Bhubaneswar Capital of Odisha- A Complete Guide(2023)

Table of Contents

Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is the largest city in Odisha and serves as an important economic, educational, and cultural center in the region. Bhubaneswar blends traditional heritage with modern development, making it an interesting and vibrant city to explore in Odisha.

Green City: Bhubaneswar is known for its well-planned layout and lush greenery. It has received recognition for its sustainable and eco-friendly urban development practices.

Smart City Initiative: Bhubaneswar was selected by the Government of India as one of the Smart Cities under the Smart Cities Mission, aiming to improve infrastructure, services, and quality of life for its residents.

Country	India
State	Odisha
District	Khordha
Founded by	Government of Odisha
Named for	Lord Shiva
Body (BMC)	Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation
Area	186 km² (72 sq mi)
Elevation	45 m (148 ft)
Official Languages	Odia, English
Time zone	UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN	751xxx, 752xxx, 754xxx
STD Codes	0674, 06752
Vehicle registration	OD-02 (South Bhubaneswar) OD-33 (North Bhubaneswar)

Historical Significance

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha in India, has a rich and ancient history that dates back over 2,000 years. Here’s an overview of the history of Bhubaneswar:

Ancient Period: Bhubaneswar has a significant association with ancient Kalinga, a powerful kingdom that flourished in the region. The history of Bhubaneswar can be traced back to the 3rd century BCE when it was known as Ekamra Kshetra or the “Temple City.” During this period, it was a prominent center of trade and commerce.

Medieval Period: In the 7th century CE, Bhubaneswar witnessed a golden era under the rule of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty were great patrons of art, architecture, and literature. They constructed numerous temples in and around Bhubaneswar, including the famous Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples, with their exquisite architectural style and intricate carvings, are a testament to the cultural and religious significance of the region.

Colonial Era: During the colonial era, Bhubaneswar came under the control of the British East India Company in the early 19th century. It was initially a part of the Bengal Presidency and later became a part of the Madras Presidency. However, Bhubaneswar did not witness significant developments during this period.

Modern Era: After India gained independence in 1947, Odisha became a separate state in 1950, with Bhubaneswar as its capital. Following this, efforts were made to transform Bhubaneswar into a planned city. Renowned German architect Otto Königsberger was appointed to design the city’s master plan, incorporating modern urban planning principles.

Today, Bhubaneswar is a bustling city with a blend of ancient temples, modern architecture, and a thriving IT and ITES industry. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, hosting the famous Odissi dance and music festivals. Bhubaneswar has also been recognized as one of the planned cities in India and is often referred to as the “Temple City” or the “Smart City.”

Geographical Overview

Location:

Bhubaneswar is situated at approximately 20.3°N latitude and 85.8°E longitude.

Topography:

The city is characterized by a mostly flat terrain with a few small hills in the outskirts. The land is primarily alluvial in nature, formed by the sediments deposited by rivers like the Mahanadi and its tributaries.

Climate:

Bhubaneswar experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The summers are hot and humid with temperatures often reaching around 40°C (104°F) during the peak months of April and May. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, while the winter months (November to February) are relatively dry and more pleasant with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Water Bodies:

The city is well-connected by rivers and has several lakes and ponds scattered throughout. Some of the prominent water bodies include Bindusagar Lake, Daya River, Kuakhai River, and the large Chilika Lake, which is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and is located about 60 kilometers away from the city.

Cyclones:

Being on the eastern coast of India, Bhubaneswar is susceptible to cyclones that originate in the Bay of Bengal. The city has experienced the impact of severe cyclonic storms in the past, making disaster preparedness and resilience crucial for the region.

Transportation and Connectivity

By Air

Bhubaneshwar is well linked by air to Delhi, Chennai, Varanasi, Nagpur, Calcutta, and Vishakhapatnam on daily basis flights by Indian Airlines. The Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar provides daily connections to Kolkata and Delhi. Indian, Jet Airways, Air Sahara, and Air Decan are the domestic airlines also flying to Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The airport is 4 km from the town center. Superfast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities in India.

By Train

A major railhead on the East Coast Railway, it has fast and super fast train links to Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and other important centers of the country as well as within the state. The station is located in the center of town.

By Road

Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways. The New Bus Stand in Bhubaneswar is on NH16, at Baramunda, about 6 km from the Town center.

Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT)

CRUT is a public transit agency providing sustainable mobility options to the residents and visitors of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, Pipili, Puri, Konark, and Rourkela.

MO BUS

Culture and Heritage

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state of Odisha in India, is known for its rich culture and heritage. Here are some aspects of Bhubaneswar’s culture and heritage:

Temples:

Bhubaneswar is often referred to as the “Temple City of India” due to its numerous ancient temples. The city is famous for its architectural marvels, such as the Lingaraja Temple, Mukteshvara Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Ananta Vasudeva Temple. These temples showcase the unique Kalinga style of architecture and are important pilgrimage sites for devotees.

Odissi Dance:

Bhubaneswar is a significant hub for Odissi, one of the classical dance forms of India. The city is home to renowned dance institutions that promote and preserve Odissi dance. Odissi performances are regularly held in Bhubaneswar, attracting artists and art enthusiasts from around the world.

Handicrafts:

Bhubaneswar is known for its intricate handicrafts, which reflect the rich artistic heritage of Odisha. Pattachitra (scroll painting), applique work, stone and wood carving, silver filigree, and palm leaf engraving are some of the popular crafts of the region. The Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar is a vibrant marketplace where these handicrafts can be explored and purchased.

Rath Yatra:

Bhubaneswar hosts a grand celebration of the annual Rath Yatra, which is a chariot festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The deities from the Jagannath Temple in Puri are brought to Bhubaneswar on beautifully decorated chariots, and devotees pull the chariots through the streets, accompanied by music and chants.

Museums:

Bhubaneswar is home to several museums that showcase the history and culture of Odisha. The Odisha State Museum houses a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, and traditional crafts. The Tribal Museum highlights the diverse tribal culture of the state, while the Regional Museum of Natural History exhibits the biodiversity and ecology of the region.

Festivals

Bhubaneswar celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm. The Kalinga Mahotsav, Durga Puja, Diwali, and Holi are some of the major festivals that are celebrated with cultural performances, music, dance, and vibrant processions.

Fairs and Festivals

Bhubaneswar celebrates various festivals with great enthusiasm. The most significant festival is the Rath Yatra, which involves the grand procession of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra on chariots. Other festivals celebrated in the city include :
1. Durga Puja
2. Diwali,
3. Holi
4. Makar Sankranti.
5. Rajo Sankranti.
6. Kartika Purnima
7. Adivasi Mela: The fair held in the month of February gives a glimpse of the tribal culture and lifestyle of Odisha. Right from replicas of tribal homes to tribal handicrafts and cuisine, the fair serves up everything with a tribal touch.

Helpline Numbers

Description	Number
Local Police Station	100
Elder Person Help Line	1090
Women Help Line	1091
Children Help Line	1098
Fire Help Line	101
Ambulance Help Line	108
Janani Ambulance Help Line	102
Traffic Help Line	1095
N.H.A.I. Help Line	1033

Educational Facilities

Bhubaneswar is a prominent educational hub in eastern India. It is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the Utkal University, Biju Patnaik University of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, and the National Institute of Science Education and Research. The city attracts students from across the country for higher education.

Government schools:

1. Kendriya Vidyalaya
2. Sainik School

State government schools :

1. Badagada Government High School
2. Capital High School
3. Government High School, Saheed Nagar

Private schools :

1. DAV Public School, Unit-8,
2. D.A.V. Public School, Chandrasekharpur,
3. Loyola School
4. Sai International School
5. St. Joseph’s High School

Engineering and applied sciences institutions:

1. C. V. Raman Global University
2. Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture
3. Eastern Academy of Science and Technology
4. Indian Institute of Technology
5. Institute of Chemical Technology
6. Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT, erstwhile RRL)
7. Institute of Physics
8. International Institute of Information Technology, (IIIT-BBSR or IIIT-BH)
9. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
10. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
11. National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
12. Orissa Engineering College
13. Regional Institute of Education

Medical institutions:

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences
2. Hi-Tech Medical College & Hospital,
3. Institute of Medical Sciences and Sum Hospital
4. Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences
5. Regional Medical Research Center

Universities:

1. Birla Global University
2. Centurion University of Technology and Management
3. International Institute of Information Technology, (IIIT-BBSR or IIIT-BH)
4. Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
5. Odisha State Open University
6. Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology
7. Odisha University of Health Sciences
8. Odisha University of Technology and Research
9. Rama Devi Women’s University
10. Regional College of Management
11. Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan
12. Utkal University of Culture
13. Utkal University
14. XIM University

Professional Institute:

1. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India -Bhubaneswar Chapter
2. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India-Bhuneshwar Branch of EIRC

Research institutes:

1. Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS)

Tourist Attractions in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels. Here are some popular tourist places to visit in Bhubaneswar:

Lingaraj Temple:

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bhubaneswar. It showcases exquisite Kalinga architecture and is renowned for its massive structure and intricate carvings.

Mukteshwar Temple:

Known for its beautiful stone archway and intricate carvings, the Mukteshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex also houses a magnificent torana (gateway) and numerous sculptures.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves:

These caves are rock-cut shelters that date back to the 2nd century BCE. They were originally carved out for Jain monks and feature ornate carvings, inscriptions, and elaborate sculptures.

Nandankanan Zoological Park:

Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan is a renowned zoological park and botanical garden. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including white tigers, lions, elephants, and many exotic bird species.

Odisha State Museum:

This museum showcases a vast collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and tribal art from Odisha. It provides insights into the history, art, and culture of the state.

Dhauli Giri:

Situated on the banks of the Daya River, Dhauli Giri is a significant historical site. It is known for the famous rock edicts of Emperor Ashoka, who renounced violence after the Kalinga War. The site offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Odisha Tribal Museum:

Located within the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), this museum offers a comprehensive glimpse into the rich tribal heritage of Odisha. It exhibits artifacts, costumes, musical instruments, and traditional crafts of various tribal communities.

Rajarani Temple:

Built-in the 11th century, the Rajarani Temple is renowned for its intricately carved exterior walls. It is known for its unique reddish-gold sandstone used in its construction and is an architectural marvel.

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens:

Spread across a vast area, this botanical garden features a wide variety of plant species, landscaped gardens, and water bodies. It offers a peaceful environment for nature lovers and is ideal for leisurely walks.

Regional Science Centre:

This interactive science museum aims to promote scientific awareness and knowledge among visitors. It features numerous exhibits, science shows, and a planetarium.

Places To Visit In Bhubaneswar(2023)

Police Stations

Saheed Nagar Police Station

7RWQ+CCG, Maharaj Hall, Bani Vihar, near Utkal University

Phone-0674 254 1064

Historical Significance

Geographical Overview

Location:

Topography:

Climate:

Water Bodies:

Cyclones:

Transportation and Connectivity

By Air

By Train

By Road

Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT)

Culture and Heritage

Temples:

Odissi Dance:

Handicrafts:

Rath Yatra:

Museums:

Festivals

Fairs and Festivals

Helpline Numbers

Educational Facilities

Government schools:

State government schools :

Private schools :

Engineering and applied sciences institutions:

Medical institutions:

Universities:

Professional Institute:

Research institutes:

Tourist Attractions in Bhubaneswar

Lingaraj Temple:

Mukteshwar Temple:

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves:

Nandankanan Zoological Park:

Odisha State Museum:

Dhauli Giri:

Odisha Tribal Museum:

Rajarani Temple:

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens:

Regional Science Centre:

Police Stations

Saheed Nagar Police Station

Capital Police Station

Khandagiri Police Station

Shree Lingaraj Police Station.

Chandaka Police Station

Mancheswar Police Station

Kharavela Nagar Police Station

Nandankanan Police Station

Infocity Police Station

sailashree vihar police station

Badagada Police Station

Tamando Police Station

Airfield Police Station

Laxmisagar Police Station

Government Railway Police Station

Commisionerate police, Jharpada

Bharatpur Police Station

Baranga Police Station

Maitree Vihar police Outpost

Commissionerate Police Mahila Police Station

Public Parks

NICCO Park

Satya Nagar Colony Park

Utkalmani Gopabandhu BDA Park

Acharya Harihar BDA Park

Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja BDA Park

Vyasakabi Fakir Mohan Senapati BDA Park

Swabhabakabi Gangadharmeher BDA Park

Madhusudan NagarChildrens Park

Gyanapattnaik ParkPark

Stage V Colony Park

Madhusudan Park

Indira Gandhi ParkIG Park

Soshoo Vihar Park

Kharvela Nagar Park

Kalpana Area Park

Swami Vivekananda Park

Biju Patnaik (Forest Park)Forest Park,