THINGS TO DO IN BHUBANESWAR - India Travel Online

‘Bhubaneshwar, a city, my city, which seems never empty and is also never full, always embarrassing the newcomers and introvert visitors with warmth, looking after their necessity and not stupidity’ – Anuj Panda

Bhubaneswar will usually be the first city you experience as it’s the entry point to the state of Orissa. The city is often mentioned as the city of temples which is very true! If you open your Google maps in the old town of Bhubaneswar from any point you will see that you are surrounded by temples.

RAJARANI TEMPLE

Located in the middle of well-kept lawns, the 1100 century temple is perhaps the most renowned temple in Bhubaneswar. You will find carvings of women in different aesthetic dance postures and even some women admiring themselves in the mirror just like we do even today. The carvings are very detailed and it lets the observer paint a story.

VISITING HOURS: 08:00 hours to 17:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins

COST: INR 300 per person for foreign tourists, INR 25 per person for Indian tourists.

MUKTESWAR TEMPLE

Known as the gem or jewel of Orissa, this temple is significant as it inspired the style of temples in Orissa. You must attend the walking tour that happens every Sunday at 06:30 Hrs by Ekamra Walks. You will get to know more about the significance of the temple. Around Mukteswar Temple, you will find some more sights like Ananta Vasudeva Temple and Parsurameswara Temple.

There’s also a small local sweet stall named ‘Maa Gouri Sweet Stall’. Located outside Parasurameswara Temple on the opposite road that has a variety of sweet options. It is the best way to energize yourself after the temple sightseeing.

VISITING HOURS: 06:30 hours to 19:30 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins hours

COST: Free

BINDU SAROVAR

This is one place that offers a quiet and calming atmosphere after all the temple spotting. Surrounded by numerous temples and shrines, Bindu Sarovar Lake is considered as a sacred lake. It is the largest water body of Bhubaneswar.

According to legends, Bindu Sarovar Lake was created by Lord Shiva by bringing water from all the holy places to quench the thirst of Goddess Parvati.`

VISITING HOURS: 24 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 30 mins hours

COST: Free

EKAMRAVAN

Ekamravan, a beautiful peaceful garden located on the Western banks of the Bindusagar Lake adjoining the ancient Lingaraj Temple in the Capital City of Bhubaneswar. A variety of plants can be found here that were traditionally associated with Hindu Gods Goddesses. However, they also have spiritual and medicinal significance.

At the entrance, you will also receive a pamphlet that will help you learn the names and medicinal qualities of these plants. This garden gives a very meditative calming aura to its visitor.

VISITING HOURS: 08:00 hours to 19:00 hours

ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour

COST: INR 25 for foreign tourists, INR 25 for Indian tourists, INR 10 for Children

KALA BHOOMI ODISHA CRAFTS MUSEUM

An extremely well-maintained museum that has a bunch of fun workshops such as palm leaf etching, Pattachitra, Ganjapan Cards, Applique work and Terracotta. You will have to reserve seats for the workshop on the website www.odishacraftsmuseum.com at a nominal fee. They offer guided tours of the museum as well. Timings are 11:00 Hrs to 12:00 Hrs for an English guided tour that begins at the reception.If you happen to be in Bhubaneswar on a Sunday, do join the walk of the museum organized by Ekamra Walks. They start at 15:30 Hrs every Sunday afternoon. The best part about this is that it is absolutely free!!

VISITING HOURS: 10:00 hours to 17:00 hours (closed on Monday)