Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa,is also known as the Temple City of India. The city located on the eastern coast of India, was once the capital of ancient Kalinga. Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre, as around 500 temples boast the city. Of these hundred temples, dozens are architecturally very interesting. It is the place where Orissan style of temple architecture flourished, from its inception to its fullest perfection, from 3rd century B.C to 16th century A.D. The historical city is now a bustling centre for commerce and religious activity. The modern buildings of the city complements the ancient monuments. The massive monuments are located, within a short walking distance from each other. Bhubaneswar is dominated by some of the most spectacular temples and shrines.
Attractions in Bhubaneswar :
Lingaraja Temple - The temple dates back to the 11th century represents the'Nagara' style of Orissan temple architecture. Lingaraja temple has been described as "the truest fusion of dream and reality." The temple situated in a huge walled complex, was originally consisted of the sanctumand the mandap or the entrance hall. Later the dancing hall and the hall of offerings were added in the temple. The 46 metre high tower dominating the surrounding is visible from a long distance.
» Architecture of the temple - The sculpture and architecture of the temple mixed nicely to create a perfect harmony. The outer walls of the temple are finely decorated with beautiful sculptures of birds,beasts, creepers, flowers, men and women in erotic postures and several gods and goddesses. The inner walls of the temple contains the phallus symbol of Shiva. The pilgrims, who wish to visit the Jagannath temple at Puri, must first offer worship at the Lingaraja temple.
» Other Temples - 
ParashuramaTemple (650 A.D) is one of the finest examples of Orissa temple architecture style. This temple houses some exquisite carvings and sculpture. Vaital Deul, built in 800 A.D, the temple has a two-storied wagon roof, influencedof the Buddhist style of cave architecture. The temple has the idol of deity Chamunda. Mukteshwar Temple, of 7th-8th century AD has the influence of Hindu, Buddha, and Jain style of architecture. One of the most ornate temples in the city, has the interesting carvings on the roof. The Rajarani Temple built in1100 A.D, derives its name from the stone called as the Rajarani. The temple with its excellent sculptures and beautiful decoration presents a unique example of Orissan temple art style.The temple set amidst picturesque paddy fields, is famous for its erotic mithuna figures,fascinating nayikas, nymphs and gaja-simhas.
» Nandankanan - The zoo located at a short distance from Bhubaneswar, is also called as the Garden of Gods. The zoo is situated in the Chandaka forest, along the rippling water of the Kanjia Lake. It hasa Botanical garden and a part of the zoo has been declared a sanctuary.Nandankanan is famous for its white tiger population. The zoo provides shelter to endangered animals like the Asiatic lion, Indian crocodiles,Sangal, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, Mouse deer,Birds and Reptiles. There are 34 aquaria inside the zoo, which are home to several variety of fresh water fishes. The zoo has an international reputation, for successfully breeding black panthers, crocodiles and white tigers.
» Museums - The city has three museums namely the Orissa State Museum, The Handicrafts Museum and The Tribal Research Museum.The Orissa State Museum displays sculptures, coins, copper plates, armory objects, rare palm-leaf manuscripts, lithic and bronze age implements,paintings, traditional folk and musical instruments and other art objects.The Handicrafts Museum located on the Secretariat Road has a good collection of handicrafts of the state.The Tribal Research Museum, founded by the tribal craftsmen is a perfect place to have a look of the Orissan tribal heritage.
Bhubaneswar Travel Excursions :
» Sisupalgarh -
Theruins of Sisupalgarh lie at a distance of around 2 Kms from Lingaraj Temple.The ruins dating back to the 3rd or 4th century BC, depict that there was a well developed city at this place.
» Dhauli - Dhauli lies 8 Kms away from Bhubaneswar.The place has been the witness to the Kalinga war, fought between Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga. It was in Dhauli, where King Ashoka renounced his bloody battle and turned to Buddhism, after the Kalinga War in 261 BC. The rock edits, like a sculpted elephant are the living testimony of that era. TheVishva Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) is located on the opposite hill.
» Atri - The place is located at a distance of 42Kms from Bhubaneswar. Atri is famous for its hot sulphur spring and a temple dedicated to Lord Hatakesar.
» Hirapur - Situated at a distance of 20 Kms from Bhubaneswar, Hirapur is famous for The Yogini shrine. The temple is open to the sky and its architecture vary from the typical Orissan temple architecture. It is one of four temples of this kind in India. In the templeYogini goddesses were worshipped to acquire supernatural powers.
Accessibility :Bhubaneswar is well connected by Air, Rail and Road links.
» Air - Indian Airlines operated flights for Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad etc.
» Rail - Bhubaneswar railway station is connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore etc.
» Road - Bhubaneswar is connected by roads to Kolkata, Raipur, Tata, Ranchi, Visakhapatnmam and important tourist centres of the state. The distance of important cities from Bhubaneswar are Kolkata(449 Kms), Chilka (100 Kms), Cuttack (25 Kms), Dhauli (8 Kms), Konark (62Kms) and Puri (56 Kms).
Accommodation :
There are vast choices of hotels in Bhubaneswar, ranging from 5 Star to budget hotels. The famous hotels of the city are Trident Hilton (5 Star),The New Marrion (4 Star), Hotel Sishmo (4 Star), Hotel Swosti (4 Star), The Crown (3 Star), Swosti Plaza (3 Star), Hotel Keshari (3 Star), The Triumph Residency, Hotel Kalinga Ashok, Mayfair Lagoon and The Royale Mid Town etc.
Best time to visit :
The summers are hot, while it rains heavily in rainy season. So the ideal time to visit the city is between October and March
