Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a vibrant and cultural hub that offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Whether you are looking for historical monuments, religious sites, natural wonders, or modern amenities, Bhubaneswar has something for everyone.
Here are 30 places to visit in and around Bhubaneswar:
– Bindu Sagar Lake: This is a sacred lake that is believed to contain water from all the holy rivers of India. The lake is surrounded by many temples and shrines and is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus. This is a peaceful place for praying and bathing in the holy water of the lake.
– Lingaraj Temple: This is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex has more than 150 smaller shrines and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. This is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture and spirituality.
– Mukteshwar Temple: This is another 10th century temple that is considered to be a masterpiece of Odisha’s temple art. The temple has a distinctive arched gateway, a decorated ceiling, and a stone tank. This is a stunning attraction for photography and appreciation of the craftsmanship of the ancient builders.
– Parasurameswara Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, dating back to the 7th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has beautiful carvings of animals, flowers, and geometric patterns. This is an ancient attraction for exploring and observing the early style of Odisha’s temple architecture.
– Brahmeswara Temple: This is a 9th century temple that is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple has four subsidiary shrines and a decorated tower. This is an impressive attraction for art lovers and culture vultures who want to admire the ornate details of the temple.
– Ananta Vasudeva Temple: This is a 13th century temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. The temple has three sanctums that house the idols of Vishnu, Balarama, and Subhadra. This is a magnificent place for viewing and worshipping the supreme deity of Hinduism.
– Kedar Gouri Temple: This is a temple complex that consists of two temples, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Goddess Gouri. The temples are believed to be the place where Shiva and Parvati got married. This is a romantic place for celebrating and witnessing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.
– Rajarani Temple: This is an 11th century temple that is famous for its exquisite architecture and erotic sculptures. The temple is also known as the “love temple” because it depicts various aspects of love and romance. This is a romantic destination for couples and honeymooners who want to explore the art of love in India.
– Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These are ancient rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BCE. They were once the dwelling place of Jain monks and contain inscriptions, paintings, and sculptures depicting Jainism. These caves are a great example of the rich heritage and culture of Odisha and its people.
– Nandankanan Zoological Park: This is a popular wildlife sanctuary that houses more than 1600 animals, including endangered species like white tigers, Asiatic lions, and gharials. You can also enjoy safari rides, boating, and botanical gardens here. This is a perfect place for family fun and adventure in Bhubaneswar.
– Odisha State Museum: This is a museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Odisha. The museum has various galleries that display artifacts, manuscripts, paintings, coins, weapons, costumes, and more. This is an informative place for learning and discovering the diverse aspects of Odisha’s past and present.
– Ekamra Kanan: This is a sprawling botanical garden that covers an area of 500 acres. The garden has a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and herbs. You can also enjoy activities like boating, cycling, and picnicking here. This is an ideal place for relaxing land enjoying nature in Bhubaneswar.
– Dhauli Shanti Stupa: This is a white peace pagoda that was built by the Japanese Buddhist organization Nipponzan Myohoji in 1972. It commemorates the site where Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War. This is a serene and beautiful spot for meditation and reflection on the history of peace and war.
– Manglajodi: This village is a heaven for migratory birds, located on the northern banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha. The village is known as the ‘Bird’s Paradise’ as it hosts more than 3 lakh birds in its marshy waters, especially in winters. You can also enjoy ecotourism activities like boating, birdwatching, photography, and camping here. This is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts who want to witness the biodiversity of Chilika Lake.
– Odisha State Maritime Museum: This is a museum that displays the maritime practices and traditions, artifacts, vessels and the glory of achievements from the ancient age to the colonial era of the state. The museum also includes an aquarium showcasing the unique marine life and species found in the state of Odisha. This is a fascinating place for maritime history buffs and aquarium fans who want to explore the nautical heritage of Odisha.
– Ram Mandir: This is a modern temple that is dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort Sita. The temple has a beautiful dome and spires that resemble the style of North Indian temples. This is a sacred place for devotees and worshippers who want to pay their respects to the epic heroes of Ramayana.
– Netaji Birth Place Museum: This is a museum that is located in Cuttack district of Odisha. The museum is situated at the ancestral house where Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was born. The museum showcases the life and achievements of Netaji as one of the greatest freedom fighters of India. The museum also contains handwritten letters by Netaji to his family during his visits to several parts of the world. This is an inspiring place for knowing and honoring the national hero of India.
– Deras Dam: This is a dam that is located in the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. The dam offers scenic views of the forest and the water body. You can also enjoy boating and fishing here. This is a scenic place for sightseeing and recreation in Bhubaneswar.
– Chandaka Dampara Sanctuary: This is a reserve forest that is home to many elephants and other wildlife species. You can explore the forest by jeep safari or elephant ride and spot animals like deer, leopard, bear, monkey, peacock, and more. This is an adventurous place for experiencing and appreciating the wildlife of Odisha.
– Hirapur Yogini Temple: This is a circular temple that is dedicated to the 64 yoginis, who are the female aspects of Shakti. The temple has 64 stone statues of the yoginis arranged in a circular fashion. This is a unique place for seeing and learning about the mystical cult of yoginis in India.
– Biju Patnaik Park: This is a park that is named after the former chief minister of Odisha, Biju Patnaik. The park has a lush green lawn, a fountain, a children’s play area, and a statue of Biju Patnaik. This is a fun place for playing and relaxing in Bhubaneswar.
– Debidwar Banki: This is a lesser known tourist place and secret gem of Cuttack district of Odisha state. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of Debidwar near the river bank of Mahanadi would surely give you much joy. This is also a famous picnic spot throughout the year. From Debidwar you can visit Maa Charchika of Banki, which is 22 km from it. There is an island in the middle of Mahanadi, which is only visible during winter. This is a hidden place for discovering and enjoying the rural charm of Odisha.
– Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts: This is a museum that displays the art and culture of the tribal communities of Odisha. The museum has exhibits on tribal costumes, jewelry, weapons, utensils, musical instruments, and more. This is an interesting place for understanding and respecting the tribal traditions of Odisha.
– Satkosia Tiger Reserve: This is a tiger reserve that covers an area of 963 sq km. The reserve has a rich biodiversity and is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, crocodiles, turtles, birds, and more. You can also enjoy camping, trekking, and rafting here. This is an adventurous place for experiencing and appreciating the wildlife of Odisha.
– Konark Sun Temple: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 65 km from Bhubaneswar. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is famous for its magnificent architecture and erotic sculptures. The temple resembles a giant chariot with 12 wheels and seven horses. This is a stunning place for
admiring and exploring the sun temple of Odisha.
-Puri Jagannath Temple: This is one of the most sacred temples in India, located about 60 km from Bhubaneswar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be a form of Vishnu. The temple hosts the annual Rath Yatra festival, where millions of devotees pull the chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. This is a holy place for participating and witnessing the grand festival of Odisha.
– Chilika Lake: This is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, located about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. The lake is a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers. You can spot dolphins, flamingos, pelicans, crabs, prawns, and more here. This is a beautiful place for boating and spotting the marine life of Odisha.One caution though please do not buy any gems taken out of the water. If a deal is too good to be true, it generally is.
– Kalabhoomi: Kaalabhoomi Odisha is a museum that celebrates the rich and diverse craft traditions of Odisha, a state known for its artistic excellence. It showcases the masterpieces of the artisans who have inherited and preserved the skills of handloom and handicraft for generations. The museum is divided into two blocks: the display area and the live section. The display area features nine galleries that display the various aspects of Odisha’s craft heritage, such as textiles, terracotta, stone carving, metal work, painting, toys, and masks. The live section provides a platform for the artisans to demonstrate their craft processes and interact with the visitors. The museum also has an open air theatre where cultural events and performances are held regularly. This is an amazing place for learning the art and culture of Odisha.
– Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations: These are archaeological sites that date back to the 5th to 13th centuries CE. They reveal the remains of Buddhist monasteries, stupas, sculptures, and inscriptions. They also provide evidence of the influence of Buddhism in Odisha. This is an intriguing place for digging and uncovering the Buddhist legacy of Odisha.
– Anusupa Lake : Anusupa Lake is a natural wonder that lies on the banks of the Mahanadi river in Odisha, India. It is a horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake that covers an area of 231 hectares and is surrounded by the lush green Saranda Hills. The lake is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species of birds, fish, butterflies and mammals. The lake offers a serene and scenic view of the sunrise and sunset, as well as a refreshing breeze that soothes the senses. Anusupa Lake is a popular destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers and boating enthusiasts. It is also a Ramsar site, which means it is a wetland of international importance for conservation. Anusupa Lake is a gem of Odisha that showcases the beauty and diversity of nature.
When you are staying at Svanir, we would be happy to weave these destinations into your itinerary depending on your interests and time available.