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Rajarani Music Festival held against the backdrop of the 11th century Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is an evening of concerts.
Celestial music, sublime surroundings and soothing climes of late winter-soul traverses to an elevated sphere leaving you utterly relaxed. Holidays are made with this kind of experience that creates a lasting mark in your mind.
The ambiance is relaxing, entertaining and uplifting. The city has a large assemblage of celebrated temples of which the Rajarani Temple is one of the most conspicuous. It's remarkable for the absence any presiding deity in it. The temple is famous for its ornate deul or compass and the statues of eight Dipalakas guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple.
The musical evenings are resplendent with excellent performances by the great maestros of Indian classical music creating an allegory of darbari gayans (musical performances in an Indian king's court) of age old histories.
At present, as the capital of an emergent Orissa, Bhubaneswar is a modern city with broad avenues, beautiful parks, attractive shopping centers, excellent htls and restaurants with finger-licking food.
Orissa vis-à-vis India has a great tradition of classical music, instrumental as well as vocal, which fascinate a lot of domestic and international tourists.
To show case the glorious tradition of Indian classical music, the Rajarani Music Festival is organized by the Department of Tourism in association with organizations like Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy, Bhubaneswar Music Circle, NALCO and the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Eminent instrumentalists and vocalists of India have rendered scintillating performance in this festival over the years.
The festival has been an attraction not only to the music lovers but also to the tourists in general.
Time to witness Bhubaneswar Rajarani Music festival -
This festival is held during the months of January. Please check event calendar for dates.
Rajarani Music Festival held against the backdrop of the 11th century Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar is an evening of concerts.
Celestial music, sublime surroundings and soothing climes of late winter-soul traverses to an elevated sphere leaving you utterly relaxed. Holidays are made with this kind of experience that creates a lasting mark in your mind.
The ambiance is relaxing, entertaining and uplifting. The city has a large assemblage of celebrated temples of which the Rajarani Temple is one of the most conspicuous. It's remarkable for the absence any presiding deity in it. The temple is famous for its ornate deul or compass and the statues of eight Dipalakas guarding the eight cardinal directions of the temple.
The musical evenings are resplendent with excellent performances by the great maestros of Indian classical music creating an allegory of darbari gayans (musical performances in an Indian king's court) of age old histories.
At present, as the capital of an emergent Orissa, Bhubaneswar is a modern city with broad avenues, beautiful parks, attractive shopping centers, excellent htls and restaurants with finger-licking food.
Orissa vis-à-vis India has a great tradition of classical music, instrumental as well as vocal, which fascinate a lot of domestic and international tourists.
To show case the glorious tradition of Indian classical music, the Rajarani Music Festival was conceived to be organized by the Department of Tourism in association with organizations like Orissa Sangeet Natak Academy, Bhubaneswar Music Circle, NALCO and the Union Ministry of Tourism.
Eminent instrumentalists and vocalists of India have rendered scintillating performance in this festival over the years.
The festival has been an attraction not only to the music lovers but also to the tourists in general.
Time to witness Bhubaneswar Rajarani Music festival, Please check the dates and details from the Event Calendar/Festival Calendar. -
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How to Reach - | |
| Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road to the rest of India. The modern Biju Patnaik airport is being extended to receive wide bodied aircraft, and one may well see international charters landing here soon. |
By Air : Bhubaneshwar is directly linked by air to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Hyderabad and Bangalore by flights Air India, Jetlite, Air Deccan,IndiGo and King Fisher.
By Rail : Super fast trains connect Bhubaneswar to major cities of India such as Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi, Chennai,Hyderabad, Mumbai,Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram and Ahmedabad.
By Road : Bhubaneswar is well linked to the rest of India by the National Highways(NH No.5,NH No 6) and by all weather inter and intra state roads.
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| Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws, Town Buses and Cycle Rickshaws. |
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Excursions - | |
| Bhubaneswar offers tourists several options comprising picturesque paradise for interesting Excursion Tours, which are both educative and entertaining. |
* Distance from Bhubaneswar
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Dhauli (8 km)* -
Surrounded by paddy fields, 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 by the Japan Buddha Sangha and Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha. An old temple of Lord Dhavaleswar, reconstructed in 1972, also stands on the hill-top. |
Hirapur (15 km)* -
Hirapur has the 11th century Hypaethral temple of 64 Yogini Shrines. It is second of its kind in Orissa and one of four such unique temples in India. |
Atri Hot Spring (42 km)* -
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. |
Nandankanan (20 km)* -
Picturesquely carved out of the Chandaka forest, Nandankanan is a Biological Park where animals are kept in their natural habitat. A centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Indian Python, King Cobra, etc. are among the attractions of the zoo, which is famous for its White Tigers. The exotic Botanical Garden on the other side of the zoo preserves varieties of indigenous plants. Regular bus services are available to reach the sanctuary. |
Tarabalo Hot Spring (75 km)* -
In the Nayagarh district, Tarabalo is famous for a cluster of hot springs dotted over an area of 8 acres. Located 75 km from Bhubaneswar, it makes a delightful spot for excursions. |
Khandagiri and Udaygiri (8 km)* -
The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock-cut caves, built mainly for the Jain monks around 1st - 2nd century B.C. The thirteen years lithic record of King Kharavela engraved in Hatigumpha (elephant cave) is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India. |
| As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udayagiri will be on the right. The 18 caves of Udayagiri include the famous Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela. From the inscription, we learn much about Kharavela's military exploits, and also that his royal city had gate towers, bathing and drinking tanks, and was the scene of formally organized music and dance performances, as well as sporting and social events. The city, says the inscription, "was made to dance with joy". Kharavela was evidently a skilled musician, and it seems as if he created a remarkable center of the arts. |
| The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), also on Udayagiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness. |
| The Ganesha Gumpha, which is accessible by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard. |
| All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Orissan artist for richly elaborated scenes. |
Banapur (8 Km)* -
Famous for the time-honoured temple of Goddess Bhagabati, banpur has earned celebrity as a center of religious activities. Once it was the capital of Sailodvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples at Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism. The temple of "Dakshya Prajapati: is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissan art. Banpur is connected by bus services from Bhubaneswar. Accommodation facilities are also available at Balugaon and Barkul, 11 Km away. One may also see the Salia Dam at a distance of 15 Km. |
Barunei (32 Km)* -
As a scenic spot, 9 Km away from Khurdha, Barunei attracts thousands of visitors round the year. Barunei, the presiding deity of the place adorns the hilltop. The shadowy mango groves with a perennial spring called SWARGA GANGA", Ganges of the Heaven, provide a pleasant atmosphere for the picnickers. Bus services are available up to Khurdha and Barunei stop on NH – 5 . One can hire taxies of Autorickshaws to reach the place. |
Bhusandapur (65 km)* -
On way to Balugaon along National Highway No. 5 from Bhubaneswar, one can visit the shrine of Ugratara at Bhusandapur. The image of a four-armed chamunda worshipped as Ugratara is believed to be the tutelary deity of the Gajapati Kings of Orissa. It is a lovely picnic spot under a cool mango grove by the side of a hillock and a gurgling stream. This place is connected by a good motorable road. |
Gadamanatri (54 Km)* -
31 Kms from Khurda, the place is famous for the abode of Goddes Ramachandi, situated on a hillock in the shape of a huge stone of 60 feet high. Gadamanatri is connected by a good motorable road. Ramanavami is the festival here which is observed for 7 days. |
Kenduli (35 Km)* -
Famous for the birthplace of Saint Poet Jayadev, the composer of Geeta Govinda in Sanskrit. Kenduli is 35 Km from Bhubaneswaar Via Banamalipur. There are clutters of shines in this village like Mukteswar, Mahadev, Ambika, Jageswart, nrutimha and Radha Madhav was shipped in different temple. Jayadeva Jayatri is the biggest festival is observed an Akshya Tritiya day which falls in April every year. Regular bus services are available up to Banamalipur and the rest are negotiable by auto rickshaw. |
Rameswar (52 Km)* -
This place is an ideal stop on NH No.5 for any tourist. It is also a scenic spot. Economical and comfortable accommodation also available here. This place is 25 Km away from khurda, the dist headquater Regular frequent bus services are available to this place. Tourist can also visit the nearest tourist spots like Barunei(25 Km), Kaipadar(14 Km), Gadamanitir(24 Km) and Ugratara(10Km). |
Mundiapada -
51 Km from Khurda and 11 Km from Bolagada it is a scenic spot. The temple of Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman on the top of the fill called Mandangiri is a great attraction for the tourist. The hill is about thousand feet high approachable by 700 steps. The Kartik Festival is observed here in the month of kartik (Oct-Nov) which is continued for the whole month of Kartik. A great congregation takes place during this period. Regular bus services are available up to Bolagada (11 Km). The Mundipada Ashram here accommodates 20 person which is a Yatri type accommodation. |
Salia Dam – Berbera -
One-way to Berbera Forest comes the Salia Dam near the village Panas Diha to the west of Banpur. The scenic beauty of this place with the dam attracts the group picnickers round the year. About 12 km from Salia Dam, Berbera is a deep forest of 300 Sq Km. It is rich with Sal, Teak and other associated species. Bisons, Gaurs, King Cobras, Barking Deer, Giant Squirrels etc. are found in the Jungles of Berbera. Barbera Forest is an unpeel beauty of nature richly endowed with bounties of flora and fauna. Regular bus services are available up to Banpur. Salia and Barbera is approachable by jeep from Banpur, 20 Kms from Balugaon and 26 Km form Barkul. Accommodation facilities are available at both the places. |
Kosalasuni Thakurani Pitha -
The place is famous for the Goddes Kosalasuri. She is belived to be stow fruition of desires of the devotees. The place attracts the Groups in large number. 42 Km from Khurda and 15 Km from Sunakhala, bus service is available up to Arikoma (2 Km) The Tarabalo Hot spring is only 13 Km from here. Visitors may avail the accommodation facility at Kalapather PWD IB at a distance of 6 Km.
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Cuisines & Restaurants - | |
| Delectable seafood, traditional Oriya Cuisine, Indian (veg and non-veg), Chinese and Continental cuisine is easily available at the below mentioned venues across Bhubaneswar. |
Panthanivas (OTDC), Bhubaneswar
htl Kalinga Ashok, htl Keshari, htl Shishmo, htl Swosti, htl Swosti Plaza, The Marrion, htl Trident Hilton, htl Mayfair & htl Crown. |
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Do's and Don'ts - | |
| Indian Cultural Etiquette |
| 1. If you are male introduced to a lady or a grown-up girl, don't take the initiative of offering a handshake. If she extends her hand, you may reciprocate, but don't be the first to extend yours. If you are female and are being introduced to a male: it is up to you - the female - to take the initiative for a handshake. The rule of thumb is: the female extends her hand first, and the male reciprocates. |
| 2. The Western practice of a peck on the cheek as a form of greeting a lady or a grown up girl is not advisable except in the case of those who are used to such practices. |
| 3. Indian English has its own accent and this does vary depending upon the region. The universal welcome greeting across the country is with folded hands and a slight bow. This is called `namaste` or `namashkar`. It should be reciprocated with a smile. |
| 4. Some Indians are in the habit of shaking their head to say yes or no. Please confirm what they mean, if you are not familiar with regional gestures. |
| 5. While visiting places of worship, respect should be shown as required Some Indians do not take alcohol or meat for religious, traditional or personal reasons. This should be kept in mind in entertainment. |
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Excursions - | |
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Other Activities - | |
| Fairs and Festivals of Bhubaneswar |
| Be a witness to the rich cultural and religious festivals in and around Bhubaneswar, which come in diverse forms and around the year; namely - |
Shiva Ratri, Bhubaneswar (February – March)
Khandagiri Mela, Khandagiri (January – February)
Ashokastami, Bhubaneswar (March-April)
Ekamra Utsav,Bhubaneswar (January)
Rajarani Music Festival,Bhubaneswar (February)
Kalinga Mahotsav,Dhauli (February)
Adivasi Mela,Bhubaneswar
Dhauli Mahotsav,Dhauli (December) |
| Shopping at Bhubaneswar |
| Spoil yourself with overwhelming variety of products and shop until you drop at Bhubaneswar’s Boyanika, Ekamra Haat, Kalamandir, Sambalpuri Bastralaya, Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Utkalika, Priyadarshini, Bazar Kolkata, Big Bazar and Vishal Garments and lots of handicrafts and jewelry shops. |
| Cinema Halls in Bhubaneswar |
| Sit back and watch a film of your choice at Keshari, Swati, Stutee, Sriya, Ekamra, Ravi, Kalpana and Maharaja. |
| Theatre Halls in Bhubaneswar |
| Prominent and popular venues for performing arts (dance and music recitals) and folk theatre are the Rabindra Mandap, Bhanja Kala Mandap and Jaydev Bhaban. |
| Five Star - entertainments - Bar, Pub & Disco |
| The Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar offers you rain dance or a disco at the open deck of the htl, accommodating up to a thousand people. |
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Where to Stay - | |
| Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Rajarani Festival in Bhubaneshwar (STD code-0674). |
| The list of the htls are here : |
htl's
Name & Address |
htl's
Name & Address |
| htl Trident Hilton, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar-13. Ph.-2301010/ 2300890/2300891 |
Swosti Plaza Ltd., P-1, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.-2301936 to2301940 |
| May Fair Lagoon, 8-B, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2360101 |
htl Swosti (P) Ltd.103, Janpath BBSR. Ph-2535778, 2535779 |
| htl Sishmo, 86/A-1, Gautam Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2433600-605 |
The Crown, A1(a), IRC Village, Nayapalli, BBSR. Ph 2555500 |
| htl Kalinga Ashok, Gautam Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2431055,2431056 |
The New Marrion, 6, Janpath, BBSR. Ph.- 2380850 to 57 |
| htl Keshari, 113, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2534994,995,2535095,093 |
The Presidency, 1471/A&1472, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2559565/66/67/68 |
| The Triumph Residency, 5B, Sahid nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2545718,2545710 |
htl Gouri, Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2433443, 243337 |
| htl Arya Palace, 126/B, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2536131 to 34 |
htl Leavender, N5-33E, IRC village, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2551313,2554554 |
| htl Urmi, 424, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2582392, 2580401 |
htl Srikrishna, 110, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535380,2534031,2531067 |
| htl Abadhut, 225, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2531617 |
htl Grand Central, Old Station Bazar, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2313411,12,13 |
| htl Sahara, 76, Budha Nagar, BBSR, Ph- 3094239 |
Royale Mid Town, 52-53, Janpath, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2536138 to 141 |
| Bicky Inn,61, Janpath, Unit-III, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2536435, 2535466 |
htl Swarna, 129, AshokNagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535109, 2535882 |
| htl Jajati, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2390352 |
htl Nandan, 27/A, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2535347,2534997 |
| htl Bhagwatniwas, 9, Budha Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2310902,2313708, 3094401 |
Bhubaneswar htl, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313245, 2313246 |
| htl Pushpak, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2310185, 2311843 |
htl Richi, 122 A, Station Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2534619,639,308,2535309 |
| htl Priya, A-30/1 Kharvel Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2393901,2394279,2393841, 2394259 |
htl Ridge Residency, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2354099, 2354725 |
| Cave View Resorts, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2472288, Mb- 9437072288 |
htl Sevashraya, Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 3095006, 2312706 |
| The Eden, 77, Budha Nagar,Bhubaneswar, Ph.- 2311178 |
htl Ashraya, 357, Rasulgarh, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2580583 |
| Panthanivas, O.T.D.C., Ltd. Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2432314/ 2432515 |
htl Gunjan, 149/D Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2533024, 2530934 |
| htl Kanishk, 134, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2532961 |
htl Basera, 45, Ashok Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2533686, 2531314 |
| htl Upasana, 2282, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2310044, 2314144 |
htl Upendra, B/63, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2547337, 2544940 |
| htl Blue Wheel, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2546646, 2546441 |
htl Mayfeel, 730(P), N.H-5,Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. Ph- 2421297, 3947497 |
| Swagat Inn, 219, Bapuji nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2530486,487,2531994,995 |
Venus Inn, 217, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531908, 2531738, 3099944 |
| htl Blue Heaven, 260, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531979 |
htl Rajmahal, Rajmahal Square, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2532448, 2536370, 71, 72 |
| htl Apsara, 18, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2530724, 2533724 |
htl Janpath, 29,Janpath, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2531147, 2531547, 2533747 |
| htl Lingaraj, Old Station Bazar, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313555,2312555 |
htl Swagat, Cuttack Road, Bhubaneswar. Ph.- 2313879, 2314597, 5560334 | | |
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