Bhubaneswar, often called the “Temple City of India,” is the capital and largest city of Odisha. It’s a magnificent city on the eastern coastal plains that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over India. It’s known for its grand temples and centuries-old sculptures, beautifully intertwined with its modern and progressive present.
Tourism in Bhubaneswar offers an extraordinary journey through time. The city is said to have around 700 temples, creating a display of ancient art and architecture. The iconic monuments in the Bhubaneswar tourist places list are inspired by Hindu, Buddhist and Jain practices. It boasts some magnificent Kalingan temples with intricate architecture. Sandstone temples rise beside tree-lined boulevards, and ancient caves sit beside modern infrastructure.
Beyond its architectural wonders, Bhubaneswar pulses with classical performances, tribal heritage, and spiritual wisdom. The top tourist places in Bhubaneswar are a blend of historical, spiritual and cultural richness. This smart city has mastered the art of blending tradition with progress. It attracts heritage enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and curious travellers alike.
To fully enjoy Bhubaneswar, explore all-inclusive tour packages by Bhubaneswar Tourism. We create immersive travel experiences, including accommodation, transportation, and guided tours. We also maintain a list of top car rental companies in Bhubaneswar, making it easy to explore the tourist places in and around the city. Please fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch.
History of Bhubaneswar
This sacred city has served as a centre of Hindu worship and learning for over 2,000 years. Ancient texts have mentioned Bhubaneswar as “Ekamra Khetra.” During the Mauryan Empire, it underwent significant development, becoming a prominent centre for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures. The Kalinga War was a pivotal event in the region.
The city rose to prominence under various dynasties, from the Mauryas and the Marathas to the Mughals and British rule. After independence, Bhubaneswar was chosen as Odisha’s capital in 1948. German architect Otto Königsberger designed the modern sectors, making it one of the first planned cities in India. Now, it’s gradually becoming a smart city, with ancient temples and modern tourist places in Bhubaneswar city alongside.
Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar tourist places offer a range of experiences. The attractions span across themes such as spiritual landmarks, archaeological wonders and natural beauty. Whether you're looking for magnificent temples or a peaceful cultural space, this temple city truly has something for everyone.
Lingaraj Temple reigns as the crown jewel of Bhubaneswar's architectural heritage. It’s an 11th-century marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple rises 180 feet high, with its magnificent tower dominating the city’s skyline. Built in the classic Kalinga style, the temple complex also houses 50 smaller shrines within its fortified walls.
Mukteshwar Temple is another majestic tourist attraction in Bhubaneswar. Because of its exquisitely carved arched gateway, it’s often called the gem of Odisha architecture. Other temples that showcase remarkable sculpting are the Rajarani Temple, the Parasurameswara Temple, and the Ananta Vasudeva Temple.
Brahmeshwara Temple, Ram Mandir, and ISKCON Temple are also revered temples that appear in the Bhubaneswar Tourism map. Chausath Yogini Temple, a rare yogini temple, deserves a mention as well. Another significant one is Vaital Deul Temple, known for its tantric associations.
For history lovers, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are among the top tourist places around Bhubaneswar. These magnificent rock-cut shelters served as residential blocks for Jain monks centuries ago. The most important of these caves was Rani Gumpha in Udayagiri, which stands out for its particularly intricate carvings.
Dhauli Hills also carries immense historical and spiritual weight as the site of the Kalinga War. The Shanti Stupa here, built by Japanese Buddhists, is visible from miles away. It stands as a beacon of peace and non-violence. The hill also offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The Odisha State Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts spread across its eleven galleries. The Regional Museum of Natural History showcases Eastern India’s biodiversity through informative exhibits. The Tribal Museum takes you on a fascinating trip through Odisha's tribes. For cultural enthusiasts, it ranks among the must-visit tourist places in Bhubaneswar.
The city also has the Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi), which immersively celebrates the state's rich handicraft traditions. Artisans often display their crafts on-site, making the visit a living cultural experience. Ekamra Haat is another must-visit destination in Bhubaneswar, Orissa Tourism. It’s a vibrant marketplace where artisans come to sell their crafts.
Nandankanan Zoological Park is among the best spots for nature lovers in the list of tourist places in Bhubaneswar. It’s one of India’s premier zoos that doubles as a botanical garden. Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens and Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary also offer a quick escape into nature. Bindu Sagar Lake, the largest water body in Old Bhubaneswar, is another place worth visiting for those seeking peace.
Science enthusiasts can visit the Regional Science Centre to explore interactive exhibits on science and technology. If you’re also curious about space and astronomy, Pathani Samanta Planetarium is the place to be. The sky theatre runs various shows and exhibits, making celestial phenomena entertaining for all ages.
Other Activities and Experiences
Beyond the main tourist places in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the city offers diverse experiences for art lovers and adventure seekers. Classical Odissi dance performances, one of the popular classical dance forms of India, are held regularly at various cultural centres. Other events featuring traditional music, dance, and crafts also draw viewers across India.
Excursions for tourism near Bhubaneswar are attractive additions to any tour itinerary. A trip to Puri (60 km away) lets you spend a day at Jagannath Temple, relax at the beach, and soak in the coastal charm. Trips to Konark (65 km) for the magnificent Sun Temple are also recommended. Also, Chilika Lake (110 km) offers opportunities for birdwatching and dolphin spotting.
Art enthusiasts should also explore Raghurajpur Artist Village (50 km away). It’s a heritage crafts village where entire families do traditional pattachitra painting and palm leaf engraving. If you’re seeking rejuvenation, yoga and meditation retreats near Bhubaneswar offer holistic healing.
Bhubaneswar Tourism also provides an opportunity to explore a vibrant array of souvenirs. From colourful handloom sarees and tribal jewellery to wooden decor, stone sculptures and pattachitra paintings, each item reflects Bhubaneswar’s rich artistic traditions. The shops and stalls offer street food delights like dalma, pakhala bhat, and chhena poda.
How to Reach Bhubaneswar
Here are various ways to reach Bhubaneswar and explore its tourist places comfortably:
By Air: Biju Patnaik Airport (just 6 km from the city centre) connects Bhubaneswar to other cities in India. Several airlines operate regular flights from Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, and other major cities. From the airport, you can book a cab/taxi from the top car rental companies in Bhubaneswar for a comfortable trip.
By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major railhead with excellent connectivity throughout India. It's well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Puri and other cities by numerous express and superfast trains. Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains also provide premium connectivity to major metros. Within Bhubaneswar, local transportation includes cycle/auto-rickshaws, city buses, and cabs/taxis.
By Road: Bhubaneswar enjoys excellent road connectivity via National Highways. State-run buses and private coaches, both AC and non-AC, run regularly from nearby cities. You can also self-drive or rent a cab to enjoy a scenic ride along the coast of Odisha. Kolkata is 440 km away, Visakhapatnam is 430 km away, and Puri is 60 km away from Bhubaneswar.
With its sacred temples, historical heritage and vibrant culture, Bhubaneswar Tourism is a soul-stirring experience. From magnificent Kalinga architecture to pristine wildlife sanctuaries, every corner reveals a different facet of Odisha's legacy. Bhubaneswar Tour packages by Bhubaneswar Tourism offer an immersive, firsthand glimpse of all the tourist places of Bhubaneswar and around. Fill out the Contact Us form to get in touch with our travel experts.
