Bhubaneswar is one of the ancient cities in India. It is popular as the ‘Temple City’ due to the presence of numerous ancient temples. Most of these temples are architectural marvels build from sandstone. These towering temples are a remarkable sight as they touch the sky with the fluttering saffron pennants at the top. Hence, Bhubaneswar attracts many tourists and pilgrims all the year-round. Bhubaneswar literally means ‘Lord of the Universe’. Bhubaneswar is an enchanting city with just the right mix of the historical elements and the progressive present. Today Bhubaneswar is a thriving centre for business and commerce.

Languages Spoken in Bhubaneswar

The primary language spoken in Bhubaneswar is Odia. Other than this, many also speak English and Hindi. As Bhubaneswar is a commercial centre, it also sees many migrants coming to the city from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

As it is with many cities in India, the weather in winters is pleasant for travel. The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to March. These winter months are ideal for exploring this city of temples.

Summers in Bhubaneswar

Summer is Bhubaneswar start from April to May. The temperatures soar to 35 degrees and higher. Summers here are best avoided.

Monsoons in Bhubaneswar

Monsoon in Bhubaneswar commences from June and goes on until September. Bhubaneswar experiences torrential downpour. It sometimes hampers regular outdoor activity. However, natural beauty during this time is a sight to behold.

Winters in Bhubaneswar

In winters, the mercury level in Bhubaneshwar barely rises above 28 degrees. Hence, this is the ideal season to go sightseeing in Bhubaneswar. This is also the time when Bhubaneswar receives a high number of tourists.

Festivals or Events of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneshwar celebrates a variety of festivals all the year-round. Some major festivals celebrated in Bhubaneswar are Makar Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Taratarini Mela, Ashokastami, and Durga Puja. During Makar Sankranti, there is a Makar Mela, and the locals worship the Sun God. Another festival is the Rajarani Festivals that celebrates classical and traditional Indian music. The Kalinga Mahotsav is a festival promoting martial arts.

Places to See in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is filled with many touristy places that are worth a visit. We have listed the top 5 places to visit in Bhubaneswar below:

Lingaraj Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lingaraj Temples is considered as the largest temple complex in Bhubaneswar. It has a tower as tall as 180 feet. Once you enter the inner Sanctorum, you will find an eight-inch Shiva lingam. Surrounding the temple is a huge garden with a variety of plants and flowers.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri

Udayagiri and Khandagiri are two sets of caves believed to be carved by Jain monks. These caves are the ideal place for someone who loves history and archaeology. There are numerous inscriptions on the walls inside the caves.

Hirakud Dam

The Hirakud Dam has some of the most mesmerising views of the Mahanadi River. It is also touted as the longest dam in the world with a length of 27 km. As this was the first multipurpose river project undertaken after independence, Hirakud is also the oldest Indian dam.

Parsurameswara Temple

A visit to Bhubaneswar is incomplete without visiting Parsurameswara temple. Built in 650 AD, this temple is one of the remaining unique specimens of Oriyan style architecture. As you venture inside and explore, on the north-west corner of the temple, you will found one thousand lingas. A sight such as this is sure to put anybody in awe of this temple.

Bindu Sagar Lake

Lakes or samovars are a common sight for many temples in India. Bindu Sagar Lake is a sacred lake near the Lingaraj Temple. It is a popular spot for the devotees.

Things to Do in Bhubaneswar

Visit the Odisha State Museum

For history buffs, a visit to the Odisha state museum is something that should not be missed. The Odisha State Museum has some of the rarest collection of palm leaf manuscripts and scroll paintings known as ‘patachitra’. The museum also houses traditional music instruments, Bronze Age tools and a massive selection of Buddhist and Jain sculptures.

Go shopping for travel souvenirs

Bhubaneshwar has many places where you can shop for travel souvenirs such as handicraft items from Ekamra Haat, handlooms such as Sambalpuri Bomkai sarees for various cloth shops, and Silver filigree items. The Market Building in Bhubaneswar is the right places for some flea shopping.

Explore the local food

Travel is never complete if you have not relished the local delicacies. Food has an innate power to connect people. Exploring local dishes in any places is the most exciting thing to do. Odia cuisines use less oil and spice and yet are some of the most flavourful dishes you will taste. Some of the dishes you can try in Bhubaneswar are Maccha Ghanta, Crab Kalia, Bhendi Bhaja, Chungdi Malai, Chhena Jalebi.

Airports in Bhubaneswar

The Biju Patnaik International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Bhubaneshwar. It is named after the freedom fighter and former chief minister of the state, Biju Patnaik. It is also the only international airport in the state. The airport is located at 3km from the city centre.

Bhubaneswar Airport:

Biju Patnaik International Airport Bhubaneswar, Airport Road, Bhubaneswar- 751020, Odisha, Airport Code: BBI