 Temple City of the East
Bhubaneswar, the 'Cathedral City' was once the capital of an ancient kingdom. Today this bustling centre for commerce and religious activity is Orissa's modern capital. 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 and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here.
The striking features of the city are the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink translucence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-- cultural permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length. At least four of Bhubaneswar's temples must he on the tourist's agenda, to get a feel of the dynamic artistry and development of their indigenous perfection.
The temples have after all stood testimony to the area's history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting variation figures in the Vital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.
The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological artifacts, weapons and local arts and crafts and insights into Orissa's natural and tribal history. The museum has world's largest collection of palm -leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird's eye view of the State's tribal heritage. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia. Bhubaneswar is a shopper's delight. Saris woven by the master weavers in silk and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds of artifacts and jewellery produced in different parts of the State. The Handloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit. Bhubaneswar has excellent air and rail linkages with most major cities in the country.
Places to visit
Khandagiri & Udayagiri (Jain Heritage)
The twin hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri, 8 km from Bhubaneswar, 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.
Atri
The Atri hot sulphur spring is believed to have medicinal properties and has become a popular outing spot for vacationers. The drive from Bhuhaneswar (42 km) alone is worth the trip. The countryside is gorgeous. Atri is also famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar.
Dhauli
Just 8 km away 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 renounced his bloodthirsty 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 universal symbol 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.
Hirapur
The Yogini shrine at Hirapur (dated 9th century) is important for its architectural variation from the main Orissan architectural genre. The temple is open to the sky (hypaethral). There are only four temples of this kind in India and two of them are in Orissa (the other one is at Ranipur- Jharial). Yogini Goddesses were worshipped in the hope of acquiring supernatural powers. It is 15 km from Bhubaneswar.
Wild Life
Nandankanan Sanctuary & Biological Park
About 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan was established as a sanctuary in 1979. In effect it was really a Biological Park encapsulated in lush and natural landscape, offering its inhabitants a true feel of their natural habitat. This factor was further endorsed when a wild tigress (Kanan) actually scaled the boundary wall and voluntarily made her home with the Park's tiger population. It was here that for the first time ever, Gharials and white tigers were bred in captivity. Gharial breeding, one of the important projects at Nandankanan, has produced over 200 crocodiles. Nandankanan also runs a Lion Safari and White Tiger Safari. Nearby is the Chandaka Elephant Reserve.
Lakes
Chilika Lake
Asia's largest brackish water lake, Chilika, is located about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. A narrow isthmus separates Chilika from the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Spread over an area of 1,100 sq. km it was declared a sanctuary in 1987. Winter is the loveliest time at Chilika, with thousands of migratory birds flying in from as far off as Siberia to make their winter sojourn in strange waters. The waters come alive with their raucous cries and colourful plumage as the birds battle to find space to make their new homes. While the lake's Nalbana Island has been declared a sanctuary for its varied flora and fauna, Kalijai Island is home to Goddess Kalijai and the venue for annual Makar mela. Chital and black buck roam freely on the scrubby shores while dolphins gambol playfully in the foam of the churning waters.
Visitors can hire boats at Barkul, Balugaon, Rambha and Satapara to enjoy the lake.
Temples
- Bhavanishankar Temple
- Ananta-Vasudeva Temple
- Yameswar Temple
- Bhaskareswar Temple
- Rajarani Temple
- Brahneswar Temple
- Sureswar & Gouri Temple
- Satrughaneswar Temple
- Swaranjaleswar Temple
- Sari Deul Temple
- Yogini Temple
- Lingaraj Temple
Fair and festivals
- Shiva Ratri Bhubaneswar February - March
- Khandagiri Mela Khandagiri February - March
- Ashokastami Bhubaneswar March - April
- Ramanavami Odagaon March - April
- Jhamuyatra Kakatpur April - May
- Anla Navami Sakhigopal October - November
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