Museum, and one for Udayagiri-Khandagiri and Dhauli, with an extra day for Nandankanan. The city is also the natural starting point for an Odisha 3-day itinerary. To get a plan built around your dates and interests, request a custom itinerary at /travel/plan.