Lingaraj Temple Must visit
The great 11th-century Shiva temple, the finest example of Kalinga architecture.
Bhubaneswar
The Temple City: Lingaraj, ancient Jain caves and Dhauli's peace pagoda.
Reviewed by Ghumo Bihar team
- Best time
- October to March
- Days needed
- 1–2 days
- From Patna
- Direct trains · about 14–16 hrs; flights
- Good for
- History lovers, families, pilgrims
About Bhubaneswar
Why visit Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is called the Temple City of India: hundreds of temples in the Kalinga style stand in its old town, from the towering Lingaraj to the jewel-like Mukteswar. Across town, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves were carved for Jain monks more than 2,000 years ago.
At Dhauli, near the site of the Kalinga war, Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts and a white Peace Pagoda tell the story of his turn to Buddhism. Nandankanan Zoological Park, famous for its white tigers, is a family favourite. Bhubaneswar is the gateway to Puri and Konark.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Bhubaneswar
8 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves Must visit
Rock-cut caves made for Jain monks in the 1st–2nd century BC, with carvings and inscriptions.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa Must visit
A white Peace Pagoda near the Kalinga war site, with Ashoka's rock edicts below.
Mukteswar Temple Must visit
A small, beautifully carved 10th-century temple with a famous stone arch.
Rajarani Temple
An 11th-century temple known for its graceful sculptures, set in a garden.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
A large zoo and botanical garden famous for white tigers.
Odisha State Museum
Palm-leaf manuscripts, sculptures and Odisha's history.
Ekamra Haat
A craft market for Odisha handlooms and handicrafts.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Puri, Konark, Pipli, Raghurajpur and Chilika Lake.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Bhubaneswar
No group date announced yet. Tell us when you'd like to go and we'll let you know first, or plan a private trip below.
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Bhubaneswar
October to March is best for temple visits and sightseeing.
Winter (best)
October–March
Pleasant
Best for sightseeing.
Summer
April–June
Very hot, up to 42°C
Visit temples early.
Monsoon
July–September
Rainy and humid
Green, fewer crowds.
Festivals worth planning around
- Ekamra UtsavA winter festival of crafts, culture and food.
- Mahashivratri at LingarajThe biggest day at the Lingaraj Temple.
- Ashokashtami (Rukuna Rath Yatra)The chariot festival of Lingaraj in March or April.
Getting there
How to reach Bhubaneswar
Direct trains run from Patna to Bhubaneswar, and the city has a busy airport.
- PatnaTrain
About 14–16 hours
Several direct trains each week.
- Patna and other citiesFlight
Biju Patnaik International Airport
Close to the city centre.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
Use app cabs or autos in the city. Hire a car for a full day to cover the temples, caves, Dhauli and Nandankanan.
Where to stay
Bhubaneswar has hotels for every budget; stay near the station or Janpath for easy access.
- Business and mid-range hotelsJanpath and Saheed Nagar · Families
- Budget hotelsNear the railway station · Value
Food to try
- Dalma: lentils cooked with vegetables, Odisha's comfort food.
- Chhena poda: baked cottage-cheese sweet.
- Dahibara aloodum: a much-loved street snack.
Travel tips
- Non-Hindus cannot enter the Lingaraj Temple but can view it from a platform outside.
- Climb Udayagiri early morning before it gets hot.
- Nandankanan is closed on Mondays; check before you go.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Bhubaneswar from Patna?
By direct train in about 14–16 hours, or by flight.
How many days are enough for Bhubaneswar?
One to two days for the main temples, caves, Dhauli and the zoo.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Bhubaneswar?
Yes, together with Puri and Konark.
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