Sightseeing
Once a magnetic centre of Shaivism, Bhubaneswar was home to some 7,000 temples dedicated to different deities of which about 500 survive to this day. The magnificent temple of Lord Lingaraja is the most imposing temple of Orissa. There are fine chlorite images of Ganesha, Parvati and Skanda in large niches. Vertical ribs dominate the tower from top to bottom while horizontal dividing lines dominate the pyramidal roof of the porch with its bell-shaped top. Another important temple is the Rajarani Temple which is noted for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses. Then there is the Mukteshwara Temple where you come across a captivating array of voluptuous female figures and famished ascetics, dwarfs and animals. The beautiful and the grotesque have been skilfully depicted through exquisite carvings. The Parashumeshwara Temple is one of the earliest extant temples of Orissa, acknowledged to be a symbol of all that is chaste and elegant in sculpture. Besides, there are the Brahmeswara Temple and the Ashokan rock edicts on the Dhauli Hills which are must-visit sites on the itinerary of tourists to Bhubaneswar.


Excursions
Bhubaneswar is a part of the famed Golden Triangle circuit of Orissa along with Puri and Konark and as such the city is generally visited in combination with these two places. Puri is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism and the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and embraced by casuarina-fringed beaches, it is a famous beach on the eastern coastline of peninsular India. Konark (65 km) houses the renowned Sun Temple which is in a class of its own. Fine carvings cover almost every inch of the outer surface, portraying with uninhabited fidelity the vast panorama of life. Besides, there are a number of nearby places that can be easily accessed from Bhubaneswar. Among these is Atri (42 km from Bhubaneswar) known for its hot sulphur springs and a temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar. Khandagiri and Udaygiri are two famous archaeological sites with fine specimens of rock-cut temples, just northwest of Bhubaneswar. Nandankanan (20 km from Bhubaneswar) has a zoo and is especially known for its white tigers which can be seen in their natural setting. Pipli (20 km from Bhubaneswar en route to Puri and Konark) is famous for its appliqué work done with bright colours into a fanciful range of items. Chilika Lake (121 km), the largest brackish water lake in Asia, and Gopalpur-on-Sea (180 km), with its beautiful beach resort, are two other nearby destinations that can be visited on a daylong trip.