9 Incredible Things You Should Do While on Vacation in Bhubaneswar

Nine Must-See Tourist Destinations in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, sometimes referred to as the “Temple City of India,” is a genuine jewel that is just waiting for intrepid travelers to find. Let’s look at the top 9 things that will make your trip to Odisha unforgettable, including its historic buildings, abundant wildlife, handicraft stores, and historical architecture.

Marvel at the Lingaraj Temple’s intricate stone carvings
The 11th-century Lingaraj temple, devoted to the Hindu deity Shiva, also known as the “King of the Lingam,” is the pinnacle of Bhubaneswar. Every square inch of the stunning sandstone and granite building is adorned with exquisitely detailed artwork featuring mythological animals and gods! You will be in awe of the architectural wonders here, from the imposing 55-meter-tall “shikhara” spire to the granite walls displaying iconic motifs like bat gargoyles and maiden damsels.

The principal deities revered are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Constructed in the eleventh century, with 12–15 year restorations
Temple hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Non-Hindus accepted: Just up to the main door
Walk around the inside ‘garbhagriha’ chamber, which houses the center ‘lingam’.

2. Beautiful stone sculptures at the Mukteshwar Temple
In contrast to the opulence of Lingaraj, the Lord Shiva temple in Mukteshwar, built in the tenth century, has a subtle beauty that is accentuated by elaborate carvings from Hindu texts on red sandstone. The exquisite arched stone entrance, scattered with statues of gods in various positions, seems as if it were found in a museum! With its stunning background of green palm trees, this place is guaranteed to provide you with the ideal trip photos for Instagram.

Included: 950–970 CE
The walls and the exquisitely carved stone torana are the main attractions.
Time of the temple: Every day, from six in the morning to six in the evening
Surroundings: Rajmahal Square
Above the temple entrance, stop to see the beautifully crafted sixteen-armed statue of Goddess Gajalakshmi.

Discover Ancient History in Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
During the time of King Kharavela, the twin caverns of Udayagiri and Khandagiri provided an unusual glimpse into 2000 years of history. The caves were constructed as Jain hermit residences. Ascend the newly hewn stairs and stone paths to see more complex prayer areas adorned with well-carved images of Jain figures, as well as simpler cells used by the monks.

Elephant sculptures and elaborate TORANA gates are the main attractions.
erected in the first century BCE
Entry costs: Rs. 100 for foreigners, Rs. 5 for Indians
Place: About 6 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar
From the summit, take in expansive views of Bhubaneswar to round off your time-traveling experience.

4. Visit Nandankanan Zoological Park to Discover Your Wild Side
Nandankanan, which translates as “Garden of Heavens” and spans 400 hectares, is a verdant zoo park that is home to 167 different animal species that walk in beautifully designed cages. During an exciting train safari journey through beautiful botanical gardens, it’s a thrill to see fluffy white tigers, powerful Asiatic lions, and elephants. Don’t forget to visit the aquatic park to see the biggest penguin colony in the nation.

Tickets for safari rides are Rs 50 for adults and Rs 25 for children
Entry to the aquatic park is Rs 10 per person.
Zoo hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mondays are closed.
Location: Bhubaneswar is 20 minutes away by car
Introducing “Rama,” the lovable 34-year-old orangutan who is also the zoo’s longest resident.

5. Admire Rajarani Temple’s Architectural Grandeur
Situated inside a tranquil garden enclosure, the Rajarani Temple, which dates back to the 11th century, is a hidden gem that exemplifies the distinctive “Kalinga” architectural style native to Odisha. Unlike Lingaraj, this temple to Lord Shiva is made of reddish Rajarani stones instead of the typical sandstone. Its distinctive elements are the finely carved representations of female dancers around the wall base under exquisite floral themes as you ascend the center staircase.

Wall-mounted figures of heavenly nymphs are the main attraction.
Constructed using: Chlorite stone, fibrous black
Temple hours: everyday dawn to dusk
Fees for entry: None
On the western wall, you may see the well-known tale of love between Gajalaxmi and the elephant deity Airavata.

6. Explore Odisha’s Past at the State Museum
A visit to the vast state museum provides an overview of Odisha’s rich history, spanning four millennia. Its archeological exhibits include everything from prehistoric pebbles to medieval Hindu sculptures gathered from remote villages. Explore three expansive galleries, including items such as musical instruments, Jain idols, stone inscriptions, and even whale fossils dating back 25 million years.

1938 saw the founding of the museum.
Variety of galleries: zoology, textiles, manuscripts, and numismatics
Crucial aspects to observe: Bronze gallery and Stone inscriptions
Entry costs: Rs 100 for foreigners, Rs 10 for Indians
This treasure trove will let you comprehend the extreme breadth and depth of Odisha’s cultural past.

7. Discover Calm at the Shanti Stupa in Dhauli
Constructed in the early 3rd century BCE on the Dhauli hills near Bhubaneswar, Emperor Ashoka built the shining white Shanti Stupa among peaceful settings to honor the Kalinga conflict and its aftermath. You’ll encounter granite decrees that describe the Emperor’s contrition after the carnage as you ascend. The enormous, elaborate dome on top, encircled by chortens, is ideal for meditation in the serene atmosphere.

Highlight: sweeping views from a hilltop
In the third century BCE, Emperor Ashoka constructed
There are no admission costs.
Location: Approximately 8 kilometers from the city center
This viewpoint offers an ethereal view of the setting sun setting over the Daya River meandering across the plains.

8. Stroll around Ekamra Kanan’s “Heavenly Gardens.”
Over a hundred acres of expansive botanical gardens, called the “Garden of Ekamra” after Lord Shiva, are cared for by the Odisha government in the heart of Bhubaneswar. Subtle green lawns intertwine with footpaths covered by towering trees, including named floral species such as cactus, orchids, and medicinal plants. It’s ideal for a carefree family trip where you can take in the fresh air and see vibrant butterflies and birds.

Highlight of the day: stroll along the bamboo path
Number of plant species: Approximately 1000 native and exotic plants, trees, and flowers
Entry costs: INR 10 per individual
Where: The Regional Museum is behind it.
Wander around these exquisite gardens, listening to the bubbling fountains and singing birds, and let your tension melt away.

9. Explore the Traditions of Local Crafts at Kala Bhoomi Museum
Visit the Crafts Museum, also known as Kalabhoomi, to get a greater understanding of Odisha’s rich legacy of living crafts. This museum pays tribute to the talented local artisans who create the exquisite handicrafts. Galleries have a wide variety of items on exhibit, including cards explaining the laborious handcrafted process, exquisitely woven fabrics, glittering jewelry, spectacular appliqué work garments used in tribal festivities, stone and wood sculptures, and more.

Entry fees to museums: Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays closed
Visit the ‘Boyaa Graaha’ crafts emporium to purchase handicrafts.
Situated close to Raj Bhavan Road.
You will undoubtedly leave with a greater understanding of India’s rich artistic heritage as well as a bag full of souvenirs manufactured locally.

After this virtual preview of the living heritage center with its amazing variety, I hope you’re all eager to pack your bags and go to Bhubaneswar! It offers something for every interest for a wonderful Indian vacation, from shopping sprees for handicrafts to green adventures to wonders of old architecture.