One
of the major cities of eastern India,
Bhubaneshwar is the capital of eastern
Indian state of Orissa. Bhubaneshwar derives its name from the Sanskrit word
Tribhuvaneswara which means Lord Shiva. A city with a spiritual atmosphere,
a number of beautiful temples dot the landscape of Bhubaneswar. Infact, the
city is also called the ' Temple Metropolis of India'. Some of
Bhubaneshwar's temples are more than 2000 years old. But instead of living
in the past, Bhubaneshwar has developed its civic amenities well and is
regarded as one of the better planned cities of India. Bhubaneshwar is one
city that has blended tradition with modern necessities very well.
Best Season to Visit : November-April
Sightseeing at Bhubaneshwar -
Lingaraja Temple :
The Lingaraja temple is regarded as a fine example of purely Hindu temple.
This 10th century temple is also regarded by some archeologists as 'the
truest fusion of dream and reality.' The temple is 55-m-high and has its
entire surface covered with elaborate carvings. There is an ancient
tradition that all pilgrims wishing to visit Jagannath temple at Puri must
offer worship at the Lingaraja temple first of all.
Parashurameshwara Temple : The Parashurameshwara temple was built in
the year 650 A.D and is one of the best examples of Orissa style of temple
architecture. Many exquisite carvings and sculptures also adorn the walls
and pillars of this temple. Rituals are rigidly followed in the temple.
Raja Rani Temple : The Raja Rani temple is regarded as the finest
example of traditional Orrisan temple designing. It is a 'love temple' the
walls and pillars of which are covered with many erotic carvings of women
and couples. The temple is set in picturesque surroundings and has well
maintained gardens. There is no particular deity in the temple.
Nandan Kanan : On the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar, Nandan Kanan is the
largest lion safari park of India. Nandan Kanan has a few rare white tigers.
The park also has botanical and zoological gardens. Many species of
migratory birds also come to the park in winters. The animals in Nandan
Kanan are not caged and provided with a natural environment.
Reaching Bhubaneshwar -
Air : There are regular flights to Bhubaneshwar from the cities of
Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad. Biju Patnaik
Airport of Bhubaneshwar is the only major airport of the state.
Rail : Bhubaneshwar has direct rail connectivity with all important
destinations of India including the metropolitan cities.
Road : 
Bhubaneshwar
has good road connectivity with the rest of Orissa and neighbouring states.
STD/ISD Codes -
if dialing from India to Bhubaneshwar: 0674(number)
if dialing from outside India to Bhubaneshwar: +91674(number)
Shopping in Bhubaneshwar -
The best buys of Bhubaneshwar are the local art and craft works of the
place. The unique 'Ikat' fabric and sea shell works are also in demand.
There are many places in Bhubaneshwar where shopping takes place. But the
best place to find good products at reasonable prices is the state
government emporium of the city.
Bhubaneshwar Attractions
