Bhubaneswar Tour Packages

Nestled in the heart of Odisha, Bhubaneswar proudly carries the grandeur of Kalinga architecture in the country. Often called the "City of Temples", it holds over 700 shrines, carved with extraordinary precision and many of them standing for more than a thousand years. 

But it is not just the temples. The right Bhubaneswar tour packages let you enjoy the thriving tribal craft culture and culinary scene deeply rooted in the local traditions of the city. Apart from the ancient Kalinga architecture, you can witness a pace of life in the city that feels unhurried, amidst the green urban parks.

This guide covers the best places to visit, top experiences and the ideal time to plan your visit to the city.  

Why Visit Bhubaneswar?

India has no shortage of heritage cities. But Bhubaneswar is rare because its temples are not ruins or museum exhibits.  Many are still active places of worship, with daily rituals and festival calendars. Here is why the city deserves a spot in your next vacation plan:

Temple City of India 

Bhubaneswar once had over 7,000 temples within its bounds. Around 500 to 600 survive today in varying states of preservation. Walking even a small radius around the old town area, you will encounter temples of different scales, styles, and centuries, from modest moss-covered shrines to towering shikhara towers. 

Gateway to Odisha's Golden Triangle

Bhubaneswar sits at one corner of Odisha's tourism Golden Triangle, alongside Puri and Konark. The Jagannath Temple in Puri and the UNESCO-listed Sun Temple in Konark are both within 65 kilometres. If you are looking for a trip to cover the Golden Triangle, choose Odisha tour packages to cover Odisha's off-the-beaten-path destinations, including  Chilika Lake, Raghurajpur artist village, and Satkosia Gorge.

India's Most Distinctive Craft Traditions

Bhubaneswar is surrounded by craft villages and artisan communities that produce things you will not find anywhere else in India. Pattachitra paintings on palm leaf, Dhokra metal casting, silver filigree jewellery called Tarakashi, Pipili appliqué work, and Sambalpuri handloom textiles.  

The Birthplace of Odissi Dance

Odissi, one of India's eight classical dance forms, traces its origins to the temple courtyards of Odisha. Devadasis once performed it as a sacred offering to the deity. Over centuries, it has been transformed into a unique art form, carrying its spiritual grace and sculptural movement beyond temple walls into the wider world. Today, Bhubaneswar is home to the country's most respected Odissi gurus and institutions.

A Gateway to Eastern India 

Bhubaneswar is Odisha's primary transport hub, which makes it the smartest starting point for any eastern India trip. The city has good flight and rail connections to Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad. From here, you can extend your trip to the tribal heartlands of interior Odisha, the mangroves of Bhitarkanika, or cross into Jharkhand and West Bengal. You can choose family retreat tour packages to plan your Eastern India trip.

What Makes Bhubaneswar Special?

Bhubaneswar is one of those rare cities where you can walk past a 10th-century temple on your way to a craft market.  Here are a few things in particular that set it apart from other heritage destinations in India.

A City Built on Temples 

Bhubaneswar is one of India's great temple cities. The city once housed over 700 temples, built during the golden age of the Kalinga dynasty between the 7th and 12th centuries. A walk around the Bindu Sagar lake area alone takes you past centuries of stone craftsmanship. Some of the must-visit temples with the Bhubaneswar trip packages are:

• Lingaraj Temple (11th century): Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Mukteswara Temple (10th century): 'Gem of Odisha architecture.' 
• Rajarani Temple: 'Love temple' for its carvings of couples and celestial nymphs. 
• Parasurameswara Temple: Early Kalinga temples, predating over 1,300 years.

Rock-Cut Caves on the Hills 

These twin hills, about 7 kilometres from the city centre, hold 33 rock-cut caves carved into the hillside for Jain monks between the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) at Udaigiri is the largest, with two stories of carved friezes depicting animals, soldiers, and royal figures. It will take about 15 to 20 minutes to climb on uneven rock steps. From the top, you get views across Bhubaneswar's skyline and the surrounding plain. Early morning is the best time to visit. The light is better for the carvings, and the heat is manageable before the day sets in. 

The Hill Where Ashoka Changed His Mind

The Dhauli hills, about 8 kilometres south of the city, are where the Kalinga War was fought in 261 BC,  the battle that led Ashoka to convert to Buddhism. The Ashokan Rock Edicts, carved into a large rock at the base of the hill, are among the oldest surviving royal inscriptions in India. Entry to the edict area is free. The white Shanti Stupa at the summit was built in 1972. From the top of the hill, you can see the Daya River, which reportedly ran red during the Kalinga War.

Wildlife Inside A Natural Forest

Located about 20 kilometres from the city, this zoo and botanical garden is set inside a natural forest and covers 437 hectares. Nandankanan is one of the few places in India with white tigers and white lions. It also has melanistic tigers, saltwater crocodiles, Indian rhinos, and gharials. The cable car ride across Kanjia Lake, which runs through the zoo grounds, will be comfortable for families. 

Experience Bhubaneswar

The best Bhubaneswar tour packages cover the main sights across the city in at least three days, giving you room to explore beyond the headline attractions. Some top places to visit are:

Bindu Sagar Lake

Bindu Sagar is a sacred tank at the heart of the old town. Over 50 small temples and shrines line its banks. According to tradition, the tank holds water collected from every sacred river and lake in India. Walk the perimeter in the early morning, which takes about 20 minutes at a slow pace. The light on the temple shikhara towers at sunrise makes it the best unplanned photography stop in the city.

Entry is free; the lake is open through the day. But visit after sunrise, when the ghats are quietest and most photogenic. 

Odisha State Museum

Located near the Kharavela Nagar area, the Odisha State Museum holds one of the better collections of Odishan art and archaeology in the region. The sculpture gallery has original stonework from temple sites across the state, pieces that give you a more direct look at Kalinga craftsmanship.

The museum is closed on Mondays. So plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday. Spend at least 90 minutes to cover the main galleries without rushing. 

Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts

Run by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute, this museum focuses specifically on the indigenous communities of Odisha. The exhibits include traditional musical instruments, hunting and fishing equipment, ceremonial dress, jewellery, and agricultural tools. 

Entry fees are nominal. Take part in the interactive sections to learn about different tribes, including  Kondhs, Bondas and Sauras. 

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden and Cactus Garden

Spread across 100 acres on the northern edge of the city, Ekamra Kanan is Bhubaneswar's main family-friendly spot. The Orchid House inside the garden holds around 200 orchid species. You can also explore the Cactus Garden, with over 700 varieties arranged across a compact space. 

Carry water and wear comfortable footwear. It will take an hour to view the full garden.

Chilika Lake: A Day Trip from Bhubaneswar

Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika, is about 100 kilometres from Bhubaneswar on the Puri road. Over a million birds from Central Asia and Siberia migrate to this lake between November and February. You can also witness the Irrawaddy dolphins near Satapada Island, and enjoy boat rides to the dolphin zone. Most Odisha tour packages include a Chilika day trip as a standalone extension.

Book your boat ride in advance during peak winter months. Try to go in the early morning for dolphin sightings. 

Puri, Coastal Temple Town 

You need to spend at least one full day in Puri. The Jagannath Temple dominates the town and is visible from the beach. Rath Yatra in June or July draws over a million devotees to the main street. Beach holiday packages from Bhubaneswar often pair a Puri beach day with the Konark temple visit.

Non-Hindu visitors are not permitted inside the Jagannath Temple. But the rooftop view from the Raghunandan Library opposite the main gate offers a clear sightline into the complex. 

Konark Sun Temple

The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark is in the form of a giant chariot with 24 stone wheels and seven horses. The main sanctum has partially collapsed, but the audience hall remains standing. Visit before 9 am to avoid the busiest tour groups. Family tour packages that include Konark should allocate at least two to three hours here to explore the best eco retreats in Odisha.

The stone wheel carvings function as a sundial and are easy to miss without someone pointing out what to look for. So, make sure to get a guide while visiting the temple.

Raghurajpur Craft Village

Twelve kilometres from Puri, this village of around 120 families, where you can see every household practises a different craft. You can purchase Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engraving, stone and wood carving, paper mache. Cultural holiday travel packages for Odisha often include a half-day here as a craft trail stop.

Most artists are happy to demonstrate their work inside their homes. Choose the Bhubaneswar trip packages that include the spot in their itinerary to spend time watching the process and negotiating directly with them.

Things to Buy in Bhubaneswar

Ekamra Haat and Utkalika are the two popular shopping stops for Odia handicrafts. Some souvenirs to buy are:

• Pattachitra paintings
• Tarakashi (silver filigree work)
• Dhokra metal figurines
• Sambalpuri and Bomkai handloom sarees
• Pipili appliqué work

Food to Eat in Bhubaneswar

Odia cuisine differs from both Bengali and South Indian food in a unique way. Here are some must-try dishes:

• Dalma
• Pakhala Bhaat
• Chhena Poda
• Pahala Rasgulla
• Machha Jhola and Chingudi Tarkari

A Practical Planning Guide

Accommodation in central Bhubaneswar fills up during festivals and long weekends. If you are planning around Shivaratri, Rath Yatra, or the Bhubaneswar Habba festival, book at least four to six weeks ahead. Here is what to sort out before booking your Bhubaneswar trip packages.

How to Reach Bhubaneswar

• By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Chennai. The airport is about 5 kilometres from the city centre. Take a cab from the airport to reach the city. 
• By Train: Bhubaneswar Railway Station has direct train connections with major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Local trains also available to Puri (90 minutes) and Cuttack (30 minutes).
• By Road: National Highway 16 connects Bhubaneswar to Kolkata (450 km) and Visakhapatnam (450 km). OSRTC and private buses run regularly from both cities. Road trip packages from Kolkata can use Bhubaneswar as the starting point for an Odisha circuit.

Getting Around the City

• Auto-rickshaws: The most common way to travel across temples and sites in the old town area. Negotiate the fare before you get in. Expect ₹50 to ₹100 for short hops within the city.
• App-based cabs (Ola/Uber): It is a better option to cover long-distance places like Nandankanan or Dhauli. Expect fixed fares and air-conditioned facilities.
• Day tour vehicle: Most hotels can arrange a car and driver for a full-day sightseeing circuit covering the main city attractions for ₹1,200 to ₹1,800.

Estimated Costs Per Day 

 What to Carry

• Light cotton clothing 
• Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) for temple visits
• A dupatta or stole to cover your head at certain temple entrances
• Comfortable walking shoes to climb uneven temple courtyards and cave steps
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A small day bag with water and a light rain jacket (if travelling between June and October)
• Cash in smaller denominations to pay auto drivers and market vendors.

Best Time to Visit Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar has a tropical climate. October to February is an ideal time to visit the city. You can choose winter holiday packages to the Chilika migratory bird window, and the Konark Dance Festival in early December. 

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in each season. 

A Guide for Bhubaneswar Festivals & Events 

Plan your trip around Bhubaneswar's festival calendar to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here is a quick overview of the major festivals and what to plan around: 

Things to Know Before You Visit Bhubaneswar

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind during your visit to Bhubaneswar:

• The Lingaraj Temple does not permit non-Hindus inside the main compound. 
• Most ASI-managed sites charge different entry fees for Indian and foreign nationals. Carry a government-issued photo ID.
• Photography rules vary by site. You can bring cameras inside Khandagiri-Udaigiri and Dhauli, but not inside the Lingaraj temple. So, always check at the entrance gate first.
• Follow dress codes while visiting the temples. Most temples expect covered shoulders and legs. Carry a light dupatta or stole. Plan your clothing for temple days accordingly.
• Ola and Uber are available in Bhubaneswar. But there will be less availability of the transportation service outside the central areas. 
•  Plan to detour to Pahala Rasgulla village on NH16 between Bhubaneswar and Puri.
• If you plan to extend your trip from Bhubaneswar to Puri, choose fixed departure holiday packages to enjoy the vacation without any hassles.

Begin your Spiritual Journey to Bhubaneswar with EaseMyTrip

Bhubaneswar is not a city that exhausts itself in a day. The longer you stay, the more layers you find. A quiet temple alley on the first morning, a craftsperson working at their doorway, a small sweet shop selling Chhena Poda that every local knows about. The Bhubaneswar tour packages let you experience the centuries of history alongside everyday life, without making a fuss about either.

Ready to explore India's Temple City? At EaseMyTrip Holidays, we offer customised trip packages that fit your needs. We help you book flights, hotels, and more with zero convenience fees and easy payment options.