How to reach :
By Air: Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines.
By Rail: Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India
By Road: Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the national highways
Tourist attractions in Bhubaneshwar :
The most of the major temples of Orissa are situated in its capital city Bhubaneshwar. Parashurameshwara Temple, Vital Deul, Lingaraja, Mukteswara, and Rajarani Temple are prominent across the globe.
Parashurameshwara Temple:-
built in 650 AD, it has beautiful carvings and sculptures.
Vital Deul :--
Dating back to 800 AD it shows evidences of the Buddhist cave architecture. There is an awe-inspiring and amazing figure of Chamunda, an incarnation of Goddess Kali, inside the temple.
Mukteswar Temple:- It is perhaps the most ornate temple in Bhubaneshwar, built in between the 7-8 th century. Its architectural style is eclectic with the fusion of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain styles. The carved ceiling is an enthralling piece of the esoteric temple architecture of Orissa.
Lingaraj Temple:- This temple is perhaps the most magnificent temple in Bhubaneshwar, built during the 10th or 11th century. This rare and exclusive masterpiece of Orissa temple architecture is extensively decorated with elaborate carvings.
Museums :
Though Orissahas many museums, Orissa State Museum is a special one, situated on Gautam road, Bhubaneswar. The museum displays palm leaf manuscripts, copper plates, coins, excavated artifacts, folk musical instruments, tribal portraits, stone inscriptions and tools etc. In addition to these, the museum has an interesting collection of Orissa's tribalan thropology. The museum is open from 10.00 am 17.00 pm daily, except on Mondays and Government holidays. HandicraftMuseum is another museum, located on Secretarial road, Bhubaneswar. The museum houses extensive collections of traditional art, stone sculptures, crafts, silver filigree items, brass and horn work, toys and applique work etc. The museum is open from 10.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs every day, closed on Sundays. For those interested in the tribal life and culture of Orissa, the Tribal
Museum in Bhubaneshwar is an indispensable sight.
Excursions from Bhubaneshwar
Some Archeological sights :Excursions can be made from Bhubaneshwar to the nearby caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri, which are important archeological sights of India. There are 15 caves in Udaygiri, out of which Hathigumpha (elephant cave) is the most important. A 117-line inscription on the walls of the cave relates the exploits of the King Kharvela who ruled Orissa from 168 to 153 AD.
Jain Monuments in Orissa :
Near by the city of Bhubaneswar, in the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, Jain caves are situated which were once the residences of Jain monks. There are elaborate sculptural friezes from legends and history. Khandgiri with a predominant Jain influence offers a hilltop view of the city of Bhubaneswar, and most of the caves inside have an obvious Jain influence.
Buddhist Sites in Orissa:
Ancient Orissa played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhist religion in India and abroad. One of India's biggest historic battles (Kalinga war) took place in Orissa, which led to the conversion of Ashoka the great into Buddhism. In places like Dhauli, Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udaygiri, one can explore the rare rock edicts, Buddhist sculptures and statues. Dauli built in the 3rd century BC has Ashoka's rock edict. It was from here that King Ashoka set out to spread Buddhism. The place also has a white stupa (pillar) on top of a hill built in collaboration with Japanese Buddhists.
Nandankanan :
Nandankanan is a wildlife park at a distance of 25 km from Bhubaneshwar whose main attractions are the gorillas, crocodiles and white tigers. The Atri Springs are also famous.
A magnificent temple, which should be on your temple itinerary, is the Sun Temple at Konark. Though in ruins, it is marvelously designed as a chariot of the Sun God. Puri, 60km from Bhubaneshwar is also a temple town worth visiting.
Fairs and Festivals in Bhubaneshwar :
The principal festivals in Bhubaneshwar are the Durga Puja, Janmashtami and Kali Puja. On the day of Ashokashtami in the month of March, the image of Lingaraja (Lord Shiva) and other deities are taken in a procession from Lingaraja Temple to the Rameshwara Temple. Hundreds of devotees participate in pulling the chariot that carries the deities, which remain in Rameshwara Temple for four days. At the end of January comes Adivasi Mela, a fair that displays the art, artifacts, tradition, culture, and music of the tribal folks of Orissa.
