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The
name of Bhubaneswar is associated with a
cluster of magnificent temples, constituting virtually a complete record
of Kalinga architecture almost from its nascency to its culmination. Its
proud sculptural and architectural heritage, coupled with its sanctity as
"Ekamrakshetra", one of the five great religious centres in
Orissa since
early medieval days, attracts thousands of visitors from all corners of
the world throughout the year.
Even the most casual spectator is thrilled at the sight of the majestic
and sublime grandeur of its soaring temples, the perfect symphony between
their
sculpture
and
architecture
, the superb workmanship of their carvings and the grand repertoire of
their sculptural and architectural motifs. To the connoisseur of fine arts
Bhubaneswar is one of the most delightful
resorts in India.
A long-standing religious convention does not allow the entry of
non-Hindus into the
Lingaraja
, the most celebrated of the temples at Bhubaneswar. Such visitors may,
however, have a view of the temple from a platform near its north gateway,
though from this point the lower portion of the temple remains hidden.
MUST VISITS
The visitor with a limited time at his disposal should at least see the
following typical temples to obtain some idea of the temple-architecture:
Parasuramesvara
,
Vaital
Deul ,
Muktesvara
,
Gauri
,
Raja
Rani ,
Brahmesvara
,
Lingaraja
,
Parvati
and
Ananta-Vasudeva
.
Those interested in arts and archaeology can be also profitably visit the
Orissa State Museum, rich in
antiquities, including sculptures, interesting both artistically and
iconographically, coins and inscriptions. A large percentage of the
exhibits in the Museum originate from Bhubaneswar
and its environs, furnishing important links in the history of the town.
The visitor to Bhubaneswar may also make it convenient to see the famous
Sun temple at Konarak
, 66-km to the southeast by road. Among the interesting monuments near
Bhubaneswar are the celebrated
Jain
caves nestled in the Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills and the circular
hypaethral Chausath-Yogini
temple at Hirapur, respectively to its north-west and south-east,
besides the Rock-edicts of Ashoka at
Dhauli
and the remains of the ancient fortified town at Sisupalgarh.
FOR MORE TRAVEL INFORMATION AND TOURS
The OTDC tourist office is on Jayadeva Marg, near the Panthanivas Tourist
Bungalow, and is open from 10am to 5pm except Sunday and every second
Saturday of the month. There are also tourist counters at the airport and
railway station.
The OTDC has a luxury bus tour that goes to the
temples
and museums,
Dhauli
,
Nandankanan
, Khandagiri,
and Udayagiri from 9am to 5.30pm every day, except Monday. You can
book this tour at the tourist office. There is a daily OTDC tour to
Puri and
Konark , which
stops at Pipli village for appliqué. It departs from the railway
station at 8.30am.
The useful Government of India tourist office, BJB Nagar, around the
corner from the Panthanivas Hotel, has an assortment of leaflets that can
be helpful to plan your journey around the area.
Photographs: Photographs of the
monuments
and guidebooks and picture-post cards are respectively available with the
Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Eastern
Circle, Narayani Building, 27 Brabourne Road,
Calcutta
700001, and the local Archaeological Sub-office. The latter may also be
contacted in case of necessity.
Post Office & Banks: The GPO is by the bus stand. One can
change money at the state bank of India on Raj Path, opposite New Market.
Most banks are closed on Monday.
SHOPPING
An oriental bazaar is not a place with architectural spaces and textured
shop fronts. They are often laid out at random and the interactions are
more spontaneous which reveal the inner quality of the local people. To
know the place one must visit its local shopping area.
Bhubaneshwar is a modern city where the
Government Emporia 'Utkalika', exhibit a comprehensive range of local fare
collected from all corners of the State. Local art and crafts like
silver
filigree work,
stone
and
wood
carvings ,
'Patta'
paintings , tie and dye textiles, bamboo baskets brass and
horn
works ,
appliqué
and 'Ikat' fabrics are available at most places. They are authentic and
quite reasonably priced.
FESTIVALS
One may witness the 'Tribal Fair' at the end of January. February to
March 'Shivaratri' is held at the
Lingaraja
Temple , Hatakeswar temple,
Atri
and throughout Orissa
. 'Magha Saptami' is held at
Khandagiri
outside Bhubaneshwar.
April to May 'Ashokastami
' is celebrated at
Lingaraja
temple with a chariot festival. 'Panashankanti' (Fire-walking) takes
place in various regions on the first day of 'Baisakh'. June- July
Rath
Yatra can be seen at
Puri, Baripada and
other parts of Orissa
. October-November 'Dussehra
' and 'Diwali
' festivals are celebrated all over the State.
Nearby Cities
Khandagiri &
Udaygiri : 7-km
Nandankanan
Zoo : 20-km
Dhauli
: 8-km
Atri
: 40-km
Konark : 64-km
Puri: 60-km
Cuttack :
29-km
Hirapur
: 13-km
Pipli: 20-km
Chilika Lake
: 100-km