Your Bhubaneswar City day trip
8:00 AM – Pickup from Bhubaneswar Hotel / Airport / Railway Station
Your Bhubaneswar City One Day Tour begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel, Biju Patnaik International Airport or Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
Our driver will welcome you and assist with your sightseeing journey through the beautiful Temple City.
Bhubaneswar is renowned for its ancient temples, impressive stone carvings, religious traditions and historical landmarks.
The city was once an important centre of the Kalinga region and remains a major destination for travellers interested in Odisha's heritage and culture.
Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the famous Lingaraj Temple.
8:30 AM – Visit Lingaraj Temple
Start your sightseeing tour with a visit to Lingaraj Temple, one of the most important religious and architectural landmarks in Bhubaneswar.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lingaraj Temple is among the finest examples of traditional Kalinga temple architecture.
The temple complex is famous for its magnificent stone structures, intricately carved walls and towering main shrine.
Lingaraj Temple is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and attracts visitors throughout the year.
The temple is particularly significant during the annual Mahashivaratri festival.
Major Highlights:
- Magnificent Kalinga-style temple architecture.
- Sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Intricate stone carvings and sculptures.
- Religious traditions and rituals.
- Historic temple surroundings.
Important Information:
Entry inside the Lingaraj Temple complex is restricted to Hindus according to temple tradition. Other visitors can appreciate the temple's exterior and permitted viewing areas.
Photography restrictions and other temple regulations must be followed.
Spend approximately 45–60 minutes at the temple, depending on darshan arrangements.
9:30 AM – Visit Mukteswar Temple
Continue towards Mukteswar Temple, one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Bhubaneswar.
Built around the 10th century, Mukteswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated for its elegant architecture and detailed stone carvings.
The temple is especially famous for its beautifully decorated arched gateway, known as the Torana.
Its sculptures, intricate decorative patterns and architectural details make it one of the finest examples of Odisha's temple-building traditions.
Major Highlights:
- Beautiful stone Torana gateway.
- Intricate temple sculptures.
- Traditional Kalinga architecture.
- Peaceful temple surroundings.
- Photography opportunities.
Spend approximately 30–40 minutes exploring Mukteswar Temple and its surroundings.
10:15 AM – Visit Rajarani Temple
After Mukteswar Temple, proceed to Rajarani Temple, another outstanding architectural monument in Bhubaneswar.
Built around the 11th century, Rajarani Temple is renowned for its impressive stone sculptures and beautifully carved exterior walls.
The temple is believed to have been constructed using a distinctive reddish-yellow sandstone locally associated with the name Rajarani.
Unlike many active temples in Bhubaneswar, Rajarani Temple is primarily appreciated today as a protected heritage monument.
Its elegant architecture, sculptural details and landscaped surroundings make it an important destination for history enthusiasts and photographers.
Major Highlights:
- Magnificent ancient temple architecture.
- Intricate stone sculptures.
- Historic Kalinga-style design.
- Beautiful landscaped surroundings.
- Photography opportunities.
Spend approximately 30–40 minutes exploring the temple complex.
11:00 AM – Visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
Continue your Bhubaneswar sightseeing tour with a visit to the famous Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, located on two neighbouring hills.
These ancient rock-cut caves are among Odisha's most important archaeological attractions.
The caves are associated with Jain monks and the reign of King Kharavela, an important ruler of ancient Kalinga.
Dating largely to the early historic period, the caves contain remarkable inscriptions, sculptures and rock-cut chambers.
Udayagiri is particularly famous for Rani Gumpha, a beautifully carved two-storeyed cave featuring detailed sculptural panels.
Another important attraction is Hathi Gumpha, known for its historical inscription associated with King Kharavela.
Khandagiri Hill also contains several ancient caves and offers scenic views of the surrounding area.
Major Highlights:
- Ancient Jain rock-cut caves.
- Rani Gumpha.
- Hathi Gumpha inscription.
- Historical sculptures and carvings.
- Scenic hilltop views.
- Archaeological heritage of ancient Kalinga.
Spend approximately 1–1.5 hours exploring the accessible caves.
Important Note: Visiting the caves involves walking, steps and uneven surfaces. Travellers with limited mobility or senior citizens may prefer a shorter visit covering the easily accessible sections.
12:45 PM – Lunch Break
After exploring the ancient caves, enjoy a relaxing lunch break at a suitable restaurant in Bhubaneswar.
Bhubaneswar offers a wide variety of dining options, including traditional Odia cuisine, vegetarian meals and popular Indian dishes.
Travellers interested in experiencing local food may try traditional Odia preparations such as Dalma, Santula, Pakhala and other regional dishes, depending on availability.
After lunch, continue towards Dhauli Shanti Stupa.
Note: Lunch charges are not included unless specifically mentioned in the package quotation.
2:00 PM – Visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Continue towards Dhauli Shanti Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda, located on Dhauli Hill near Bhubaneswar.
Dhauli is one of Odisha's most historically significant destinations because of its association with the Kalinga War.
The war, fought during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, is traditionally regarded as an important turning point in his life.
Following the conflict, Ashoka embraced the principles of Buddhism and promoted the message of peace and non-violence.
The beautiful white Shanti Stupa was constructed as a symbol of peace and Buddhist teachings.
The hilltop monument features impressive Buddhist sculptures, peaceful surroundings and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Major Highlights:
- Dhauli Peace Pagoda.
- Historical significance of the Kalinga War.
- Buddhist sculptures and architecture.
- Peaceful hilltop surroundings.
- Panoramic countryside views.
- Photography opportunities.
Spend approximately 45–60 minutes exploring the monument and nearby viewpoints.
3:30 PM – Visit Ekamra Haat
After Dhauli, return towards the city and visit Ekamra Haat, a cultural and handicraft marketplace in Bhubaneswar.
Ekamra Haat is a popular destination for travellers interested in traditional Odisha handicrafts, handloom products and locally made souvenirs.
The marketplace showcases the artistic traditions of Odisha through a variety of handicraft items, textiles and decorative products.
Depending on the stalls operating during your visit, you may find beautiful handloom fabrics, appliqué products, traditional artwork, stone carvings and other locally made items.
The marketplace also provides an opportunity to experience the cultural atmosphere of Odisha.
Major Highlights:
- Traditional Odisha handicrafts.
- Handloom textiles and fabrics.
- Local artwork and souvenirs.
- Cultural shopping experience.
- Opportunities to support local artisans.
Spend approximately 45–60 minutes exploring the market.
Note: The visit depends on the marketplace's operating hours and availability. If Ekamra Haat is closed, a suitable alternative cultural or shopping stop may be arranged.
5:00 PM – Optional Local Sightseeing / Shopping
If sufficient time remains, enjoy a short additional sightseeing or shopping stop in Bhubaneswar.
Depending on your interests, the available time and opening hours, you may choose one of the following attractions:
Bindu Sagar Lake: A sacred water body located near Lingaraj Temple, surrounded by historic temples and religious landmarks.
Odisha State Museum: A museum showcasing archaeological artefacts, sculptures, manuscripts, traditional art and Odisha's cultural heritage.
ISKCON Temple Bhubaneswar: A popular religious destination dedicated to Lord Krishna and associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Local Handloom and Handicraft Shopping: Explore selected shops offering traditional Odisha textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.
The optional stop will depend on the time available after completing the main itinerary.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Drop at Bhubaneswar
After completing the sightseeing tour, our driver will drop you at your hotel, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Biju Patnaik International Airport or another agreed location within the city.
Your memorable Bhubaneswar City One Day Tour Package concludes with wonderful memories of ancient temples, historic caves, Buddhist monuments and the cultural heritage of Odisha's capital.
Tour Ends.
Note: All timings are approximate and may change depending on traffic, temple darshan, monument opening hours, weather and individual sightseeing preferences.