What are the best hotels and visiting places in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India?

Best Hotels and Visiting Places in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Introduction to Bhubaneswar – The Temple City of India

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is an enchanting blend of heritage, spirituality, modern infrastructure, and urban greenery. Popularly known as the “Temple City of India,” this historic city boasts a fascinating lineage dating back over 2,000 years. With over 700 temples, beautiful lakes, thriving street food culture, and ancient architecture, Bhubaneswar is a must-visit destination for culture seekers, spiritual travelers, and modern explorers alike.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through the best visiting places in Bhubaneswar and highlight top hotels where you can enjoy a luxurious and comfortable stay during your visit.

Top Visiting Places in Bhubaneswar

1. Lingaraj Temple

One of the oldest and most revered temples in India, the Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. Built in the 11th century, this temple stands tall at 180 feet and features intricately carved walls and an aura of divine energy. Non-Hindus can view it from a platform outside.

Location: Old Town
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for spiritual rituals

2. Dhauli Hills and Peace Pagoda

Just 8 km from the city center, Dhauli is a historic site where the Kalinga War was fought and later transformed into a center of peace by Emperor Ashoka. The Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) here is a symbol of non-violence and spiritual calm.

Location: On the banks of River Daya
Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Ashokan Rock Edicts, panoramic views

3. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves

These twin hill caves are a stunning testimony to Jain rock-cut architecture and monastic life from the 2nd century BCE. The caves are known for inscriptions, sculptures, and panoramic views of Bhubaneswar.

Entry Fee: ₹25 (Indians), ₹300 (foreigners)
Timing: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

4. Nandankanan Zoological Park

A perfect family destination, Nandankanan Zoo is also a botanical garden and has India’s first white tiger safari. Spread over 437 hectares, it is home to various species of animals, birds, and reptiles.

Location: 15 km from Bhubaneswar
Entry Fee: ₹50 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
Safari Charges Extra

5. Mukteswara Temple

Often called the “Gem of Odisha architecture,” the Mukteswara Temple is a small but artistically brilliant temple built in the 10th century. Its elegant torana (arched gateway) is an architectural marvel.

Entry Fee: Free
Tip: Visit during the Mukteswar Dance Festival in January.

6. Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

A hidden green retreat in the city, Ekamra Kanan is known for its wide variety of plants, cactus garden, musical fountain, and scenic lake.

Best For: Nature lovers and evening relaxation
Entry Fee: ₹25 approx

7. Odisha State Museum

A great place to explore the heritage of Odisha. It houses sculptures, ancient weapons, coins, traditional instruments, and manuscripts.

Entry Fee: ₹10
Timing: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on Mondays)

8. Regional Museum of Natural History

Perfect for children and science enthusiasts, this museum displays Odisha’s biodiversity, geology, and ecology.

Entry Fee: Free
Highlight: Dinosaur replicas and skeleton exhibits

9. Rajarani Temple

Unlike other temples, this one is named after the red and yellow sandstone (Rajarani) used in its construction. Built in the 11th century, the temple doesn’t house any deity but is revered for its architecture and erotic carvings.

Location: Old Town
Entry Fee: ₹15

10. Bindu Sagar Lake

Located near the Lingaraj Temple, this holy lake is believed to contain water from every sacred river in India. It’s a peaceful location for early morning or evening walks.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

The ideal time to explore Bhubaneswar is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Summers (April–June) are hot and humid, while the monsoon (July–September) adds a romantic charm but may limit outdoor sightseeing.

Best Hotels in Bhubaneswar

Here is a list of top hotels in Bhubaneswar that cater to every budget and preference—from luxury seekers to budget travelers.

Luxury Hotels (₹5000 and above)

1. Mayfair Lagoon

Arguably the most luxurious hotel in Bhubaneswar, Mayfair Lagoon is a 5-star resort offering lagoon-style architecture, spacious rooms, fine dining, and top-class amenities including spa and pool.

Location: Jaydev Vihar
Facilities: Pool, Gym, Spa, Restaurants, Bar, Lounge
Ideal For: Luxury and business travelers

2. Trident Bhubaneswar

Trident is known for elegance and warm hospitality. The sprawling lawns, colonial-style decor, and international cuisine make it a premium choice.

Location: Nayapalli
Features: Spacious rooms, outdoor pool, multi-cuisine dining

3. Swosti Premium

A 5-star business hotel offering spacious rooms and event spaces, Swosti Premium is perfect for corporate travelers and families.

Facilities: Bar, swimming pool, gym, multiple restaurants
Specialty: Excellent breakfast buffet and service

Mid-Range Hotels (₹2500–₹5000)

4. The Crown Bhubaneswar

Located near major shopping hubs, The Crown is a stylish hotel with a great restaurant, outdoor pool, and conference facilities.

Location: IRC Village
Rating: 4-star
Ideal For: Business and leisure travelers

5. Pal Heights

A boutique hotel within a shopping complex, Pal Heights offers convenience, excellent food, and comfortable rooms.

Location: Jaydev Vihar
Highlights: Rooftop dining, central location

6. Fortune Park Sishmo

A part of ITC group, this hotel offers contemporary decor and consistent service. Located near the railway station, it’s perfect for short stays.

Budget Hotels (Below ₹2500)

7. Ginger Bhubaneswar

A smart budget hotel with clean, compact rooms, Ginger is perfect for solo travelers or quick business trips.

Location: Jaydev Vihar
Rates: Affordable, with modern facilities

8. Hotel Excellency

Located near the railway station, it is ideal for travelers looking for budget stays with decent amenities.

Highlight: Clean rooms, helpful staff, proximity to transportation

9. Hotel Kalinga Ashok

Run by ITDC, this heritage-style hotel is affordable and located close to many attractions in Old Town.

Where to Eat in Bhubaneswar

While you explore Bhubaneswar, don’t miss its flavorful local food:

Dalma Restaurant: Traditional Odia thali
Hare Krishna Restaurant: Pure veg & South Indian food
Odisha Hotel: Authentic Odia cuisine
Zaika, Truptee, Kanika: Great for North Indian and Chinese

Must-Try Dishes:

Dalma (lentil and vegetable curry)
Chakuli Pitha
Macha Besara (fish curry with mustard)
Rasabali & Chhena Poda (sweets)

Local Markets and Shopping in Bhubaneswar

1. Ekamra Haat

An open-air handicrafts market perfect for picking up local souvenirs like pattachitra paintings, stone carvings, sambalpuri textiles, and silver filigree jewelry.

2. Unit-2 Market Building

A bustling market for clothes, accessories, electronics, and delicious street food like gupchup (pani puri), chaat, and sweets.

How to Reach Bhubaneswar

By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) connects to all major Indian cities and select international destinations.
By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major junction in the East Coast Railway zone.
By Road: Well-connected via NH-16 to Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, and other parts of India.

Tips for Travelers

Dress modestly while visiting temples.
Always carry bottled water and wear a hat or umbrella during day sightseeing.
Book hotels in advance during peak travel seasons (Dec–Feb).
Use Ola or prepaid auto rickshaws for safe city transportation.

Conclusion

Bhubaneswar is more than just a spiritual or historical destination. It’s a city that welcomes every traveler with open arms—whether you’re an architecture lover, wildlife enthusiast, history buff, or food explorer. With its seamless mix of modernity and culture, Bhubaneswar offers something for everyone.

So pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden charms and timeless grandeur of Odisha’s capital city.

FAQs

Q. Which is the most famous temple in Bhubaneswar?
A. Lingaraj Temple is the most iconic and sacred temple in Bhubaneswar.

Q. What is the best time to visit Bhubaneswar?
A. October to March is ideal due to pleasant weather and festivals.

Q. Is Bhubaneswar safe for solo travelers?
A. Yes, it is generally safe, especially during the day. Take standard precautions at night.

Q. What are the famous foods in Bhubaneswar?
A. Dalma, Macha Besara, Chhena Poda, and Chakuli Pitha are local favorites.