Bhubaneswar Temples and Caves 4-Hour Guided Tour by Car

The caves carved in the 1st century are still walkable, carved as residential blocks with ornate detail.

A 4-hour guided tour of Bhubaneswar by car visits Lingaraja Temple, Mukteswara Temple, and the Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves: a pair of hills with partly natural, partly artificial caves built during the 1st century BCE. The guide speaks English and Hindi, travels with you in an air-conditioned vehicle, and shares stories about the city's architecture, culture and history. Infants sit on an adult's lap. The tour suits all fitness levels. Entrance fees to historical sites are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bhubaneswar half-day sightseeing tour

• Explore Bhubaneswar city and temples
• Visit Lingaraja Temple
• Visit Mukteswara and nearby temples
• Explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves
• Visit Sri Ram Temple

The experience

Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, was once known for its grand temples and architecture. This tour strings together the city's most significant sites in a single morning or afternoon, starting with Lingaraja Temple, one of the oldest in the city and dedicated to Shiva. From there, the guide takes you through a cluster of smaller temples (Mukteswara, Rajarani, and Ananta Vasudeva) each with its own carved details and local stories woven into the route.

The second half of the tour shifts to the Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, two adjacent hills on the city's edge. These caves are a mix of natural rock formations and hand-carved chambers built around the 1st century BCE as residential blocks for monks and ascetics. You walk through them on foot, seeing the ornate carvings and niches that survive from that era. The guide points out the religious and historical significance of each section, turning what could be a simple cave walk into a narrative about how the site was used and why it mattered.

The tour wraps at Sri Ram Temple, which houses images of Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, and Goddess Sita. Throughout the day, the guide offers local tips and recommendations beyond the main stops (markets to visit, streets worth exploring, places to eat), so you leave with a sense of how the city actually works, not just what tourists see.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the full 4 hours.
• pickup included.
• a trained guide who speaks English and Hindi and shares local stories and recommendations.
• access to all tour stops (entrance fees to sites are separate).

Options for this experience

2 options

Sedan Car Sightseeing TourUp to 3 per booking · Guide in English or Hindi · 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00City sightseeing, budget option. Duration: 8 hours. Includes snacks and a water bottle. Sedan car. Pickup is included.

Sightseeing Tour in an SUVUp to 5 per booking · Guide in English or Hindi · 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Premium sightseeing tour. Duration: 8 hours. Includes a water bottle and snacks. MUV or SUV. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to6h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Hindi

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Yo Tours Goa

Is this one for you?Choose the sedan car for a smaller group or solo travel, or the SUV if you're traveling with family or a larger party and want more space. Both options include the same guide, route and 4-hour duration. The difference is vehicle size and comfort.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Hindi.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Lingaraja Temple and why is it important to Bhubaneswar?

Lingaraja Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Shiva. It's a landmark of the city's architectural heritage and a key stop on the tour that anchors the temple circuit.

Can I walk through the Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, or do I just view them from outside?

You walk through the caves on foot as part of the tour. They're partly natural and partly carved, with ornately decorated chambers and niches built during the 1st century BCE that you can explore during the walking portion of the experience.

Does the tour include entrance fees to the temples and caves?

Entrance fees to historical sites are paid separately and are not included in the tour price. The guide takes you to each site, but you cover admission at the gate.

Is the tour suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

Yes, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walking at the caves is part of the experience, but the pace is set by the group and the guide manages the route accordingly.