About Us

Bhubaneswar, the vibrant capital of the Indian state of Odisha, is a city with a rich tapestry of history, culture, and modern development. It is often celebrated as the “Temple City of India” due to the concentration of ancient temples, particularly in the Old Town area. Located in the Khordha district, the city is a primary hub for administrative, commercial, and religious activities in the state. The city’s history dates back over 2,000 years, making it an ancient seat of power and architecture. Its temples, like the magnificent Lingaraja Temple (11th century) and the Rajarani Temple, showcase the peak of Kalinga architecture, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts from around the globe. Topographically, Bhubaneswar sits in the eastern coastal plains along the axis of the Eastern Ghats, with an average altitude of about 45 meters above sea level. It is situated in the Mahanadi River Delta, with the Daya and Kuakhai rivers flowing nearby. Modern Bhubaneswar was meticulously planned by German architect Otto Königsberger in 1948, creating a distinct division between the historic ‘Temple Town’ and the newer, well-organized capital area with designated units for administration, residences, and institutions. The city serves as a major educational and research center, housing institutions like Utkal University and the Institute of Physics. It also hosts the Nandankanan Zoological Park and the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary, adding significant ecological value. In recent years, Bhubaneswar has transformed into a rapidly growing IT and commercial hub, and it was one of the first cities selected for the Government of India’s Smart Cities Mission. It has maintained its cultural heritage while embracing contemporary infrastructure and technology. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) manages an area of approximately 186 square kilometers. The city’s coastal location makes it susceptible to cyclones, as evidenced by the severe damage caused during the 1999 Odisha cyclone, but it has continually worked on improving its disaster resilience. The blend of ancient stone temples and modern steel structures makes Bhubaneswar a fascinating example of a city transitioning from a historic center to a future-ready metropolitan area.