- Best time
- Oct–Mar
- How long
- 1–2 days
- Stay a night
- ₹900–9,000
- Food a day
- ₹300–1,500
- Nearest railhead
- 0 km away
- Nearest airport
- 5 km away
Plan Bhubaneswar in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.
Plan this tripAbout Bhubaneswar
Hundreds of carved Kalinga-style temples, Jain caves at Udayagiri and Ashoka’s Dhauli — the start of Odisha’s Golden Triangle.
Things to do in Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple
A prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, showcasing classic Kalinga architecture with a tall central tower and 108 smaller shrines within its large complex. It is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and remains actively used for worship.
Tip: Note that entry is restricted to Hindus only, but visitors can use the viewing platform outside.
Mukteshwar Temple
A tenth-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, known as the gem of Odishan architecture. It marks an important phase in the stylistic development of temple architecture in the region, serving as a monument of great historical study.
Tip: Look out for the detailed sculptures on the walls that showcase the fine craftsmanship of the period.
Rajarani Temple
An 11th-century CE shrine in Bhubaneswar that has no deity inside. It is known locally as Raja Rani because it is built from yellow and red sandstone. Visitors come mainly to see its fine architectural carvings.
Tip: Look out for the sculptures of graceful female figures carved in various poses
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves are 2nd-century BCE Jain caves located near Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. These partly natural and partly artificial caves were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela. Today, visitors can explore 18 caves in Udayagiri and 15 caves in Khandagiri, featuring ornate carvings.
Tip: Watch out for local monkeys roaming around the hill areas
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Dhauli Shanti Stupa in Bhubaneswar is a prominent monument marking the historic site where Emperor Ashoka renounced war after the bloody Kalinga War. The serene hilltop peace pagoda features stone edicts and carvings depicting Buddhist history and teachings.
Tip: Wear footwear that is easy to remove as you may want to walk respectfully around the stupa grounds.
Nandankanan Zoo
Nandankanan Zoological Park is a large zoo and botanical garden spread across the Chandaka forest and Kanjia lake. Established in 1960 and opened in 1979, it is famous for its white tigers and is part of a sanctuary.
Tip: Plan your visit on a day other than Monday when the zoo remains closed
Odisha State Museum
Odisha State Museum features eleven sections including archaeology, epigraphy, armory, and anthropology. Visitors can explore rare palm-leaf manuscripts and intricate sculptures that showcase the rich heritage of the region.
Tip: Ask the staff to help you navigate the eleven different sections so you do not miss the epigraphy and armory galleries.
Where to stay in Bhubaneswar
Janpath & Saheed Nagar
Central mid-range hotels.
Near the station
Budget hotels.
What to eat
Dalma
Lentils with vegetables, Odisha’s staple.
Dahi bara aloo dum
Cuttack-style breakfast.
Chhena poda
Baked cheese dessert.
Good to know
- Combine with Puri and Konark — Odisha’s Golden Triangle.
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