9 Incredible Things to Do in Bhubaneswar During Your Vacation

9 Must-See Tourist Spots in Bhubaneswar
For those in search of a hidden treasure, Bhubaneswar—also called the “Temple City of India”—is an excellent choice. It is an essential visit on any journey to Odisha, so let’s have a look at the top 9 attractions that include everything from old architecture and rich history to wildlife excursions and handmade shopping.

Enjoy the Lingaraj Temple’s Detailed Stone Carvings
The Lingaraj temple, which dates back to the 11th century and is devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva, or “King of the Lingam,” is the most prominent landmark in Bhubaneswar. Every surface of the majestic sandstone and granite building is adorned with exquisite carvings of mythological beings and gods. The architectural wonders here will astound you, from the 55-meter-tall “shikhara” spire to the granite walls that display inherent motifs like bat gargoyles and maiden damsels.

The primary gods venerated are Parvati and Shiva.
Completed in the 11th century, with updates every 12–15 years
Horoscope for the temple: 6 am to 10 pm
Welcome, non-Hindus! The the way to the front door
Follow the path that encircles the inner ‘garbhagriha’ room, which is where the center ‘lingam’ is located.

The Mukteshwar Temple Features Beautiful Stone Carvings
The Mukteshwar temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva and dates back to the 10th century, is distinguished by its subdued elegance and elaborate Hindu scripture carvings on red sandstone, in contrast to the majesty of Lingaraj. The stunning arched stone entrance, adorned with sculptures of deities in various positions, seems as if it were plucked from a museum! You will definitely capture the ideal trip photos here, what with the lush green palm palms as a background.

Date of construction: 950 to 970 CE
Noteworthy features: ornately carved stone torana and ornately adorned walls
Time of day: Every day, from 6 am to 6 pm
At the vicinity of Rajmahal Square
Above the temple entrance stands a sixteen-armed sculpture of Goddess Gajalakshmi, which is meticulously crafted. Take a moment to admire it.

Possible Interests of Yours
A list of the twenty most stunning female celebrities in their 30s
Don’t Use This Suitcase Style, According to Sponsored Airports, Says y2mate
Just 5 minutes ago, she was arraigned! (investing.com)!
Sponsored by emanisptter
Check Out These 2024 Bathroom Renovation Trends (And Their Prices)
This website, HomeFixGenius.com, is sponsored by Taboola.The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves Will Transport You Back 2000 Years
Udayagiri and Khandagiri are twin caverns that were constructed as Jain hermit houses during the time of King Kharavela. They give an unusual glimpse into history that dates back 2000 years. Ascend the stone stairs and explore the monks’ cells, which are adorned with exquisite Jain sculptures, before reaching the more ornate worship areas.

Exquisite TORANA gates and carvings of elephants are the main attractions.
Completed in the first century BCE
Indian citizens pay Rs. 5, whereas foreign nationals must pay Rs. 100.
Place: Approximately 6 kilometers from Bhubaneswar
Views of Bhubaneswar from above will round off your journey through time.

Embrace Your Inner Wild Child at Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan, which translates to “Garden of Heavens” in English, is a verdant zoo park that lives up to its name, spanning 400 hectares and housing 167 different animal species in well-designed cages. While on a delightful train safari through verdant botanical gardens, one may marvel at the sight of majestic Asiatic lions, elephants, and fluffy white tigers. Also, when you’re in the aquatic park, make sure you stop by the biggest penguin colony in the nation.

Ticket prices for safari rides are Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
It costs Rs 10 per individual to enter the aquatic park.
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Distance: 20 minutes by car from Bhubaneswar
‘Rama,’ the zoo’s oldest and most charming resident orangutan, is 34 years old.

Visit the Rajarani Temple to Take in Its Majestic Architecture.
Tucked away in a tranquil garden enclosure, the Rajarani Temple, constructed in the 11th century, is a prime example of the distinctive ‘Kalinga’ architectural style that is exclusive to Odisha. Unlike Lingaraj, this Shiva temple makes use of reddish Rajarani stones instead of the more common sandstone. Ascending the middle staircase reveals its distinctive features—delicately sculpted female dancers circling the wall base under beautiful floral themes.

The focal point: Wall-mounted sculptures of heavenly nymphs
Constructed from: Black chlorite stone that is fibrous
Temple hours: every day from dawn to dusk
Fees for entry: none
On the western wall, you can see the famous love tale of Gajalaxmi and the elephant deity Airavata carved into stone.

Visit the State Museum to Learn About Odisha’s Past.
The vast state museum provides an overview of Odisha’s rich history spanning four thousand years, with archeological exhibits ranging from prehistoric rocks to Hindu sculptures from the medieval period gathered from distant villages. Peruse the artifacts on display in the three main galleries, which include stone inscriptions, Jain idols, tribal handicrafts, musical instruments, and even a whale fossil dating back 25 million years.

Museum established: 1938
wide variety of galleries: zoology, textiles, manuscripts, and numismatics
Stone inscriptions and the bronze gallery are must-see areas.
Fees: Rs 10 for Indian citizens, Rs 100 for foreign nationals
This cultural treasure trove will open your eyes to the breadth and depth of Odisha’s heritage.

Visit Dhauli’s Shanti Stupa for Inner Peace 7.
Located on the Dhauli hills close to Bhubaneswar, the shimmering white Shanti Stupa was constructed by Emperor Ashoka in the early 3rd century BCE as a monument to the Kalinga battle and its aftermath. It stands towering among peaceful natural settings. On your ascent, you’ll come across granite edicts that describe the Emperor’s contrition after the massacre. Perfect for meditation in the serene atmosphere, the large decorative dome above is flanked by chortens.

High point: sweeping views from the peak
Emperor Ashoka had it constructed in the third century BCE.
There are no entrance fees.
Approximately 8 kilometers from the heart of the city
It is a surreal experience to watch the sun set over the Daya River as it winds across the plains from this spot.

Take a stroll around Ekamra Kanan’s “Heavenly Gardens.”
The official botanical gardens of Odisha, which mean “Garden of Ekamra” in reference to Lord Shiva, span more than 100 acres inside the heart of Bhubaneswar. Under the canopy of towering trees, winding paths pass across verdant lawns adorned with named floral species such as medicinal plants, orchids, and cacti. A peaceful family visit here would be ideal for breathing in fresh air and seeing wildlife up close, such as butterflies and birds.

Key feature: stroll along the bamboo path
There are almost a thousand different kinds of flowers, plants, and trees, both native and introduced.
Cost: Rs. 10 per individual
Hinterland of the Regional Museum
Relax as you meander around these paradisiacal gardens, listening to the singing of birds and the babbling of fountains.

Visit the Kala Bhoomi Museum to Learn About Local Craftsmanship
The Crafts Museum, also known as Kalabhoomi, pays tribute to the skilled indigenous creativity that goes into making exquisite handmade goods and offers deeper insights into Odisha’s rich living crafts legacy. Intricately woven fabrics, dazzling jewelry, spectacular appliqué work garments used in tribal festivities, stone and wood sculptures, and much more are shown in galleries, with accompanying notes explaining the laborious hand-making process.

Rates for entering the museum: Rs 20 for Indian citizens and Rs 100 for international visitors
Hours: Mondays closed, 10 am to 5 pm
Stop into the “Boyaa Graaha” crafts store to see the wares.
Raj Bhavan Road is in close proximity.
Along with a greater respect for India’s rich artistic history, you’re likely to take home a satchel of locally crafted souvenirs.

Now that you’ve had a sneak peek into this culturally rich and diverse city in Bhubaneswar virtually, I hope you’re ready to book your flight! For a once-in-a-lifetime Indian vacation, it has something for everyone: stunning historical architecture, lush green adventures, and handmade shopping galore.