All About Bhubaneswar – A Comprehensive Guide

One of India’s most ancient cities, Bhubaneswar lies in the heart of the Eastern Coastal plain on the eastern bank of the Daya River. The city has a long history and rich cultural heritage. In recent years it has become one of the fastest growing cities in India, and is now a Major Information Technology hub. It is also home to many major temples, universities, and cultural institutions.Bhubaneswar is located in the north-eastern part of the state of Odisha and is the capital of the State. It is an important center for economy, culture, religion and education and is the second largest city in the state. It has an estimated population of nearly 1 million people and is home to many industries and educational institutions.

What Is the History Of Bhubaneswar?

Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest cities of India, with a history that dates back to the 2nd century BC. The city was known as Ekamra Kshetra and Kalinga Nagari during ancient times and has been mentioned in several Vedic works from around the 6th century AD. Legend has it that the city was founded by King Ashoka, the great Buddhist Emperor. The city served as the capital for various regional dynasties between 3rd century BC to 16th century AD. The city served as capital of Kalinga, Mahamegha Dynasty, Bhaumakara Dynasty and Somavamsi Dynasty among others. Bhubaneswar was also a major political and cultural centre in medieval India and has been mentioned in several literary works as well.

What Are the Top Attractions and Tourist Places In Bhubaneswar?

Bhubaneswar is renowned for its iconic religious monuments, lush green gardens, fine museums, captivating lakes, and ancient ruins surrounded by modern infrastructure. Let us take a look at some of the popular places to explore in the city –

• Lingaraj Temple: One of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back to 11th century AD. Built in traditional Kalinga style of architecture, the temple has seven stories that include several carvings and sculptures.
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These caves are an important archaeological site that date back to 2nd century BC. There are over 120 caves that have holy scriptures and carvings on them.
• Nandankanan Zoological Park: One of India’s first zoological parks, it offers a wide variety of animals such as lions, tigers, crocodiles, deer, and birds etc. It also offers snake shows, safari tours in its open jeep and photozones.
• Rajarani Temple: This 11th century temple, also known as “The Love Temple’ is renowned for its erotic carvings and sculptures. The temple reflects a unique architectural style – mixture of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravida styles.
• Dhauli Giri Hills: Located 8 kms away from Bhubaneswar, these hills bear historical importance as they served as battlegrounds between King Ashoka’s armies and South Indian forces in 260 BC.
• Konark Sun Temple: Located 65 Km away from Bhubaneswar, Konark Sun Temple is one of the best preserved temples in India. An example of Kalinga architecture, the temple consists of beautiful carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

Apart from these places, Bhubaneswar also offers other offbeat attractions such as Odisha State Museum, Odisha Zoo, Bindusagar Lake, Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden etc. For people looking for spectacular nightlife experience, there are several pubs, bars and clubs in Bhubaneswar. According to this guide by Must See India, there are plenty of things to do in Bhubaneswar that can keep tourists entertained throughout the day.

What Is The Cuisine Of Bhubaneswar Like?

Bhubaneswar is famous for its delicious cuisine with an array of unique dishes to try out. The staple food in Bhubaneswar includes rice with dal/curryoften served with fried vegetables as well as fish fry or fryum. The famous Odia cuisine also includes Meat Dishes like Mughlai Chicken, Gosht Salan Rujahani, Dungur Palang etc. This guide by Tripoto lists some of the must-try dishes in Bhubaneswar. Some popular vegetarian dishes include Dalma (lentils cooked with vegetables), Alu Saaga (potatoes cooked with greens) etc. There are also a variety of chutneys like Tansola Chutney (raw mangoes chutney). Sweet dishes such as Rasagola (sweet cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup) are also very popular here.

What Are The Best Stay Options In Bhubaneswar?

Bhubaneswar offers plenty of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury hotels as well as serviced apartments/villas and guest houses. The city’s four-star and five-star hotels offer services with world-class amenities whereas budget hotels provide basic services at affordable rates. According to this list by MakeMyTrip, some of the top stay options include Trident Hotel Bhubaneshwar, The New Marrion Hotel & Convention Centre, Mayfair Lagoon, The Crown Hotel etc. In conclusion, visiting Bhubaneswar offers you a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage, magnificent temples, lush gardens and bustling nightlife scene. Though there are plenty of attractions to explore here, yet many travellers often prefer to stay here to experience the amalgamation of old and new cultures as well as culinary delights. Whether you’re looking for premium stay options or want an affordable trip, you can find ample choices during your visit to this vibrant city.