How to Get to Bhubaneswar from India and Abroad?

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is known as the Temple City of India and is rapidly increasing in its industrial development, making it an important commercial hub in India. Renowned for its ancient temples and enormous architecture, this city hosts thousands of worshippers every year. But, how do you get to Bhubaneswar if you are coming from inside India or abroad?

Getting to Bhubaneswar from India

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport is the main airport serving the city of Bhubaneswar. It is connected to all the major cities of India with direct flights operated by Air India, Indigo Airlines, Go Air and Vistara Airlines. Other popular airports including Hyderabad, Calcutta, New Delhi and Visakhapatnam also have flights to Bhubaneswar. There are also frequent international flights to and from countries like Thailand, China, South East Asia, Australia, Dubai and Doha.

By Train

Bhubaneswar is well connected to all the major cities in India by rail. The two main railway stations in Bhubaneswar are Bhubaneswar railway station and Puri railway station. Other major stations include Rourkela railway station, Cuttack railway station and Berhampur railway station which all also offer direct trains to Bhubaneswar.

It’s best to book tickets in advance and use the IRCTC website to check train schedules and book your tickets.

By Bus

Getting to Bhubaneswar by bus is easy and cost effective compared to both rail and air travel. Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) operates buses connecting almost all the nearby states making it convenient for travelers traveling both short and long distances. The major bus stands are Master Canteen bus stand, Kalpana bus stand and Sadar bus stand. You can book tickets through the OSRTC website here.

Getting to Bhubaneswar from Abroad

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport serves as the main airport for Bhubaneswar city. The airport is connected to all the major cities abroad with direct flights operated by countries like Abu Dhabi, Qatar Airways, Air India, Muscat, Go Air, Kuwait, Oman Air and Vistara Airlines. Doha is the major international airport which provides most of the direct flights to Bhubaneswar.

Via India

Foreign travelers need to travel via cities like Delhi, Bombay or Calcutta to reach Bhubaneswar by air or rail depending on the budget and time availability. For example, travelers can take a train from Delhi or Calcutta or take a flight from Mumbai or New Delhi to Bhubaneswar International Airport.

Conclusion

Reaching Bhubaneswar both from within India or abroad is now easy with the availability of direct flights, rail and road options available. If you’re looking for convenience at a reasonable price, it’s best to use rail or road transport within India and book your international flights according to your budget and departure time. Of course, you can always go for a leisurely road trip especially if you are visiting from nearby towns in Odisha. Nevertheless, no matter how you plan your journey – you are sure to have an amazing time exploring this beautiful Temple City of India!

Insider’s Guide to Bhubaneswar: Exploring the Temple City of India

Bhubaneswar, also known as the ‘Temple City of India’, is the capital of the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is known for its exquisite temples, rich history, and cultural heritage. Bhubaneswar is an important economic and cultural center of eastern India and is home to some of the country’s finest sculptures and architecture. Here’s an insider’s guide to Bhubaneswar, detailing the best ways to get there, the top attractions to visit, the best dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Getting to Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. There are regular flights to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar from major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The city also has a major railhead, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, which is connected to major cities in India. If you prefer road travel, then you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Bhubaneswar from nearby cities like Puri, Cuttack, and Konark.

Top Attractions to Visit

1. Lingaraj Temple: This 11th-century ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple complex houses 150 other shrines and is known for its stunning Kalinga architectural style.

2. Mukteswara Temple: This 10th-century temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures. It is a fine example of the Kalinga School of Architecture and is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.

3. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: These ancient rock-cut caves are located on two adjacent hills and are believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC. They are known for their intricately carved sculptures and are a popular tourist spot.

4. Nandankanan Zoological Park: This sprawling zoo is located on a lush green area and is home to a wide variety of animals like white tigers, crocodiles, and panthers. The zoo also has a botanical garden and a lake, making it an ideal picnic spot.

Dining Spots

1. Dalma: This traditional Odia cuisine restaurant is known for its scrumptious thalis and seafood delicacies.

2. The Zaika: This rooftop restaurant is located near the airport and offers an excellent view of the city. It serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.

3. Biryani Mahal: This pocket-friendly eatery is famous for its flavorful biryanis and kebabs.

Cultural Experiences

1. Odissi Dance Performance: Attend an Odissi dance performance to experience the traditional dance form of Odisha, which has earned global recognition.

2. Visiting Ekamra Haat: This traditional handicrafts market is a great place to shop for local handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.

Local History

1. Odisha State Museum: This museum is a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and paintings that date back to ancient times. It is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

2. Dhauli Hill: This hill is located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and is famous for the Edicts of Ashoka, inscribed with his messages of peace and harmony.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

1. Kalinga Stadium: This stadium is one of the most popular sports venues in India. If you’re interested in sports, then catch a live match here.

2. Udayagiri Waterfall: This scenic waterfall is located amidst lush greenery and is an ideal spot for picnicking and trekking.

In conclusion, Bhubaneswar is a fascinating city with much to offer to tourists. Its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture make it a top destination for anyone interested in exploring India’s diverse culture and history. Enjoy your trip to this enchanting city!