Mukteshwar Temple (7th-8th century AD) is one of the most ornated temples in the Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities testify the influence of Hindu, Buddha, and Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially striking.

The Rajarani Temple (1100 AD), which derives its name from the stone known as the Rajarani, was built earlier in comparison to the impressive Lingaraja. Set amongst picturesque paddy fields, the relatively small Rajarani temple is noted for its fascinating female figures portrayed in a stunning variety of amorous poses and moods.

Brahmeswara Temple (1050 AD) is situated around a kilometer east of the main road. The temple stands in a courtyard flanked by four smaller temples.

Sisupalgarh

Just two km from the famed Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar lie the ruins of Sisupalgarh. Dating back to the 3rd or 4th 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.

Atri

The Atri hot sulphur spring is believed to have medicinal properties and has become a popular outing spot for vacationers. The drive from Bhuhaneswar (42 km) alone is worth the trip. The countryside is gorgeous. Atri is also famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Hatakeswar.

Dhauli

Just 8 km away from Bhubaneswar looking down on the plains that bore witness to the gruesome war waged on Kalinga by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, stand the rock edicts of Dhauli. It was here that King Ashoka, full of remorse after the Kalinga War in 261 BC, renounced his bloodthirsty campaign and turned to Buddhism.

The edicts are a living testimony to the King’s change of heart. He urges his administrators to rule the land with justice and compassion. The edicts are so remarkable that they have been excellently preserved, despite the fact that they date back to the 3rd century BC. A sculpted elephant, the universal symbol of Lord Buddha, tops the rock edicts. The Shanti Stupa or the peace pagoda, built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration, is located on the opposite hill.

Hirapur

The Yogini shrine at Hirapur (dated 7th century BC) is important for its architectural variation from the main Orissan architectural genre. The temple is open to the sky (hypaethral). There are only four temples of this kind in India and two of them are in Orissa (the other one is at Ranipur-Jharial). Yogini Goddesses were worshipped in the hope of acquiring supernatural powers. It is 20 km from Bhubaneswar.

Nandankanan (Garden of the Gods)

A short distance from the capital city, Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan zoo lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the ripling water of the Kanjia Lake. It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared a santuary.

It is famous for its white tiger population. Nandankanan or the garden of Gods, has become a hot family favorite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy watching these regal animals in their natural glory and in a natural environment.

Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, three Indian crocodilians, Sangal liontailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to a large veriety of fresh water fishes.

The Reptile Park’s cave like entrance is guarded by a lifesize tyrannosaurus. Inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizards,turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease. 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles, 81 species of birds coexist in the deep forest. The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation, internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers, gharial crocodiles and white tigers in capitivity.

Fairs and Festivals

On the day of Ashokashtami in the month of March, the image of Lingaraja (Lord Shiva) and other deities are taken in a procession from Lingaraja Temple to the Rameshwara Temple. Hundreds of devotees participate in pulling the chariot that carries the deities. The deities remain in the Rameshwara Temple for four days.

At the end of January comes Adivasi Mela, a fair that displays the art, artifacts, tradition, culture, and music of the tribal folks of Orissa.

Other festivals of importance are Durga Puja, Janmashtami, Raja Sankranti and Kali Puja.

The Orissa government has tried to develop the city as an IT hub. The city has offices of Enterprise System Solutions,TCS,Satyam, Infosys, Systems Technology International and STPI.