Bhubaneswar Orissa

     The capital of Orissa, is nothing short of an architectural tour clubbed with a pilgrimage tour of India in general and Orissa in particular. Once home to more than 2000 temples, Bhubaneswar is still known as the temple city of Orissa, India. Of the many surviving temples in Bhubaneswar, only a few have retained their status as a place of worshipping. The rest of the prominent temples are now significant for their contribution to the evolution of Oriyan school of architecture.
Tourist Attractions in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar has a number of religious and cultural tourist destinations, as well as interesting excursion sites nearby.

Lingaraj Temple
     Lingaraja temple with its enchanting splendor dominates the Bhubaneswar sky line. King Jajati Keshari had planned to build this temple, but after his death his ambition was realized by Lalat Keshari. Narasingha Dev, the architect of konark’s sun temple designed Lingaraja temple. Dedicated to shiva, Lingaraja temple has svayambhu-the image of partly Shiva partly Vishnu as its presiding deity. Lingamurti or the public image, present in the temple in various hues, is carved out of granite.

Mukteswara Temple
     The Mukteswara temple of Bhubaneswar is regarded as on of the most delightful expressions of Kalinga School of architecture.  It is also called the Gem of Orissa Architecture. Mukteswara temple is a captivating confluence of old and new style of Kalinga School of architecture. Panchatantra fables from the genies of ornate carvings of this temple. Magnificent arched gateway leads to temples interior which has excellent carftmanship reflecting the combination of Hindu, Buddhist and join features.

Raja Rani Temple
     Its unconventional name is perhaps derived from the history of its origins. It is believed that king Udayata keshari built this temple to honor the wishes of his mother. Raja Rani temple has fascinating image of men and women in frolicking modes. The manner in which the women are displayed in playful postures like leaning against the trees and creepers is absolutely riveting. Raja Rani temple is an elegant example of great finesse in temple art and architecture. The sensuous beauty of the architecture. The sensuous beauty of the female from and the sweetness of flowers and fruits are enhanced by the artist’s dexterous skill.

Khandagiri and Udayagiri
    The twin hills of Kumargiri known as Udayagiri and Khandagiri enclose rock cut caves which were built for Jain monks around 1st -2nd century B.C. the lithic records of Kharavela engraved in the Hathigumpha (elephant cave) is a wonderful specimen of Pali records found in India. The caves are 8 Kms away from Bhubaneswar.
 

Dhauli
     Just 8 Kms away from Bhubaneswar lies Dhauli- site of the famous Kalinga war which made Asoka guilt ridden and as a result he converted to Buddhism. Important Rock – Edicts have been discovered here which gives us an insight into its Historical past. Dhauli is also famous for a Buddhist peace Pagoda known as Santi Stupa which was built in the early seventies by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. There is an old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar which stands on the hill-top.

Nandankanan
     20 Kms away from Bhubaneswar is located this Biological park where animals are kept in their natural habitat. A lake divides the zoo from the Botanical Garden. Brilliantly colored animals and birds are among the attractions. To name a few, clouded leopards, Panthers, Gharials, and white tigers. The Botanical garden on the other side is known for its collection of plants both decorative and medicinal. It is connected to – an efficient bus-Service.

      Easily approachable by air (from Bhubaneswar) and well connected by rail and road, Puri tours can also be extended to include the other tourist attractions in the adjoining areas of Puri, Orissa.

      Balighai, near Puri, is a picturesque beach fringed with Casuarinas that is very popular with tourists. Satapara in Chilika, set at the confluence of Chilika Lake and the Bay of Bengal, is another popular retreat from Puri. Satapara offers dolphin sighting and bird watching opportunities aplenty.

      If the magnificent temples of Puri have infused you with a desire to explore other temples of Orissa, then there are other famous temples around Puri that you can visit on your tour to Puri. Shrine of Alarnath in Brahmagiri, the shrine of Lord Sakshigopal in Satyabadi and the temple of Baliharachandi are the chief attractions. Baliharachandi is also a popular picnic spot for its natural beauty.

    You can also visit the famous artisan village of Raghurajpur. The birthplace of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, renowned Odissi dancer; at Raghurajpur you can attend a Gotipua dance performance and shop for pattachitra's and talapattachitra's handicrafts. These handicrafts can also be bought from the shops and state emporiums in Puri along with other handicrafts unique to Orissa such as stone soaps, seashells, horn work, woodcarvings and solapith work.