Bhubaneswar’s 5 Top Tours

Bhubaneswar is a treasure trove for travelers interested in temples, ancient caves, and spiritual sites. The city’s sandstone temples and archaeological wonders make it a perfect destination for those who love exploring rich cultural and religious heritage without feeling overwhelmed. We particularly like the full-day private tour that includes the Konark Sun Temple—a marvel of architecture—and allows you to relax and learn from an expert guide. If you’re curious about ancient Jain caves, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves 3D Walking Tour offers a truly innovative approach with augmented reality, making history come alive in a way that’s both fun and educational. For a more relaxed experience, the immersive walking tours on foot reveal the city’s secrets while giving you a taste of local life.

Bhubaneswar offers a variety of tour styles, from private full-day excursions to short heritage walks, all designed to suit different interests and schedules. Whether you’re after deep culture, architectural marvels, or engaging archaeology, this list covers the best options for your visit. For example, the Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide provides a comprehensive day with transportation and lunch, perfect if you want an easy, curated experience. Meanwhile, the Konark Temple 3D skip the line walking tour offers a tech-savvy way to explore the site in detail with augmented reality. Below, find detailed insights into each of these exceptional experiences.

1. Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide

Rated 5.0/5 (29 reviews), this full-day private tour is perfect for travelers who want a tailored experience without the hassle of planning logistics. For $140 per person, you’ll enjoy round-trip transportation from any hotel in Bhubaneswar, a professional guide, and a carefully curated itinerary. Highlights include visiting Dhauli Giri Hills, known for the Dhauli Peace Pagoda and the site of Emperor Ashoka’s historic battle. The tour then heads to Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its chariot-shaped architecture, and the Rajarani Temple, known for its intricate carvings. You’ll also explore the Kandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves and the Raja Rani erotic carvings—a fascinating glimpse into ancient religious art.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who share insights about India’s spiritual and architectural history. One reviewer called it a “fantastic tour with excellent and knowledgeable guide,” and many appreciate the flexibility and comfort this private experience provides. The typical 9-hour itinerary allows plenty of time to soak up the sights and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Ideal for history lovers or those who want a rundown of Bhubaneswar’s cultural landmarks, this tour offers great value for its price.

Bottom Line: This private all-in-one tour is the best option for those wanting an easy, informative, and customizable day with expert guidance.

2. Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves 3D Walking Tour

Rated 5.0/5 (15 reviews), this innovative 1 hour 30 minutes experience costs just $45 and features augmented reality smart glasses, guided by expert Nupur. This tour brilliantly combines archaeology with modern tech, allowing you to see over 2,000 years of history reconstructed in 3D as you walk through the caves. You’ll learn about Jain ascetics, Emperor Kharavela, and the significance of the rock-cut caves as religious dwellings and monastic retreats.

What makes this tour special is its immersive storytelling—overlaid holograms and visuals bring the ancient site to life in ways a traditional guide cannot. Guests describe it as “a unique, engaging way to experience history,” with one reviewer emphasizing how the AR makes it “feel like stepping into another era.” Since entry is not included, it’s best suited for those with flexible budgets who want a deep, interactive understanding of Bhubaneswar’s archaeological roots.

Bottom Line: Perfect for tech-savvy travelers or history buffs eager for an immersive experience, this tour turns ancient caves into a captivating storybook.

3. Immersive Bhubaneswar walking tour with professional guide

Rated 5.0/5 (8 reviews), this 3-hour walking experience is priced at $55 per person. It kicks off at the Parasurameshwara Temple, dating back to the 7th century, and continues through Mukteshwar, Someshwar, and Rajarani Temples, showcasing Kalinga-era architecture and exquisite carvings. The tour also includes a walk along Bindu Sagar lake, teeming with local life and legends, and a visit to Raja Rani Temple, famous for its sculptures of dancing women and symbolic motifs.

Reviews highlight the engaging storytelling and the chance to “step into a living museum,” especially with a guide who shares fascinating stories behind each site. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a local flavor without the bulk of a full-day commitment. The walk ends with a visit to Lingaraj Temple, giving a complete snapshot of Bhubaneswar’s spiritual fabric.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those wanting a manageable, richly narrated walk through the city’s temple district, with plenty of cultural insights.

4. Bhubaneshwar city tour in a private car with professional guide

Rated 5.0/5 (4 reviews), this 8-hour private trip costs $120 per person and emphasizes art and dance. The itinerary includes Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteshwar, and other ancient sites, with an emphasis on understanding Indian culture through classical dance demonstrations like Bharatnatyam. A key feature is the hotel pickup and drop-off, making it a hassle-free option for art lovers.

Guests note how the tour dives into Indian dance and storytelling, offering a cultural perspective beyond just architecture. The guide’s explanations about dance expressions and emotions enrich the experience, creating a deeper appreciation of Indian arts. It’s best suited for travelers interested in art, culture, and living traditions rather than just temple-hopping.

Bottom Line: If you want to combine spirituality with artistic expression, this tour provides a well-rounded culture.

5. Full Day Tour of Konark Temple and Puri

Rated 5.0/5 (7 reviews), this 10-hour private tour at $140 per person takes you to two UNESCO sites and the Bay of Bengal. The day begins at the Konark Sun Temple, a masterpiece of 13th-century architecture, shaped like a chariot and filled with detailed carvings. After exploring the ruins, you’ll relax on Chandrabhaga Beach, known for its tranquil sands and mythological significance. The tour culminates at Puri, home to the famous Jagannath Temple.

Guests appreciate the personalized experience and the all-included entrance fees, making it a hassle-free day. The combination of cultural sites and relaxing beach time appeals to those who want a balanced day with plenty of photo opportunities, historical insights, and some downtime. It’s perfect for travelers who want to cover major highlights without rushing.

Bottom Line: A well-paced, comprehensive tour for those keen on history, architecture, and relaxing by the sea.

How to Choose the Best Tour for You

When selecting your perfect Bhubaneswar experience, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. For instance, if you’re after a comprehensive, stress-free day with lunch included, the Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide offers excellent value. If technology excites you, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves 3D AR Walking Tour provides an innovative way to explore ancient caves. For a shorter but richly narrated experience, the Heritage & Cultural Walking Tour suits travelers who prefer walking and storytelling.

For those interested in art and dance, the private guide focusing on Indian culture and classical dance is unique among the options. And if you want to combine temple exploration with a relaxing beach visit, the Full Day Tour of Konark and Puri covers both wonderfully.

Booking early is advisable, especially for private and full-day tours, to secure your preferred time and guide. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking or driving, so choose accordingly—and check if transportation and entrance fees are included to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts

Bhubaneswar offers a rich array of tours that cater to history lovers, art enthusiasts, tech fans, and those seeking a simple culture. For a comprehensive experience, the full-day private tour with guide hits all the highlights. Tech lovers should not miss the AR caves tour for its innovative approach. And for a leisurely exploration, the guided walking tours deliver a deep dive into the city’s temples and stories.

If you’re planning a trip, consider what most excites you—architecture, archaeology, dance, or just relaxing while soaking in local stories—and choose the tour that best fits your style. With options like these, Bhubaneswar promises a memorable journey into India’s spiritual and artistic soul. Book early to ensure your spot on these popular experiences.