Cultural Bhubaneshwar
Where timeless temples, wild coasts, and living traditions welcome you to India’s best-kept secret.
Best Time to Travel
September to April
Places covered
Bhubaneshwar
Tour Duration
3 Nights
Starting from
₹ 25,000/ person
Destination Highlights
This journey through Bhubaneswar and beyond isn’t about checking off monuments — it’s about slowing down to feel the rhythm of Odisha. Stay in a warm, family-run eco home just outside the city, where conversations flow as easily as home-cooked meals. Discover ancient cave dwellings and temple towns alive with ritual, meet artisans who turn everyday materials into art, and drift through the wetlands of Mangalajodi as flocks of migratory birds paint the sky.
Stay with Heart
Experience authentic Odia hospitality at a family-run eco stay surrounded by nature, where everything feels personal.
Stories in Stone
Trace the spiritual and artistic legacy of Odisha through its ancient rock-cut caves and timeless temples
Crafts That Speak
Meet women artisans and traditional painters preserving local art forms, and gain insight into their creative world.
Nature’s Harmony
Balance cultural discovery with moments of calm — from birdwatching in serene wetlands to quiet walks through village life.
Vacation Style
Weekend getaway
Balance comfort and value with quality stays and curated experiences for a short stay
Culture
merse yourself in local traditions, art, festivals, and culinary explorations.
Heritage
Discover historic landmarks, museums, and architectural marvels of the past.
For Everyone
Enjoy shared family experiences, private moments, and tailored group activities.
Experiences for the Five Senses
Explore Khandagiri & Udaigiri Caves
Step back into ancient history at Khandagiri and Udaigiri caves, rock-cut shelters dating back to the Jain period. Walk through intricate carvings and inscriptions, explore serene hilltop viewpoints, and hear stories of monks who once lived here. This immersive experience combines history, architecture, and panoramic vistas, giving travelers a glimpse into Odisha’s spiritual past while enjoying the tranquility of these heritage sites.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Guided tour, transport from homestay, entrance fees
Why Experience This: Because it allows you to connect with centuries-old heritage while enjoying breathtaking hilltop views.
Hands-On Craft Workshop at Local Artisan Cluster
Engage with Odisha’s thriving artisanal traditions at a women-led craft cluster. Learn to make coir toys from coconut waste and try your hand at Pattachitra painting. Experience the stories behind each craft, understand the eco-friendly processes, and connect directly with the artisans who carry forward these age-old traditions. This interactive session provides a rare chance to create and take home unique handcrafted souvenirs while supporting local communities.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Workshop materials, guidance from artisans, transport from homestay
Why Experience This: To immerse yourself in local creativity while supporting sustainable and women-led crafts.
Temples & Cultural Walks in Bhubaneswar Old Town
Discover the spiritual heart of Bhubaneswar through its iconic temples and hidden gems. Explore Lingaraj, Mukteswar, and Parsurameswara temples, learning about Odisha’s architectural styles, rituals, and religious history. Guided walks reveal stories etched in stone and centuries-old sculptures that make Bhubaneswar a living museum. This cultural exploration provides insight into local traditions, festivals, and spiritual practices, enriching your understanding of Odisha’s vibrant heritage.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Guided temple visits, transport, entry fees
Why Experience This: Because walking through Bhubaneswar’s sacred spaces offers a deep connection to its rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Mangalajodi Wetlands Birding Experience
Witness the magic of Mangalajodi Wetlands, a Ramsar site and winter haven for thousands of migratory birds. Glide silently on a boat through serene marshes as the golden light reflects off the water. Spot a variety of birds, from herons to pelicans, and observe local fishermen working amidst this thriving ecosystem. This peaceful experience combines nature, wildlife, and photography opportunities, making it a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Boat ride, guide, binoculars, transport from Bhubaneswar
Why Experience This: To experience Odisha’s unique biodiversity while enjoying tranquility and breathtaking sunset vistas.
Village Immersion & Rural Odisha Walk
Step into the heart of rural Odisha with a guided village walk. Meet local families, explore traditional homes, and understand everyday life, crafts, and customs. Engage in meaningful conversations, witness local practices, and observe artisans at work. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the rhythms of village life while highlighting the beauty of simple living and sustainable practices.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Guided village walk, interaction with locals, light refreshments
Why Experience This: To connect authentically with local communities and gain insights into traditional rural life in Odisha.
Festivals to Experience
- Jagannath Rath Yatra (June/July): Join the vibrant chariot procession of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha, and witness devotion, colorful festivities, and centuries-old traditions come alive.
- Dussehra in Cuttack (Oct): Marvel at Odisha’s Cuttack Dussehra with intricately handcrafted Chandi Medha silver backdrops, grand pandals, lively fairs, and the spectacular Bisarjan (immersion) ceremony.
Bubaneshwar Tour FAQs
What is the best way to reach Bhubaneshwar?
Bhubaneswar is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Biju Patnaik International Airport has direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. Regular trains connect Bhubaneswar to other cultural hubs in India, while highways and private taxis make road travel convenient for exploring nearby destinations.
What other destinations can I cover from Bhubaneswar?
From Bhubaneswar, curated itineraries can include visits to nearby villages and towns such as Nandankanan, Pipili, Raghurajpur, and Khandagiri & Udayagiri villages. These destinations offer immersive cultural experiences, traditional crafts, and rural life, providing a more intimate understanding of Odisha beyond the city.
Where will you stay during the tour?
This itinerary arranges stays at an intimate eco homestay on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Guests enjoy a peaceful, homely environment, home-cooked meals, and the chance to connect with local hosts, offering a quiet retreat while staying close to cultural and natural attractions.
Is this tour suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers?
Absolutely. Families can enjoy engaging, interactive activities; couples can savor intimate and cultural highlights; and solo travelers have the flexibility to tweak the itinerary to explore additional attractions or spend more time in certain locations.
What is special about Mangalajodi?
Mangalajodi is a Ramsar-listed wetland, famous for its winter migratory birds. Travelers can enjoy serene boat rides, observe thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds, and experience sustainable conservation practices alongside local communities who depend on the wetlands. Read more about Mangalajodi in our blog.
Are all meals covered during my stay?
Yes. All meals are included during your stay, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, home-cooked specialties, and curated temple lunches for a full taste of Odisha’s culinary heritage.
Can I visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneswar as a day trip?
Yes, a day trip to Chilika Lake is possible from Bhubaneswar. However, it is best experienced as part of a combined stay that includes Konark, allowing more time to explore the lake, local villages, and birdwatching opportunities without feeling rushed.
What is special about Chilika Lake and what can I do there?
Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, renowned for its migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. Activities include boat rides, birdwatching, visiting fishing villages, and exploring small islands, making it a haven for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Where is the famous temple with the chariot located? Can I visit that as a day trip?
The iconic Jagannath Temple is in Puri, about 60 km from Bhubaneswar. Like Chilika Lake, it can be visited as a day trip, allowing time to experience the Rath Yatra, explore local markets, and immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural vibrancy of the city.
What is the Jagannath Puri festival?
The Jagannath Puri Festival, also known as Rath Yatra, is a centuries-old celebration where the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are paraded on massive chariots. It attracts thousands of devotees and visitors eager to witness Odisha’s vibrant spiritual and cultural heritage.
Why is this itinerary considered slow travel?
This itinerary emphasizes immersive experiences over rushed sightseeing. Travelers engage deeply with local crafts, villages, temples, and wildlife. Each activity allows meaningful interaction, reflection, and cultural appreciation, making the journey experiential rather than hurried.
Do you offer tailor-made and DIY Bhubaneshwar itinerary?
Yes, we provide both tailor-made and DIY options. Tailor-made itineraries allow complete customization based on your pace, interests, and travel style, while our DIY option comes with a planning fee to guide you with a detailed itinerary and suggestions.
Do I need a visa, travel insurance, and how is connectivity during the trip?
Foreign travellers require a visa to enter India, which can typically be obtained online as an e-Visa. Travel insurance is recommended for health and travel contingencies. Connectivity is generally good in cities and popular tourist areas, though remote or rural destinations may have limited network coverage. For detailed guidance on visas, insurance, and connectivity, please refer to our India destination page.