Ekamara Kshetra, Bhubaneswar Travel Guide

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Explore Ekamara Kshetra: Bhubaneswar's ancient temple city, a spiritual haven with stunning Kalinga architecture and rich cultural heritage.

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Ekamara Kshetra

Ekamara Kshetra, the ancient heart of Bhubaneswar, is a captivating area brimming with historic sandstone temples, sacred ponds, and smaller shrines, showcasing over 2,000 years of Kalinga architecture. This 'Area of Mango Trees' offers a glimpse into Odisha's rich cultural and religious heritage.

A brief summary to Ekamara Kshetra

36, Forest Park Rd, Bhubaneswar, Forest Park, Odisha, 751020, IN
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ekamara Kshetra.

Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Ekamara Kshetra involves a lot of walking between temples and sites.
Dress respectfully when visiting the temples; cover shoulders and knees. Some temples may not allow entry to those not dressed appropriately.
Carry water and stay hydrated, especially during the hotter months. Bhubaneswar can get quite humid.
Hire a local guide to learn about the history and significance of the temples and monuments.
Visit during the winter months (October to March) for pleasant weather and easier exploration.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens

State Tribal Museum

Biju Patnaik Park

Rani Gumpha

Regional Science Centre Bhubaneswar (Science Park)

Explore Ekamara Kshetra on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ekamara Kshetra, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Odisha State Museum, head east on Lewis Rd toward BJB Nagar Rd for about 500m. Turn left onto BJB Nagar Rd and continue for 1km. Turn right onto Janpath Rd and continue for 200m. Turn left onto পুরাতন ভুবনেশ্বর পথ and continue for 1km. Ekamara Kshetra will be on the right. Walking is a good way to explore the area's many temples and water tanks. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, take a local bus towards the Old Town area. Several buses ply this route frequently. Alight near the Lingaraj Temple, the main landmark of Ekamara Kshetra. From there, you can easily walk to other temples and attractions. The bus fare is approximately INR 10-20.
Taxi/Ride-share

From Biju Patnaik International Airport, take a taxi or ride-share service (Ola/Uber) to Ekamara Kshetra. The journey is approximately 5-7 km and should take around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask the driver to take you to Lingaraj Temple. The estimated cost is INR 150-250. Parking is available near the temple, but it can be limited.

Discover more about Ekamara Kshetra

Ekamara Kshetra, often called the 'Temple City,' encapsulates the old city of Bhubaneswar and stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural and historical heritage. The name 'Ekamra' translates to 'mango trees,' and 'Kshetra' means 'area,' reflecting a time when numerous mango groves flourished here. According to ancient texts like Ekamra Purana, the presiding deity, Lord Lingaraj, was originally worshipped under a mango tree.This sacred area, potentially a UNESCO World Heritage site, is adorned with ancient sandstone temples, heritage ponds, and water tanks, showcasing Kalinga architecture from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. The Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, serves as the epicenter, surrounded by numerous smaller shrines and water bodies like the Bindu Sagar Lake. Legend says that Lord Shiva created Bindu Sagar Lake to quench Parvati's thirst by summoning water from all the holy rivers with his trident.Ekamara Kshetra was once a sprawling area of 10 miles in circumference, dotted with 700 temples, though only a portion remains today. The area is not only a visual treat with its intricate carvings and architectural marvels but also a spiritual haven, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Exploring Ekamara Kshetra offers a unique journey through time, revealing the confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism that has shaped the cultural landscape of Odisha.While exploring, one can visit the Ekamra Van, a botanical garden near Bindu Sagar Lake, or embark on the Ekamra Walks, curated city trails that explore the heritage, science, history and food of the city. The area is easily accessible on foot, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the intricate network of lanes connecting the ancient shrines.