Bhubaneswar rewards a traveller willing to slow down and walk its old town properly, since much of what makes the city worthwhile sits within a fairly compact stretch of lanes and temple courtyards. This guide covers the things to do in Bhubaneswar that make the best use of both the ancient old town and the wider city around it, from a morning temple trail to an afternoon among ancient caves. Our Bhubaneswar travel guide covers the city’s history and food in more depth alongside this list.
Walk the Old Town Temple Trail
Lingaraj Temple anchors the old town, its towering spire visible from several streets away. Entry stays restricted to Hindu visitors, though a viewing platform just outside the complex gives everyone a proper sense of its scale. Bindu Sagar, the large sacred lake just north of the temple, makes a natural next stop, believed by many to hold water drawn from every major holy river in India.
Mukteshwar Temple, a short walk from the lake, is worth stopping at for its carved archway alone, while Parasurameshwara Temple, one of the oldest in the city, and the smaller Kedar Gouri Temple both add depth for anyone keen to see how Kalinga architecture evolved over the centuries. Rajarani Temple, built from red and gold sandstone and known for its sculptures of dancing figures, makes a fitting final stop on the trail, given it carries no presiding deity at all.
Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, carved into twin hills on the edge of the city around the second century BC, once served as dwellings for Jain monks under the reign of King Kharavela. Climbing between the two hills turns up carved chambers, sculpted animal figures and inscriptions in Brahmi script, along with wide views back across Bhubaneswar from the higher points.
Morning or late afternoon suits a visit best, both for softer light on the carvings and to avoid the stronger midday heat during the climb.
Shop and Eat at Ekamra Haat
Ekamra Haat, the city’s open air craft market, brings together kiosks selling Pattachitra paintings, silver filigree jewellery and Pipili appliqué work from across Odisha in one walkable space. Food stalls scattered through the market serve local snacks alongside the shopping, making it an easy stop for both souvenirs and a casual meal.
Our best places to eat in Odisha guide covers more of the state’s food beyond the market stalls. Evening tends to suit Ekamra Haat best, when the market fills with a more relaxed crowd and the day’s heat has properly eased off.
Visit Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan, on the city’s edge, brings together a zoo and botanical garden in one site, home to white tigers, Asiatic lions and a lake suited to a slow boat ride. It works particularly well for the family or anyone wanting a lighter, less history heavy stop between temple visits. Our family tour packages in Odisha guide covers more stops that pair naturally with a day like this.
A shortlist like this only scratches the surface of Bhubaneswar places to visit and it works best treated as a loose framework, not a fixed schedule. Many a traveller folds Bhubaneswar into a longer Bhubaneswar tour package with Immersive Trips, pairing the city with Puri, Konark and Chilika Lake on a wider Odisha route.
More Things to Do in Bhubaneswar
Dhauli, a short drive from the city centre, marks the site of the ancient Kalinga War beneath a white peace pagoda built above rock cut Ashokan edicts, with a gentle climb rewarded by panoramic views over the Daya River. Odisha State Museum, in the heart of the city, holds sculptural exhibits stretching from the third century BC through to the late medieval period, alongside coins and illustrated palm leaf manuscripts worth a slower browse.
Ekamra Walks, a guided heritage walk through the old town held every Sunday, adds real depth to a temple trail already covered independently, starting at Mukteshwar Temple and usually finishing with a short Odissi dance recital. Our cultural experiences in Odisha guide covers Odissi dance and the state’s living traditions in more depth. Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary, further out, suits the traveller with extra time and a specific interest in wildlife beyond Nandankanan’s more curated setting.
Planning a Realistic Day or Two
Two days give comfortable room for the old town temple trail, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves and Ekamra Haat, without needing to rush between stops. A further day allows for Dhauli, the state museum and a proper Nandankanan visit for anyone travelling with a child or a strong interest in wildlife.
Building a Bhubaneswar itinerary around morning temple visits and afternoon museum or market stops keeps the heat manageable, particularly outside the cooler winter months. Our Odisha itinerary guide shows how a Bhubaneswar stay fits into a longer five, seven or ten day route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Bhubaneswar?
Walking the old town temple trail, from Lingaraj to Rajarani, ranks as the activity most associated with a Bhubaneswar visit. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves come a close second for the traveller with a specific interest in ancient history and rock cut architecture nearby.
Is one day enough for things to do in Bhubaneswar?
One day allows time for the old town temple trail and either Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves or Ekamra Haat, though it leaves little room for anything further out. Two days give a more realistic spread across the city’s main sights.
How long does the old town temple trail take?
The old town temple trail, covering Lingaraj, Bindu Sagar, Mukteshwar and Rajarani, typically takes around half a day at a comfortable pace. Joining the Sunday Ekamra Walks heritage tour extends this into a fuller morning with added historical context along the way.
Is Nandankanan worth visiting with a child?
Nandankanan suits the family particularly well, given its mix of white tigers, Asiatic lions and a calm lake for boating between the temple heavy sights elsewhere in the city. It works as a lighter, less history heavy stop for the child who might tire of temple visits.
What is the best time of day for the caves?
Morning or late afternoon both suit a visit to Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves well, avoiding the stronger midday heat during the climb between hills. Softer light at these times also makes the carved details considerably easier to appreciate up close.
Can I visit Ekamra Haat and the old town temples in one day?
Ekamra Haat and the old town temples can both fit into one day, particularly if temples are covered in the morning and the market visited in the evening. This pairing works well given how centrally located both sights sit within the city.
Is Dhauli worth the trip from central Bhubaneswar?
Dhauli is worth the short drive from central Bhubaneswar, particularly for the traveller interested in the Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s turn toward Buddhism. The white peace pagoda and views over the Daya River add to its appeal beyond the historical significance alone.
Do I need a guide for Bhubaneswar’s temples?
A guide is not essential for Bhubaneswar’s temples, though joining the Sunday Ekamra Walks heritage tour adds genuine historical context that a self guided visit would otherwise miss. Private guides are also easy to arrange through most hotels in the city.
Turning This List Into a Real Trip
A list of activities only becomes useful once it sits against real distances and how much time a traveller has in Bhubaneswar. Immersive Trips builds a Bhubaneswar stay into a wider Odisha itinerary built around those choices, not a fixed script, so a fast paced day and a slower two day version can both find their place. Read our full Bhubaneswar travel guide for more on the city, and start a simple conversation about what your trip should include.