About Bubaneswar - Information Guide, Holiday Packages, Hotels, Major Tourist Destinations and Restaurants

About Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar is the capital of the East Indian state of Orissa.

Bhubaneswar, like Orissa, is known for its architecture and ancient temples. It is also the destination of many pilgrimages for Buddhists and Hindus. The 10th century Lingaraja temple, dedicated to Shiva, has been described as "the truest fusion of dream and reality." The surface of the 55 meter high Lingaraja temple is covered with carvings. Sculpture and architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. The best times to visit are between October and March

This city is most renowned for changing the conqueror to the conquered. The great Kalinga War took place here between Emperor Asoka and Kalinga (the old empire of Orissa). Asoka was overwhelmed at the gory of blood that flowed like a river. Asokan inscriptions still stand testimony for this. Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that incorporates the holy city of Puri (Jagannath Temple) and Konark (Sun temple). The twin cave groups of Kandagiri and Udayagiri are evidence of the region's antiquity, dating to the 2nd century BC or the early Jain monastery.

Modern Bhubaneswar is a well planned city with wide roads and many gardens and parks. The plan was made by Otto H. Koenigsberger, a German town planner. Though part of the city has stayed faithful to the plan, it has grown rapidly over the last few decades and has made the planning process unwieldy.

Get in

By plane

Bhubaneswar air port (http://www.bhubaneswarairport.com/) is well connected to most of the major cities of India.

Air India operates daily flights to and from Delhi- Bhubaneswar - Delhi Mumbai - Bhubaneswar - Mumbai Bangalore- Bhubaneswar - Bangalore Hyderabad - Bhubaneswar - Hyderabad . Check Flight Schedule

Jet and JetLite (previously Sahara Airlines) operate a direct flight to and from Delhi and 2 flights daily from Kolkata(one in the morning and one in the evening).

Kingfisher operates direct flights daily from Mumbai, Delhi, Banglore and 2 direct flights daily from Kolkata(one in the morning and one in the evening).

INDIGO Airlines operates daily to Delhi(direct) and Mumbai(via Hyderabad).

By train

Bhubaneswar is the divisonal headquarters of East Coast railways. It is situated on the main line from Kolkata to Chennai and is well connected by direct train service to most major Indian cities. For timings and other details check the Indian Railways website (http://www.indianrail.gov.in/). Some major trains connecting Bhubaneswar with:

New Delhi
Rajdhani Express, Neelachal Express, Kalinga Utkal Express and Purushottam Express Mumbai (Bombay)
Konark Express and Lokmanya Tilak Express etc.

Chennai (Madras)
Coromandel Express, Chennai Howrah mail etc.

Howrah (Kolkata)
Dhauli Express, Janasatabdi Express, Coromandel Express, Howrah Puri Express,Shri Jagannath Express,Falaknuma Express,Howrah Chennai Mail,Howrah Yesvantpur Express,EastCoast Express etc.

Hyderabad (Secunderabad)
Falaknuma Express, East Coast Express, Konark Express, Visakha Express etc.

Bangalore
Prashanti Express, Yeshwantpur Howrah Express, Yeshwantpur Guwahati Express(only on Mondays), Guwahati Express (wed,thu,fri)

By road

Bhubaneshwar is situated on the National Highway no.5 that runs between Kolkata and Chennai. It is 480 km from Kolkata, 445 km from Visakhapatnam, 1225 km from Chennai, 32 km from Cuttack, 130 km from Chilika Lake (Barkul), 184 km from Gopalpur-on-sea, 64 km from Konark, 62 km from Puri.

From Bhubaneswar after traveling 20 km there is a place known as Pipili. This place is famous for patching cloth design locally known as Chandua. From the center of Pipili market one has to take left turn to go towards Konark and the straight road goes to Puri.

Get around

Getting around in Bhubaneswar does not take much time, due to the perfect town planning and well laid roads. Travel within Bhubaneswar is cheap even by Indian standards.

By Train Bhubaneswar has no suburban train network. Except for a couple of passenger trains to Naraj if you want to visit Nandankanan by train.

By Bus Town buses ply throughout the city. These are government-run and extremely cheap. You can buy bus tickets enroute. Extreme caution is advised in using these buses as typical of any other Indian city.

By Taxi Auto-rickshaw drivers in Bhubaneswar are courteous and helpful. Still, negotiate a rate with the driver beforehand, and make sure that the driver understood your destination. For the budget traveler, Bhubaneswar offers shared autos, where you can make journeys even for Rs. 5.

There are several taxi companies operating in Bhubaneswar. They charge by the distance. There is a minimum fare for first few kilometres and for every subsequent kilometre they charge in increments. Cabs are the best choice in case you want to tour the city all day or visit nearby places. Also, generally there is a special price ('tour package') if you can bargain for it. Foreign nationals are advised to carry local currency.

See

Bhubaneswar is one of three cities that make up three temple towns of Orissa and make the golden temple triangle of Eastern India. Bhubaneswar is a very religious center for Hindus and Buddhists.

Bhubaneswar is also known as the temple city and there are many excellent examples of Oriya architecture in the old part of the city.

Old Town. Almost all the famous temples of Bhubaneswar are located here most of which were constructed in the 11th to 13th century period. Around 400 temples of varying sizes are located here. Be sure to visit Traffic Mahadev, a small temple which acts as a road divider.

Lingaraj Temple. The 10th or 11th-century Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar has been described as "the truest fusion of dream and reality". A rare masterpiece, the Lingaraja temple has been rated one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple in India by Ferguson, the noted art critic and historian. Every inch of the surface of the 55 m-high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture and architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside. However there is an elevated viewing platform next to one of the boundary walls. To reach the platform, face the temple's main entrance and walk around to the right. There is a laneway leading to the back of the temple and the platform.

Bindu Sarovara. This large lake near to Lingaraj and Ananta Vasudeva temples keeps a drop (bindu) of every holy river in it.

Khandagiri & Udayagiri, 8km from Bhubaneswar. These twin hills served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, some of the caves have beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave), one of the largest and double-storied, is ornately embellished with beautiful carvings. In the Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave), King Kharavela has carved out the chronicles of his reign.

Dhauli Giri, 8km from Bhubaneswar. Looking down on the plains that bore witness to the gruesome war waged on Kalinga by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, stand the rock edicts of Dhauli. It was here that King Ashoka, full of remorse after the Kalinga War in 261 BC, renounced his blood-thirsty campaign and turned to Buddhism. The edicts are a living testimony to the King's change of heart. He urges his administrators to rule the land with justice and compassion. The edicts are so remarkable that they have been excellently preserved, despite the fact that they date back to the 3rd century BC. A sculpted elephant, the symbol of the boundless powers of Lord Buddha, tops the rock edicts. The Shanti Stupa or the peace pagoda, built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration, is located on the opposite hill.

Mukteshwara Temple. Dating back to 10th century this temple marks an important transition point between the early and the later phases of the Kalinga architecture. The highlight is the magnificent torana - the decorative gateway, an arched masterpiece, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa. This temple is considered to be the gem of Orissan architecture. The beautiful sculptures eloquently speak of the sense of proportion and perspective of the sculptor and their unique ability in the exact depiction of the minutest objects. Mukteswara means "Lord of freedom".

Rajarani Temple. This temple got its name from a red-gold sandstone used, which is called Rajarani locally. It has no presiding deity but many intricately carved figurines in various stages of daily chores.

Orissa State Museum. Housing a rich collection of sculptures, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze age tools, rare manuscripts written on palm leaves, traditional and folk musical instruments. Rare epigraphic records are preserved in the Epigraphy Gallery.

Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, ISKCON, on NH5 (ask the autorickshaw drivers, about Rs40 from town). Non-Hindus and foreigners who desire to visit a Hindu temple can go to this temple - the devotees are friendly and there is a cheap and clean vegetarian restaurant.

Nandankanan Zoo, about 15km outside of Bhubaneswar (large numbers of buses ply from Acharya Vihar Square or by auto-rickshaw). The zoo has some rare species of animals and is particularly well known for white tigers. There is a nice lake inside for boating, a ropeway, also the Botanical Garden is adjacent to the zoo.

Museum of Tribal Art & Artefacts, CRPF Square. The museum gives an impressive insight into the culture of the many different tribals living in and around Orissa. Tools, clothes and artwork is presented over several halls. In every area a guide of the museum will take care of you and give you extensive explanations - you really get to know something about the things you see. Anyway there is no entry fee.

Do

Just walk on the streets, particularly the main markets at Unit 1 or Unit 2. You can experience the Oriya flavor from the street hawkers, shopkeepers, their customers, practically everyone. Visit the scores of parks in the city. The planetarium for one is good. The science park refreshes your basics and takes you back to school days. Or go around the rose garden in CRPF square or the recent NICCO park.

There may be an odd play going on in Rabindra Mandap, opposite the General Post Office. Or a dance program at Soochana Bhavan. This place also had radio news broadcasts (May1998) and a newspaper library. Visit places such as the hall of dance called Natamandira or the bhoga-mandapa, meaning hall of offering. Though these particular places can be found around the temple, the temple itself is off limits to non-Hindus.

Enjoy the architecture of both ancient temples and the modern buildings in Sachivalaya Road, or just take time and enjoy the architecture of the temples and experience the religious culture.

Take a short trip to nearby places like the above mentioned the Dhauligiri or the Khandagiri-Udaigiri, those moments will always mingle in you memories.

Take rest in one of the many small lassi shops and enjoy one of those cool yoghurt drinks. The lassi in Bhubaneswar is one of the best around.

Learn

Utkal University, Vanivihar. The leading university of the state. It had once the distinction of largest university in the world in terms of colleges affiliated to it.

Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar (XIMB), One of the premier B-schools of India. With an alumni base extending from New Delhi to New York, XIMB is a global figure in imparting quality management education.

University Law College, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar : One of the oldest and the renowned law college produced leading lawyers and justices in the State of Orissa.

International Institute of Information & Technology(IIIT), Bhubaneswar, Gothapatna,5 Km from Khandagiri. This is the newly built technical college of the state, affiliated to the Biju Pattnaik University of Technology to impart IT eduction in state and soon going to be autonomous.

Krupajal Group of Institutions (KGI), Near Uttara Chawk, Puba Sasan, Bhubaneswar. a premier educational hub for Engineering, Management, Computer Studies, affiliated to the Biju Pattnaik University of Technology, Orissa.

C.V.Raman College of Engineering, Mahura, Janla, Bhubaneswar. One of the best private technical college with huge infrastructure, affiliated to the Biju Pattnaik University of Technology.

College Of Engineering & Technology, Khandagiri. The most prestigious state-run technical college of the state, affiliated to the Biju Pattnaik University of Technology.

KIIT University, First Private university of Orissa..

Silicon Institute of Technology, It is situated near Sikharchandi Temple, Patia.

Orissa Engineering College, The oldest private engineering college of the state.

SAI International School, An International School with global standard facilities starting operations in Infocity area in April 2008

ICFAI Business School, Established in 2003, has made its presence in the state as a premier center for education offering quality management education.

Institute of Technical Education and Research, is an autonomous engineering and technology-oriented institute of higher education established in 1996-1997.

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)[6], National Institute of Science Education and Research(NISER), Institute of Mathematics and Applications have recently started taking students and are being expanded. A medical school modeled after AIIMS is also being constructed.

Konark Institute Of Science and Technology, is a group of Hi-Tech Educational Institute For Engineering.

Indus College of Engineering of Indus Group of Institutions, is a premier state of art engineering college to fullfill the growing needs for quality engineering in this state, affiliated to the Biju Pattnaik University of Technology.

The Techno School, a premier degree engineering college of,"techno group of institutions", which also includes, "gurukula institute of technology, gurukula college of engineering for women and gurukula engineering school". The only institute to provide industrial exposure and also encourages young entrepreneurs. Some of the young minds from the institute have come-up with projects like, "electrical car", , low cost data cards and laptop @5000/-

Gandhi Institute For Technological Advancement of gandhi group, is a premier engineering college in the state. GITA college is affiliated to Biju pattnaik University of technology.

Work

Bhubaneswar has developed as an information technology hub. Infosys, Satyam, TCS, IBM, Wipro, Mindtree, Discoverture Solutions and others have their facilities here. Many indigenous players are also in the fray. There are a few private agencies that are cropping up, and now it is also becoming an education hub. Apart from a lot of engineering colleges, some good B-schools are also there. XIM and IBS are the top two B-schools in Bhubaneswar.

The best bet would however be if you are a government worker, or at least a PSU employee. Mostly, your government quarter would be a 10-minute drive from the office. A 30-minute drive to office is considered a very long distance! These quarters are a blessing: there are enough playground and schools nearby. Both market for vegetables and grocery is literally at the doorstep, compared to other cities. One can both breathe clean, unpolluted air and drink pure, surplus water.

Buy

A lot of local handicraft is available. Look out for pipli handicrafts.

Silver filigree work.

Hand woven textiles.

Paper mache mask they are various styles of them.

Wooden Icons of Jagannath they are also colourful so get a hand at them.

Sand stone icons ranging from the price few hundred Rs

Gemstone

Pantaloon

Big Bazar

The World

Stay safe

Bhubaneswar is one of the greenest cities in India and it has a clean look, with adequate arrangement for dustbins made by the local municipal authorities. It is a generally peaceful city with hardly any history of violence. Nevertheless, you should avoid travelling late in night as the city tends to sleep early. Also, wear cool, white clothes in the summer.

Respect

The temples are managed in the age-old traditions so be aware of the Hindu rituals and traditions before entering them. Make sure to take off your footwear when you enter a temple or any household. Women in particular needed to be cautious in their clothing and hygiene, but things are more equitable now.

Cope

It tends to be too hot in summer. So be careful if it comes in itinerary during April/May. Otherwise, it is welcome weather all through the year. The evenings are very tender and cool.Be aware of the many touts near to the tourist places--railways, temples, and hotels. The 'Pandas' can be notorious if not shown respect. But be within your limits and a polite no (sometimes repetitive) will be ok to avoid getting cheated.in case you have an issue with an auto rickshaw driver or taxi then please report immediately to a police outpost. There is always one around the corner. The police are also very helpful or just call 100.

Get out

Puri

Konark

Berhampur

Silk city Berhampur is called as silk city.it is around 180 km from Bhubaneswar.

Rock city Kodala is called rock city it is around 60 km from Berhampur.

Chilika lake is regarded as the Mecca for birdwatchers. It is about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. The brackish water being the reason for its amazing bird diversity, it is the second largest brackish water lake in Asia.

Manglajodi in Chilika is a fishing village on the banks of the lake. it would be better to contact the local conservation group Wild Orissa, who will suggest a good guide who can take you around and will help you hire a boat too.

Bhitarkanika National Park, roughly 120 km North of Bhubaneswar, is home to the largest population of Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in all of India and is home to the largest known living crocodile at 23 feet in length. The park also features a wide variety of other wildlife, including a rare Albino Saltwater Crocodile.

Simlipal National Park Similipal, is an excellent place to visit if you are traveling to Orissa.

Articles from wikitravel.org

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