One of the major cities of eastern India, Bhubaneshwar is the capital of eastern Indian state of Orissa. Bhubaneshwar derives its name from the Sanskrit word Tribhuvaneswara which means Lord Shiva. A city with a spiritual atmosphere, a number of beautiful temples dot the landscape of Bhubaneswar. Infact, the city is also called the ' Temple Metropolis of India'. Some of Bhubaneshwar's temples are more than 2000 years old. But instead of living in the past, Bhubaneshwar has developed its civic amenities well and is regarded as one of the better planned cities of India. Bhubaneshwar is one city that has blended tradition with modern necessities very well.


Sightseeing at Bhubaneshwar -
Lingaraja Temple : The Lingaraja temple is regarded as a fine example of purely Hindu temple. This 10th century temple is also regarded by some archeologists as 'the truest fusion of dream and reality.' The temple is 55-m-high and has its entire surface covered with elaborate carvings. There is an ancient tradition that all pilgrims wishing to visit Jagannath temple at Puri must offer worship at the Lingaraja temple first of all.

Parashurameshwara Temple : The Parashurameshwara temple was built in the year 650 A.D and is one of the best examples of Orissa style of temple architecture. Many exquisite carvings and sculptures also adorn the walls and pillars of this temple. Rituals are rigidly followed in the temple.

Raja Rani Temple :The Raja Rani temple is regarded as the finest example of traditional Orrisan temple designing. It is a 'love temple' the walls and pillars of which are covered with many erotic carvings of women and couples. The temple is set in picturesque surroundings and has well maintained gardens. There is no particular deity in the temple.

Nandan Kanan : On the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar, Nandan Kanan is the largest lion safari park of India. Nandan Kanan has a few rare white tigers. The park also has botanical and zoological gardens. Many species of migratory birds also come to the park in winters. The animals in Nandan Kanan are not caged and provided with a natural environment.

Mukteswara Temple : The 10th century 'Mukteswara' temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance, is regarded a gem of Orissan architecture on account of its exquisite wall carvings and lavish sculptures. These adornment include celestial beings, armed processions, and amorous figures.The front of temple features a beautiful arched epistyle clearly showing a Buddhist influence. Tales from the Panchatantra, written by the Orissan Pandit, Vishnu Sharma, occupy pride of place here.


Reaching Bhubaneshwar -
By Air :There are regular flights to Bhubaneshwar from the cities of Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad. Biju Patnaik Airport of Bhubaneshwar is the only major airport of the state.
By Rail : Bhubaneshwar has direct rail connectivity with all important destinations of India including the metropolitan cities.
By Road : Bhubaneshwar has good road connectivity with the rest of Orissa and neighbouring states.