Bhubaneswar Travel Guide: Temple City of India

The Temple City of India

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the "Temple City of India" for having historically been home to well over 700 temples — a scale of religious architecture that makes it one of the most temple-dense cities anywhere in the country. Many of these temples, spanning centuries of Kalinga architectural style, still stand today.

The city also holds real historical weight beyond its temples: ancient Jain rock-cut caves, a site linked to Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after the devastating Kalinga War, and a modern zoo with one of the country's more successful white tiger breeding programs.

Bhubaneswar is the natural base for Odisha's Golden Triangle, paired with Puri and Konark.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

Odisha's coastal-plains climate makes timing matter, especially for a temple-hopping itinerary on foot.

Our pick: October to February — the most comfortable window for covering temples, caves, and day trips without the coastal heat or monsoon rain.

How to Reach Bhubaneswar

• By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) has regular flights from most major Indian cities and is Odisha's main air gateway.
• By Rail: Bhubaneswar is a major railway junction with direct connections to Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, and other major cities.
• By Road: Well connected to Puri (~60 km), Konark (~65 km), and Cuttack (~30 km) by a good road network.

Temples, Caves & Dhauli

Lingaraj Temple

Dating to the 11th century, Lingaraj Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in the city, dedicated to Shiva as Tribhubaneswar — the name from which Bhubaneswar itself is derived.

Mukteshwar Temple

A smaller but exceptionally refined temple, renowned for its ornate arched gateway (torana), often called a "gem of Odishan architecture" for its intricate carving.

Rajarani Temple

Built from distinctive reddish sandstone, notable for its sculptural work and a form that influenced later temple architecture across the region.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves

Ancient Jain rock-cut caves dating to around the 2nd century BCE, carved with inscriptions and reliefs — an important archaeological site predating most of the city's temples by centuries.

Nandankanan Zoo & Dhauli

Nandankanan Zoological Park is notable for its white tiger breeding program. Dhauli, on the city's edge, is linked to Emperor Ashoka's edicts and the Kalinga War, now home to a Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda).

Where to Stay in Bhubaneswar

As Odisha's capital, Bhubaneswar has the state's widest range of accommodation, from budget lodges to international chains.

2-Day Bhubaneswar Visit Plan

* Extend to a Golden Triangle trip with our Puri guide and Konark guide.

What to Eat in Bhubaneswar

• Dalma: A staple Odia lentil-and-vegetable dish, found across the city's restaurants and homes.
• Pakhala bhata: Fermented rice served with a range of sides, a traditional Odia summer dish.
• Chhena poda: A baked cheese dessert that originated in Odisha — worth seeking out at local sweet shops.
• Odia thali: Widely available across the city, a good introduction to the state's cuisine before venturing to Puri or Konark.

Budget Breakdown

* Figures are per person, per day.

Essential Tips for Visiting Bhubaneswar

• Non-Hindus cannot enter Lingaraj Temple's sanctum: Use the dedicated viewing platform nearby instead.
• Hire a guide for the caves: Udayagiri and Khandagiri's inscriptions and carvings are easy to miss without historical context.
• Start early: Temple complexes and caves are best explored before the midday heat sets in.
• Use Bhubaneswar as your Golden Triangle base: Both Puri and Konark are easy day trips or onward stops.
• Carry water and sun protection: Much of the sightseeing here is outdoors and on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions