Bhubaneswar

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Bhubaneswar [pronunciation] ([Media helphelp]·[info]) (Hindi: भुवनेश्वर - in Sanskrit and Oriya/oDiA, "The Lord of the Universe")or The temple city of India is a city located on the eastern coast of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history and is today a bustling centre for commerce and religious activity. Bhubaneswar became the modern capital of the state of Orissa in 1948, a year after India gained its independence from Britain. The city is inhabited by over a million people and maintains a high rate of population growth.

History and character

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Modern Bhubaneswar was originally meant to be a well planned city with wide roads and many gardens and parks. A part of the city has stayed faithful to the plan. But it has grown rapidly over the last few decades with the population almost doubling every decade. This has made the planning process unwieldy. The city now has a population of more than a million. But it is a part of the greater urban conglomoration that includes Cuttack, Khurda, Choudwar and Jagatpur and the population of this urban conglomoration, most probably, is more than two and half million.

Having merged its intriguing past so uniquely with its modern aspirations, it forms an integral link in the Golden Triangle that [AK]incorporates the holy city of Puri and Konark, for the tourists that flock to pay their homage to the religious, cultural and natural wonders that abound here. To the east are the famous Sun temple of Konark and the Jagannath Temple of Puri. The Lingaraj Temple of old Bhubaneswar, built in the 11th century, is another temple noted for its ancient history. The Khandagiri and Dhauligiri, situated on the outskirts of the city, carry monuments of inhabitants of buddhist monks in the time of King Ashoka. Another such monument is the Shantistupa, which was built as a symbol of peace at the site where the great Kalinga War took place between Emperor Ashoka and Kalinga (the old empire of Orissa).

The striking features of the city are the numerous temples and shrines that seem to be all around you. Bhubaneswar's skyline is dominated by some of the most spectacular engineering and artistic feats of its ancient heritage. The imposing spire of the Lingaraj Temple, the quiet beauty of the Vishwa Shanti Stupa and the pink translucence of the Mahavira Jain Temple in nearby Khandagiri, inspire feelings of wonder at their sheer beauty and their cross-- cultural permutations. These three alone offer an excellent insight into the ancient cultural strength of Orissa and are well-worth exploring at greater length. At least four of Bhubaneswar's temples must be on the tourist's agenda, to get a feel of the dynamic artistry and development of their indigenous perfection.

The temples have after all stood testimony to the area's history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteswar and the Rajarani temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. An interesting variation figures in the Vital and Brahmeswar temples. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside.

Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception into its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.

The State Museum of Bhubaneswar offers an excellent selection of archaeological artifacts, weapons, local arts and crafts as well as insights into Orissa's natural and tribal history. The museum has the world's largest collection of palm leaf paintings. The Tribal Research Institute Museum with its authentic tribal dwellings, created by the tribal craftsmen is a great place to get a bird's eye view of the State's tribal heritage. The Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) has about 500 acres (2 km²) of plantations, tissue culture and experimental laboratory and a huge lake where migratory birds make their home. The two unique features of RPRC are its status for housing the largest rose garden in the country with an area of 20 acres (81,000 m²) and having the largest collection of cacti (550) in Asia. Bhubaneswar is a shopper's delight. Saris woven by the master weavers in silk and cotton are available in the private shops and government emporia. You can also pick up all kinds of artifacts and jewellery produced in different parts of the State. The Handloom Weavers Co-operative is worth a visit.

Geography

Bhubaneswar is situated between 21° 15' North Latitude 85° 15' Longitude and at an altitude of 45 meters above sea level, the average temperatures range between 15 °C in the winter to a maximum of 40 °C to 45 °C in the summer. The south-east monsoons appear in June. The average annual rainfall is 1,500 mm, most of which is recorded between June and October.

Geographically, Bhubaneswar is situated in the eastern coastal plains of Orissa and south-west of the river Mahanadi whose tributaries like Kuakhai, Bhargavi and Daya wash the fingers of this city.

Bhubaneswar is subdivided into a number of townships and housings. The most notable are the nine units which lie to the west of Janpath, the city's main arterial road. Initially meant to house the bulk of the city's population, the 9 Units are now emerging as commercial districts.

To the east of Janpath are Shahid Nagar, Satya Nagar and Bapuji Nagar. They have been the principal commercial centers of the city. The first and till now only shopping mall, Big Bazaar is situated in Kharavel Nagar, also to the east of Janpath.

Main Districts

The main districts of the city are :

Vani Vihar

Vani Vihar means 'Abode of Saraswati' -Goddess of Learning-, it is so named because Orissa's premier university, Utkal University is located here.

.The Utkal University is the 18th oldest University of India. It was established on 1943. National Highway 5 which connects Calcutta and Madras runs right between Vani Vihar and Bhubaneswar proper. Vani Vihar has acquired 399.9 acres of area in the heart of the city. The growth surge has now made NH5 one of the principal dividers of the city. Vani Vihar is a major Bus stoppage, Buses ply from here to many destinations principally Cuttack which is 22 km from Bhubaneswar. A section of this road is now under toll. Utkal University offers various post-graduate & self financed level courses and conducts research in basic and applied sciences and arts. It offers 45 technical non techanical courses, including 27 post-graduate course. It is the major affiliatory body for colleges in the state.It has a big library having a huge collection of around 2.5 lakhs of books including technical and nontechanical. .This University has two parks of its own. .Utkal university has many uniqe department,The MCA department is One of them. .jpg]]All most all the student get placement in reputated Organisation.This department has its alumni association.Every year the annual alumni meet occurs. Vani Vihar square has an automated traffic light system. It is also where Janpath starts. Janpath finally terminates in Ganganagar where the city's airport is located. The railway station is 2 km from Vani Vihar and the airport is 5 km away.

Rupali Square

Rupali (Silvery) square is the first square along Janpath after Vani Vihar, it was so named because when the city was first set up, silversmiths set up shop here. Now it hosts a major shopping district and the principal state financial institutions IPICOL (Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Orissa Limited) and IDCO (Industrial Development Corporation of Orissa), the IDCO and IPICOL buildings stand side by side, IPICOL is white in colour and IDCO is slate grey, IDCO Tower is the tallest building in the city. It also houses many private sector players.

There is an empty plot of land right near the square which hosts some cloth exhibitions off and on. On every Durga Puja, this plot is taken over by the Shahid Nagar Durga Puja Samiti which celebrates the festival on a grand scale. From here one can take the road to Shahid Nagar, one of the principal commercial areas.

Rupali Square is also home to the reputed R.D Women's college. The regional headquarters of the Indian Oil is also around this place.

Central School Square

This is the third square, it is named after Central School-1 which is located on the west side of the road. There is also the Human Life Center which imparts vocational training. In fact this area of the city caters to almost all the school students of the city. Central School-1, Capital Boys High School (Oriya Medium), Bharatiya Vidyalaya (Hindi Medium) and St. Joseph's Convent School are located right next to each other.

Ram Mandir/Convent Square

The very ambiguity of the square's name as well as the fact that the most popular Hindu temple in the city and its only Catholic Church co-exist side by side is testament to the city's peaceful heritage. It is one of the major traffic hotspots. Exhibition Road (so called because further down it has Exhibition Ground on its banks, is one of the principal connectors between Janpath and Secretariat Road, this road houses the city's administrative machinery and is comparatively less busier than Janpath.

Ram Mandir was established in the year 1975, it was established by Seth Jhunjhunwala, one of the city's principal affluents. Today it is the most popular temple in the city and celebrates all Hindu festivals in great gaiety.

Shubham Market, a shopping complex is opposite the Church on the eastern side, with the rise of Big Bazaar, a major retail chain just a few minutes walk form the square, Shubham Market has had to play second fiddle.

Opposite Ram Mandir is The Marrion Hotel (previously Prachi), it is one of the best hotels in the city and is well suited for the business traveller. The square also hosts a major fruit market.

Master Canteen

This is one the oldest squares of Bhubaneswar, it was so named after an eatery which opened shop where the Lalchand shopping complex now stands. It has a large roundabout and in its center is one of the stone horses of the Konark Temple. It is a major bus stoppage. From here, roads branch off to the railway station and Bapuji Nagar. Lalchand Complex is one of the major departmental stores in the city and has Asia's largest Jewellery shop.

Raj Mahal

Master Canteen's twin, it was named after Hotel RajMahal, which still exists near the square. It is Bhubaneswar's principal commercial district. Bapuji Nagar, to which it leads, is home to many businesses including Venus Inn, the city's best South Indian Eatery.Of course now so many other good restaurants and hotels came up in Bhubaneswar.

Chandrasekharpur

Chandrasekharpur is the largest residential area of Bhubaneswar. It is definitely the most thriving institutional area. It houses KIIT and five other engineering colleges, one medical college and three management colleges. This locality also houses INFOCITY, a software park that houses software firms. The area has adequate green cover and is one of the most pleasant areas of the city to settle down in.

Tourist Attractions

Ram Mandir

Although its one of the youngest temples in Bhubaneswar, it is the most popular. Ram Mandir provides a tranquil environment to the citizens right in the midst of their hectic life. There are temples of Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, Devi Durga and Devi Lakshmi.

Ekamra Haat

Ekamra Haat located near Exhibition Ground is the place where the indigenous trade and handicrafts of Orissa are put up for display and sale. Beautifully landscaped, it has become a hot favourite for the city's teenagers and the young crowd. Prices are reasonable though not the lowest among all other outlets in the state.And its a fine place to cool your heels.

State Museum

The State Museum houses many important artifacts of Orissan past, exhibits include stone artifacts, traditional dresses, ancient and medieval tools and weapons. There is also a souvenir shop

Nandan Kanan

Named after two tigers, this wildlife park is home to many rare species of animals and birds. it houses white tigers which are a rarity in the country now. It is 15 km away from the centre of the city and 5 km away from Chandrasekharpur, newly developed area of the capital. it is an ideal place to spend the day and a delight for children and wildlife lovers. Remember Nandan Kanan is closed on every Monday of the week. Never miss the Botanical garden which is situated nearby, just within walking distance.

Nicco Park

This is an amusement park which has rides and games to engage children and ease adults' stress. it also houses occasional exciting activities like an"Ice house", where snow and ice was replicated and children were able to experience the enthralls of 0 degrees.

Of late this park is polluted with drain water flowing from the city. The boat ride on the stream emanates stink from the drain water. Recently Nicco Park authorities have stopped boat riding because of this foul smell pervading the atmosphere. Its entry fee is Rs.50 which seems to be on the higher side as without boat riding it has nothing spectacular to offer.

Transportation and city access

Bhubaneswar has excellent air and rail linkages with most major cities in the country.

Air

Bhubaneswar is connected to the cities of Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Raipur through regular flights. Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar is the only major airport in the state.

Rail

Bhubaneswar is directly connected by rail with Kolkata, Puri, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Trivandrum.

Road

The city is linked with Berhampur, Chilka, Cuttack, Konark, Paradip, Puri, Rourkela, Sambalpur and other places. Interstate bus services operate daily between Kolkata and Puri via Bhubaneswar and Tatanagar (Jamshedpur).

Notable sites

Khandagiri & Udayagiri (Jain Heritage)

The twin hills of Khandagiri & Udayagiri, 8 km from Bhubaneswar, served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, some of the caves have beautiful carvings. The Rani Gumpha ( Queen's Cave), one of the largest and double-storied, is ornately embellished with beautiful carvings. In the Hati Gumpha (Elephant Cave), King Kharavela has carved out the chronicles of his reign.

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