If you are standing there among the crumbling streets of the old town, the smell of damp stone and burning incense is enough to bring back memories from miles around. The first thing that will strike you is the enormous lake Bindu Sarovar. It lies right at the center of the “Ekamra Kshetra, ” or Bhubaneswar old temple neighborhood. This is no ordinary pond, but a holy lake that the town people say has water from all the rivers in India. Legend has it that Lord Shiva made it to satisfy the thirst of Goddess Parvati. People come here from far and wide to take a bath, as they believe that the water has the power to cleanse their accumulated misfortunes. When the evening bells are ringing from the temples nearby, the image of the stone temple towers on the water surface turns the whole city into a golden and grey dream.
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ToggleThe most famous places in Bhubaneswar are made mostly of red and orange sandstone that seems to glow at sunset. The most important temple is the Lingaraj Temple. It’s a giant. The tower goes up 180 feet into the sky. People internally believe that the main deity here is “Hari, Hara, ” a combination of both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This is the way the city is bringing different beliefs together. Although the main temple is only for Hindus, you can climb a small platform outside the wall to see the entire complex. The carvings are so fine that they look like lace made of stone. There are dancers, lions, and little flowers that have been carved a thousand years ago.
If you are exploring tourist places in Bhubaneswar and want some peace, head for the Mukteswara Temple. It is hardly any bigger but very beautifully done. The temple has an illustrious “Torana” (arched gateway) that looks like a stone rainbow. I remember how I sat down on a Tuesday afternoon there; it was so silent that one could hear the pigeons flapping their wings inside the caves of the carvings. Places in Bhubaneswar such as these don’t give you the feeling of a museum. They feel more like houses where people still come and pray regularly.
Only about 7 km from the main city, you can see the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. These are some of the best places to visit in Bhubaneswar. These caves weren’t constructed as the word implies, rather, the Jain monks dug them out of the hills approximately 2, 000 years ago. Since the terrain here is a bit steep, you will have to climb some stone stairs.
The Udayagiri side is famous for the “Rani Gumpha” or the Queens Cave. It has two floors and is covered in carvings of battles and royal processions. The Khandagiri side is higher and has a beautiful Jain temple at the top. The monkeys here are very clever they will wait for you to look away before grabbing your snacks. The heart knows what the signs don’t say; the monks chose this place because the wind blows through the caves in a way that keeps them cool even in the heat of May.
When you think of things to do in Bhubaneswar, a visit to Nandankanan Zoological Park should definitely be on your list. It is situated about 20 kilometers from the city center. This is not just a zoo; it is a huge forest area where white tigers can be seen roaming in their natural habitat. A nice little corner of the place adjacent to Kanjia Lake is the botanical garden. You can rent a paddle boat and simply go with the flow. It is definitely one of the best places near Bhubaneswar to take your kids to.
Another must see is Dhauli Hill where the Kalinga War was fought ages ago. King Ashoka witnessed so much bloodshed on the banks of the Daya River that he abandoned the fight and converted to Buddhism. At present, a beautiful white Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda graces the hilltop. The view from there is just stunning. You can see the lush green rice fields and the river meandering through the plains. It’s a bit overwhelming to stand in a place where so much history turned in just one day.
If you happen to have a spare afternoon, one of the best Bhubaneswar places to visit is the village of Pipili. It is roughly 20 kilometers south towards Puri. The whole street is a flamboyant display of colors. This is the place for “Chandua” or appliqu work. You will behold gigantic garden umbrellas, bags, and wall hangings crafted with bright red, yellow, and green cloth. The local artisans are seen with their needles and threads on the porches, moving so quickly that it is difficult to keep up with them. It’s an ideal place to buy gifts that genuinely support the people who make them.
The best time to visit the tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar is from October to March. The weather is comfortably cool and great for walking. In April and May, the sun is quite harsh and temperatures rise a lot. If you are touring the Bhubaneswar places, do try the local street food. There should be a “Dahibara, Aloodum” stall near the Shahid Nagar area. It is a combination of lentil dumplings and spicy potato curry, which is loved by every local.
Wear comfortable, cotton clothing and shoes that can be taken off easily as you will be visiting numerous temples. Locals here are very helpful but keep to themselves. Just a simple “Namaskar” with your hands joined will get you a smile and better directions than any map. This city doesn’t hurry you. It stands still for you to see the small details in the stone and the quiet stories in the wind.
