BHUBANESWAR
The capital of Orissa, famous for its role as the ancient capital of the Kalinga Empire. It is the architectural legacy of that period which is Bhubanewar’s greatest attraction. There are a lot of sites in the city which testify the importance of the region far earlier during the period from the 7th to 11th centuries when the Kalinga kings ruled Orissa and regions beyond. The Jain and Buddhist shrines give a clear picture about the settlements around Bhubaneswar in the first 2 centuries BC, and one of the most complete edicts of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka, dating from between 272-236 BC, remains carved in rock just 5 miles to the south west of the modern city. The Sisupalgarh, the remains of a ruined city have been excavated to show that it was occupied from the beginning of the 3rd century BC to the middle of the 4th century AD. Bhubaneshwar is comfortable round the year, but the best season to visit the city is during the months of October to April.
Lingaraj Temple
This temple is dedicated to Shiva as Lord Lingaraj. Lingaraja Temple represents the peak of achievement in Orissa’s middle period. The 54m spire of the temple dominates the Bhubaneswar landscape. Set in a walled compound, the Lingaraj is surrounded by many smaller shrines. The Lingaraj compound has another outstanding temple, dedicated to Parvati. Open only to Hindus, the Lingaraj temple is the site of a major Shivaratri festival in February-March, On the night preceding the new moon thousands of pilgrims light lamps in a nightlong ceremony of devotion.
The Parasuramesvera Temple
A 7th century Shiva Temple, classical in style, one of the oldest in Bhubaneswar. Located close to the main Bhubaneswar to Puri Road, on the same side as the Lingaraj Temple, the Grove of the Perfect Beings is a cluster of about 20 smaller temples. It’s the best preserved of all Bhubaneswar’s ancient temples and has finely detailed bas-reliefs of elephant and horse processions and Siva images.
RAJA RANI TEMPLE
Rajarani is a ’love temple’, covered with coyly erotic carvings of women and couples. This 11th century Raja Rani temple is aesthetically endearing, sculpted with graceful feminine figures. It is surrounded by well-maintained gardens. It’s one of the best of the Bhubaneswar temples and is famous for its ornate deul (sanctuary), decorated with some of the most impressive Orissan temples sculptures. This temple is no longer used for worship.
Khandagiriudayagiri caves and Udayagiri Caves
Twin hills honey-combed with Jain caves that reveal the sculptural art of the 2nd century BC makes an interesting study of the life and times of Jain ascetics. The coarse -grained sandstone which forms Khandagiri and Udayagiri rises nearly 40m above the surrounding lateritic and infertile plain. Khandagiri has 19 caves and Udaigiri has 44 caves.
Mukteswar, Siddheswar and Kedargauri Temples
Not far from the Parsuarameswar is the small 10th century Mukteswar Mandir, the Gem of Orissan architecture. The carvings of dwarfs are particularly striking. In front of the temple there is a beautiful arched architrave clearly showing a Buddhist influence. The walls are covered with figures of female warriors, erotic scenes, elephants, maidens and monkeys in various comic scenes.. The large green temple tank makes a perfect swimming pool .
The later Siddheswar Mandir is in the same compound. Although plainer than the Mukteswar, it has a fine Ganesh figure.
Kedargauri Mandir is one the older temples at Bhubaneswar, but it has been substantially rebuilt.
Museums
Orissa State Museum
A rich collection of sculpture, coins, copper plates, stone inscriptions, armours , rare palm-leaf manuscripts, bronze age tools, natural history, geological objects, paintings, anthropological specimens and traditional folk and musical instruments are displayed in the museum. Open 1000 -1700. Closed Monday and Government Holidays.
Handicrafts Museum
A large collection of Orissan handicrafts, among them stone sculpture, patta paintings, brass castings, horn toys and silver filigree are worth seeing. Open 1000-1700 except Sunday.
Park and Zoo
Indira Park
Infront of Secretariat, Sachibalaya Marg (Unit-II), Bhubaneswar
BDA Nico Park
Madhusudan Nagar, Near Regional College, Bhubaneswar
Ekamra Kanan
Sahid NagarIRC Village, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar
Ph : 0674-458332
Nehru Park
Master Canteen Chowk, Bhubaneswar
Forest Park
Near Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar
Satsangvihar Park
Satsang Vihar, Bhubaneswar
Nandan Kanan
Regional Science Centre, Patia, Bhubaneswar
Ph : 0674-416795
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