Monuments: Must watch in Bhubhaneshwar

Udaigiri and Khandagiri Caves

The twin mountain caves, Khandagiri and Udaigiri, attract people from the globe to have a peaceful meditation. These caves are believed to be built in 1st century AD. The Dhauli is a place for spiritual devotion and eternal manifestation.

Dhauli

The Dhauli hill brings back memories of the historic 'Kalinga war' which was fought around here. It is here that Ashoka, the terrible, was transformed into Ashoka, the compassionate and championed the cause of Buddhism. On the foot of the hill one can see the Rock Edicts of Ashoka and the forepart of a skillfully sculpted elephant hewn out of a huge rock. Dhauli has gained prominence due to the establishment of a Buddhist Peace Pagoda, popularly known as Shanti Stupa, built in the early seventies.

Sisupalgarh

Just two km from the famed Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh. Dating back to the third or fourth century BC, these ruins show that even at that early date there was a well fortified city here, and establish the fact that the Orissan civilization has very ancient roots.

Hirapur

Hirapur has the 11th century Hypaethral temple of sixty four Yoginis. It is second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such unique temples in India.

Atri

Situated amidst greenery and famous for the hot sulphur water spring, Atri, 42 km. from Bhubaneswar and 14 km. from Khurda, is also a holy place with the shrine of Hatakeswar. A bath in the spring water is reputed to cure skin diseases apart from being a pleasant experience.

Cactus Garden

Cactus garden situated close to the 'Ekamara Kanan' in Bhubaneswar, the Cactus Garden, with its huge collection of Cactii should not be missed.

Orissa State Museum

Orissa State Museum is one of the best maintained museums in the country displaying varied objects of ancient origin. The exhibits include a rich collection of Buddhist and Jain sculptures, coins, and painted palm-leaf manuscripts etc.

Nandan Kanan Zoo

Nandan Kanan, the only biological park of Orissa has varieties of plants and animals. The other part, which is the Botanical Garden, is isolated from the zoo by a narrow lake that is meant for boating.

The animals like Tigers, Lions, European Black Bears, Grey Pelican, Pythons, King Cobra, Grey Pelicans, and Gorillas create a sense of curiosity in the mind of children. The place is only 20 kms from Bhubaneswar.