Bhubaneswar isn’t just India’s temple capital; it’s a city alive with stories, craftsmanship, and spiritual sites that offer a wide variety of tours and experiences. Whether you’re fascinated by sandstone temples, eager to explore buddhist monasteries, or want to relax with some beach camping, Bhubaneswar has something to suit every curiosity. We particularly love the full-day city tour that includes the stunning Konark Sun Temple, as well as the chance to learn about heritage walks and AR-enhanced temple visits. The city’s blend of ancient architecture, vibrant markets, and coastal beauty makes it an ideal destination for those who like their history with a side of adventure.
For those seeking a comprehensive experience, the Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in a private car with guide tops our list thanks to its well-rounded itinerary and expert guidance. If you’re looking for something more laid-back and outdoor-focused, the Beach Camping offers a unique overnight escape by the coast. And for tech lovers, the 3D AR Cave Tour provides an innovative way to see ancient caves with augmented reality. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews and insights into each of the top tours, helping you choose the perfect experience for your trip.
- 1. Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide
- 2. Experience Beach Camping
- 3. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves 3D Walking Tour
- 4. Puri Jagannath, Konark Sun temple, Pattachitra art in best of Odisha in 2 days
- 5. Immersive Bhubaneswar walking tour with professional guide
- 6. Bhubaneshwar city tour in a private car with professional guide
- 7. Full Day Tour of Konark Temple and Puri
- 8. Bhubaneswar: Konark and Bhubaneswar Private Day Trip
- 9. Konark Temple 3D skip the line Walking Tour
- 10. Romance Etched in Stone – A Heritage walk among Temples of Bhubaneswar
- How to Choose the Right Tour
- Final Thoughts
1. Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide
Starting your exploration with this full-day private tour makes sense—especially if you prefer comfort and personalized attention. For $140 per person, you get a 9-hour journey covering Dhauli Giri Hills, Konark Sun Temple, Rajarani Temple, and the Kandagiri and Udayagiri caves. The tour includes lunch and round-trip transport from your hotel, freeing you from planning logistics.
What really makes this tour special is its focus on key historical sites with rich stories, including the site of Emperor Ashoka’s famous battle and the exquisite Rajarani Temple. The guide’s expertise earns high praise, with reviews highlighting their knowledge and ease of travel. The highlight for many is the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece shaped like a giant chariot. Visitors often comment that it’s an unmissable experience for anyone interested in India’s ancient architecture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see the major sites with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a bit pricier but offers a well-rounded day.
2. Experience Beach Camping
For just $40 per person, this 2-day private beach camping in Gundalba offers an unforgettable overnight by Odisha’s coastline. Imagine walking through casuarina forests, waking up to a sunrise over the water, and relaxing under a star-lit sky. The trip includes all camping materials and a restroom-equipped campsite, making it a comfortable outdoor experience.
The highlights are simple but captivating: exploring the secluded beaches, playing volleyball or frisbee, and enjoying freshly prepared local meals, including vegetarian and fish options. The itinerary is relaxed, with plenty of time to soak in the quiet beauty of Odisha’s coast. Reviews mention how perfect it is for those looking to step off the beaten path and enjoy unspoiled nature for a couple of nights.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a unique overnight experience and are comfortable with camping. It’s practical, affordable, and offers a genuine connection to Odisha’s coastal environment.
3. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves 3D Walking Tour
Priced at $45, this 1.5-hour immersive experience takes you into ancient Jain caves with a twist—using augmented reality smart glasses. The tour guide, Nupur, guides you through Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, over 2,000 years old, highlighting their significance as religious retreats and royal dwellings.
What makes this tour stand out is its AR technology, which overlays 3D holograms to reconstruct the caves’ original appearance. As you walk, you learn about the Jain ascetics, King Kharavela, and the architecture in a vivid, engaging way. Visitors rave about how this makes history come alive, providing a visually stunning and educational journey. This tour is best suited to those interested in history, technology, or interactive experiences.
Bottom Line: A modern and engaging way to experience ancient Indian sites, especially if you enjoy tech-enhanced sightseeing.
4. Puri Jagannath, Konark Sun temple, Pattachitra art in best of Odisha in 2 days
For $275, this 2-day private tour covers Dhauli, Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake boat ride, and Puri’s Jagannath Temple. It includes overnight accommodation with breakfast, making it a relaxed way to see the highlights of Odisha. The itinerary balances heritage sites with local artisan visits, including Pattachitra art.
The tour’s key appeal is its flexibility and depth—your guide can tailor the experience while providing insider insights. Guests mention how the boat ride on Chilika Lake adds a special touch, along with visits to historic temples and art villages. The guide’s knowledge and the organized schedule earn praise, making it suitable for those who want a thorough, personalized exploration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience with a comfortable pace over two days.
5. Immersive Bhubaneswar walking tour with professional guide
At $55, this 3-hour guided walk introduces you to Bhubaneswar’s temples and markets. Starting at the Parasurameshwara Temple, it continues through Mukteshwar, Bindu Sagar, and the Raja Rani Temple, with stops at local bazaars and heritage sites.
What makes this tour appealing is its narrative approach—your guide shares stories that bring the temples’ architecture and local culture to life. Reviews highlight the enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of the guides, making it a rich experience despite its short duration. It’s ideal for active travelers who enjoy walking and storytelling in a compact time frame.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, in-depth introduction to Bhubaneswar’s temples and neighborhoods.
6. Bhubaneshwar city tour in a private car with professional guide
Offering an 8-hour private tour at $120, this experience focuses on art and culture. The journey includes visits to Lingaraja, Rajarani, and Mukteshwar temples, plus the Dhauli Peace Pagoda.
The tour shines with its focus on Odian temple architecture and cultural stories. It’s perfect for lovers of art, architecture, and spiritual sites. The guide’s insights into Indian dance and art traditions add an extra layer of appreciation. Several reviews mention how the personalized service and careful pacing make it a worthwhile day.
Bottom Line: Excellent for art enthusiasts wanting a curated, in-depth look at Bhubaneswar’s temples and cultural sites.
7. Full Day Tour of Konark Temple and Puri
Costing $140, this 10-hour private tour combines the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple with time on Chandrabhaga Beach and visits to Jagannath Temple in Puri. The tour offers all entrance fees included and a personalized guide.
What sets this apart is the balance—you get a mix of architectural marvels with time to relax on the beach. The Konark Sun Temple is the highlight, with many visitors commenting on its colossal chariot shape and intricate carvings. The tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day exploring Odisha’s temples and coastline.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a full-day, culturally rich experience with relaxed beach time thrown in.
8. Bhubaneswar: Konark and Bhubaneswar Private Day Trip
At $98 for 10 hours, this private day trip covers the Konark Sun Temple, Dhauli, and Raja Rani Temple. It’s designed for flexibility and offers a personalized experience.
Guests especially appreciate the strategic stops at key sites, and the chance to learn about Emperor Ashoka’s conversion at Dhauli. The Raja Rani Temple with its sculptures of women in Odissi dance poses adds a unique artistic element. The tour balances history, art, and spirituality in a compact day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a flexible, focused day of sightseeing with a knowledgeable guide.
9. Konark Temple 3D skip the line Walking Tour
For just $4.53, this skip-the-line 2-hour tour uses AR glasses to reconstruct the Konark Sun Temple’s original glory. The experience is immersive, with interactive visuals explaining each of the 13 points inside the site.
The main advantage is saving time while gaining a deep understanding of the site’s carvings and stories. Reviewers mention how this technological approach makes the visit more engaging and educational. It’s perfect for tech-savvy travelers or those short on time but eager for a visually rich experience.
Bottom Line: A highly innovative, efficient way to visit Konark with added context and fun.
10. Romance Etched in Stone – A Heritage walk among Temples of Bhubaneswar
Costing $29.99, this private 3-hour walk is tailored for active travelers who love stories behind the stones. It focuses on temples like Mukteswara, Parasurameswara, and Raja Rani, with an emphasis on local legends.
Participants enjoy a light breakfast and the flexibility to customize the experience, making it a good choice for those who prefer a relaxed yet insightful exploration. The narrative approach and personalized pace make it stand out.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an intimate, storytelling-focused heritage walk.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interest level, and time constraints. If you want a comprehensive experience and don’t mind splurging, the full-day private tours (like the Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple) are excellent choices. For those interested in heritage and temples, the guided heritage walks (Heritage walk among temples) or the AR caves tour offer immersive insights. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the Beach Camping, while tech enthusiasts can explore the AR and 3D options.
Ultimately, think about how much time you want to dedicate and what type of experience excites you most—whether it’s art and architecture, coastal relaxation, or cultural stories. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular private tours and special experiences like the AR cave exploration.
Final Thoughts
From the majestic Konark Sun Temple to tranquil beach camping, Bhubaneswar offers a diverse array of tours and experiences tailored to different interests and travel styles. If you’re a history lover, the heritage walks and full-day temple tours will satisfy your curiosity. For those craving a relaxing outdoor escape, the beach camping provides a memorable overnight. Tech fans shouldn’t miss the AR Cave tour for its innovative approach.
No matter which options you choose, booking in advance ensures a smoother experience. Bhubaneswar’s rich tapestry of temples, coastal scenery, and cultural stories promises a trip full of meaningful moments—so pick your adventure and enjoy every step in this fascinating city.