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Bhubaneswar is the temple city of India located on
the eastern coast of India. Once bhubaneshwar was the capital of ancient
Kalinga, the city has a long history and is today a bustling centre for
commerce and religious activity. Bhubaneswar became the modern capital of
the state of Orissa in 1948, a year after India gained its independence from
Britain.
The city is inhabited by over a million people and maintains a high rate of
population growth. The Orissa government is keen on developing the city as
an IT hub. The city has offices of Enterprise System Solutions, TCS, Satyam,
Infosys, Wipro, Systems Technology International and Ficus soft India
functioning under the Software Technology Parks of India.
Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style
flowered from its very inception into its fullest culmination extending over
a period of over one thousand years. The striking features of the city are
the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around bhubaneshwar.
Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular
engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire
of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the
pink translucence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire
feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-cultural
permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient
cultural strength of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length.
Geography :- Bhubaneswar is situated between 21° 15' North Latitude
85° 15' Longitude and at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level. The
average temperatures range between 15 °C in the winter to a maximum of 40 °C
to 45 °C in the summer. The south-east monsoons appear in June. The average
annual rainfall is 1,500 mm, most of which is recorded between June and
October.
Location :- Bhubaneswar is situated in the eastern coastal plains of
Orissa and south-west of the river Mahanadi whose tributaries like Kuakhai,
Bhargavi and Daya wash the fingers of this city.
Fairs & Festivals :- Bhubaneswar plays host to major exhibitions on
books, arts, culture, trade etc. Adivasi Mela is a fair that displays the
art, artifacts, tradition, culture, and music of the tribal folks of Orissa.
Raja Sankranti is celebrated with a lot of gaiety, markets are stocked with
fresh ruits and vegetables which are consumed on Raja, exorbitant prices are
charged. Durga Puja is also an important festival. Various pandals are
constructed throughout the city of Bhubaneshwar.
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HOW
TO REACH
By Air - Bhubaneswar is connected to the cities of Kolkata, 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 Kolkata,
Puri, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati,
Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Trivandrum.
By Road - Bhubaneswar is linked with Berhampur, Chilika, Cuttack,
Konark, Paradip, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other places. Interstate bus
services operate daily between Kolkata and Puri via Bhubaneswar and
Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).
WHEN TO GO
Bhubaneswar can be visited round the year but the ideal time especially for
visitors from colder climes would be from October to March.
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WHAT TO SEE |
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Dhauli :- Dhauli is about 8 km south of
Bhubaneswar and to the right of the Puri road. It is Carved by King
Ashoka on a rock five meters by three meters, these 2000 years old
inscriptions still bear the instructions of the great king to his
administrators. The site is also marked by a new peace pagoda and rock
edicts at Jau Gada.
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Ekamra Haat :- It is located near the exhibition
ground, this Haat is a hub for tourists who are interested to get some
stuff with Oriya touch along with their unforgettable memoirs. Ekamra
Haat is aesthetically designed to create a relaxed ambiance to browse
through ethnic handlooms and handicrafts from all over the country.The
Haat also has an amphitheatre where folk and tribal dances are held.
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Orrisa State Museum :- Orissa State Museum has
four storey building holds within itself numerous artifacts of state
history, displaying a massive collection of traditional dresses, ancient
and medieval tools and weapons, Stuffed animals, musical instruments and
hand looms and handicrafts of Orrisa.This museum is a must see for every
tourist who is inquisitive enough to know more about this South Eastern
state of the country.
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Taptapani :- It is located near the corner where
city dwellers fear to go. Taptapani is the home of the primitive Kutia
Kondh tribe, the Dingaria Kondh tribe, Bonda and the Mali tribes. The
residents are expert hunters, fiercely independent and worship numerous
gods and goddess. Stay in lodges and get to know their lifestyle and
unique tradition and cultural heritage. Taptapani also offers a hot
water sulpher spring and is quite famous among tourists who visit here
to revitalize themselves with the naturally medicated water. |
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Chilka Lake :- Chilka Lake is situated south of
Puri, this 1,100 sq. km shallow lake is Asia's largest salt water lagoon
and is separated from the sea only by a narrow sand bar. The lake is
peppered with many small rocky islands and is a vast reserve for aquatic
flora and fauna. |
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Lingaraj Temple :-Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to
the Lord Vishnu and Shiv Linga. It is one of Orrisa's famous temples
notable for the symmetrical sculptures carved on its 45m high spire. The
deity of Lingaraj is an uncarved block of granite 8 feet in diameter
raised 8 inches above the ground and is bathed daily with milk, water
and bhang. |
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Udaigiri Khandagiri Caves :- These ancient caves
which are over 2000 years old are located at 8 km from Bhubaneswar.
There are 44 caves carved out of sandstone nestling on two opposite
hills. The Rani Gumpha is a double storied structure brilliantly
festooned with carved sculptures. Besides there is Hanthi Gumpha which
is a favourite hot-spot among tourists.The caves are open from 8 am to 6
pm and attracts vacationists from all over the world. |
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WHERE TO EAT
There are good restaurants which serves food from every part of India &
world. You can also try the multi-cuisine restaurant at the luxury hotels.
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