Bhubaneswar, the capital of the eastern state Odisha is not only famous for its IT, technologies, educational institutes, hospitable facilities and tourism but also for its culture, tradition, memorable incidents from the past, rich history, and phenomenal freedom struggles of the habitants. The old town is regarded as "Ekamra Kshetra" which translates to a land of mango trees. Bhubaneswar with Puri and Konark, together known as "The Golden Triangle". The Kalingan temples and monuments that scream breathtaking works of the artists and painters are worth a visit in a lifetime. Bhubaneswar is geographically situated in the eastern coastal plains, bounded by the Daya River to the south and the Kuakhai River to the east. The planned city under the rule of Naveen Patnaik has been achieving many awards in cyclone controlling, Indian women hockey team sponsoring, etc. With Cuttack, the city is regarded as "The Twin Cities of Odisha" and demand your visit. 

The History! 

The history of Bhubaneswar dates back to 260 BCE when Maurya Emperor Ashoka invaded Kalinga after the deadly Kalinga War near Dhauli. After the Mauryan Empire, the Mahameghavahana Dynasty ruled the state and King Kharavela became the God. Gupta, Marathas, and Satavahanas also possessed the state. Somavamahi Kingdom started ruling in Bhubaneswar in the 7th century and constructed many temples with rich architecture signifying the Kalinga Culture. 

In 1803, it came under the rule of Britishers and Cuttack became the capital of their province. On 30th September 1946, the capital was moved to Bhubaneswar, the now Smart City. 

The Culture! 

The culture of the city resides in the temples, monuments, old houses, museums and ancient caves that embodies intricate carvings and phenomenal handcrafted paintings. Temples are the symbol of breathtaking Kalinga Architecture which is one of its kind in the world. Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteshwar Temple are some of the must visit temples in the city, located in the old part. The twin caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri were built for the meditation purpose for the Jain monks whereas King Ashoka constructed the Peace Pagoda at Dhauli Giri.  

Odissi Dance and Music is the soul of every Odia. The classical dance form derives divine engagement with the God himself through Mudras and Bhangis. 

The attire of the locals in the city includes Sari, Salwar Kameez for the women and Dhoti Kurta for the men. The city dwellers are simple in nature and they are sweet, welcoming and polite. 

Bhubaneswar observes a variety of festivals like Ashokashtami, Mahashivratri, Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, etc. Many cultural fests and fairs like Kalinga Mahotsav, Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Adivasi Mela, Toshali Crafts Mela, Kalinga Literary Festival are considered as an initiative to expose the authenticity of the temple town. 

Odia cuisine is very typical and revolves around sea foods. Machha Jhola, Chingudi Kasa, Kankada Tarkari, Besara, Dalma, Rai are some of the local mouthwatering dishes. Rasagola, Khaja, Chhena Jhilli, Chhena Poda are the famous deserts worth trying when in Bhubaneswar. 

How to reach the city

Bhubaneswar is one among the tourism and metropolitan cities and hence is well connected to the major cities of India. 

1. Airways: 

Biju Patnaik International Airport is the major airport and numerous flights connect the city to others. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city via national and state highways. 

3. Railways: 

Bhubaneswar is the headquarters of East Coast Railway and hence Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the major railway station connecting other cities. 

Places to visit 

1. Lingaraj Temple:

Lingaraj Temple located in the old Town of Bhubaneswar has a major religious belief and the symbol of ancient Shaivism. The temple from the 7th century is a great example of Kalinga Architecture and on the eve of Mahashivratri people devotees gather in masses. 

2. Rajarani Temple:

Rajarani Temple is an intricately constructed Kalinga Architectural presentation from the 11th century. The temple is not associated with any deity but for the sensuous idols on the walls, it is regarded as "The Love Temple". 

3. Bindu Sagar:

The holy Sarovar (pond) is located in the old part of the city and many temples surround it. The largest water body of the city is now exposed to light and sound show which is an excitement among visitors now. 

4. Odisha State Museum:

Odisha State Museum is a connoisseur of ancient art and craft which includes historic metal plates, books, bronze coins, musical instruments and stone sculptures. The museum takes you to an aura of the past from where you wouldn't want to return.

5. Nandankanan:

Nandankanan consists of 2 parts. The Zoological park where you can see a variety of animals and the botanical garden that consists of a large number of plant species. This is the 1st zoo in the world to successfully bred White Tigers and hence a place not to miss. 

6. Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts:

The 62 tribals of Odisha are displayed very impressively in the Tribal Arts and Artifacts Museum. This symbolizes different cultures of the Bondas, Kondhas with their lifestyle, accessories, weapons and jewellery.

7. Ekamra Kanan:

Ekamra Kanan is one such place with numerous species of plants, birds, and butterflies and the largest botanical garden in the city. The park gets visitors on a daily basis and there is a boating facility provided. 

8. Deras Dam:

Deras Dam is one of the tranquil places of the city where one can visit to experience nature. It is located near Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary and the view of the still water with the hill in the background is spectacular.

9. Pathani Samanta Planetarium:

The Planetarium is a must visit to feel the child in you when in Bhubaneswar which is named after the famous scientist Pathani Samanta. Situated in the center of the city at Acharya Vihar, it offers knowledge about the galaxy, universe, planetary system among students.

10. Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves:

The 2nd century caves located in the city are together known as twin caves and are opposite to each other. The figures, sculptures, and intricate carvings built on the stones give the perfect example of Kalinga Architecture. 

Best time to visit 

Bhubaneswar falls under a tropical savanna climate and the rain comes during the monsoon. 

1. Summer- March to June- 30°C to 40°C (very hot and humid)

2. Rainy- June to September- 20°C to 30°C (annual average rainfall)

3. Winter- December to February- 15°C to 28°C (not very chilly)

Bhubaneswar, the capital of the eastern state Odisha is not only famous for its IT, technologies, educational institutes, hospitable facilities and tourism but also for its culture, tradition, memorable incidents from the past, rich history, and phenomenal freedom struggles of the habitants. The old town is regarded as "Ekamra Kshetra" which translates to a land of mango trees. Bhubaneswar with Puri and Konark, together known as "The Golden Triangle". The Kalingan temples and monuments that scream breathtaking works of the artists and painters are worth a visit in a lifetime. Bhubaneswar is geographically situated in the eastern coastal plains, bounded by the Daya River to the south and the Kuakhai River to the east. The planned city under the rule of Naveen Patnaik has been achieving many awards in cyclone controlling, Indian women hockey team sponsoring, etc. With Cuttack, the city is regarded as "The Twin Cities of Odisha" and demand your visit. 

The History! 

The history of Bhubaneswar dates back to 260 BCE when Maurya Emperor Ashoka invaded Kalinga after the deadly Kalinga War near Dhauli. After the Mauryan Empire, the Mahameghavahana Dynasty ruled the state and King Kharavela became the God. Gupta, Marathas, and Satavahanas also possessed the state. Somavamahi Kingdom started ruling in Bhubaneswar in the 7th century and constructed many temples with rich architecture signifying the Kalinga Culture. 

In 1803, it came under the rule of Britishers and Cuttack became the capital of their province. On 30th September 1946, the capital was moved to Bhubaneswar, the now Smart City. 

The Culture! 

The culture of the city resides in the temples, monuments, old houses, museums and ancient caves that embodies intricate carvings and phenomenal handcrafted paintings. Temples are the symbol of breathtaking Kalinga Architecture which is one of its kind in the world. Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteshwar Temple are some of the must visit temples in the city, located in the old part. The twin caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri were built for the meditation purpose for the Jain monks whereas King Ashoka constructed the Peace Pagoda at Dhauli Giri.  

Odissi Dance and Music is the soul of every Odia. The classical dance form derives divine engagement with the God himself through Mudras and Bhangis. 

The attire of the locals in the city includes Sari, Salwar Kameez for the women and Dhoti Kurta for the men. The city dwellers are simple in nature and they are sweet, welcoming and polite. 

Bhubaneswar observes a variety of festivals like Ashokashtami, Mahashivratri, Rath Yatra, Durga Puja, etc. Many cultural fests and fairs like Kalinga Mahotsav, Rajarani Music Festival, Mukteshwar Dance Festival, Adivasi Mela, Toshali Crafts Mela, Kalinga Literary Festival are considered as an initiative to expose the authenticity of the temple town. 

Odia cuisine is very typical and revolves around sea foods. Machha Jhola, Chingudi Kasa, Kankada Tarkari, Besara, Dalma, Rai are some of the local mouthwatering dishes. Rasagola, Khaja, Chhena Jhilli, Chhena Poda are the famous deserts worth trying when in Bhubaneswar. 

How to reach the city

Bhubaneswar is one among the tourism and metropolitan cities and hence is well connected to the major cities of India. 

1. Airways: 

Biju Patnaik International Airport is the major airport and numerous flights connect the city to others. 

2. Roadways: 

Both private and government bus services are available to reach the city via national and state highways. 

3. Railways: 

Bhubaneswar is the headquarters of East Coast Railway and hence Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the major railway station connecting other cities. 

Places to visit 

1. Lingaraj Temple:

Lingaraj Temple located in the old Town of Bhubaneswar has a major religious belief and the symbol of ancient Shaivism. The temple from the 7th century is a great example of Kalinga Architecture and on the eve of Mahashivratri people devotees gather in masses. 

2. Rajarani Temple:

Rajarani Temple is an intricately constructed Kalinga Architectural presentation from the 11th century. The temple is not associated with any deity but for the sensuous idols on the walls, it is regarded as "The Love Temple". 

3. Bindu Sagar:

The holy Sarovar (pond) is located in the old part of the city and many temples surround it. The largest water body of the city is now exposed to light and sound show which is an excitement among visitors now. 

4. Odisha State Museum:

Odisha State Museum is a connoisseur of ancient art and craft which includes historic metal plates, books, bronze coins, musical instruments and stone sculptures. The museum takes you to an aura of the past from where you wouldn't want to return.

5. Nandankanan:

Nandankanan consists of 2 parts. The Zoological park where you can see a variety of animals and the botanical garden that consists of a large number of plant species. This is the 1st zoo in the world to successfully bred White Tigers and hence a place not to miss. 

6. Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts:

The 62 tribals of Odisha are displayed very impressively in the Tribal Arts and Artifacts Museum. This symbolizes different cultures of the Bondas, Kondhas with their lifestyle, accessories, weapons and jewellery.

7. Ekamra Kanan:

Ekamra Kanan is one such place with numerous species of plants, birds, and butterflies and the largest botanical garden in the city. The park gets visitors on a daily basis and there is a boating facility provided. 

8. Deras Dam:

Deras Dam is one of the tranquil places of the city where one can visit to experience nature. It is located near Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary and the view of the still water with the hill in the background is spectacular.

9. Pathani Samanta Planetarium:

The Planetarium is a must visit to feel the child in you when in Bhubaneswar which is named after the famous scientist Pathani Samanta. Situated in the center of the city at Acharya Vihar, it offers knowledge about the galaxy, universe, planetary system among students.

10. Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves:

The 2nd century caves located in the city are together known as twin caves and are opposite to each other. The figures, sculptures, and intricate carvings built on the stones give the perfect example of Kalinga Architecture. 

Best time to visit 

Bhubaneswar falls under a tropical savanna climate and the rain comes during the monsoon. 

1. Summer- March to June- 30°C to 40°C (very hot and humid)

2. Rainy- June to September- 20°C to 30°C (annual average rainfall)

3. Winter- December to February- 15°C to 28°C (not very chilly)