Major city · India
Bhubaneswarଭୁବନେଶ୍ଵର
Give Bhubaneswar 2 nights: one full day for the Old Town temples on foot, one for Khandagiri, Dhauli and Nandankanan. Add Puri and Konark as a separate 2-night run.
Bhubaneswar is Odisha's capital and the start of the state's Golden Triangle with Puri and Konark. Its draw is a dense cluster of 7th–13th century Kalinga-style temples in the Old Town, walkable in a morning, plus Buddhist and Jain sites on the edges. The modern city is spread out, cheap to cross by auto, and works as a base for day trips rather than a place to linger.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid Apr–Jun (37°C (99°F)+ before the monsoon), Jul–Sep (heavy rain)avoid Apr–Jun (99°F (37°C)+ before the monsoon), Jul–Sep (heavy rain)
- Airport
- BBI
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Bhubaneswar112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Bhubaneswar, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyBhubaneswar is a calm, low-crime city by Indian standards and women travellers generally report few problems in daylight.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) · 1363 tourist police (odisha) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBBI Biju Patnaik International Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the centre; prepaid taxi and app cabs at the exit, 15–25 min to most hotels.).BBI Biju Patnaik International Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) south of the centre; prepaid taxi and app cabs at the exit, 15–25 min to most hotels.).
- Getting aroundAutos are the workhorse and do not use meters: fix the fare before you get in, roughly ₹100 (≈ US$2) for 5 km (3.1 mi) (2026 estimate).Autos are the workhorse and do not use meters: fix the fare before you get in, roughly ₹100 (≈ US$2) for 3.1 mi (5 km) (2026 estimate).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeFilter coffee or chai₹20–60 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Auto-rickshaw, 5 km (3.1 mi)Auto-rickshaw, 3.1 mi (5 km)Fix the fare first; no meters.₹100–150 (≈ US$2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data pack, about a week₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12)
- Museum or sight ticketTemple or monument entry (most Old Town temples are free)checkFree–₹50 (≈ under US$1)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₹500 (≈ US$6)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per room₹7,000 (≈ US$80)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,500 (≈ US$18) · Mid ₹3,500 (≈ US$40) · High ₹8,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BBI Biju Patnaik International Airport (About 5 km (3.1 mi) south of the centre; prepaid taxi and app cabs at the exit, 15–25 min to most hotels.)BBI Biju Patnaik International Airport (About 3.1 mi (5 km) south of the centre; prepaid taxi and app cabs at the exit, 15–25 min to most hotels.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
not flagged
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Apr
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
May
Avoid
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
Jun
Avoid
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Apr–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)), coolest Dec (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Aug (16 rain days), driest Jan (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Bhubaneswar: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
2 rd
Mar
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Apr
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
May
38°C (100°F)100°F (38°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
6 rd
Jun
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
11 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
3 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Autos are the workhorse and do not use meters: fix the fare before you get in, roughly ₹100 for 5 km (2026 estimate). Ola, Uber and Rapido work well in the city and can be booked for Puri, Konark or Chilika day trips. City buses run about 06:30–22:30 and cost a few rupees, but are crowded. The Old Town temple lanes are best walked.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Puri and Konark
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h each way
Train or bus to Puri (about 1 h 15 min), then bus or taxi to Konark; or a hired car for the loop
Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple need a full day; sleep in Puri rather than doubling back.
Dhauli
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Auto or taxi, about 8 km (5 mi) south on the Puri roadAuto or taxi, about 5 mi (8 km) south on the Puri road
Ashokan edict site and peace pagoda; combine with Dhauli hill viewpoint, 1–2 h total.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves
goDoor to door: About 25 min
Auto or taxi, about 6 km (3.7 mi) westAuto or taxi, about 3.7 mi (6 km) west
Jain rock-cut caves on two hills; go early, the steps are steep and exposed.
Nandankanan Zoological Park
cautionDoor to door: 45–60 min
Auto or taxi, about 20 km (12 mi) north; some trains stop at Bhubaneswar New stationAuto or taxi, about 12 mi (20 km) north; some trains stop at Bhubaneswar New station
Closed Mondays in most years; check the official site before you set out.
Chilika Lake (Barkul)
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Train or car to Balugaon or Barkul, about 100 km (62 mi)Train or car to Balugaon or Barkul, about 62 mi (100 km)
Dolphin and bird boat trips are best from November to February; too far for a relaxed return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Town (around Bindu Sagar)
Walking distance to the main temples; few good hotels, so most people visit rather than sleep here.
Saheed Nagar and Nayapalli
Mid-range hotels, restaurants and malls; 15–25 min by auto to the Old Town.
Patia and Chandrasekharpur
Business and university belt near the airport road; chain hotels, quiet at night.
Near Bhubaneswar station (BBS)
Cheapest beds and the easiest early train; the streets around it are busy and plain.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,500–3,000 (≈ US$18–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹3,000–6,000 (≈ US$35–70) excl. bed
- High
- ₹6,000 (≈ US$70)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × ₹3,500 | ₹7,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹3,500 | ₹14,000 |
| Airport to city centre by prepaid taxi1 × ₹500 · check | ₹500 |
| Full-day auto or taxi for the Old Town and caves1 × ₹1,500 · check | ₹1,500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₹800 | ₹1,600 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹2,460 |
| Trip total≈ ₹6,770 per person per day, bed included | ₹27,060≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and trains excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Filter coffee or chai | ₹20–60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Thali or rice plate at a local eatery | ₹100–250 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Auto-rickshaw, 5 kmFix the fare first; no meters. | ₹100–150 (≈ US$2) |
| App cab, 5 km | ₹120–200 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Temple or monument entry (most Old Town temples are free)check | Free–₹50 (≈ under US$1) |
| eSIM or data pack, about a week | ₹500–1,000 (≈ US$6–12) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- At the Lingaraja viewing platform, men may ask you to sign a 'guestbook' and then demand a donation. Refuse and walk away.
- Non-Hindus cannot enter Lingaraja or some other temples; the viewing platform outside is the alternative.
- Shoes, phones and bags are not allowed inside temple complexes; use the deposit counter.
- Summer heat from April is a real risk: start temple walks at opening, carry water, stop by noon.
- Auto drivers at the station and airport quote high first; agree the price or use an app.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
- Tourist police (Odisha)
- 1363
Pocket card
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Bhubaneswarଭୁବନେଶ୍ଵର
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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ଏଠାକୁ ନେଇଯାଆନ୍ତୁTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
- Tourist police (Odisha)1363
Embassy
No embassies in Bhubaneswar; most countries are represented in New Delhi, with consulates in Kolkata or Chennai. Check your own embassy's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre, prepaid taxi: about ₹400–600 (≈ US$5–7), 15–25 min (check)
- Auto, 5 km: about ₹100 (≈ US$2), agree before boarding
- Train Bhubaneswar → Puri: about ₹50–150 (≈ US$1–2), 1 h 15 min (check)
Say or show
- ନମସ୍କାର — Hello / Namaste (namaskar)
- ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ — Thank you (dhanyabad)
- କେତେ ଟଙ୍କା? — How much is it? (kete tanka)
- ଏଠାକୁ ନେଇଯାଆନ୍ତୁ — Please take me to this address (ethaku neiyaantu)
- ଶୌଚାଳୟ କେଉଁଠି? — Where is the toilet? (shauchalaya keunthi)
- ମୋତେ ଦରକାର ନାହିଁ — I don't want it, thank you (mote darakara nahin)
Carry small rupee notes: many autos, temples and small eateries cannot break ₹500.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Bhubaneswar. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid Apr–Jun (37°C+ before the monsoon), Jul–Sep (heavy rain) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares