Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Odishan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination.
Some of the important temples of Bhubaneswar are: the temples of Laxmaneswar, Satrughaneswar and Bharateswar (c. 6th century A.D.), Parsurameswar and Swarnajaleswar (c. 7th century A.D.), Vaital (c. 8th century A.D.), Mukteswar (c. 10th century A.D.), Brahmeswar, Rajarani and Lingaraj (c. 11th century A.D.) and Ananta Vasudeva (c. 13th century A.D.). Odisha state Museum, Tribal Museum & Handicrafts House.The other attractions of the city include Odisha State Museum, Tribal Research Museum on CRP Square and Kalanagar at Gandanumda ; Ekamra Kanan housing the biggest Rose Garden of Asia ; Pathani Samanta Planetarium and BDA Nicco Park.
Approach : Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon.
Best time to visit : Bhubaneswar can be visited round the year, but the ideal time, especially for visitors from colder climes, would be from October to March.
Handicrafts of the Region :Silver filigree, Stone and Wood carving, Patta paintings, Tie and Dye textiles, bamboo basketry, brass and bell metal work, horn work, and many other famous handicrafts of Odisha can be selected as souvenirs from the local markets. Purchases can be made from Utkalika (run by the Department of Handicrafts) or at the many privately run shops.The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves, built mainly for the jain monks around 1st - 2nd century B.C.#The thirteen years lithic record of King Kharavela engraved in Hatigumpha (elephant cave) is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.
Cactus garden situated close to the 'Ekamara Kanan' in Bhubaneswar, the Cactus Garden, with its huge collection of Cactii should not be missed.