In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Bhubaneswar.
| About City: | Bhubaneswar is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Odisha, situated in the Khordha district. The suburban area, particularly the old town, has historically been referred to as Chakra Khetra and Ekamra Khetra, meaning “Area adorned with a mango tree.” Known as the “Temple City,” Bhubaneswar has earned this nickname due to the numerous temples that stand there. In recent years, the city has become a center for sports, tourism, and IT in the country. While the modern city of Bhubaneswar was officially established in 1948, the history of the region dates back to the 1st century BCE. It showcases a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain heritage, featuring several Kalingan temples, many of which were built between the 6th and 13th centuries CE. Together with Puri and Konark, it forms the “Swarna Tribhuja” or ‘Golden Triangle,’ one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern India. Bhubaneswar became the capital, replacing Cuttack, on April 13, 1948. The modern city was designed by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1966, making it one of the first planned cities in modern India, alongside Jamshedpur and Chandigarh. Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are often referred to as the ‘twin cities of Odisha.’ As of 2011, the combined population of these two cities was 1.7 million, and Bhubaneswar is classified as a Tier-2 city. It, along with Rourkela, is part of Odisha’s smart city mission. |
| History: | Bhubaneswar stands near the ruins of Sisupalgarh. Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar was the site of the Kalinga War (c. 262-261 BCE), in which the Mauryan emperor Ashoka invaded and annexed Kalinga. One of the most complete edicts of the Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka, dating from between 272 and 236 BCE, remains carved in rock, 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the southwest of the modern city. After the decline of the Mauryan empire, the area came under the rule of Mahameghavahana dynasty, whose most well-known ruler is Kharavela. His Hathigumpha inscription is located at the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves near Bhubaneswar. The area was subsequently ruled by several dynasties, including Satavahanas, Guptas, Matharas, and Shailodbhavas. The name of the new capital came from “Tribhubaneswara” or “Bhubaneswara” (literally “Lord of the Earth”), a name of Shiva, the deity of the Lingaraja temple. The Legislative Assembly of Odisha was shifted from Cuttack to Bhubaneswar in 1969. Bhubaneswar was built as a modern city, designed by German architect Otto Königsberger with wide roads, gardens and parks. Though part of the city followed the plan, it grew rapidly over the next few decades, outstripping the planning process. According to the first census of independent India, taken in 1951, the town’s population was just 16,000. From 1952 to 1979, it was administered by a Notified Area Council or a nagar panchayat; a municipality was established only on 12 March 1979. |
| Geography: | Bhubaneswar is in Khordha district of Odisha. It is in the eastern coastal plains, along the axis of the Eastern Ghats mountains. The city has an average altitude of 45 m (148 ft) above sea level. Bhubaneswar lies in Mahanadi River Delta. The Daya River is 4 km to the south and the Kuakhai River 4 km to the east; the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary and Nandankanan Zoo are in west and north to Bhubaneswar, respectively. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Odisha |
| District: | Khordha |
| Population: | 837,000 (2024) |
| Language: | Odia, English |
| Literacy rate: | The literacy rate for Bhubaneswar is 91.72%, which is higher than the national urban average of 85%. The literacy rate for males and females in Bhubaneswar is 94.58% and 88.52%, respectively. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Lingaraj Temple Mukteswara Temple Rajarani Temple Vaital Deul Temple Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts Ekamra Kanan Chandrabhaga Beach Udayagiri Caves |
