Bhubaneswar, capital city of Orissa
, is a web of concrete lanes strewn with historic temples. Nerve center of the erstwhile Kalinga kingdom, the city was a stronghold of the Shaivites
. Bhubaneswar, a flourishing center for art and culture, is famed for the Ikat sarees
, applique work of Pipli
, Bidri-ware and cane furniture. The world famous Odissi dance form has its origin in the city. South of Bhubaneswar is the historical cities of Puri
(58 km) and Konark
(69 km). With an area of 65 sq km and a population of around 0.7 million, Bhubaneswar is located in Khordha District
With over 500 temples, Bhubaneswar’s prime attractions are the Lingaraj Temple, Bindu Sagar, Mukteswar Temple, Vaital Temple, Shatrughaneswar Temple, Rajarani Temple and Parashurameswar Temple. Orissa State Museum, Tribal Museum, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Pathani Samanta Planetarium and Orissa Modern Art Gallery are the other interests apart from the temples. The Regional Plant Resource Center (RPRC) is renowned for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti in Asia.
Dhauli, Pipli, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary and
Chilika Lake are the nearby attractions.
Biju Patnaik Airport is 3 km from the city center. Bhubaneswar Railway Station is located at Master Canteen Square in the city center and is linked to major cities in India.
National Highway 5 passes through Bhubaneswar and the bus station is 5 km from the city center and regular buses ply to
Berhampur (174 km), Cuttack (24 km), Konark, Puri, Paradip, Rourkela and Sambalpur. Interstate bus services operate regularly between Kolkata and Puri via Bhubaneswar.