All those who are seeking a fine blend of history, spirituality, and architectural wonders can head to Bhubaneswar to spend some time in tranquility. It’s called the Temple City of India due to the numerous magnificent ancient temples that impress you with their unique architectural styles.
Beyond the temples, it embraces various art forms, music, dance, and festivals that showcase the vibrant traditions of Odisha. Book a Bhubaneswar Darshan Package with us to explore all this and much more at your ease.
For nature buffs, the city has many serene parks and gardens where one can spot a diverse range of flora and fauna. As a wanderer, you can also interact with locals to soak in its heritage, which is no less than a rewarding experience for anyone.
Bhubaneswar is famous for its intricate handicrafts and handlooms. It is known for its Pattachitra paintings, applique work, stone and wood carvings, silver filigree, and tribal art. Visitors can explore local markets and craft villages to witness skilled artisans creating exquisite pieces of art.
Not to forget that Bhubaneswar offers a culinary delight for food enthusiasts as well. The cuisine of Odisha is a unique blend of flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients and local spices. Must-try dishes include the famous Odia sweets like Rasa Gola and Chena Poda along with mouthwatering street food like Bara Ghuguni, Dahi Vada, and Cuttack Chena Poda.
The overall experience of visiting Bhubaneswar extends beyond its tourist attractions. However, for your ease, we have hereby listed the top 5 places which you can explore with Bhubaneswar Darshan Packages to capture its real essence. These are as follows:
1. Lingaraj Temple
Considered as one of the most important and ancient temples in the region, Lingaraj Temple is a famous sightseeing place in Bhubaneswar that draws the attention of almost every traveler. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of "Hari-Hara," a combined representation of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
The sanctum sanctorum of the Lingaraj Temple houses the sacred "lingam," a representation of Lord Shiva. Only Hindus are allowed entry into the innermost chamber, while others can admire the temple's beauty from the outside. The lingam is bathed with water, milk, and other holy substances during daily rituals and special ceremonies.
The Lingaraj Temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year, especially during important Hindu festivals like Shivratri, when the temple is adorned with lights and decorative ornaments. It witnesses grand celebrations, with devotees offering prayers, performing rituals, and participating in colorful processions.
2. Rajarani Temple
Tracing its history back to the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple is a famous pilgrimage site that is widely renowned for boasting excellent architecture. It is made of a type of red and gold sandstone, which gives it a unique appearance from the other temples in Bhubaneswar.
As you step inside its complex, you will notice that the temple belongs to no specific deity and hence is frequented by people of all castes, creeds, and religions. However, one can notice the carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the walls indicating that this place is dedicated to the Hindu community.
It’s the architectural beauty, exquisite sculptures, and tranquil surroundings that make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient Indian temple architecture.
In addition to its historical and architectural significance, the Rajarani Temple also serves as a venue for the Rajarani Music Festival, an annual event that showcases classical Indian music and dance performances. The festival attracts artists and music lovers from all over the country.
3. Mukteshvara Temple
Known for exquisite sculptures and intricate carvings, the Mukteshvara Temple is a significant Hindu temple that was built in the 10th century during the reign of the Somavamsi dynasty. It is believed to be the earliest specimen of the Kalinga style of temple architecture, which later evolved into the distinct Odishan style.
The most iconic feature of the Mukteshvara Temple is the arched gateway or torana, known as the "Torana Mukha." It is adorned with beautiful carvings of divine figures and mythical creatures. The Torana is considered a masterpiece of Odishan art and is often used as a symbol to represent Bhubaneswar and Odisha.
The Mukteshvara Temple holds great significance for art and history enthusiasts, as it represents a transition phase in Odishan temple architecture and showcases the mastery of ancient sculptors. The annual Mukteshvara Dance Festival, held on the temple premises, is another major attraction where classical dancers perform various dance forms to pay homage to Lord Shiva.
4. Bindu Sarovara
Also referred to as Bindu Sagar, Bindu Sarovara is a large rectangular-shaped water body that holds immense religious significance among the people and is considered holy by devotees, particularly those following the Shaivism tradition.
According to Hindu mythology, Bindu Sarovara is believed to be the spot where the celestial river Ganga (Ganges) descended to Earth in the form of a drop (bindu). Hence, the name "Bindu Sarovara" translates to "the lake of the drop." It is considered auspicious for devotees to take a dip in the tank's waters, which are believed to be infused with the sanctity of the Ganga.
Surrounding Bindu Sarovara are numerous small temples and shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, creating a religious complex known as the Ekamra Kshetra. Pilgrims and visitors often perform circumambulation (pradakshina) around the tank, paying homage to the deities and seeking spiritual blessings.
5. Odisha State Museum
Visit the Odisha State Museum to learn more about the rich history, heritage, art, and culture of Odisha. It is a prominent museum that houses an extensive collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and archaeological finds to cater to the varied interest of history buffs.
The exhibits in the Odisha State Museum are divided into various sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the state's heritage. Some of the notable sections include the Archaeology Section, Numismatics Section, Epigraphy Section, Manuscripts Section, Natural History Section, and Contemporary Art Gallery.
Visitors to the museum can gain a deeper understanding of Odisha's history, art forms, religious practices, and traditional craftsmanship. The museum offers a comprehensive and engaging experience, allowing you to immerse in the rich cultural tapestry of Odisha.
In short, we can say that this city provides a unique travel experience with its well-preserved heritage sites, warm hospitality, and a blend of ancient and modern attractions. So, whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, Bhubaneswar's charm will surely captivate your senses and leave you with lasting memories.
Plan a guided trip with our Bhubaneswar Darshan Packages to make the most of your time. We at Bhubaneswar Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA, strive to offer the best of our services to our diverse clientele. Our team of travel experts wants you to enjoy your Bhubaneswar tour to the fullest and we leave no stone unturned to accomplish that.
You can also opt for our all-inclusive Bhubaneswar tour packages to experience everything at pocket-friendly prices. Please fill out the Contact Us form to learn more about us.
How to Reach Bhubaneswar?
Due to its excellent connectivity to the rest of the country via all modes of transportation, one can easily access Bhubaneswar in their utmost comfort. Among all, the most preferred way is via airways. You can board a flight to the Bhubaneswar Airport to experience hassle-free traveling. The Bhubaneswar Airport is only 6 km away from the heart of the city. Outside the airport, there are numerous options available for people to commute further within the city.
Another way is to catch a private or a state-owned bus from cities like Puri, Cuttack, Konark, Paradip, etc. For your ease, there is also a regular facility for interstate buses from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar. Alternatively, choose to self-drive from the neighboring areas. Once you are in the city, you can also hire a cab from the list of top car rental companies in Bhubaneswar to travel to your desired location.
Last but not least, the Bhubaneswar Railway Station has trains from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and several other major tourist destinations in India. It is a pocket-friendly as well as convenient option for people of all age groups. You can get the seat reservation done in advance in case you’re traveling in peak season.
