Last updated:
Bhubaneswar Travel Guide
Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital, is known as the Temple City for its dense concentration of ancient shrines, of which the Lingaraj Temple is the best known. One to two days covers the main temples, and it combines naturally with Puri close by.
By Experience My India Editorial Team
Destination specialists and licensed local guides
Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital, is known as the Temple City for the dense concentration of ancient shrines within and around it, many dating back over a thousand years and showing the development of Odishan temple architecture across centuries. The Lingaraj Temple, still an active place of worship, is the best known, and the city also holds the ancient rock-cut Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves nearby.
Lingaraj Temple
Bhubaneswar's largest and most important temple, still in active worship.
Mukteshwar Temple
A smaller, finely carved temple often noted for its architectural detail.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Ancient rock-cut Jain caves on the edge of the city.
October to February is the comfortable season, avoiding the coast's summer heat and humidity. One to two days covers the main temples and the caves; Bhubaneswar is almost always paired with Puri, a short drive away.
Why is Bhubaneswar called the Temple City?
For the dense concentration of ancient temples within and around the city, many over a thousand years old, showing the development of Odishan temple architecture.
Can non-Hindus enter the Lingaraj Temple?
Access to the inner sanctum is restricted by long-standing temple tradition; a viewing platform outside allows non-Hindu visitors to see the temple. Confirm current rules before visiting.
How many days do you need in Bhubaneswar?
One to two days covers the main temples and the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves comfortably.
Can I combine Bhubaneswar with Puri?
Yes, the two sit close together and are almost always visited on the same trip.
Experiences near Bhubaneswar Travel Guide
Pilgrimage
Jagannath Puri temple tour and VIP darshan
Private tour
Village & Tribal Tourism
Odisha Tribal
Private tour
Related guides
What guests say
- 5 stars5
- 4 stars2
- 3 stars1
- 2 stars0
- 1 stars0
What our guests say
Daniel Moore
London, UK · Friends · Verified trip
5/51 week agoThe homestay night was the memory we will keep — cooking with the family, the kids playing cricket in the lane. It was arranged with real thought, and the drive out there was beautiful.
via Google
Kiran Joshi
Nagpur, Maharashtra · Friends · Verified trip
5/51 month agoSunrise start was worth the alarm. We were through the gates before the crowds and had almost twenty minutes with the place nearly to ourselves. The driver was waiting exactly where he said he would be.
via Google
Dhruv Patel
Ahmedabad, Gujarat · Couple · Verified trip
4/52 months agoReally enjoyable day. The guide was knowledgeable and funny. It did run about forty minutes over, which mattered because we had a train to catch, but they got us there with minutes to spare.
via Tripadvisor
Ben Anderson
Austin, USA · Solo · Verified trip
4/53 months agoVery good overall. The itinerary was tight but never felt rushed, and the driver was superb. The hotel on night two was a step down from the others — clean, but the Wi-Fi barely worked. Would still recommend.
via Google
Why book with Experience My India
Government-approved operator
Approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
500+ vetted local guides
35+ destination specialists plan every trip by hand.
Human help, every day
Mon–Sun, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM IST · +91 73022 65809
No payment until you approve
You receive a written quote first; nothing is charged to start planning.
Browse by theme
Wildlife Safaris
Heritage & Architecture
Beaches & Islands
Wellness & Ayurveda
Yoga & Meditation
Pilgrimage
Trekking
Adventure
Culinary
Festivals
Craft & Textile Trails
Performing Arts
Luxury Trains
River Cruises
Houseboats
Toy Trains & Railways
Weddings
Roots & Ancestry
Photography Tours
Village & Tribal Tourism
Sports Experiences
Astro Tourism
Glamping & Desert
Shore Excursions
Family Heritage Immersion
Day Trips
Honeymoon & Romance
VIP & Luxury
Plan a trip
Tailor-made quote from a specialist