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Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City of India, with more than 700 shrines built between the 7th and 13th centuries. Most of the headline sights sit in the compact Old Town (Ekamra Kshetra), which you can cover in a day on foot, with caves, a zoo and a peace pagoda spread farther out. This is one part of our full Bhubaneswar guide.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar: The Old Town Temples
Lingaraj Temple
The largest and most important temple in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Temple dates to the 11th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Harihara. Its main tower rises 55 m and the complex holds about 150 smaller shrines. Entry is free and the temple opens 5:00 to 21:30, closing 12:00 to 15:00 daily. Only Hindus may enter the inner sanctum; non-Hindus can view the tower from a raised platform outside the north wall.
Mukteshwar Temple
This 10th-century sandstone temple is the most refined in Bhubaneswar and is famous for its carved torana, an ornamental archway, plus detailed friezes of dancers and animals. Entry is free and it opens roughly 6:00 to 19:00. The smaller Siddheshwar Temple sits in the same compound, and the temple hosts a dance festival each January listed in our events and festivals in Bhubaneswar guide.
Rajarani Temple
Built in the 11th century and named for the reddish-gold sandstone it is made from, Rajarani Temple has no presiding deity. It is best known for its fine sculptures and the Rajarani Music Festival held here in January. Entry is ₹25 for Indians and ₹250 for foreigners, and the grounds open 6:30 to 19:30.
Things to Do in Bhubaneswar: Caves, Museums and More
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
These twin hills on the western edge of the city hold 33 rock-cut Jain caves carved around the 2nd century BCE under King Kharavela. The double-storey Rani Gumpha (Queen Cave) and the Hathi Gumpha, with its Kharavela inscription, are the highlights. Entry is ₹25 for Indians and ₹500 for foreigners, and the site opens 9:00 to 17:00.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
About 20 km north of the city, Nandankanan is one of India’s best zoos and is especially known for its white tigers, plus a lion safari, ropeway and botanical garden. Entry is ₹50 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners, open 7:30 to 17:30 from March to October and 8:00 to 17:00 from November to February, closed Mondays.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Eight kilometres from the city centre, Dhauli marks the site of the Kalinga War of 261 BCE, after which Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism. The white peace pagoda on the hilltop and the rock edicts below are free to visit from dawn to dusk. The pagoda overlooks the Daya River, and a small museum explains the site.
Odisha State Museum
Near Kalpana Square, this museum holds palm-leaf manuscripts, stone and bronze sculpture, coins and tribal art from across Odisha. Entry is ₹10 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners, open 10:00 to 17:00, closed Mondays. It is a good primer before you visit the temples in the Old Town neighborhoods guide.
Ekamra Haat and Bindu Sagar
Ekamra Haat, near the Ram Mandir, is an open-air crafts market selling Odisha pattachitra paintings, applique work and silver filigree. Bindu Sagar, the sacred tank north of Lingaraj Temple, is said to contain water from every holy river in India and is free to visit 6:00 to 20:00. Time your visit with the best time to visit Bhubaneswar window and check the weather by month table.
For logistics, sort transport with our travel tips and FAQ page and pick a base from where to stay in Bhubaneswar.
