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Things to Do in Bhubaneswar

Things to Do in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar Odisha, India Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations

Odisha's most iconic destinations are a short drive from Bhubaneswar, suitable for day trips or short extensions.

Popular Locations

Puri

Approximately 60 kilometers south, a coastal city and significant pilgrimage site. Drive takes 1.5 to 2 hours.

Konark

Approximately 65 kilometers southeast, famous for its Sun Temple. 1.5 to A two-hour drive. Often combined with Puri.

Chilika Lake

Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, 100-120 kilometers southwest. Journey to Barkul or Satapada takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Transportation & Planning

  • Private Taxi/Car: Most convenient and adaptable, hire through hotel or tour operators.
  • Local Bus Services: OSRTC and private buses stock regular services to Puri and Konark.
  • Train (Puri only): Regular services connect Bhubaneswar to Puri.
  • Ride-sharing: Ola and Uber stock outstation options for day trips.

Puri & Konark Full Day

  • Start early (around 8:00 AM).
  • Visit Konark Sun Temple (2-3 hours).
  • Proceed to Puri for Jagannath Temple (1-2 hours) and Puri Beach (1-2 hours).
  • Return to Bhubaneswar by evening.

Chilika Lake Full Day

  • Start very early (7:00 AM).
  • Drive to Barkul or Satapada.
  • Boat trip to see migratory birds (seasonal) and Irrawaddy dolphins (3-4 hours).
  • Return to Bhubaneswar by late afternoon/evening.

Pipili & More

  • Pipili: Combine with Puri/Konark, a brief stop (1 hour).
  • Organized Tours: Convenient for covering multiple sites, economical.
  • Independent Travel: Offers complete flexibility, more time at sites.
  • Private Car: Recommended for ease and flexibility, especially for Puri and Konark.

Travel Advice

For the Puri and Konark day trip, hire a chauffeured car. This stock the flexibility to visit both sites and enjoy the shore without rushing.

Multi-Day Extensions

Enhance your travel experience by adding 1-3 days to see the sights more of Odisha's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Coastal Odisha Loop 2-3 days

  • Day 1: Bhubaneswar to Puri. Explore Jagannath Temple, Puri Beach, local markets. Overnight in Puri.
  • Day 2: Konark Sun Temple in the morning. Proceed to Chilika Lake (Barkul/Satapada) for a boat trip. Overnight near Chilika.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a final morning at Chilika or nearby areas, then return to Bhubaneswar.
  • Book your stays in advance with Booking.com or Agoda.

Northern Odisha 2-3 days

Day 1: Cuttack

Bhubaneswar to Cuttack (Odisha's former capital). See historical places like Barabati Fort plus local bazaars. Overnight in Cuttack or return to Bhubaneswar.

Day 2-3: Bhitarkanika National Park

Requires a full day of travel and an overnight stay within or near the park. Explore mangrove forests, spot estuarine crocodiles, and enjoy birdwatching. Return to Bhubaneswar on Day 3.

Plan Your Trip

Consider GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities.

Logical Next Destinations

Kolkata (West Bengal) is a major metropolitan hub in Eastern India. Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) is a coastal city south of Odisha, known for beaches and the scenic Araku Valley.

Odisha Heritage Trail 7-10+ days

Bhubaneswar (3 days), Puri & Konark (2 days), Chilika Lake (1-2 days), Gopalpur-on-Sea (1-2 days), Koraput/Rayagada (3-4 days for tribal culture), Sambalpur (2 days for Ikat textiles).

Transportation Connections

Good train and bus connections link Bhubaneswar to Puri, Konark, Cuttack, and other major cities within Odisha. Non-stop trains and flights stock to Kolkata and Visakhapatnam.

Longer Regional Travel

For an in-depth exploration, consider a comprehensive route that embraces Odisha's diverse offerings.

Odisha Heritage Trail Itinerary

  • Bhubaneswar: 3 days for temples, caves, museums.
  • Puri & Konark: 2 days for temples, beach, artisan villages.
  • Chilika Lake: 1-2 days for nature, birdwatching, dolphins.
  • Gopalpur-on-Sea: 1-2 days for a a calm beach town.

Dive into Odisha

Koraput/Rayagada

3-4 days for a deep dive into tribal culture and scenic landscapes (requires specialized planning, guides, and official documents).

Sambalpur

2 days, famous for Ikat textiles and the Hirakud Dam. This comprehensive trail stock a full immersion into Odisha's diverse offerings.

Book Activities

Find experiences and tours on GetYourGuide.

Planning Resources

Accommodation Booking

Explore options on Booking.com and Agoda.

Hostel & Vacation Rentals

For budget-friendly stays, try Hostelworld. Vacation rentals on Vrbo.

House Sitting

Consider TrustedHousesitters for a unique experience.

Activity Planning Summary

Tailor your itinerary to experience the best of Bhubaneswar's activities and excursions.

Outdoor & Cultural

  • Gentle Walks: Dhauli Hills, Nandankanan, Ekamra Kanan.
  • Boating: Nandankanan Lake. Day trips to Chilika Lake for aquatic activities.
  • Animal Safaris: Nandankanan Zoological Park (white tiger, lion, herbivore).
  • Interactive Cultural sessions: Odissi dance, Pattachitra painting (Raghurajpur).

Relaxation & Shopping

Wellness

Hotel spas, Ayurvedic centers, yoga studios. Day trip to Atri hot spring for natural therapy.

Nightlife & Entertainment

Rabindra Mandap, Utkal Mandap for cultural performances. Limited live music, nightclubs. Late-night dining in hotels.

Shopping

Unit 1 Market, Bapuji Nagar. Ekamra Haat, Pipili, Raghurajpur for artisan crafts. Souvenirs: Pattachitra, silver filigree, stone carvings.

Day Trips

Puri & Konark (full day), Chilika Lake (full day), Pipili (brief stop). Transportation: private taxi, bus, train (to Puri).

Natural Escapes

Chilika Lake (migratory birds, dolphins), Chandaka Sanctuary (elephants), Dhauli Hills (scenic views).

Cultural Excursions

Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath Temple (Puri), Raghurajpur Heritage Village.

Extended Travel & Planning

Multi-Day Extensions
  • Coastal Odisha Loop (2-3 days): Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake.
  • Northern Odisha (2-3 days): Cuttack, Bhitarkanika National Park.
  • Odisha Heritage Trail (7-10+ days) for in-depth exploration.
Next Destinations & Transport
  • Reasonable Next Places to visit: Kolkata, Visakhapatnam.
  • Transportation: Good train/bus connections to major cities.
  • Direct flights to Kolkata, Visakhapatnam.

Final Tip

This guide aspires to enhance your journey through Bhubaneswar and its surroundings.

Activity Planning Summary

Activities

  • Explore Bhubaneswar's temples and historical sites.
  • Savor unique Odia cuisine, including street food and traditional dishes.
  • Immerse in local culture through dance, art, and festivals.
  • Discover artisan crafts and souvenirs in markets.

Recommended Excursions

  • Day trip to Puri and Konark for temples and beaches.
  • Visit Chilika Lake for birdwatching and dolphins.
  • Explore artisan villages like Raghurajpur and Pipili.
  • Consider multi-day extensions to Bhitarkanika or other regions.