The Lingaraj Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Bhubaneswar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. With its magnificent architecture and detailed carvings, this temple is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates art and religion. Devotees flock here to offer prayers to Lord Shiva, especially during the festival of Shivratri.
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are ancient Jain rock-cut caves carved into the hillsides of Bhubaneswar. These caves were used as Jain monasteries and features inscriptions and carvings that tell the story of Jainism during ancient times. The rock-cut architecture and intricate details of the caves are a testament to the advanced engineering and artistic skills of the people during that period.
Dalma is a popular restaurant in Bhubaneswar that offers traditional Odia cuisine. With its cozy ambiance and delicious food, it is a perfect place to take a lunch break during your Bhubaneswar tour. Must-try dishes include the Dalma vegan curry, Machha Besara fish curry, and Chingudi Jhola prawn curry.
The Odisha State Museum is the best place to explore the rich cultural history of Odisha. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that range from traditional handicrafts to sculptures, coins, paintings, and ancient manuscripts. It is an excellent place to learn more about Odisha's past.
The Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 400-hectare zoo in Bhubaneswar that is famous for its white tigers and other exotic animals. The zoo has several safaris and animal enclosures and makes for an excellent spot to spend your evening. You can also take a boat ride to explore the beautiful zoo lake.
The Ekamra Haat is a crafts village that features a wide range of handicrafts and handloom products. This is the perfect place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. You can buy traditional items like Pattachitra paintings, bamboo and jute products, and Terracotta pottery from skilled artisans.
Bhubaneswar has many local transportation options, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, and state-run buses. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available from Bhubaneswar railway station and charge reasonable rates. If you prefer public transportation, you can take a state-run bus to go to Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves and Nandankanan Zoological park, which are a bit far from the city center. The estimated transportation cost for this itinerary is around INR 800.
If you have more time, you can explore other popular tourist spots in Bhubaneswar like Mukteswara Temple, Rajarani temple, Dhauli, and Pipili Village. If you have less time, you can skip Ekamra Haat and stick to the popular tourist spots mentioned in this itinerary.
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) is the nearest airport to Bhubaneswar, located around 4.5 km from the city center. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India like New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. Prepaid taxis, Ola and Uber cabs are easily available from the airport to reach the city center.