Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is a city rich in history, culture, and spirituality. Known for its ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and beautiful parks, Bhubaneswar offers a plethora of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here are some of the best things to do in Bhubaneswar
Also Read: History of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra – How to Reach & Complete Guide
Best Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
- Visit the Temples: Explore the city’s rich religious heritage by visiting iconic temples like Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Rajarani Temple.
- Explore Nandankanan Zoological Park: Home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare white tiger, this zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers.
- Discover Odisha State Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Odisha through its impressive collection of artifacts, sculptures, and paintings.
- Stroll in Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful walk amidst lush greenery and exotic plant species.
- Shop for Handicrafts: Browse through the vibrant markets of Bhubaneswar for exquisite handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.
- Attend Cultural Performances: Experience the vibrant culture of Odisha through traditional dance and music performances.
- Taste Odia Cuisine: Indulge in the flavors of Odisha with its unique cuisine, known for its seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar in 2 Days
- Day 1: Visit Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Odisha State Museum.
- Day 2: Explore Nandankanan Zoological Park and Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar in 3 Days
If you have three days to spend in Bhubaneswar, you can explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Here’s a suggested itinerary for your three-day trip:
Day 1: Explore the Temples of Old Town
- Morning: Start your day early with a visit to Lingaraj Temple, one of the most prominent temples in Bhubaneswar dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Late Morning: Visit the nearby Parashurameshvara Temple, known for its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings.
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then explore the Mukteshwar Temple, famous for its beautiful stone archway and sculptures.
- Evening: Take a stroll around Bindusagar Lake, surrounded by several small temples, and witness the evening aarti at Lingaraj Temple.
Day 2: Cultural and Natural Delights
- Morning: Visit the Odisha State Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region through its impressive collection of artifacts.
- Late Morning: Explore the Nandankanan Zoological Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the rare white tiger.
- Afternoon: Have lunch and then visit the Regional Science Center for interactive exhibits and fun learning experiences.
- Evening: Enjoy a cultural performance at Rabindra Mandap or attend an Odissi dance recital to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 3: Day Trip to Puri
- Morning: Take a day trip to Puri, a coastal town located about 60 kilometers from Bhubaneswar.
- Late Morning: Visit the famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and explore the bustling streets and markets of Puri.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Puri and enjoy some fresh seafood for lunch.
- Evening: Return to Bhubaneswar in the evening and spend your last night exploring the local markets or enjoying a quiet dinner at a rooftop restaurant.
This itinerary will give you a good overview of Bhubaneswar’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty, allowing you to make the most of your three days in the city.
List of Top 10 Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
- Visit Lingaraj Temple.
- Explore Nandankanan Zoological Park.
- Discover Odisha State Museum.
- Stroll in Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens.
- Visit Mukteshwar Temple.
- Shop for Handicrafts at local markets.
- Attend a Cultural Performance.
- Taste Odia Cuisine.
- Visit Rajarani Temple.
- Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar at Night
- Attend a cultural show at Rabindra Mandap.
- Explore the street food scene at Market Building and Shahid Nagar.
- Take a night stroll around Bindusagar Lake.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar for Couples
- Enjoy a romantic boat ride on Bindusagar Lake.
- Visit Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves for a scenic walk.
- Have a quiet dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar Early Morning
- Witness the sunrise at Bindusagar Lake.
- Take a morning walk in Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens.
- Attend a yoga session at one of the city’s parks or yoga centers.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar with Family
- Visit Nandankanan Zoological Park for a day of fun and learning.
- Explore the Regional Science Center for interactive exhibits.
- Spend a day at Nicco Park for thrilling rides and entertainment.
Unique Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
- Participate in the Ekamra Walks to explore the heritage and architecture of the city.
- Attend the Mukteswar Dance Festival to witness classical dance performances against the backdrop of the Mukteshwar Temple.
- Take a day trip to Dhauli, a historical site known for its ancient rock edicts and Buddhist monuments.
Bhubaneswar is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a unique mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind, Bhubaneswar has something for everyone.
How to Reach Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is well-connected to the rest of India by air, rail, and road. Here’s how you can reach Bhubaneswar:
By Air
- Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) serves as the primary airport for Bhubaneswar.
- It is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, among others.
- The airport is located about 6 kilometers from the city center, and you can easily find taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses to reach your destination in Bhubaneswar.
By Train
- Bhubaneswar is a major railway junction in Odisha, and the Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) is well-connected to all parts of the country.
- Regular trains operate to and from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad, among others.
- The railway station is located in the city center, making it convenient to access other parts of Bhubaneswar.
By Road
- Bhubaneswar is well-connected to neighboring states and cities by a network of national highways and state highways.
- You can reach Bhubaneswar by road from cities like Kolkata (440 km), Visakhapatnam (440 km), Raipur (480 km), and Ranchi (480 km).
- State-run buses by OSRTC and private buses operate to and from Bhubaneswar, connecting it to various parts of Odisha and neighboring states.
Some of the most travelled top routes to Bhubaneswar
Local Transport
- Bhubaneswar has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, which can be used to travel within the city.
- Rental cars and motorcycles are also available for those who prefer to explore the city on their own.
Travel Tips for
- It is advisable to book your train or flight tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- If you are traveling by road, make sure to check the condition of the roads and weather conditions, especially during the monsoon season.
- Bhubaneswar experiences a tropical climate, so it is recommended to carry light and comfortable clothing along with sunscreen and sunglasses.
- It is always a good idea to carry a copy of your identification and travel documents while traveling to Bhubaneswar.
