Bhubneshwar

Bhubaneswar,capital city of Orissa was once the capital of an ancient kingdom. At one time,the Bindu Sagar tank had over 7000 temples around it. Of these,500 still survive,all built in the extravagant Orissan style. Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The Lingaraj,Rajarani,Mukteswar,Brahmeswar and Parasurameswar temples are some of the best specimens of the Orissa Temple Architecture.

These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of the Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to two thousand years from 3rd century B. C. to 16th Century A. D. These magnificent monuments are within a reasonable walking distance from one another. The 46 metre high Lingaraj Temple marks the culmination of temple tradition of Bhubaneswar.

The holy city of Puri is located 60-km from Bhubaneswar on the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the four holy dhamas of India - Puri,Dwarka,Rameswaram and Badrinath . It is considered that a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not complete without making the journey to Puri.

Lingaraj temple was built in 617-657 A.D and its height is about 54 meters. Surrounded by high walls on four sides,the Lingaraja temple is one of the most famous temples in Orissa. It is one of the best and splended examples of the architectural exellence which the artists had attained during 11th century. This temple is also known as the Bhubaneswar temple.

Vaital Deul (800 ad) has a double-storied wagon roof,which in turn is an influence of the Buddhist cave architecture. The interior of the temple has the image of Chamunda (an incarnation of Goddess Kali).

Mukteshwar Temple (7th-8th century ad) is one of the most ornated temples in the Bhubaneswar. The temple Contains a stunningly-beautiful archway. The intricate carvings of the deities testify the influence of Hindu,Buddha,and Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially striking.

The Rajarani Temple (1100 ad),derives its name from the stone known as the Rajarani. The temple is set in a garden and creates a dramatic image against the setting sun. Set amongst picturesque paddy fields,the relatively small Rajarani temple is noted for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses and moods.

Parasurameswara Temple is one of the oldest surviving temple,built in 650 AD. portraiting is one of the best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture. This temple followed very rigid parameters set by the ritualistic books.

Brahmeswara Temple (1050 ad) is situated around a kilometer east of the main road. The temple is notable for its very finely-detailed sculptures. The temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples.

Other places to visit at Bhubaneshwar include the Orissa State Museum is one of the best places to explore sculptures,stone inscriptions,lithic and bronze-age tools,rare copper plates,palm-leaf manuscripts,paintings,anthropological specimens,and musical instruments.

The Handicrafts Museum at Secretariat Road has a good collection of folk paintings,horn toys,brass castings,and sculptures. The Tribal Museum deals with the various aspects of the tribal life and culture in Orissa.

The twin hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri,8 km from Bhubaneswar ancient Jain monastery which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. Dating back to the 2nd century BC,some of the caves have beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha ( Queen's Cave),one of the largest and double- storied is ornately embellished with beautiful carvings. In the Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave),King Kharavela has carved out the chronicles of his reign.

The Atri hot sulphur located at 42 km from Bhubneshwar spring is believed to have medicinal properties and has become a popular outing spot for vacationers. Atri is also famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar.

Just 8 km away from Bhubaneswar stand the rock edicts of Dhauli,looking down on the plains that bore witness to the gruesome war waged on Kalinga by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. It was here that King Ashoka renounced his bloodthirsty campaign and got converted to Buddhism. The edicts are a living testimony to the King's change of heart. The edicts are so remarkable that they have been excellently preserved,despite the fact that they date back to the 3rd century BC. A sculpted elephant,the universal symbol of Lord Buddha,tops the rock edicts. The Shanti Stupa or the peace pagoda,built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration,is located on the opposite hill.

The Yogini shrine located at Hirapur was built in 9th century is 15 km from Bhubaneswar. It is important for its architectural variation from the main Orissan architectural genre. Yogini Goddesses were worshipped in the hope of acquiring supernatural powers.

The Sun Temple at Konark (65 km) is a magnificent 13th-century temple visualized as the chariot of the Sun God,as he glides through the firmament from dawn to dusk. The ruins have sculptures detailing every aspect of human life. The city also has a beautiful beach.

Situated at a distance of 25 km from Bhubaneswar,Nandankanan has a very wide range of animals and reptiles. The main attractions include gorillas,crocodiles,and white tigers.