Reasons to visit
Here are the top 5 reasons to visit Bhubaneswar:
- Historical and Cultural Heritage: Bhubaneswar is known as the "Temple City" of India, with over 700 temples dating back to the 7th century. The city is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Lingaraja Temple, Rajarani Temple, and the Konark Sun Temple.
- Beaches and Water Sports: Bhubaneswar is located near the Bay of Bengal, offering easy access to some of the best beaches in India. The city's beaches, such as Puri Beach and Konark Beach, are popular spots for water sports like surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Food and Cuisine: Bhubaneswar is famous for its rich and diverse cuisine, influenced by Oriya, Indian, and international flavors. The city is known for its street food, including chaat, pani puri, and jhal muri, as well as its traditional dishes like dalma, chhena poda, and rasagola.
- Adventure and Outdoor Activities: Bhubaneswar is surrounded by natural beauty, offering opportunities for adventure and outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The city is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Simlipal National Park and the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Festivals and Events: Bhubaneswar is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a wide range of festivals and events throughout the year. The city hosts several major festivals, including the Ratha Yatra, the Konark Festival, and the Durga Puja, which attract thousands of visitors from around the world.
Overall, Bhubaneswar offers a unique blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine, making it an attractive destination for tourists and travelers.
Things to do
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination with a plethora of attractions and activities to offer. Here's a detailed list of things to do and attractions in Bhubaneswar:
Historical and Cultural Attractions:
- Lingaraj Temple: A 11th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
- Mukteshwar Temple: A 10th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique architecture and carvings.
- Rajarani Temple: A 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and architecture.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park: A zoological park with a large collection of animals, including white tigers, lions, and chimpanzees.
- Odisha State Museum: A museum showcasing the state's history, culture, and art.
Nature and Outdoor Activities:
- Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: A series of ancient rock-cut caves, known for their intricate carvings and architecture.
- Biju Patnaik Park: A beautiful park with a lake, boating facilities, and a children's play area.
- Khandagiri Hill: A hill with a series of ancient rock-cut caves, known for its scenic views and hiking trails.
- Bindu Sagar Lake: A beautiful lake with boating facilities and a scenic view of the city.
- Chandaka Forest: A dense forest with hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and a wildlife sanctuary.
Food and Shopping:
- Old Town Market: A bustling market with a variety of street food, local handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Bhubaneswar Mall: A modern shopping mall with international brands, restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Loknath Market: A market known for its variety of local produce, spices, and street food.
- Handicrafts Market: A market showcasing the state's traditional handicrafts, including applique work, patta chitra, and stone carving.
- Local Cuisine: Try the famous Odia dishes like Dahi Macha, Chhena Poda, and Pitha.
Festivals and Events:
- Ratha Yatra: A grand festival celebrating Lord Jagannath, with a procession of chariots and cultural performances.
- Durga Puja: A festival celebrating the worship of Goddess Durga, with colorful pandals and cultural performances.
- Kalinga Festival: A festival celebrating the state's culture, with performances, exhibitions, and food festivals.
- Odisha Dance Festival: A festival showcasing the state's traditional dance forms, including Odissi, Sambalpuri, and Gotipua.
- Bhubaneswar Literary Festival: A festival celebrating literature, with workshops, discussions, and performances.
Other Attractions:
- ISKCON Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its intricate architecture and cultural programs.
- Bhubaneswar Railway Station: A historic railway station with a beautiful architecture and a museum.
- Bhubaneswar Airport: A modern airport with domestic and international flight connections.
- Kalinga Stadium: A sports stadium with facilities for various sports, including football, cricket, and hockey.
- Bhubaneswar Botanical Garden: A beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plants, flowers, and a lake.
These are just a few of the many attractions and activities available in Bhubaneswar. The city has something for everyone, from history and culture to nature and outdoor activities, and from food and shopping to festivals and events.
Means of transport
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, offers a range of transportation options to its residents and visitors. Here are the means of transport available in the city:
- Bus: Bhubaneswar has a comprehensive bus network operated by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Transport (BMT) and private operators. The city has several bus stands and terminals, including the Bhubaneswar Bus Stand, Kalpana Bus Stand, and Jayadev Vihar Bus Stand.
- Auto-rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws, also known as autos, are a popular mode of transportation in Bhubaneswar. They are available at designated stands and can be hired for short distances.
- Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in Bhubaneswar, both for short and long distances. You can book a taxi through various apps or hail one on the street.
- Cycle-rickshaw: Cycle-rickshaws are a traditional mode of transportation in Bhubaneswar, especially in the old city areas. They are a cost-effective option for short distances.
- Metro: Bhubaneswar is currently building a metro rail network, which is expected to be operational by 2024. The metro will have three lines and will connect various parts of the city.
- Train: Bhubaneswar has a railway station that connects the city to other parts of India. The station is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
- Flight: Bhubaneswar is served by the Biju Patnaik International Airport, which connects the city to major domestic and international destinations.
- Walk: Bhubaneswar is a walkable city, especially in the old city areas. Walking is a great way to explore the city's rich heritage and culture.
These are the primary means of transportation available in Bhubaneswar. However, the city is also developing its public transportation infrastructure, including bus rapid transit (BRT) systems and other initiatives to improve mobility and connectivity.
Cost of living
Here is a structured overview of the cost of living in Bhubaneswar:
Accommodation:
- Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in a decent area: ₹15,000-25,000 per month
- Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in a decent area: ₹25,000-40,000 per month
- Average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in a decent area: ₹40,000-60,000 per month
- Average rent for a 4-bedroom apartment in a decent area: ₹60,000-80,000 per month
Food:
- Average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant: ₹150-300
- Average cost of a meal at a fast-food joint: ₹50-100
- Average cost of groceries for a week (for a family of 4): ₹5,000-7,000
Transportation:
- Average cost of a one-way ticket on a city bus: ₹10-20
- Average cost of a one-way ticket on a taxi: ₹200-500
- Average cost of a one-way ticket on an auto-rickshaw: ₹50-100
Utilities:
- Average monthly electricity bill for a 1-bedroom apartment: ₹1,000-2,000
- Average monthly water bill for a 1-bedroom apartment: ₹500-1,000
- Average monthly internet bill for a 1-bedroom apartment: ₹500-1,000
Other Expenses:
- Average cost of a movie ticket: ₹150-300
- Average cost of a gym membership: ₹1,000-2,000 per month
- Average cost of a mobile phone plan: ₹500-1,000 per month
Miscellaneous:
- Average cost of a haircut: ₹100-200
- Average cost of a massage: ₹500-1,000
- Average cost of a laundry service: ₹50-100 per kg
Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on the specific location, quality of accommodation, and individual lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions on Bhubaneswar Travel
1. When visiting Bhubaneswar in India, what airport do you fly into?
BBI is the best option to select when flying into Bhubaneswar, India. Amenities and facilities are good at Bhubaneswar's BBI airport, and transportation to downtown or the city center is easy to reach from BBI airport.
2. Can I book business class tickets for flights to Bhubaneswar?
Yes, many airlines offer business class as well as first class tickets to Bhubaneswar with enhanced comfort and additional amenities. To book business class tickets to Bhubaneswar, select business as the trip class while searching for your itinerary to Bhubaneswar.
3. Are direct flights available to Bhubaneswar?
Yes, direct flights are available to Bhubaneswar if you are looking for domestic travel. Although there are direct flights to Bhubaneswar from many cities around the world, it is advisable to check the availability before travel.
4. What is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?
October to March is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar as the climate likely to be warm, dry and sunny with clear blue skies all around, making it enjoyable through admiring its attractions around.
5. When is the cheapest time to book flights to Bhubaneswar?
During off-peak season, airline fares will be lower, which is from late June to early August. But if you are looking for a trip in peak season, keep an eye out for airline sales to maximize savings on flight fares to Bhubaneswar.
6. Are ticket fares for last-minute flights to Bhubaneswar, India expensive?
Yes, it is generally. But why to wait till last minute when you can book flights to Bhubaneswar in advance and save on flight fares with Jetsaver.
