"Temple City of India"

Bhubaneswar Tourism

Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India, once known for its architecture and grand temples, is presently a thriving centre for commerce and business.


Bhubaneshwar is an ancient city replete with beautiful historic temples which attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the country. The name of the city literally means Lord of the Universe, rightly reflected in the number of temples here and the religious fervor of its locals. This is now a bustling city where the history is beautifully intertwined with its modern and progressive present. Bhubaneshwar being the centre for religious tourism has a number of majestic temples built centuries ago which have still retained their original over all these years. Among them the Lingaraj temple and the Parasurameswara temple are must-visits and attract tourists for all parts of the country.
Architectural Splendours

A Bhubaneshwar tour would include a visit to the various tourist attractions such as Lingaraja temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which adds a mythological charm to the city, the scenic Bindusagar Lake. You will get to see a lot of beautiful architectural monuments in Bhubaneshwar such as museums and lots of Jain temples.
History of Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the great ?Temple City of India?, has a rich history of conquests and architecture. The prized city has been ruled by dynasties from Maurya, Guptas, and Marathas to Mughal and later the British Colonial rule as part of the Bengal Presidency. Its history dates back to 1st century BCE or even earlier. On 13th April 1948, the foundation of the new capital for Orissa at Bhubaneswar was laid by then Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. The city is broadly divided into two areas, the Old Town and the Planned City with the former being a host to many historical temples such as Lingaraj and Muktesvara Temples and the latter is a planned city with shopping centres, parks, and gardens. The city is a harmonious Sangam of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain history which is reflected in its stellar temples and its architecture.
Shopping in Bhubaneswar

Shopping in Bhubaneswar is a pleasure for those who are interested in aesthetic, ethnic rarities for their household and wardrobe. You can shop at the famous Ekamra Haat, an initiative taken by the Orissa government to promote the local artisans and their handicrafts. Souvenir and gift-worthy items such as bamboo and cane items, stone carving, palm leaf engraving, terracotta, dhokra, famous Sambalpuri saris, etc are some of the excellent things you can buy. You can also visit Pipli village for its famous appliqué lamps. Orissa State Handloom Cooperative and Utkalika are two most sought after shoppers? destinations as they are known for their display of finest textiles and handicrafts, and tribal jewellery, hand-woven garments and 'Pattachitras' (traditional paintings of Orissa) respectively. Bhubaneswar is a haven for shoppers who want the grandeur of the Kalinga temples reflected in their tasteful purchases.