|
BHUBANESHWAR
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Area |
65.03 sq km |
| Language |
Oriya, Hindi, and English |
| Best time to visit |
October to April |
| STD Code |
0674 |
LOCATION
The capital of the East Indian state of Orissa, Bhubaneswar extends
from latitude 20°15' North to longitude 85°52' East. An important
city of the temple triangle of Orissa, Bhubaneshwar has direct air,
road, and rail connection with the other major cities of India.
TOURISTS ATTRACTION IN BHUBANESHWAR
Built in 650 AD, Parashurameshwara Temple is one of the
best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture. This temple
followed very rigid parameters set by the ritualistic books. The
temple has some exquisite carvings and sculpture.
Vaital Deul (800 AD) has a double-storied wagon roof, which
in turn is an influence of the Buddhist cave architecture. The interior
of the temple has the image of Chamunda (an incarnation of Goddess
Kali).
 Mukteshwar
Temple (7th-8th century AD) is one of the most ornated temples
in the Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities testify
the influence of Hindu, Buddha, and Jain style of architecture.
The carvings on the roof are specially striking.
The Rajarani Temple (1100 AD), which derives its name from
the stone known as the Rajarani, was built earlier in comparison
to the impressive Lingaraja. Set amongst picturesque paddy fields,
the relatively small Rajarani temple is noted for its fascinating
female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses
and moods.
Brahmeswara Temple (1050 AD) is situated around a kilometer
east of the main road. The temple stands in a courtyard flanked
by four smaller temples.
 The
10th- or 11th-century Lingaraja temple of Bhubaneswar has
been described as "the truest fusion of dream and reality." A rare
masterpiece, the Lingaraja temple has been rated one of the finest
examples of purely Hindu temple in India by Ferguson, the noted
art critic and historian. Every inch of the surface of the 55-m-high
Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture and
architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Devout
pilgrims, who wish to go to the Jagannath temple at Puri, must first
offer worship at the Lingaraja temple.
The Orissa State Museum is one of the best places to explore
sculptures, stone inscriptions, lithic and bronze-age tools, rare
copper plates, palm-leaf manuscripts, paintings, anthropological
specimens, and musical instruments.
The Handicrafts Museum at Secretariat Road has a good collection
of folk paintings, horn toys, brass castings, and sculptures.
The Tribal Museum deals with the various aspects of the
tribal life and culture in Orissa.
PLACES AROUND BHUBANESWAR
 Udaygiri
and Khandagiri caves (7 km) are two of the most important
sites in the archeological history of India. There are 15 caves
in the Udaygiri, out of which Hathigumpha (elephant cave)
is the most important. A 117-line inscription on the walls of the
cave relates the exploits of the King Kharvela who ruled Orissa
from 168 to 153 AD. Khandgiri, on the other hand, gives a hilltop
view of the city of Bhubaneswar, and most of the caves inside have
a definite Jain influence.
Built in 3rd century BC, Dauli has Ashoka's rock edict. It was
from here that king Ashok set out to spread Buddhism. Situated here
is also a white stupa (pillar) on top of a hill. It was built in
collaboration with Japanese Buddhists and can be seen from miles.
Situated at a distance of 25 km from Bhubaneswar, Nandankanan
has a very wide range of animals and reptiles. The main attractions
include gorillas, crocodiles, and white tigers.
Atri Springs (42 km) has sulfur springs and the famous Hatakeshwara
Temple.
 The
Sun Temple at Konark (65 km) is a magnificent 13th-century temple
visualized as the chariot of the Sun God, as he glides through the
firmament from dawn to dusk. The ruins have sculptures detailing
every aspect of human life. The city also has a beautiful beach.
Puri, situated at a distance of 60 km from Bhubaneswar,
is a great temple town. The drive is excellent and provides a very
good opportunity to view the rural Orissa.
HOW TO REACH
BY AIR - Bhubaneswar is connected to the cities of Calcutta,
Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Raipur through
regular flights. Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar is the only
major airport in the state.
BY RAIL - Bhubaneswar is directly connected by rail with
Calcutta, Puri, Madras, Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad,
Tirupati, and Trivandrum.
BY ROAD - it is linked with Bhubaneswar and Berhampur, Chilka,
Cuttack, Konark, Paradip, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other places.
Interstate bus services operate daily between Calcutta and Puri
via Bhubaneswar and Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).
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