Top Rated Attractions in Bhubaneswar

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is one of the prime attractions in Bhubaneswar city which has an abundance of archeological monuments. Though visibly different from the usual structural pattern of Odishan temples, Bhaskareswar Temple has a 2.74 meter(9 feet)-Shiva Linga inside. Located next to Megheswar Dev Temple, the beautifully curated landscape and the natural green adds to the pleasing aesthetics.

Preserved as an archeological monument, the Rock Edicts of Ashoka are a major tourist sight in Dhauli Hills. More than 30 separate inscriptions are preserved in the complex which has a beautiful garden. The elephant carving is distinctly notable; so are the ones in the glass chamber. The site emanates the glory of the great emperor, who was once the epitome of violence.

Doordarshan Kendra, the national broadcasting organization, has a center situated in the Gajapati Nagar area of Bhubaneswar. This prominent landmark of the city has many other attractions located nearby including Rabindra Mandap, Regional Museum of Natural History, Science Park and Pathani Samanta Planetarium.

Rameswar Temple, also known as 'Mausima Mandir' of Lingaraj Temple, is a prominent attraction in the temple city. Built in the 9th Century, this temple is yet another brilliant spectacle of Kalingan architecture. Though the wall of the spire conspicuously lacks the miniature erotica one notice in most of the other temples, the towering structure has a beautiful and symmetric design. The premises are adorned with natural green and the pond located next to the temple adds to the scenic scope. The curated landscape and the devotees queuing for ritualistic offerings pose quite a contrasting visual here, when compared to the mostly chaotic Hindu places of worship. During Ram Navami celebrations, Lord Lingaraj visits this temple and stays there for four days. Other attractions like Bharateswar Temple, Shatrughaneswar Temple and Ramakrisha Math are quite close by.

This pillar, structurally similar to the renowned Lion Capital of Ashoka (that became India's national emblem), stands in a secluded spot near the famous Rock Edicts of Dhauli. Monuments reminiscent of the Battle of Kalinga is everywhere around the area and this one which is one of the solid remembrances of emperor Ashoka looks like a recent addition. It might not be heaped with archaeological value, but the Lion Pillar at Dhauli evokes the memory of olden times in style. Nearby is a Buddhist temple and monastery.

Similar to the Nata Mandir, Bhog Mandir constitutes an essential architectural component of Kalingan temple architecture. The daily ritual of Lingaraj Temple has timely food offerings to the deity. This is performed in the main sanctum accompanied by chanting of mantras. The Bhog Mandir holds large scale offerings, which are later distributed to the devotees. These offerings known as Bhog or Prasad is often considered divine by Hindu worshipers and is cherished by pilgrims for their unique taste.