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Bhubaneshwar in Orissa/Odisha
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It is the capital city of Orissa and is called the city of temples because of the great number of temples here. There were more than 7000 temples at one time around the Bindusagar tank in the city of which only about 500 have survived the ravages of time.
Places to see
The Lingaraja temple
It is the largest temple in Bhubaneshwar dedicated to Siva. It was constructed in 11th century BC.
Bindusagar Lake
To the north of the Lingaraja temple is a 1,300ft long and 700ft wide lake called the Bindusagar lake.The stone embankment is very beautiful.
Mukteswara Temple
Mukteswara temple was constructed in the 10th century BC and has a stone arch adorning the entrance. The manuscript of Panchatantra, written by the Orissan Pandit, Vishnu Sharma is also kept here.
Raja Rani Temple
This 11th century temple is different as it has no diety and has an unusual tower. The temple is built on a platform with three elegant mouldings, with intricate floral patterns, animal and human figures.
The Parasurameswara Temple
The Parasurameswara Temple is a small but beautifully decorated Shiva temple of the 7th century. Friezes featuring amorous couples, lions, crouching elephants, birds, human figures and floral motifs. Its ornate lattice windows, and busts of Shiva are worth seeing.
Savaranjaleswara temple
Depictions from the epic Ramayana are an important part of the temple. The eight-armed Chamunda(Kali) is the main deity of the temple.
The Orissa state museum
A collection of sculpture, coins, copperplates, stone inscriptions, and bronze-age tools, rare palm leaf manuscripts and traditional folk and musical instruments. Worth a visit.
Handicrafts museum
It is situated on Secretariat Road and has a vast range of handicrafts collection.
Shopping
Good place to shop for woven Ikat fabric, applique work, silver iligree jwellery, stone carvings and patta chitra paintings. The Ashokaashtami procession is in Mar/April, Bali Yatra, a fair is held in Oct/Nov
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How to reach
By Air - Bhubaneswar is connected by air to Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai, Raipur, Varanasi, Nagpur and Hyderabad.
By Train - It is also well connected by trains from Calcutta(480 kms), Chennai(1225 kms), Hyderabad, Mumbai(1691 kms), Delhi(1745 kms) and Trivandrum.
By Road - Inter-state and tourist bus services are also available. Bhubaneshwar is on the National Highway linking Calcutta and Chennai.
Kolkatta - Bhubaneshwar Road drive
Route - NH 5
Distance - 439 kms
Time - 6.6 hrs
Orissa/Odisha - Land of Temples
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Ideal time to Visit - October - March
Capital - Bhubaneshwar
The migratory birds also flock the shores of Orissa in winter, the state is well explored any time of the year but summers March to June are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from July to October, and the state receives heavy rainfall during the period. The Puri Jagannath Rath yatra takes place during the months of June/July. The Konark festivaL takes place in the winter month of December.
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
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Planning a visit to Orissa read through travelogues to plan your trip