Bhubaneswar, often called Ekamra Kshetra, is India’s Temple City – home to hundreds of ancient shrines. In this Bhubaneswar travel guide, we’ll cover a full 3-day itinerary packed with the city’s best temples, museums, parks, markets, and food. You’ll discover places to visit in Bhubaneswar like Lingaraj, Mukteswara, and Rajarani Temples, the caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, Dhauli Peace Pagoda, plus cultural experiences in markets and local cuisine. This casual guide (with tips on how to reach Bhubaneswar and the best time to visit) will have you seeing the city like a local in no time.

Day 1: Temples & Culture in Old Bhubaneswar

Begin in Old Town – the heart of Bhubaneswar’s temple heritage. Lingaraj Temple, the city’s largest 11th-century shrine (55m tall), dominates the skyline with its soaring sandstone spire. Dedicated to Shiva (as Harihara), its complex is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and attracts pilgrims daily. Start early here to admire the carvings in the cool morning light.

• Lingaraj Temple (8:00 AM): Climb the stone steps to the inner sanctum of this grand Shiva temple. Built in the 11th century, it features a 180‐ft tower and a vast courtyard – perfect for photos. (The temple opens at 6:00 AM.)
• Mukteswara Temple (10:00 AM): A short walk away is this 10th-century Shiva shrine. Known as a “Gem of Odisha,” Mukteswara’s red-sandstone structure is famous for its ornate arched gateway (torana) and detailed carvings. Don’t miss the intricate lotus carvings on its walls.
• Rajarani Temple (11:30 AM): Nearby is the “Love Temple,” built around the 11th–12th centuries. Unlike other shrines, Rajarani has no main idol – instead it’s prized for its romantic sandstone sculptures of dancing couples and elaborate ornamentation. The peaceful garden setting is a relaxing spot to linger.
• Odisha State Museum (1:30 PM): Drive or take an auto to BJB Nagar to visit this renowned museum. One of Odisha’s biggest museums, it has 27 galleries covering archaeology, art, armory, anthropology, and more. Highlights include Odia bronze sculptures, tribal artifacts, and around 37,000 palm-leaf manuscripts.
• Ekamra Haat (5:00 PM): In the evening head to this government-run crafts bazaar. It has around 50 stalls selling traditional Odia handicrafts like Pattachitra paintings, applique textiles, stone/wood carving, Dhokra figurines, and more. It’s also a great place to sample local street eats and sweets in a festive atmosphere.

Where to Eat:
Bhubaneswar’s cuisine is largely Odia (vegetarian-friendly). Try a lunchtime Odia thali at Odisha Hotel or Dalmarestaurant, which serve local dishes like dalma (spiced dal with vegetables) and mustard-fish curry. For quick snacks, head to nearby markets for dahi-bara aloo-dum (lentil fritters in curried potato) or gupchup (pani puri). Don’t miss sweet treats like chhena poda (baked cottage cheese cake) from old-town shops. If you prefer a sit-down meal, Truptee is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Unit-4, and Annapurna/Cafe Denovo are good cafes.

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Day 2: Caves, Hilltop Views, and Peace Pagoda

On Day 2 explore Bhubaneswar’s surrounding hills. Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves lie about 8 km west, on twin sandstone hills. These are ancient Jain monastery caves carved in the 1st century BCE under King Kharavela. Udayagiri (“Sunrise Hill”) has 18 caves and Khandagiri 15, many with lotus motifs and Jain reliefs. Climb the stone steps to Hathigumpha Cave, an important site with a rock inscription of Kharavela – plus panoramic views of the city below.

• Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves (9:00 AM): Wander through the 33 caves here – from simple cells to multi-storey carved shrines. Look for the Ardhagiri (half-open) cave, Ananta Gumpha, and Ganesha Gumpha, each with carved pillars and Jain sculptures. The jogger’s path atop the hills offers a great sunrise viewpoint.
• Lunch: On the way back, try a local dhaba or chhakada restaurant (roadside eatery) near Khandagiri for a simple Odia meal with rice, dal, and bhaja (fried veggies).
• Dhauli Peace Pagoda (2:00 PM): In the afternoon, visit Dhauli Giri, about 7 km south. This peaceful hill is the site of Emperor Ashoka’s conversion after the bloody Kalinga War (261 BCE). A white Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) crowns the hill. Walk around its dome and Buddhist shrines, and read the ancient Ashokan rock edicts at the hill’s foot. From Dhauli’s summit you get sweeping views of the Daya River valley and Bhubaneswar skyline.

Evening:
If you have time, stop at the nearby ISKCON Temple for its colorful evening aarti. Otherwise, head back to town and enjoy dinner at Truptee (Unit-4) or Mayfair Lagoon’s Espaco (multi-cuisine).

Day 3: Gardens, Galleries, and Local Life

• Ekamra Kanan (Botanical Gardens) (9:00 AM): Spend the morning amidst greenery at this 500-acre botanical park. Ekamra Kanan’s highlights are the Cactus Garden (with over 1,000 varieties in a huge pyramidal glasshouse) and a large boating lake. Stroll the flower gardens and children’s play area, or relax by the musical fountain. Winter mornings often bring migratory birds here.
• Lunch: Savor one last traditional Odia meal at a local eatery. Dalma Restaurant (Unit-4) serves Odia thalis with dishes like bamboo mutton curry and pakhala (fermented rice dish). For a quick vegetarian fare, try Saheed Nagar market for bara-guguni or Cuttacki Dahibara Aloodum near Rajmahal for the local dahi-bara variant.
• Shopping and Culture (3:00 PM): Visit Parsurameswar Temple, a 7th-century temple known for its graceful Rekha-Deula style – Bhubaneswar’s oldest. Then soak up local life by walking through Ram Mandir Market (for fruits and snacks) or Bapuji Nagar Market (for clothes and electronics). If interested in crafts, a quick stop at the Tribal Art Museum showcases Odisha’s tribal paintings and folklore.

Evening & Farewell:
For a final night treat, try Satsanga or The Zaika for North-Indian or continental food. Or simply relax with a cup of masala chai at a street stall. Bhubaneswar’s friendly vibe and temple bells will leave you wanting more.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit:
  The ideal season is winter (October–February) when days are cool and dry. Summers (April–June) get very hot (up to 40–45°C), and the monsoon (July–September) brings heavy rains. Plan around festivals like Raja (June) or Kalinga Mahotsav (February) for extra cultural flavor.
• How to Reach:
  Bhubaneswar is well-connected by air, train, and road. Biju Patnaik International Airport is just 6 km from downtown, with frequent flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and more. The Bhubaneswar Railway Station (5 km away) sees major trains from all over India. By road, national highways link Bhubaneswar to Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities; OSRTC and private buses run regular services to Puri, Konark, Cuttack, etc.
• Getting Around:
  The city’s attractions lie mostly close together. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are plentiful for short hops. You can also hire a car/taxi by the day. Inside temples and holy sites, dress modestly (shoulders and legs covered) and carry a scarf. In markets like Ekamra Haat, bargaining is common – haggle politely, and be prepared with cash (many stalls don’t take cards). Finally, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially if sightseeing between March and May.

Conclusion

In just three days, this Bhubaneswar itinerary helps you experience the essence of Odisha’s capital – its ancient heritage, natural beauty, and warm culture. You’ll leave the Temple City with memories of sunset views from temple spires, the taste of spicy dalma and sweet chhena poda, and the story of Ashoka’s journey from war to peace. With friendly people and a lively mix of history and local life, Bhubaneswar offers an enriching, offbeat Indian travel experience. Whether you’re a history buff, spiritual seeker, or foodie, Bhubaneswar’s charm is sure to linger long after you return home.

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Author- Ayush