Bhubaneswar Travel Guide

Explore the top attractions, activities, food scene, and travel logistics of Bhubaneswar with this comprehensive travel guide.


Travel Guide to Bhubaneswar: Places to Visit, Things to Do, and More

Located in Coastal Odisha, in Eastern India, Bhubaneswar is a pilgrimage destination and an important cultural center in India. This city is known for its ancient temples, rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant food scene. In this travel guide, we will explore the top attractions, activities, food scene, and travel logistics of Bhubaneswar.

Introduction to Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of Odisha and is also known as the ‘Temple City of India.’ The city has a rich legacy of over 2000 years and was an important center of trade and culture. Bhubaneswar is home to over 600 temples, each with a unique architecture and history. The city is also known for its arts and crafts, including stone carving, pottery, weaving, and applique work.

List of Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar has a plethora of tourist attractions, ranging from ancient temples to natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in Bhubaneswar:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lingaraj Temple
  • Mukteswara Temple
  • Rajarani Temple
  • Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
  • Odisha State Museum
  • Kala Bhoomi Crafts Museum
  • Dhauli Hill and Shanti Stupa
  • Khandagiri-Udayagiri Jain Cave Trail

Natural Attractions of Bhubaneswar: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Nandankanan Zoological Park
  • Ansupa Lake
  • Chilika Lake
  • Satkosia Tiger Reserve
  • Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Kapilash Temple and Hill
  • Kumari Hill

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhubaneswar

For adventure enthusiasts, Bhubaneswar offers a range of hiking and biking trails that take you through picturesque landscapes, hills, and forests. Some popular routes include:

  • Dhauli Hills to Jirang Monastery
  • Nandankanan Zoological Park to Barunei Hills
  • Satkosia Tiger Reserve to Badmul

Best Things to Do in Bhubaneswar: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting the top attractions, Bhubaneswar offers a range of exciting activities and tours that you can add to your itinerary. Here are some of the best things to do in Bhubaneswar:

  • Attend the Annual Konark Dance Festival
  • Take a Food Tour of Bhubaneswar
  • Join a Village Tour and Learn Local Crafts
  • Enjoy Elephant Rides at Puri Beach
  • Take a Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhubaneswar

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the best of Bhubaneswar:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Lingaraj Temple and Mukteswara Temple
2 Explore the Odisha State Museum and Kala Bhoomi
3 Day trip to Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
4 Visit the Ansupa Lake and Satkosia Tiger Reserve
5 Attend the Konark Dance Festival and enjoy the beach
6 Take a village tour and enjoy local crafts
7 Yoga and meditation retreat and departure

Food and Drink Scene of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is a food lover’s paradise and offers a range of flavorful dishes and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Bhubaneswar:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chaat (spicy street food)
  • Chhena Poda (sweet cheese cake)
  • Pitha (rice cake)
  • Dalma (lentil soup)
  • Macha Ghanta (fish curry)

Local Beverages

  • Aam Panna (mango drink)
  • Sattu (nutritious drink)
  • Bel Sherbet (wood apple drink)
  • Kanji (fermented drink)

Where to Stay in Bhubaneswar: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bhubaneswar has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Bhubaneswar include:

  • Trident Bhubaneswar
  • Mayfair Lagoon
  • Ginger Hotel
  • Zostel Bhubaneswar
  • Mango Hotels

What to Buy in Bhubaneswar: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to take home some local souvenirs and products from Bhubaneswar, here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Pattachitra (traditional painting)
  • Stone Sculptures
  • Dhokra (metal artifacts)
  • Ikat Fabrics
  • Silks and Sarees

Local Culture and Customs of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar has a diverse and rich culture that reflects in its traditions, festivals, and customs. Some of the unique customs and traditions in Bhubaneswar include:

  • Odissi Dance
  • Rath Yatra Festival
  • Tribal Festivals
  • Applique Work
  • Sand Art

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhubaneswar

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Bhubaneswar:

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Dress modestly while visiting temples and religious places
  • Try local dishes and beverages
  • Carry cash as many places do not accept cards

Don’t:

  • Disrespect or damage any local heritage sites
  • Wear revealing clothes in public places
  • Drink tap water or eat street food from unhygienic places

Safety and Health

Safety in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is a safe city to travel to, but as with any city, it’s important to take necessary precautions. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while in Bhubaneswar:

  • Avoid deserted or poorly lit areas at night
  • Keep your valuables and documents safe
  • Use registered auto-rickshaws and taxis
  • Always carry a map or ask for directions

Health in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is a fairly healthy city, but it’s important to take necessary precautions while eating and drinking. Here are some health tips to keep in mind while in Bhubaneswar:

  • Drink only bottled or boiled water
  • Avoid spicy or oily food from unhygienic places
  • Carry any necessary medication with you

Getting to Bhubaneswar: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bhubaneswar

The nearest airport to Bhubaneswar is the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is 6 km away from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Bus Stations Near Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar has a well-developed bus network and is connected to major cities in Odisha and nearby states. Some of the popular bus stations in Bhubaneswar include:

  • Baramunda Bus Stand
  • Master Canteen Bus Stand
  • Kalpana Square Bus Stand

Other Options

You can also reach Bhubaneswar by train or private car. Bhubaneswar Railway Station is connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore.

How to Get Around in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar has a range of transportation options available, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses. It’s important to negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw or taxi. Buses are the cheapest mode of transportation, but they can be overcrowded and uncomfortable during peak hours.

Where to Go Next from Bhubaneswar: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bhubaneswar is an ideal base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Some popular nearby destinations include:

  • Puri Beach and Jagannath Temple
  • Konark Sun Temple
  • Cuttack
  • Chilika Lake and Puri Sea Beach
  • Simlipal National Park

Conclusion

Bhubaneswar is an ancient city with a rich history, diverse culture, and a vibrant atmosphere. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your itinerary and explore the best of Bhubaneswar. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of India.

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