Nandankanan Zoo, Bhubaneshwar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: See image below.

Timing:  See image below.

Distance: 1450 Kms one way.

Parking: Available.

Food: Available.

Photography:  Allowed.

Other attractions nearby:

Nandankanan zoo established in 1960 and is home to 166 species of animals. The zoo has the largest collection of white tigers in India. The zoo also has a safari which takes the bus through the park adjacent to the zoo. The animals in the park are kept in wide enclosure. The zoo is big and it requires quiet a bit of walking. We shared battery operated vehicle with another family and went around in it. We were excited to see the board of few animals which we have not seen before but they were all empty and it was disappointing.

Also see: Bannerghatta zoo, Mysore Zoo, Hyderabad Zoo.

Few pics from the zoo.

The zoo can be avoided if one has already visited other zoo. The white tigers could have been an attraction once up on a time but they are found in many other zoo's now.

Lingaraj Temple, Bhubaneshwar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Non Hindus not allowed.

Distance: 1440 Kms one way.

Parking: Available.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography:  Not Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Yameshwara Temple, Bakresvara Temple.

Lingaraj Temple is the oldest, grandest and biggest temple in bhubaneshwar. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Photography is strictly prohibited and the high walls prevent clicking any good pictures of the temple. The temple is located close to bindhu sagar lake in old town. The temple is believed to be built during the rule of Yayati Kesari, Ananta kesari and Lalatendu kesari in 7th century AD. The temple consist of Deul, Jagamohana, nata mandira and bhoga mandira. The later two were added during ganga dynasty rule.
Legend has it that lord shiva said to Parvathi that he prefers ekamra thirtha over benaras. Parvathi visits the place like a cowherd women. She kills two demons who wishes to marry her. Lord shiva created bindhu sagar to quench her thirst and took abode as lingaraj here.

The complex houses 50+ other smaller shrines. The deity is carried to rameshwar temple during the ratha yatra every year.

The linga in the temple is formed naturally called swayambhu linga. Some vaishnavaite features are added to the temple during the ganga dynasty.

The temple is a fine example of kalinga architecture. The majestic temple is a must visit temple in bhubaneshwar. 

Yameshwar Temple, Bhubaneswar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  None mentioned. Best bet 9 AM to 5 PM.

Distance: 1440 Kms one way.

Parking: Roadside.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Lingaraj Temple, Bakresvara Temple.

Yameshwar temple located opposite to Bakreswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its one of the bigger temples in Bhubaneshwar. The temple consist of a Vimana, Jagamohana and a Mantapa. The temple was built during eastern ganga dynasty in 13th century AD. The temple is built of sandstone and laterite stones.

Some parts of the temple is damaged and restoration work is underway.

The temple is one of the few temples where the pooja is still performed.

Linga containing many lingas around it.

Shivaratri and karthik poornima are some of the festival celebrated in the temple.

Some beautiful carvings on the outer walls of the garbagriha.

Few smaller shrines in the complex.

Not much information is available about the temple. The beautiful temple is one of the places to visit in bhubaneshwar.

Bakresvara Temple, Bhubhaneswar

Date: 28th Sep 2017

Visitors: Arun, Shilpi and Harsh

Fee: None.

Timing:  None mentioned. Best bet 9 AM to 5 PM.

Distance: 1440 Kms one way.

Parking: Roadside.

Food: Small snacks available.

Photography: Allowed.

Other attractions nearby: Lingaraj Temple, Yameswara Temple.

Bakresvara temple is located among many other temples around Bindu Sagar. There was no deity  inside the temple. The sanctum was closed and we went around the temple and came back. The temple is located opposite to Yameswara temple. The temple is not well maintained.

The walls also lack any sculptures.

The temple has a vimana and Jaganmohana and is much smaller compared to the Yameswara temple.

Tthe temple doesn't offer anything of architectural beauty and also no deity in the sanctum makes the tourist skip the place.