Bhubaneswar
Travel Information
Aundha Nagnath
Bhimashankar
Ganapatipule
Harihareshwar
Paithan
Ramtek
Shegaon
Shirdi
Tuljapur
Atri
Bhubaneshwar
Vedvyass
Chidambaram
Rameshwram
Thanjavur
Badrinath
Baijinath
Kedarnath
Yamunotri
Allahabad
Ayodhya
Chitrakoot
Varanasi
Vaishno Devi
Omkareshwar
Paonta Sahib
Renukaji
Kurukshetra
Deogarh
Gandhinagar
Palitana
Siddhpur
Amaravati
Tirupati
Bhubaneswar, the 'Cathedral City' was once the capital of an ancient kingdom.
Today this hustling centre for commerce and religious activity is Orissa's
modern capital. Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern
aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that incorporates
the holy city of Puri and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their
homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here.
The striking features of the city are the numerous temples and shrines that seem
to be all around you. Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most
spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing
spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and
the pink transluscence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire
feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-cultural permutations.
These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength
of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length.
At least four of Bhubaneswar's temples must be on the tourist's agenda, to get a
feel of the dynamic artistry and development of their indigenous perfection.
The temples have after all stood testimony to the area's history, which spans 25
centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani
temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but
also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting
variation figures in the Vaital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is
closed to non-Hindus, ic can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed
alongside.
The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological
artefacts, weapons and local arts and crafts and insights into Orissa's natural
and tribal history. The museum has world's largest collection of palm-leaf
paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal
dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird's eye
view of the State's tribal heritage. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC)
has about 500 acres of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory
and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features
of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country (an
area of 20 acres) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia.
Bhubaneswar is a shopper's delight. Sarees woven by the master weavers in silk
and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can
also pick up all kinds of artefacts and jewellery produced in different parts of
the State. The I landloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit. Bhubaneswar has
excellent air and rail linkages with most major cities in the country.
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