Lingaraj Temple

It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Lingam here is unique which is a hari hara lingam - half Shiva and half Vishnu. The temple is about a thousand years old and dominates the skyline of Bhubaneshwar from as far as 15 kms. away and exhibits the skill of the Orissan temple architects. This temple is dedicated to Tribhubaneshwar or the Lord of Three Worlds. Interestingly the Lingaraja temple is said to have been built first by the ruler Yayati Kesari in the 7th century who shifted his capital from Jaipur to Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneshwar remained as the Kesari capital, till Nripati Kesari founded Cuttack in the 10th century. Inscriptions from the period of the Kalinga King Anangabhima III from the 13th century are seen here. Lingaraja temple is an architectural marvel. The temple consists of a Natya Mandir (the Hall of Dance), Bhog Mandap (the Hall of Offering), Jagamohan (the Porch) and a 55 m high tower. There are more than 150 other shrines around the main temple. The Lingaraja temple is one of the most famous temples in Orissa and is also known as the Bhubaneswar temple.
 

Bindusagar Lake

Situated to the north of the Lingaraja temple is a lake called the Bindusagar lake adding grace to Bhubaneshwar and attracting many tourists. Once a year the Lingaraj temple deity is brought out for the ritual bath in the centre of the tank and it is believed a dip in the holy tank at Bindusagar washes away all the sins. To the north of the Lingaraja temple is this 1,300 ft long and 700 ft wide Bindusagar Lake. It is popular as a picnic spot among the locals too. The scenic beauty of this lake is enhanced by the stones, which have been laid along the embankments. The waters of the lake are said to be an amalgamation of every holy river, stream, lake or pool in India.
 

Mukteswara Temple

This temple is often referred to as the "gem of Orissan Architecture" and has been built on the lines of the Kalinga School of temple architecture. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva - Mukteswara and is carved with figures of ascetics in various poses of meditation. A dip in a sacred well to the east of the temple is said to be a cure for infertility.
 

Rajarani Temple

The Rajarani temple, dating back to the 11th century, is set in open paddy fields, and the entire structure exudes grace and elegance. The name of the temple has been the subject of much debate. The most likely explanation being related to the lovely red-and- gold sandstone used in its construction. The debate is complicated by the fact that the names of all the Hindu temples in Bhubaneswar dedicated to the God Shiva end in the suffix ‘eswar’ (for example Parasurameswara, Mukteswara, etc.), while those of the non-Shaivite temples are derived from their presiding deities (e.g. Parvati temple). One major scholar has argued that the name Rajarani was only applied to the temple at a later date (because of the sandstone), but originally this is the Shiva shrine referred to in early texts, as Indreswara.
 

Dhauli Temple

Dhauli hill is on the bank of the river Daya, about 8 kms south of Bhubaneshwar. In the year 272 B.C., the Kalinga-Nippon-Buddha Sangha established a peace pagoda (Shanti Stupa) at Dhauli along with the construction of a monastery called Saddharma. "Ashoka the Great" transformed totally and changed his mind in favour of spiritual conquests. Looking down on the plains bearing witness to the gruesome war waged on Kalinga by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, stand the rock edicts of Dhauli. It was here that Emperor Ashoka, full of remorse renounced his bloodthirsty campaign and embraced Buddhism. The edicts are a living testimony to the King's change of heart, where he urges his administrators to rule the land with justice and compassion. The edicts are so remarkable that they have been excellently preserved, despite the fact that they date back to the 3rd century BC. A sculpted elephant, the universal symbol of Lord Buddha, tops the rock edicts. The moment one enters near this place, one realizes that it is here after the battle Ashoka was transformed to Ashoka - The Compassionate who championed the cause of Buddhism.
 

Khandagiri and Udayagiri

These are the twin hills 7 kms. from Bhubaneshwar. The 135 ft high Udaygiri and 118 ft high Khandagiri hills have ancient caves. Khandagiri means "broken hill" and Udaygiri means "hill of the sunrise." The caves on the two low hills of Udaygiri and Khandagiri give ample proof of Jain and Buddhist occupation. This served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery, which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, some of the caves have beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) - one of the largest and double-storied is ornately embellished with beautiful carvings. In the Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave), King Kharavela carved out the chronicles of his reign. It is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.
 

Nandanakanana

Nandankanan literally means the 'Garden of Pleasure' or 'Garden of Gods'. It is in Chandaka forest, 25-kms from Bhubaneswar and is famed for its white tiger population. It houses a variety of mammals, reptiles and various species of birds. The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers and gharial crocodiles.