Things To Do
in Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar is the capital city of the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its ancient temples, especially the famous Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The city seamlessly blends its rich cultural heritage with modern development, making it a unique destination for travelers.
Bhubaneshwar is also known for its clean and green environment, with numerous parks and gardens adding to its charm.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the famous Lingaraj Temple, known for its stunning architecture. Spend time absorbing the serene ambiance and exploring the surrounding area.
Head to Mukteshwar Temple to admire its intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings. After exploring, enjoy a traditional Odia lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll at the Khandagiri Caves, discovering the history behind these ancient caves. Conclude your day with dinner at a local eatery.
Visit the beautiful Nandankanan Zoological Park to enjoy a variety of wildlife and botanical gardens. Take a tram ride or explore the park on foot.
Pack a picnic and head to Ekamra Kanan for a serene environment filled with lush greenery. Relax by the lake or stroll through the rose garden.
As the sun sets, visit the nearby Dhauli Hill to witness the Buddhist stupas and the peace pagoda. Enjoy a peaceful evening with a view of the serene landscape.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical temples and monuments.
- Pleasant climate, especially during winter months.
- A growing economy with a focus on IT and education sectors.
- Good connectivity through air, rail, and road.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other Indian cities.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue in urban areas.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options.
- Infrastructure development is still in progress in some areas.
- Occasional issues with water supply and sanitation.
- May lack job opportunities in certain specialized fields.
Best Activities in Bhubaneshwar
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Home to a variety of wildlife and a botanical garden, offers a pleasant outdoor experience.
A peaceful hillside with an ancient rock edict and a Shanti Stupa, providing beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
A sprawling garden with a wide range of plant species, ideal for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bhubaneshwar with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bhubaneshwar
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful ancient temple with intricate carvings and a mesmerizing view.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the soothing atmosphere is perfect for photography.
Scenic caves with historical significance and picturesque views.
Features lush greenery and diverse flora, providing numerous photo opportunities.
Food in Bhubaneshwar
Bhubaneshwar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular street food dish consisting of lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and served with spicy potato curry. Must-try at Raghu's Kitchen and Lingaraj Lassi in Old Town area.
Must-Try!
A delightful seafood preparation featuring mixed fish and vegetables. Recommended at Dalma restaurant for an authentic taste.
A delectable dessert made from cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom, caramelized to perfection. Best savored at Pahala area's iconic Pahala Sweets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bhubaneshwar better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a haven for street food enthusiasts, offering a variety of local delicacies such as gupchup (pani puri), chaat, and freshly grilled kebabs.
A vibrant open-air food and craft market showcasing regional cuisine. Visitors can savor Odia dishes like macha jhola (fish curry) and pakhaḷa bhaṭ (fermented rice).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bhubaneshwar, India, it's polite to greet others with 'Namaste' by joining your palms together and slightly bowing. This respectful greeting is widely used in both formal and informal settings.
Bhubaneshwar is known for its rich religious and cultural heritage. It's important to show respect for the local customs and traditions, including removing footwear before entering temples and being mindful of dress codes in religious places.
When dining in Bhubaneshwar, it's customary to eat with your right hand and to wait for the host or elder to start eating before beginning your meal. Additionally, it's polite to finish all the food on your plate as a sign of appreciation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bhubaneshwar with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bhubaneshwar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Bhubaneshwar, India, but it is appreciated for good service in restaurants, hotels, and for other services such as tour guides and drivers. In restaurants, around 5-10% of the total bill amount is considered a standard tip, although it may vary depending on the establishment.
In Bhubaneshwar, India, cash is the dominant form of payment, although major credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger retail stores. It is recommended to carry sufficient cash for local transactions as smaller businesses and vendors may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bhubaneshwar.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to June - hot and dry weather, temperatures can reach over 40°C. Not recommended for outdoor activities.
July to September - heavy rainfall, lush greenery, and cooler temperatures. Be prepared for possible flooding and travel disruptions.
October to November - pleasant weather, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
December to February - cool and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. Best time for exploring the city and nearby attractions.
Bhubaneshwar at Night
Hiking in Bhubaneshwar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful zoo and botanical garden located just outside Bhubaneshwar, offering various trails and a chance to enjoy nature.
An ancient site with numerous caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The area offers hiking opportunities and panoramic views of Bhubaneshwar.
Situated close to Khandagiri Caves, Udayagiri features rocky hills with several caves to explore and offers a good hiking experience.
Located around 80 km from Bhubaneshwar, this hill offers trekking routes and scenic views from the top.
Known as the 'Kashmir of Odisha', offers beautiful landscapes, hilly terrains, and great trekking opportunities.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bhubaneshwar through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bhubaneshwar by plane.
The primary airport serving Bhubaneshwar, with domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Kolkata, approximately 440 km from Bhubaneshwar, it's one of the busiest airports in India with numerous domestic and international connections.
Situated around 480 km from Bhubaneshwar, this airport serves as a gateway to Andhra Pradesh with both domestic and international flights.
Located approximately 400 km from Bhubaneshwar, this airport serves domestic flights and connects to a few international destinations.
This airport in Patna, around 800 km from Bhubaneshwar, offers extensive domestic services and a few international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Bhubaneshwar, with the majority speaking the Odia language and following indigenous customs.
An important demographic group that has migrated to Bhubaneshwar for work and education, primarily from the neighboring states of Bihar and Jharkhand.
A significant number of Telugu speakers reside in Bhubaneshwar, often due to migration for job opportunities and education.
The Bengali community in Bhubaneshwar contributes to the cultural diversity, often involved in business and education.
A smaller but noticeable group of North Indians residing in Bhubaneshwar, primarily for work.
Various Scheduled Castes and Tribes are present in the city, reflecting the social diversity of the region.
Includes various other cultural and ethnic groups, contributing to the overall demographic fabric of Bhubaneshwar.
The Soul of Bhubaneshwar
Discover the essence of Bhubaneshwar through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is immensely popular in Bhubaneshwar, with many local clubs and teams. The city has hosted numerous national and international matches.
Bhubaneshwar has a rich history in field hockey and is known for producing talented players. The Kalinga Stadium is a prominent venue for hockey events.
Football enjoys significant popularity, with various clubs competing in state and national leagues. The city has a passionate fan base.
Badminton is widely played in Bhubaneshwar, with many training academies and tournaments held regularly, contributing to the sport's growth in the region.
Athletics is an important sport in Bhubaneshwar, with various events organized to promote track and field competitions among local talent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bhubaneshwar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are abundant in Bhubaneshwar, with many restaurants specializing in vegetarian cuisine. Popular choices include aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower curry), paneer tikka, and bhindi masala.
While vegan-specific options may be limited in traditional restaurants, a variety of fresh fruit, vegetable dishes, and lentil-based curries are available in local eateries. It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly when ordering.
Gluten-free dining is feasible with the prevalence of rice-based dishes like dosa, idli, and traditional rice breads. Additionally, many establishments are accommodating to dietary needs and can customize meals accordingly.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bhubaneshwar with these cultural adventures.
