Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is often called the Temple City of India. Hundreds of stone temples were built here between about the 7th and 13th centuries in the Kalinga style, with curved towers (deul) covered in carvings. The city's history goes back further still: the Jain caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri date from the 2nd century BCE, and at nearby Dhauli, Emperor Ashoka's edicts mark the aftermath of the Kalinga war.
The things to do in Bhubaneswar include the great Lingaraj Temple and the jewel-like Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples, the rock-cut Jain caves, the peace pagoda at Dhauli, the circular yogini temple at Hirapur, museums, crafts and Odia food. Puri and Konark are close by.
One to two days is enough for the city. October to March is the best time.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Bhubaneswar travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Bhubaneswar
- See the Lingaraj Temple
- Visit the Mukteshwar Temple and its torana
- See the Rajarani Temple
- Visit Parashurameswar and Brahmeswar temples
- Walk around Bindu Sagar
- Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves
- See the Ashokan edicts and Shanti Stupa at Dhauli
- Visit the Chausath Yogini Temple at Hirapur
- See white tigers at Nandankanan
- Eat dalma, pakhala and chhena poda
Interested in the history? See our guide to temple architecture of India.
Planning a pilgrimage? See our guide to spiritual places in Odisha.
Temples
See the Lingaraj Temple
The Lingaraj Temple, built in the 11th century, is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar, with a tower about 55 metres high in a walled compound of over 100 smaller shrines. It is dedicated to Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. Entry is restricted to Hindus; non-Hindus can view the temple from a platform outside the wall.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good to know
- Hindus only inside
Visit the Mukteshwar Temple
The Mukteshwar Temple, from the 10th century, is small but exquisitely carved, with a famous arched gateway (torana) and sculptures of ascetics, animals and folk tales. It is often called the gem of Odisha architecture. The Mukteshwar Dance Festival is held here in January.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
See the Rajarani Temple
The Rajarani Temple, from around the 11th century, is named after the red-gold sandstone used to build it. It has no deity inside, and its tower is covered with graceful carvings of women and guardians of the eight directions. The Rajarani Music Festival is held here in January.
Visit Parashurameswar and Brahmeswar
The Parashurameswar Temple, from the 7th century, is one of the oldest surviving temples in the city. Brahmeswar Temple, from the 11th century, is a well-preserved example of a five-shrine (panchayatana) plan.
Walk around Bindu Sagar
Bindu Sagar, a large temple tank near Lingaraj, is believed to hold water from sacred rivers. The Ananta Vasudeva Temple on its bank is known for its kitchen, like Puri's.
Caves and edicts
Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves
The twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri have rock-cut chambers carved for Jain monks, mostly in the 2nd century BCE under King Kharavela. The two-storey Rani Gumpha has fine friezes, and the Hathigumpha inscription records Kharavela's reign. Khandagiri has a Jain temple on top.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Best time
- Morning
See Dhauli
At Dhauli, about 8 km south, a rock carries edicts of Emperor Ashoka, carved after the bloody Kalinga war of around 261 BCE, which led him to embrace Buddhism. A white Shanti Stupa (peace pagoda), built with Japanese help, crowns the hill, and a light and sound show is held in the evening.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Evening
Visit the Chausath Yogini Temple
At Hirapur, about 15 km away, a small circular open-air temple from the 9th century holds 64 carved figures of yoginis, female deities, in niches around the wall. It is one of only a few such temples in India.
Museums, zoo and food
See white tigers at Nandankanan
Nandankanan Zoological Park, on the city's edge, is known for its white tigers and runs lion and tiger safaris. It also has a botanical garden and a lake. It is closed on Mondays.
- Good for
- Families
- Good to know
- Closed on Mondays
Visit the State and Tribal museums
The Odisha State Museum has palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures and coins. The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts has displays on Odisha's 62 tribal communities, with textiles, ornaments and tools.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours each
Shop at Ekamra Haat
Ekamra Haat is a crafts market selling Odisha's handlooms, including Sambalpuri ikat and Bomkai saris, silver filigree from Cuttack, pattachitra and stone carvings.
- Good for
- Shoppers
Eat Odia food
Try dalma (lentils cooked with vegetables), pakhala (fermented rice, especially in summer), machha besara (fish in mustard), and chhena poda, a baked cottage cheese sweet. Odisha's rasagola has its own GI tag.
- Good for
- Food lovers
By season
October to March
Pleasant weather and the festival season, with dance and music festivals at the temples in January.
April to June
Very hot and humid; sightsee in the early morning.
July to September
Monsoon rain, and the Rath Yatra in nearby Puri in June or July.
Things to do in Bhubaneswar by type of traveller
History lovers: The temples, Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Dhauli and Hirapur.
Families: Nandankanan, the State Museum and Dhauli's evening show.
Culture seekers: Ekamra Haat, the Tribal Museum and a temple dance festival in January.
What to do in Bhubaneswar with one day
Start at Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in the morning, then visit the Lingaraj, Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples. After an Odia lunch, see the Tribal Museum, and end at Dhauli for sunset and the light show.
Practical tips for Bhubaneswar
- Biju Patnaik International Airport and Bhubaneswar railway station are close to the city centre.
- Temples are best visited in the early morning, before the heat.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes at temples.
- Combine with Puri and Konark for a three- or four-day circuit.
Plan the rest of your Bhubaneswar trip
Bhubaneswar things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Bhubaneswar?
See the Lingaraj, Mukteshwar and Rajarani temples, explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, visit Dhauli and the Chausath Yogini Temple, see Nandankanan and the museums, and eat Odia food.
Can non-Hindus enter the Lingaraj Temple?
No, but they can view it from a platform outside the compound wall.
How many days are enough for Bhubaneswar?
One to two days.
What is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?
October to March.
Things to do near Bhubaneswar
- Things to do in Puri: Jagannath Temple and beach, 60 km away
- Konark: the Sun Temple
- Chilika Lake: dolphins and birds
- Cuttack: silver filigree and Bali Yatra
More things to do in Odisha
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
Want us to plan this trip for you?
Tell Kudozz Club where you want to go and what kind of trip you’re looking for. We’ll build a Bhubaneswar and Odisha itinerary around your dates and budget.
Continue Exploring
View all guides
Spiritual TourismSpiritual Tourism in Odisha: Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark
A guide to spiritual tourism in Odisha: the Jagannath Temple in Puri and its Rath Yatra and Mahaprasad, Bhubaneswar's Lingaraj and old temples, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Jain caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, Dhauli, the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, Devi shrines such as Biraja and Tara Tarini, entry rules and a golden triangle route.
Heritage & CultureHeritage Tourism in Odisha: Konark, Temple Towns and Living Crafts
A guide to heritage tourism in Odisha: the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple city of Bhubaneswar, the Jain caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, the Ashokan edicts at Dhauli, the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udayagiri, Puri, the craft villages of Raghurajpur and Pipili, Cuttack's silver filigree, Odissi and Sambalpuri weaving.
Destination GuideOdisha Travel Guide: Konark, Puri & Chilika Lake
A stone temple carved as a giant chariot, one of Hinduism's holiest shrines, and a lagoon where Irrawaddy dolphins surface between fishing boats — the complete guide to India's most underrated temple state.
Off-beatRourkela Travel Guide: Steel City & Waterfalls
India's first integrated steel plant, a genuine hockey heritage, and one of Odisha's most dramatic waterfalls just beyond the city limits.