12 Places in Bhubaneswar You Absolutely Cannot Miss
Bhubaneswar?s official nickname — "The Temple City of India" — only begins to capture its depth. Beyond its 700+ ancient temples, the city has Jain rock-cut caves older than Christianity, a zoo with white tigers, a stunning Japanese peace pagoda, and a thriving tribal arts museum. Here are the 12 places in Bhubaneswar that deserve a spot on every traveller?s itinerary.
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01Lingaraj Temple
Built in the 11th century by King Jajati Keshari, this is the largest and most important temple in Bhubaneswar. The 55-metre deul (tower) dominates the skyline. Over 50,000 devotees come here on auspicious occasions. Non-Hindus may view from an observation platform outside the compound walls.
02Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
These twin hills contain 33 rock-cut cave chambers carved by Jain monks under royal patronage in the 2nd–1st century BCE. Rani Gumpha, Ananta Gumpha, and Hathi Gumpha (the Elephant Cave with an inscribed eulogy of King Kharavela) are the most significant caves. A 30-minute climb to the hilltop offers sweeping views of the city.
03Dhauli Peace Pagoda
On the banks of the Daya River, where Ashoka?s most pivotal battle was fought in 261 BCE, the Japan Buddha Sangha erected a brilliant white stupa in 1972. The nearby Shanti Stupa and Ashokan Rock Edicts are powerful reminders of Odisha's centrality in the arc of Indian history.
04Nandankanan Zoological Park
Set within a 400-hectare forest next to Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan is Odisha's favourite family attraction. The zoo is celebrated globally for white tiger conservation and also has a botanical garden, lion safari, butterfly park, and a ropeway over a scenic lake.
05Mukteshvara Temple
Dating to the 10th century CE, Mukteshvara is widely considered the artistic pinnacle of Kalinga temple architecture. It is famous for its exquisite arched torana (gateway) decorated with intricate carvings of a Naga and Nagini couple, wild animals, and flying gandharvas. Compact, quiet, and extraordinarily beautiful.
06Rajarani Temple
Built around the 11th century, Rajarani Temple is unique for not having a presiding deity inside — making it the only non-religious heritage site among the great temples of Bhubaneswar. Its tower is remarkable for eight pairs of ashtadikpala (guardians of eight directions) carved in sensuous, fluid poses. The annual Rajarani Music Festival is held here each January.
Bindu Sagar – The Ocean Drop Lake
At the heart of Bhubaneswar?s old temple district lies Bindu Sagar, a large sacred tank that Hindus believe contains drops of water from every holy river and lake in India. Hundreds of small temple shrines surround its ghats, creating a powerful atmosphere especially during festivals when the tank is brightly illuminated. The tank is surrounded by the densest concentration of ancient temples in the city — a walk around its perimeter is essentially a condensed tour of Bhubaneswar?s temple history.