Bhubaneswar

Understand

Bhubaneswar (ଭୁବନେଶ୍ଵର Bhubaneśvara bhoo-baw-neh-swaw-raw) is often referred to as a Temple City of India because of its numerous Hindu temples, which span the entire spectrum of Kalinga architecture. Together with Puri and Konark, it forms the Swarna Tribhuja ("Golden Triangle"), one of eastern India's most visited destinations. The modern city was designed by the German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946, along with Jamshedpur.

Get around

Bhubaneswar's roads are well-laid out by Indian standards, and the newer parts of the city are well-planned. Getting around is easy and inexpensive.

See

thumb|Lingaraj Temple thumb|Muktesvara Temple thumb|Rajarani Temple thumb|Parasuramesvara Temple thumb|Bhaskareswara Temple thumb|Megheswar Temple thumb|Brahmeswara Temple thumb|Vaitala Deul with Sisireswara Temple in background thumb|Rameswar Temple thumb|Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur Temples are undoubtedly the most important attractions of this city. Bhubaneswar is an ancient city where the major religions of India, Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, have all had a presence during some time in its history. All the religions have left their architectural footprints here. In particular, this is a place where the Kalinga style of Hindu temple architecture flourished between the 10th and the 13th century; you will see some of the finest examples of the style here. Unfortunately, a few of the temples, like Ligaraj and Kapileswar do not allow entry to non-Hindus. Most of the oldest temples, around 400 of them, are concentrated around the Old Town area. The temples are spread around a small area and are connected by an intricate network of lanes and bylanes, so walking is a good option. Covering all the temples listed below can take a minimum of 3 to 4 days. Bhubaneswar also has its share of Buddhist and Jain sites along with nearby archaeological sites. The city also houses a huge zoological park offering safaries. The city also has a couple of museums and a botanical garden.

Do

Visit the scores of parks in the city. The science park refreshes your basics and takes you back to school days. Or go around the rose garden in CRPF square or the NICCO park. There may be an odd play going on in Rabindra Mandap, opposite the General Post Office. Or a dance program at Soochana Bhavan. This place also had radio news broadcasts (May 1998) and a newspaper library. Visit places such as the hall of dance called Natamandira or the bhoga-mandapa, meaning hall of offering. Though these particular places can be found around the temple, the temple itself is off limits to non-Hindus.

Buy

Bhubaneswar is a great place to buy the traditional handicrafts of Odisha. Silver filigree work, applique work, items made of jute, and papier‑mâché items are some of the things you should consider taking back from your trip. The best place to buy these, though, is not the city itself, but Pipili, 8 km from Konark Sun Temple.

Colourful wooden icons of Jagannath, sandstone icons, and gemstones are a few other artifacts that you can take back as mementos.

Hand‑woven textiles, known as "handlooms" as in the rest of India, are exquisitely beautiful. For women, sarees and fabrics that can be tailored into salwar kameezes or kurtas are popular; for men, shirts or kurtas make for a good buy.

Eat

Mirch Masala; petrol pump Chandrashekharpur, Patia

Drink

Not a place to really party out. But you can still chill at the following places.

Sleep

There is a variety of options from as cheap as ₹150 up to ₹4000.

Stay safe

Bhubaneswar is one of the greenest cities in India and it has a clean look, with adequate arrangement for dustbins made by the local municipal authorities. It is a generally peaceful city with hardly any history of violence. Nevertheless, you should avoid travelling late in night as the city tends to sleep early. Also, wear cool, white clothes in the summer.

Be aware of the many touts near to the tourist places: railways, temples and hotels. The pāṇḍās can be notorious if not shown respect. But be within your limits and a polite no (sometimes repetitive) will be ok to avoid getting scammed. In case you have an issue with an auto rickshaw driver or taxi then report immediately to a police outpost, or call 100.

Respect

The temples are managed in the age-old traditions so be aware of the Hindu rituals and traditions before entering them. Make sure to take off your footwear when you enter a temple or any household. Women in particular needed to be cautious in their clothing and hygiene, but things are more equitable now.