Things to Do in Bhubaneswar

The Lingaraj Temple is an ancient temple situated in the city of Bhubaneswar and is the largest one in the city. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, as the name suggests, the temple was built in the 7th century by King Jajati Keshari.

A unique zoo set inside a forest, Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960. It is a fascinating sanctuary built to ensure that the flora and fauna thrive in a protected region in their natural habitat. It is the first zoo in the world to have successfully bred Melanistic and White Tigers.

Also known as Cuttack caves, Khandagiri Caves are artificial caves located in Orissa, dating back to the 2nd century. This place is quite a sight with all the beautifully carved inscriptions and figures. This place holds great historical significance.

A popular 11th-century Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha in India, the Raja Rani Temple is locally known as the 'love temple' because it contains some sensuous carvings of women and couples. No images can be found inside the sanctum, and hence the temple is not associated with any particular sect of Hinduism.

The Bindu Sarovar or Bindu Sagar is a water tank which is believed to be sacred by Hindus. This tank is surrounded by several temples and lies in the vicinity of the Lingaraj Temple.

The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across 795.52 square kilometres. It does not fail to enthral its visitors with its overwhelming beauty, lush green surrounding, and the ever cherished rambling of River Mahanadi, the very famous Satkosia gorge and a large variety of species of wild animals, birds and plants.

Named after a famous astronomer, Pathani Samanta, the planetarium was established by the Science and Technology department of the Government of Odisha to create awareness and promote the subject. Enthusiasts often visit the planetarium for their informative audio visual programs, poster shows and for night sky gazing.

Constructed in 650 A.D. this temple is a unique specimen of Oriyan style of architecture. The most special feature of this temple is the presence of one thousand lingas in the north-west corner of the complex.

The Orissa State museum has an exclusive collection of some unique and ancient art and craft objects. This collection includes stone sculptures, bronze coins, musical instruments, armours, pre-historic metal plates etc.

The Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts has a splendid collection that introduces one to the 62 tribes of Odisha. Those who love to explore cultures will find the attraction a treat. The collection consists of traditional tribal costumes, jewellery, accessories, weapons and gears, farming equipment, etc.

Built by the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) in 1991, this temple is an alternative to Lord Jagannath temple of Puri as that temple is restricted to Indians.

Constructed across the Mahanadi River in Sambalpur, Odisha, the Hirakud Dam is hailed as the longest human-made dam in India. Astonishingly, it is over 56km long and is the top pick among locals and tourists to enjoy a refreshing day out. This marvellous piece of architecture construction was built in the year 1956.

Lined with umpteen shady trees, dotted with benches and sprinkled with swings, these multi-purpose parks in Bhubaneswar also have a separate jogging track for morning and evening walks. There are separate spaces for yoga and meditation. People mostly visit these gorgeous parks to breathe fresh air amidst the cacophony of the city.

Shanti stupa is a Buddhist Peace Pagoda and is the main attraction for people who believe in Lord Buddha or appreciate detailed artworks or carvings. This is a big white building covered with the dome on top and beautified with intricate carvings on it.

Regional Museum of Natural History has an impressive collection of plants, skeletons of rare and extinct animals, photographs and relevant samples from all over the world and information on the city's geology. This is the only museum in India with a rare egg of the now extinct Elephant Bird, the Baleen Whale and many more such exhibits on display.

Bhubaneswar is the capital and the largest city of Orissa. Apart from its historical and divine temples, there are other things that the city provides that must be visited once to learn more about the city and its culture.

Built amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of the Chadaka Elephant Sanctuary, Deras is a neat little dam constructed for irrigation purposes. The serene waters, the lush green forest and the fresh air make the attraction a pleasant escape at a stone's throw distance from the city life.

Ramachandi Beach boasts of shimmering silver sands, clear indigo waters and tall towering palm trees. Named after the presiding deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, the pristine beach is still unexploited, isolated and clear of turbulent waters. People mostly visit it to witness the mesmerising sunrise and sunsets from here.

The favourites here revolve around mouth-watering desserts and seafood. The local specialities that one must relish are Machha Jholo (a fish curry), Gupchup, Cuttack Chaat, Aloo Dum, Dahi Pakhal, and Badi Choora, Dalma, Santula and more. One should not miss sweets Pithas, Kora-Khhaii, Rasabali, Chenna Gaja, Chenna Poda and Rasagola.

Souvenir and gift-worthy items such as bamboo and cane, stone carving, palm leaf engraving, terracotta, dhokra, famous Sambalpuri saris, etc., are some of the excellent things you can buy. You can also visit Pipli village for its famous appliqué lamps. Utkalika is famous for tribal jewellery, hand-woven garments and “Pattachitras".

Located at a distance of 22 kms from Bhubaneswar in Kurang Sasan, Ocean World Water Park is one of the city's best and most popular water parks. Apart from the massive water rides and roller coasters, it also has an amusement park facilitated with umpteen regular rides and fun activities.