Best months
Per-day budget
₹655–1,150/day
Getting there
Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha, known as the Temple City of India because of the hundreds of temples within the old city area. The city has a history spanning 2,000+ years, from the Jain caves of Khandagiri-Udayagiri (1st century BCE) to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple and the 13th-century Mukteshwar Temple. Bhubaneswar is the base for visiting the Sun Temple at Konark (65 km) and the Jagannath Temple at Puri (60 km). The city is well-planned, green and has a relaxed pace. It is a great destination for student backpackers looking for an affordable trip. The area is well-connected to major Indian cities by road, rail and air. The destination offers a mix of experiences that cater to all kinds of travellers, from solo backpackers to small groups.
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Why go
Lingaraj Temple (11th century) is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar with a 55 m high spire — non-Hindus cannot enter but can view from the nearby Bindusagar Lake. The Mukteshwar Temple (10th century) is a gem of Kalinga architecture with a beautifully carved torana arch. The Rajarani Temple (11th century) has no presiding deity and is set in a garden. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves (1st century BCE) are double-storey rock-cut Jain caves with carvings. The Odisha State Museum has ancient manuscripts and stone sculptures.
The Bindusagar Lake near Lingaraj Temple is a large sacred tank with temples on its banks. The Nandankanan Zoological Park (20 km) has white tigers and a botanical garden. The Pathani Samanta Planetarium and Regional Museum of Natural History are good for students. The Ekamra Kanan area has gardens and a mini-zoo.
How to reach
Bhubaneswar has its own railway station with direct trains from Delhi (Rajdhani Express, 25-27 hours, ₹2,500-3,500). The airport has flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Buses from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar take 8-9 hours.
What a day costs
| Budget hotel | ₹500–800 |
| Food (thali) | ₹100–200 |
| Udayagiri caves entry | ₹25–50 |
| Auto fare (city) | ₹30–100 |
When to go
October to March is the best period — pleasant weather. July-September is monsoon. April-June is hot (up to 40°C). The Odisha Dance and Music Festival in January showcases classical performances at the Mukteshwar Temple. The Ashokastami festival in March-April features the chariot procession at Lingaraj Temple.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Old City Temples
Visit the Lingaraj Temple and Bindusagar Lake in the morning. Visit the Mukteshwar Temple and Rajarani Temple. Afternoon at the Odisha State Museum. Evening walk through the old city market.
Day 2: Caves and Depart
Visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves in the morning. Visit Nandankanan Zoological Park in the afternoon. Catch an evening train or continue to Konark and Puri.
Student hacks
- ▸Bhubaneswar is one of the cheapest state capitals in India — hotels from ₹500, thali for ₹100-150.
- ▸The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves entry is ₹25 for Indians — the 2,000-year-old Jain carvings are a bargain.
- ▸Take city buses (₹10-20) rather than autos — Bhubaneswar has a good bus network.
- ▸Stay near the old city (Lingaraj area) for walking access to the main temples.
- ▸Bhubaneswar is the start of the Golden Triangle of Odisha — add Puri and Konark to the trip.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Bhubaneswar. The city is safe and well-planned. Lingaraj Temple does not allow non-Hindus inside. ATMs and mobile coverage are excellent. Bhubaneswar has good medical facilities.
FAQs
How do I reach Bhubaneswar from Delhi?
Rajdhani Express (25-27 hours, ₹2,500-3,500) or flight (2 hours, ₹3,000-6,000).
What is Bhubaneswar known for?
The Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Udayagiri caves, and being the gateway to Puri and Konark.
How many days do I need?
2-3 days — one for the city temples, one for the caves and Nandankanan, plus time for Puri/Konark.