Visit Bhubaneswar, India

Bhubaneswar and Konark: Temples, Legends, and Stone-Carved Wonders of Odisha

Known as the Temple City of India, Bhubaneswar is a historic crossroads of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist traditions with roots tracing back to the 1st century BC. Once the capital of the powerful Kalinga Empire, the city is believed to have housed over 1,000 temples — about 50 of which remain today, adorned with intricately detailed stone carvings.

Begin your exploration around Bindu Sarovar, a sacred lake thought to hold waters from every holy river in India. Notable temples here include the 7th-century Parasurameswara Temple, known for its astonishingly fine carvings, and the Mukteswara Temple, with its distinctive Kalinga-style spire and fables from the Panchatantra carved into its walls.

To delve deeper into Odisha’s cultural heritage, visit the Odisha State Museum and the Museum of Tribal Art and Artefacts, which showcases the lives of the 62 indigenous tribes of the region.

Just outside the city, explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, once home to Jain monks, where carvings line colonnaded corridors.

A highlight of any trip is the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple, 66 km from Bhubaneswar. Designed as a colossal stone chariot with 24 carved wheels and mythological sculptures, it’s a masterpiece of 13th-century craftsmanship and local legend. Though often undergoing preservation, a knowledgeable guide will help reveal its rich symbolism.

Best time to visit is from November to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant.