Bhubaneswar
The Temple City of India
Overview
Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha in eastern India, long known as the 'Temple City of India' for the hundreds of sandstone temples that survive around the sacred Bindusagar tank. Its masterpieces are the towering 11th-century Lingaraj Temple and the exquisitely carved Mukteshwara and Rajarani temples, high points of the Kalinga architectural style. Nearby lie the Jain rock-cut caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri and Dhauli, where Emperor Ashoka is said to have renounced war after the bloody Kalinga campaign. With Puri and Konark it forms Odisha's temple triangle. MyTripMyTravel runs Bhubaneswar as a heritage gateway to coastal Odisha.
Bhubaneswar is one of India's great temple cities, a place where the Kalinga school of architecture reached its full expression. Legend holds that the old town once had several thousand temples clustered around the Bindusagar tank; several hundred still stand, their curved spires and richly carved walls tracing the evolution of a style over some five centuries.
The presiding monument is the Lingaraj Temple, an eleventh-century masterpiece dedicated to Shiva as Tribhuvaneshwara, the 'lord of three worlds', that gives the city its name. Please note that entry to the inner Lingaraj complex is traditionally reserved for Hindus; visitors of other backgrounds view it from a raised platform beside the wall. Smaller gems reward slow looking, the jewel-like Mukteshwara with its carved stone gateway, the sculpture-covered Rajarani, and the early Parasurameswara. Beyond the temples lie the Jain caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri and, at Dhauli, Ashoka's rock edicts above the Daya river.
MyTripMyTravel runs Bhubaneswar as the cultural front door to coastal Odisha. Guests are guided through the temple town and the caves by an informed escort, taken out to Dhauli's peace pagoda and Ashokan edicts, and settled into comfortable modern stays, with the chauffeured coastal arc to Konark and Puri arranged from here.
At a glance
Bhubaneswar in brief
When to visit
October to February
The cool, dry months from October to February are by far the most comfortable for touring the temples and the caves, with pleasant days for walking. The summer from March to June is hot and humid on the coastal plain, and the monsoon from June to September brings warm, heavy rain. Winter also aligns with the wider Odisha touring season and the coastal drives to Konark and Puri, making it the clear window for an unhurried heritage visit.
Things to do
Experiences in Bhubaneswar
Lingaraj Temple
The 11th-century Shiva temple that defines Kalinga architecture; the inner complex is for Hindus, with a viewing platform for all.
Mukteshwara & Rajarani temples
Two of the city's finest smaller temples, famed for their carved stone gateway and sensuous sculpture.
Udayagiri & Khandagiri caves
Ancient Jain rock-cut cells with the Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela, carved into twin hills.
Dhauli peace pagoda & Ashokan edicts
The hilltop Shanti Stupa above the Daya river, beside rock edicts marking Ashoka's turn from war.
Odisha State Museum & crafts
Palm-leaf manuscripts, sculpture, and tribal collections, with the state's applique and silver filigree work.
Bindusagar temple walk
An escorted walk through the old temple town around the sacred tank at the city's spiritual heart.
Getting there
How to reach Bhubaneswar
Biju Patnaik International (BBI) is the eastern gateway with domestic and select international service; we manage the fleet handover.
Bhubaneswar is a major railway hub connected to Kolkata, Chennai, and the wider network; we handle all transfers.
Well-made coastal highways link Bhubaneswar to Puri and Konark, the standard chauffeured touring arc.
Our fleet handles the airport handover, city touring, and the Konark to Puri coastal circuit with a chauffeur and GPS tracking.
Where to stay
Full-service contemporary hotels near the business district and temple town with reliable comfort.
Character stays and design hotels reflecting Odishan craft and quieter surroundings.
Calm retreats geared to restorative days, yoga, and Ayurvedic care between temple touring.
Where to eat
The classic regional meal of rice, dalma, seasonal vegetables, and fish, mildly spiced and coconut-scented.
Odisha's signature caramelised cottage-cheese dessert, slow-baked to a deep golden crust.
The everyday Odia staples, lentils cooked with vegetables, and fermented watered rice for the heat.
Landmarks
Monuments in Bhubaneswar
Good to know
Bhubaneswar, your questions
Can non-Hindus enter the Lingaraj Temple?
Traditionally, entry to the inner Lingaraj complex is reserved for those of the Hindu faith. Visitors of other backgrounds can view the temple from a raised platform beside the outer wall, which our escort arranges respectfully.
How many days should I spend in Bhubaneswar?
One to two nights cover the main temples, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, and Dhauli. Many guests use Bhubaneswar as the base for the wider Odisha temple triangle with Konark and Puri.
What is the Bhubaneswar to Konark to Puri triangle?
It is Odisha's classic heritage circuit, the temple city of Bhubaneswar, the Sun Temple at Konark, and the sacred pilgrimage town of Puri, all within easy chauffeured reach and usually toured together.
What is special about Kalinga architecture?
The Kalinga style, seen at its height in Bhubaneswar, is marked by tall curvilinear spires, richly sculpted walls, and distinctive temple layouts. The city preserves the finest concentration of these temples anywhere in India.
How do I reach Bhubaneswar?
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) serves the city, which is also a major railway hub. We manage the fleet handover on arrival and the onward coastal touring by chauffeured car.
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