Bhubaneswar is an ancient city in India’s eastern state of Odisha, formerly Orissa. Many temples built from sandstone are dotted around Bindu Sagar Lake in the old city, including the 11th-century Hindu Lingaraja Temple. Outside Rajarani Temple are sculpted figures of the guardians of the 8 cardinal and ordinal directions. Jain antiques, weaponry and indigenous pattachitra paintings fill the Odisha State Museum.
North of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan Zoological Park on Kanjia Lake is home to lions and elephants, and includes a botanical garden. In the city’s west, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are decorated rock-cut shelters and temples created by Jain worshipers. South of the city, the ancient rock-cut edicts at Dhauli Hills were reputedly engraved by Ashoka, a 3rd-century B.C. emperor, after he embraced Buddhism. Pipli village is known for its colorful appliqué work, originally created for the local temples. Near the city, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary shelters elephants and other animals, with watchtowers to observe the wildlife.
When to visit : Bhubaneswar has a warm, tropical climate. The most popular time to visit is during the drier winter months (Dec–Feb). Temperatures increase Mar–May, followed by the slightly cooler monsoon season (Jul–Sep). The Ekamra Utsav celebrations (Jan), dedicated to Lord Shiva, include a traditional dance festival on the grounds of the Mukteswar Temple.
