The tourist attractions in Bhubaneshwar are undoubtedly the temples in Bhubaneshwar. The capital of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar traces its glorious temple history to the time when it was the capital of the Kalinga Empire. Over 7000 temples with brilliant architecture was designed and built during this time. The city derives its name from Tribhuvaneswara or Shiva, the "Lord of the Three Worlds". Not surprising that the city is considered to be a spiritual tourist destination. The temples of Bhubaneswar dating back to more than 25 centuries have witnessed the glorious history of Bhubaneshwar, giving them the status of historical tourist attractions. Some of the temples that should be on the tourist's itinerary are the Parashurameshwara Temple built in 650 AD. It has beautiful carvings and sculptures. Vital Deul dating back to 800 AD shows evidences of the Buddhist cave architecture. There is an amazing figure of Chamunda, an incarnation of Goddess Kali inside the temple. The most ornated temple is perhaps the Mukteswar Temple built between 7-8 th century. Its architectural style is eclectic with the fusion of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain styles. The carved ceiling is an amazing piece of the marvelous temple architecture of Orissa.Perhaps the most magnificent temple in Bhubaneshwar is Lingaraja Temple built during the 10th or 11th century. This rare masterpiece of Orissa temple architecture is extensively covered with elaborate carvings. The other tourist attractions in the city of Bhubaneshwar is the Orissa State Museum which has a collection of sculptures, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare copper plates, palm-leaf manuscripts, paintings, anthropological specimens, and musical instruments. The Handicrafts Museum is also worth visiting, with its display of folk paintings, horn toys, brass castings and sculptures.For those interested in the tribal life and culture of Orissa, the Tribal Museum in Bhubaneshwar is a must see place.

Excursions from Bhubaneshwar

Excursions can be made from Bhubaneshwar to the nearby caves of Udaygiri and Khandgiri, which are important archeological sits of India.There, are 15 caves in Udaygiri, out of which Hathigumpha (elephant cave) is the most important. A 117-line inscription on the walls of the cave relates the exploits of the King Kharvela who ruled Orissa from 168 to 153 AD. Khandgiri with a predominant Jain influence gives a hilltop view of the city of Bhubaneswar, and most of the caves inside have a definite Jain influence. Dauli built in the 3rd century BC has Ashoka's rock edict. It was from here that King Ashok set out to spread Buddhism. The place also has a white stupa (pillar) on top of a hill built in collaboration with Japanese Buddhists.Nandankanan is a wildlife park at a distance of 25 km from Bhubaneshwar whose main attractions are the gorillas, crocodiles and white tigers. The Atri Springs are also famous.
A magnificent temple, which should be on your temple itinerary, is the Sun Temple at Konark.Though in ruins it is still marvelous designed as a chariot of the Sun God. Puri, 60km from Bhubaneshwar is also a temple town worth visiting. Fairs and Festivals in Bhubaneshwar

The main festivals in Bhubaneshwar are the Durga Puja, Janmashtami and Kali Puja.On the day of Ashokashtami in the month of March, the image of Lingaraja (Lord Shiva) and other deities are taken in a procession from Lingaraja Temple to the Rameshwara Temple. Hundreds of devotees participate in pulling the chariot that carries the deities, which remain in Rameshwara Temple for four days.At the end of January comes Adivasi Mela, a fair that displays the art, artifacts, tradition, culture, and music of the tribal folks of Orissa.

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