Best Places to Visit in Bhubaneswar: Complete Travel & Hotel Guide

Quick answer: The top places to visit in Bhubaneswar are Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani Temple, Dhauli Shanti Stupa and Nandankanan Zoological Park. Livotel Premium Hotel in Prasanti Vihar, Patia, near KIIT Stadium, is a comfortable base for seeing them.

Bhubaneswar is called the Temple City of India, and the old temples are the main reason most people come. But the city also has 2,000-year-old Jain caves, the site of the Kalinga war, a large zoo and a good local food scene. Here are the places worth your time, with a few practical tips.

1. Lingaraj Temple

The largest and best-known temple in the city, built in the 11th century and dedicated to Harihara, a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. Its tower rises about 55 metres above Old Town. Only Hindus may go inside the compound, but anyone can view it from the platform outside the north wall. For more temples nearby, see our guide to 20 temples in Bhubaneswar.

2. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

Two hills on the west side of the city, cut with rock shelters made for Jain monks around the 2nd century BCE. The carvings on Udayagiri, especially at the Rani Gumpha, are the highlight, and the view from the top is worth the short climb. Go in the morning or late afternoon, as there is little shade.

3. Rajarani Temple

An 11th-century temple named after the yellowish sandstone it is built from. No deity is worshipped here today, so it is maintained as a monument set in a quiet garden. The carved figures on its walls make it a favourite with photographers. The Rajarani Music Festival is held here every January.

4. Dhauli Shanti Stupa

Dhauli hill, on the south side of the city near the Daya river, is linked to the Kalinga war, after which Emperor Ashoka turned to Buddhism. Rock edicts of Ashoka are carved at the foot of the hill, and the white peace pagoda at the top was built in the 1970s. It is calm, with wide views over the countryside, and good around sunset.

5. Nandankanan Zoological Park

A large zoo and botanical garden in forest on the northern edge of the city, known for its white tigers and its safaris. It is the easiest of these sights to reach from Patia. Plan at least half a day, and read our Nandankanan Zoo visit guide before you go.

Food to try in Bhubaneswar

Odia food is worth seeking out while you are here. Three dishes to start with:

Dalma

Lentils cooked with vegetables and finished with roasted cumin and chilli, eaten with rice. It is the everyday dish of Odisha.

Chhena Poda

A baked sweet of fresh cottage cheese, sugar and cardamom, caramelised on the outside. Sold in sweet shops across the city.

Pakhala Bhata

Cooked rice soaked in water and lightly fermented, eaten in summer with fried fish, mashed potato and greens.

Read more in our guide to the famous food of Odisha, or find somewhere to eat near the hotel in our restaurants near KIIT guide.

Best time to visit

• October to March has the most comfortable weather for sightseeing.
• April to June is very hot, so plan outdoor visits for early morning or evening.
• January has the Rajarani Music and Mukteswara Dance festivals, and February or March brings Mahashivaratri at Lingaraj.

Getting around

Autos and app cabs are the easiest way to get between these places. Lingaraj, Rajarani and the other Old Town temples are close together in the south of the city, Udayagiri and Khandagiri are to the west, Dhauli is further south, and Nandankanan is to the north, near Patia. Grouping them this way saves time in traffic.

Where to stay: Livotel Premium Hotel

Livotel Premium Hotel is in Prasanti Vihar, Patia, 200 m from KIIT Stadium and about 1 km from KIIT University. It is a quiet base for sightseeing:

• Deluxe AC (160 sq. ft., up to 4 guests) and Premium AC (140 sq. ft., up to 3 guests) rooms, both with a king-size bed
• Complimentary breakfast for all staying guests, 8:00 to 10:30 am
• Free Wi-Fi and a smart TV with 14 OTT apps
• In-house restaurant, room service and parking
• 24/7 front desk that can help you arrange an auto or cab

Staying in Bhubaneswar? Call +91 91146 07080 or book direct on our website.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to visit in Bhubaneswar?

Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Rajarani Temple, Dhauli Shanti Stupa and Nandankanan Zoological Park are the top sights, covering temples, Jain heritage, Buddhist history and wildlife.

What is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?

October to March has the best weather. April to June is very hot, so plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Which Bhubaneswar attractions are good for families?

Nandankanan Zoological Park suits families, with white tigers, safaris and a botanical garden. Dhauli Shanti Stupa is calm and has wide views.

Which hotel is near KIIT in Bhubaneswar?

Livotel Premium Hotel in Prasanti Vihar, Patia is 200 m from KIIT Stadium and about 1 km from KIIT University and KIMS Hospital, with king-size bed AC rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and parking.