Bhubaneswar Odisha, India Travel Guide
While Bhubaneswar is a city of temples, it also has opportunities for outdoor activities, specifically in its adjacent natural spaces.
Dedicated, strenuous hiking or trekking routes are limited directly within the city. You find gentle walks in Dhauli Hills or within expansive parks like Nandankanan and Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden. These fit all fitness levels.
For a relaxed outdoor experience, take a boat ride on Nandankanan Lake. It has a peaceful break and another angle on the park.
Held at Konark Sun Temple, showcases classical Indian dance forms.
Odia festival celebrating womanhood and fertility, with conventional swings and pithas.
Celebrated with grandeur, elaborate pandals, and cultural programs.
Gala of lights, with lamps, fireworks, and sweets.
Famous Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri, a pilgrimage event.
Bhubaneswar has options for relaxation and wellness, often located inside its upscale hotels or through traditional practices. Unwind and rejuvenate during your trip.
Many mid-range and upscale accommodations in Bhubaneswar feature in-house spa and wellness centers.
Atri, located near Khurda (40 km from Bhubaneswar), hosts a natural hot spring, believed to possess medicinal properties.
Several yoga studios work inside Bhubaneswar, offering daily classes for various levels.
Some Ayurvedic centers stock traditional Indian healing therapies, consultations, and massages based on ancient principles.
Many hotels feature swimming pools for guest use, a refreshing way to relax.
Bhubaneswar is not a coastal city. For beach experiences, do a day trip to Puri or Konark.
Limited dedicated live music venues. Upscale hotels might feature live music in lounges, often local musicians or classical Indian performances.
Rabindra Mandap and Utkal Mandap are main venues. They regularly host plays, classical dance performances (Odissi), and cultural shows.
A few hotels or standalone establishments might feature a lounge bar with a small dance floor. The city is not a destination for late-night clubbing.
Bhubaneswar's entertainment and nightlife scene is subdued, focusing more on cultural performances and relaxed evenings.
Bhubaneswar has numerous chances for shopping. Explore bustling markets and artisan villages for one-of-a-kind discoveries.
For authentic local souvenirs and artisan crafts, Ekamra Haat is a required visit.
Direct interaction with artisans and ethical shopping practices.
Unique and real local souvenirs to remember your trip.
Guidelines for ethical shopping and shipping important items.
Beyond Bhubaneswar, cultural excursions offer a dive into Odisha's rich heritage, from ancient temples to artisan villages. These trips enrich your understanding of the region's history and traditions.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, 13th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Designed as a colossal chariot with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels.
12th-century, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Non-Hindus scenery from the Raghunandan Library rooftop nearby.
Near Puri, this village dedicates to traditional arts and crafts. Famous for Pattachitra painting and Gotipua dance.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus worldwide. Its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) draws millions of devotees.
Book Puri ToursWhile mainly an ancient and architectural marvel, the Konark Sun Temple holds religious significance as a site of sun worship.
Explore Konark ActivitiesThe entire Old Town area, with its dense concentration of ancient temples and traditional residential structures, functions as a living historical district.
Find Stays in Old TownFor an unique cultural experience, visit Raghurajpur Heritage Village. You interact directly with artisans and witness traditional Pattachitra painting.
Book a Cultural TourThe spiritual atmosphere of Puri, with its numerous temples and the sacred Puri Beach, has a profound experience for pilgrims.
Hotels in PuriOdisha's most iconic destinations are a short drive from Bhubaneswar, making them suitable for day trips.
Suggested itineraries for popular day trips from Bhubaneswar.
Organized Tours: Convenient for covering numerous places, removes logistics stress, economical per person, but less flexible.
Independent Travel: Complete flexibility in timing, explore at your own pace, but requires self-arrangement of transport (private car recommended).
Odisha's natural beauty has refreshing escapes from city life. Day trips from Bhubaneswar present opportunities to experience diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Explore unique ecosystems and diverse wildlife just a quick trip from the city.
Discover coastal beauty and depending on the time of year spectacles.
The religious heart and amazing buildings.
The sacred atmosphere of Puri and the splendor of Konark offer profound experiences.
Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, a nature lover's paradise.
Visit Chilika Lake during the winter months (October to March) for the best birdwatching experience.
Immerse yourself in traditional Odia arts and crafts.
Raghurajpur and Pipili stock unique insights into traditional Odia pastoral life and craftsmanship.
A major metropolitan hub in Eastern India, a logical next make a stop for travelers heading further east.
A coastal city south of Odisha. Known for beaches, naval museum, and the scenic Araku Valley.
Good train and bus connections link Bhubaneswar to Puri, Konark, Cuttack, and other cities within Odisha. Trains without changes and flights stock to Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.
