Bhubaneswar Travel Guide: Temples, Caves and Museums

The old town's temples stand close together: Odisha Tourism lists the Ananta Basudeva Temple 0.2 km from the Lingaraj, the Mukteswara 1.5 km and the Rajarani 2 km. The caves, Dhauli and the museums are further out, so group them by area and visit the temples on foot or by short rides.

Lingaraj Temple

Odisha Tourism dates the Lingaraj Temple to the 11th century. It is dedicated to Shiva as Harihara, a blend of Shaivite and Vaishnavite worship, and houses a self-manifested lingam. Only Hindus are permitted inside; a dedicated viewing platform outside the complex lets everyone else see the architecture. The tourism board lists it as open from 5 am to 9 pm, closed from 12.30 to 3.30 pm. Bindusagar lake lies nearby, and Shivaratri and the Rukuna Ratha Jatra are its best-known festivals.

Ananta Basudeva Temple

A few steps from the Lingaraj, this 13th-century temple was built by Queen Chandrika Devi of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is dedicated to Vishnu in two forms, Ananta (Balabhadra) and Basudeba (Jagannatha), with Ekanamsa (Subhadra) between them, so it echoes the Puri trio. Odisha Tourism says it is renowned for Abhada, the temple meal of traditional Odia food, and lists it as open from 6 am to 9 pm without an entry fee. Its page mentions no entry restriction, but ask locally.

Mukteswara Temple

Odisha Tourism calls the Mukteswara the jewel box of Kalingan architecture and dates it to about the 10th century, under King Jajati I of the Somavansi dynasty. It has a sanctum tower and a pyramid-roofed assembly hall, and its best-known feature is a carved gateway, the torana, with lion heads and makara motifs. Entry is free and the listed hours are 6 am to 7 pm. The Mukteswar Dance Festival is held in its precinct each winter.

Rajarani Temple

Built in the 11th century of reddish-gold stone, the Rajarani has a graceful spire and carvings of celestial maidens and the guardians of the eight directions. Unlike most temples it has no presiding deity, Odisha Tourism notes, and its sculpture suggests a Shaivite origin. Tickets are charged under Archaeological Survey of India norms, and the listed hours are 6 am to 7 pm. It is 0.8 km from the Mukteswara, and the Rajarani Music Festival of Indian classical music is held in its grounds.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

These twin hills hold caves cut in the 2nd century BCE in the reign of King Kharavela. At Udayagiri, the Rani Gumpha is the intricately sculpted cave, with scenes of royal life and mythology, and Odisha Tourism lists the Hathigumpha edict among the site's inscriptions. Visitors walk the hill trails, so wear shoes that grip. The listed hours are 8 am to 5 pm, tickets are sold under Archaeological Survey of India rules, and Odisha Tourism suggests two to three hours.

Dhauli

Odisha Tourism says the Kalinga War of the 3rd century BCE was fought near Dhauli, and that the devastation turned Ashoka towards Buddhism and peace. The Shanti Stupa on the hill was built in the 1970s to commemorate his embrace of non-violence, and the Ashokan edicts are a highlight. A light and sound show uses projection mapping, music and narration to tell the story. The site is open from 6 am to 6 pm with no entry fee, and the Lingaraj Temple is 7 km away.

Nandankanan Zoological Park

On the outskirts of the city beside Kanjia Lake, Nandankanan was established in 1960 and designated a zoological park in 1979. Odisha Tourism calls it the Mother Zoo of white tigers and credits it with the first successful captive breeding of melanistic (black) tigers in India. The park is also home to a botanical garden, a reptile park and an aquarium, and the lake has boating. It is closed on Mondays; hours are 7.30 am to 5.30 pm from April to September and 8 am to 5 pm from October to March. Allow three to four hours.

Kalabhoomi, Odisha Craft Museum

Kalabhoomi is a living museum of the state's crafts, with open courtyards, galleries and artisans at work. Odisha Tourism lists stone and wood carving, terracotta, metalwork and textiles, including ikat and Sambalpuri weaves, and you can talk to the craftspeople and buy from them. It is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm and closed on Mondays. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are 4 km away, so the two make a sensible half day together.