Rapid expansion, stunning green belts and wide avenues make for a different composition in Bhubaneswar.

Like Orissa, Bhubaneswar is known for its architecture and ancient temples, the destination of many pilgrims especially from Hindu and Buddhism religions.  Bhubaneswar is a noisy hectic and congested city with some bright highlights.  The old city’s spiritual center is around the Bindu Sagar. Once a place where thousands of temples stood there are only 50 stone temples remained.

The Capital of the state of Orissa means that the city is also a good base for day trips to Dhauli, Konark, Nandankan zoological Park and Cuttack.

Bhubaneswar History

The City of Bhubaneswar is mostly remembered for changing the conqueror into the conquered.  During the great Kalinga War that took place in Bhubaneswar between Emperor Asoka and Kalinga, Asoka was overwhelmed by the river of gore and blood that flowed here.

Bhubaneswar is proof that a city can merge both its past and its present into modern aspirations that can be achieved.  While the twin cave groups of Kandagiri and Udayagiri are evidence of an old history with links to early Jain monasteries from the second century BC, the modernity of Bhubaneswars well planned wide roads, gardens and parks is the key to the city which is rapidly growing and has been for the past few decades.

Bhubaneswar Tourism                                

It is said that Bhubaneswar was at one stage meant to have held over 1000 temples.  Known throughout India as the temple city there are still many temples that are dedicated to many different deities.  The most famous temples you can visit while on Bhubaneswar tour  include Lingaraj Temple, Lakshmanesvara group of temples, Parasuramesvara temple, Rajarani temple and Vaitak Temple - just to name a few.

Towering above the cityscape, the Lingaraj Temple is a beackon of Orissa due to the careful conservation that has helped to save much of the old cultural symbols found here.

Bhubaneswar Culture

Recently in Bhubaneswar there has been an upsurge in awareness at preserving the culture of Odia. Classical Odissa can be found in the traditional Odissi dances, handicrafts, sand sculptures, theatre and music.

One of the ways that was created to popularise handicrafts in Bhubaneswar was the Ekamra Haat, a popular hand-loom and handicrafts market.  SRJAN, an Odissi Dance academy founded by Guru Keluchanran Mohapatra is also situated in Bhubaneswar.

Perhaps the most stunning look into the culture of Bhubaneswar offer the Buddhist sites at Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri and Udaygiri.  The carvings and sculpture here are highly regarded and show brilliant artistic merit.

Bhubaneswar Cuisine

Famous for sweets and seafood Bhubaneswar will make you swoon if you are a lover of either. During your vacation in Bhubaneswar try the local market for fresh lobsters and crabs caught every morning and sold alongside fish, meat, fruits and vegetables.

Traditional food in Orissa can be found here packaged for the discerning tourist or working professionals and favourites here include Daalma and Pakhal.  The city also holds many restaurants for varying indian styles, chinese, continental and thai cuisines.