The temple city

Bhubaneswar

Explore Odisha’s capital through its historic temples, cave complexes, museums and green spaces.

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Get to know the place

Bhubaneswar temple city travel guide

Bhubaneswar is Odisha’s capital and is widely known as the Temple City for its remarkable concentration of historic shrines. The city brings together old temple precincts and a modern state capital.

Allow time to explore beyond the best-known temples: the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, Dhauli’s Peace Pagoda and the city’s museums add archaeological, Buddhist and cultural context to a visit.

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Top places to explore in Bhubaneswar

These highlights are drawn from the destination guide. Check local access and current opening details before visiting.

Temple heritage

Lingaraj Temple

A major historic temple dedicated to Harihara and one of the defining landmarks of the old city. Check visitor access rules before arrival.

Temple heritage

Kedar Gauri Temple

Explore this historic temple complex near the Lingaraj Temple precinct, associated with Shiva and Gauri.

Temple heritage

Ananta Vasudeva Temple

Visit a historic Vishnu temple close to Bindu Sagar in the old city.

Sacred waterbody

Bindu Sagar

A historic waterbody beside the old city’s important temple precincts.

Early temple architecture

Parasurameswara Temple

See an early stone temple noted for its carved details and historic architecture.

Kalinga architecture

Mukteshwar Temple

Admire a celebrated temple known for its ornate stonework and distinctive arched gateway.

Sculpture

Rajarani Temple

Explore a richly carved temple complex whose sculptural details make it a highlight of Bhubaneswar’s heritage trail.

Temple heritage

Brahmeswara Temple

A historic shrine known for its carved stonework and traditional Kalinga temple form.

Museum

Odisha State Museum

Discover collections spanning archaeology, sculpture, manuscripts, folk culture and the state’s history.

Temple

Ram Mandir

A prominent temple in central Bhubaneswar, known for its shrine to Lord Rama and its devotional atmosphere.

Shopping and local life

Market Building

Browse the busy Unit 2 market area for clothing, local goods, street food and everyday city shopping.

Science and learning

Pathani Samanta Planetarium

Catch a public programme about astronomy and space science; check showtimes before visiting.

Street food

Khao Gully

Sample local street food at this popular Bhubaneswar food stop; opening stalls and hours may vary.

Shopping and entertainment

Esplanade Mall

Visit this modern shopping and entertainment destination in Rasulgarh, with stores, dining and cinema options.

Nature and wildlife

Nandankanan Zoological Park

Explore the zoological park and botanical setting near Kanjia Lake; check current opening hours and visitor guidance.

Vaishnava temple

ISKCON Temple

Visit the Bhubaneswar temple of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, dedicated to Krishna and spiritual practice.

Culture

Museum of Tribal Art and Artefacts

Learn about the material culture and traditions of Odisha’s tribal communities through curated exhibits.

Caves and inscriptions

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

Walk among rock-cut cave complexes with historic inscriptions and views across the city.

Water park

Wonderla Water Park

Spend the day at Wonderla Bhubaneswar, located on NH 16 near Khordha, outside the city centre. Check current opening days and ticket details before visiting.

Buddhist heritage

Dhauli Shanti Stupa

Visit the Peace Pagoda and historic hill associated with the Kalinga War and Ashokan history.

Temple heritage

64 Yogini Temple, Hirapur

Visit a circular open-air temple dedicated to the Yoginis, located outside the city centre.

Getting here

How to reach Bhubaneswar

By air

Biju Patnaik International Airport is in Bhubaneswar and has air links with major Indian cities.

By rail

Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major railhead with regular services to cities across India.

By road

The capital is linked by road with destinations across Odisha. Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws serve local journeys.

Choose your season

Best time to visit

October to March is generally a comfortable season for walking between heritage sites. Start temple visits early, check individual opening arrangements and allow extra time for festival crowds.

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