If you're the kind of savvy Indian who waits for Flipkart’s Big Billion Days or Amazon’s Great Indian Festival to score major deals, you’ll love what Bhubaneswar has in store—without blowing your budget. At SavePlus India, we dig deep to help you explore smarter and save more. Let’s unlock budget-friendly Bhubaneswar adventures you simply can’t miss.
Bargain at Ekamra Haat Like a Pro
Want to buy authentic Odisha handlooms and crafts without the showroom markup? Head straight to Ekamra Haat, a treasure trove of local artisan goods. It’s a shopper’s paradise where prices are low and bargaining is the norm. Whether you're after Sambalpuri sarees or tribal jewelry, you’ll find unique pieces on a budget. Combine it with Paytm wallet discounts, and you’re scoring deals that even Flipkart would envy.
- Location: Rajpath, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 11 and 207
By Train: 3 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station
By Air: 5.2 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Shopping, handicraft stalls, cultural events
- Estimated Budget: ₹300–₹700 (shopping + snacks)
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Chhena poda, gupchup (pani puri)
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Konark
Pro Tip: Visit during government handloom fairs for best bargains.
Explore Lingaraj Temple Without Spending a Rupee
When it comes to free attractions in India, the Lingaraj Temple is a top contender. This 11th-century architectural marvel is a centerpiece of Bhubaneswar’s spiritual heritage. Entry is completely free, making it perfect for budget pilgrims and culture lovers alike. From its 180-foot tower to intricate stone carvings, this temple delivers value at zero cost. It’s proof that the best things in life don’t always come with a price tag.
- Location: Old Town, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 203 or 504
By Train: 5 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station
By Air: 6.5 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Lingaraj Temple, Bindusagar Lake, Mukteswar Temple
- Estimated Budget: ₹0 (free entry), ₹20 for auto rides
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Mahaprasad (temple offering) sold outside
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Puri
Pro Tip: Visit before 11 AM to avoid long queues and heat.
Enjoy Dhauli Hills with a ₹20 Budget
Dhauli Hills offers peace, history, and panoramic views—and it won’t dent your budget. Known for the Shanti Stupa and Ashokan edicts, it’s a blend of spirituality and scenery. Entry is free, and travel costs are minimal if you use Rapido or local Mo Bus services. Perfect for solo travelers or families seeking a quiet day out without hefty entry fees. Add a ₹25 light and sound show for an immersive touch.
- Location: Dhauli, 8 km from Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Take Mo Bus Route 207
By Train: 10 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station
By Air: 11.5 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Shanti Stupa, Ashokan Edicts, Daya River viewpoint
- Estimated Budget: ₹20–₹50
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Local tea & pakoras from nearby stalls
- Nearby Cities: Khurda, Jatni
Pro Tip: Go during sunrise or sunset for the best views and photos.
Relive History at Odisha State Museum for ₹10
Looking to learn something new without burning through your wallet? The Odisha State Museum is a goldmine of knowledge, art, and culture. With an entry fee as low as ₹10, it's a must-visit for students, history buffs, and curious explorers. Explore tribal exhibits, ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, and rare coin collections—all in air-conditioned comfort.
- Location: Near Kalpana Square, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 203
By Train: 2.5 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station
By Air: 4.8 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Tribal galleries, manuscripts, sculpture halls
- Estimated Budget: ₹10–₹30
- Trip Duration: 1.5–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Nearby dosa and idli stalls
- Nearby Cities: Pipili, Cuttack
Pro Tip: Carry your student ID for even more discounted entry.
Cycle Around Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves
Swap auto rides for a more budget-conscious and eco-friendly way to explore: cycling! With just ₹5, rent a MoCycle and pedal your way to the historic Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves. These 2nd-century BC Jain rock-cut caves are steeped in heritage and mystique. Entry is minimal, and the open surroundings are perfect for low-cost photography and exploration.
- Location: Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 8 or 203
By Train: 6.5 km from Bhubaneswar Station
By Air: 7.2 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Explore caves, viewpoints, and inscriptions
- Estimated Budget: ₹5–₹30
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Aloo chop, ghugni near the entry gate
- Nearby Cities: Nayagarh, Cuttack
Pro Tip: Download the MoCycle app and book in advance to avoid surge charges.
Unwind at Deras Dam & Eco Park for Under ₹100
Need a break from city chaos without blowing your budget? Deras Dam & Eco Park, nestled in the Chandaka Forest Reserve, is a hidden gem near Bhubaneswar. With lush greenery, peaceful waters, and a scenic eco-park, it’s ideal for day trips and picnics. Entry is dirt cheap, and the experience? Absolutely priceless.
- Location: Deras, Chandaka Forest Reserve, ~15 km from Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: No direct Mo Bus; take shared autos from Khandagiri
By Train: Bhubaneswar Station → Auto to Khandagiri → Local transport
By Air: 20 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Eco park walk, dam view, jungle picnic, birdwatching
- Estimated Budget: ₹30–₹100 (entry + transport + snacks)
- Trip Duration: Half-day to full-day
- Must Try Foods: Carry your own snacks or try aloo dum + mudhi from roadside stalls
- Nearby Cities: Khurda, Cuttack
Pro Tip: Visit in early morning or post-monsoon (August–October) for lush green views and fewer crowds. Carry cash—no UPI or card machines available.
Catch a Show at BDA Nicco Park on a ₹50 Budget
Think amusement parks are only for big spenders? Think again. BDA Nicco Park offers thrilling rides, fun zones, and cultural shows—all on a shoestring. Booking through apps like BookMyShow can fetch additional promo codes or card discounts.
- Location: Madhusudan Nagar, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 207
By Train: 4.5 km from Bhubaneswar Station
By Air: 7.8 km from Biju Patnaik Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Rides, 3D shows, musical fountains
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹100
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours
- Must Try Foods: Ice gola, popcorn, local chaat
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Khurda
Pro Tip: Use PhonePe coupons during ticket booking for extra savings.
Go Temple-Hopping in Old Town
Temples aren’t just places of worship—they’re architectural wonders and cultural time machines. Bhubaneswar’s Old Town is home to over 700 temples, each one free to visit and steeped in history. From Mukteswar to Rajarani Temple, you can spend an entire day here absorbing Odisha’s sacred heritage.
- Location: Old Town, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 203
By Train: 4 km from Bhubaneswar Station
By Air: 6 km from Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Mukteswar, Rajarani, Parasurameswar temples
- Estimated Budget: ₹0–₹50
- Trip Duration: Half-day tour
- Must Try Foods: Street ladoos and temple prasad
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Pipili
Pro Tip: Join guided temple walks hosted on weekends for deeper insights.
Picnic at Nandankanan Zoological Park for ₹50
India loves its zoos, and Nandankanan Zoological Park is one of the few that doubles as a botanical garden and a sanctuary. Known for its white tigers and ropeway rides, this family-friendly spot offers a full day of entertainment for a very low ticket price. Whether you're a student or a wildlife lover, you’ll find this to be a high-value, low-cost escape into nature.
- Location: Barang, 20 km from Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 16 or special zoo shuttles
By Train: 19 km from Bhubaneswar Station
By Air: 27 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Wildlife safari, aquarium, ropeway, picnic spots
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹100 (entry + snacks)
- Trip Duration: Half-day to full-day
- Must Try Foods: Ice cream, puffed rice, aloo dum sold inside park canteens
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Athagarh
Pro Tip: Book your tickets online via the Odisha Forest website to avoid queues.
Stargaze on a Budget at Pathani Samanta Planetarium
Bhubaneswar isn't just temples and heritage—there’s a cosmic side too! Pathani Samanta Planetarium is one of India’s underrated science attractions, named after Odisha’s legendary astronomer. With entry tickets priced lower than a meal, it’s the perfect place to spark curiosity in kids or dive into a quick space session without burning a hole in your wallet.
- Location: Acharya Vihar, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 203, 207 to Acharya Vihar stop
By Train: 4 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station
By Air: 7 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: 3D astronomy shows, science gallery, space quiz exhibits
- Estimated Budget: ₹30–₹60 (entry + show ticket)
- Trip Duration: 1–2 hours
- Must Try Foods: Chaat and sweet corn sold near the entrance in the evenings
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Jatni
Pro Tip: Catch the afternoon show (usually less crowded) and combine this trip with a visit to regional Science Centre, just a few steps away!
Experience the Kalinga Cultural Evening on a Shoestring
Every budget trip needs a cultural experience to wrap it up, and Kalinga Cultural Evening is that final cherry on top. Held at various venues like Rabindra Mandap or IDCOL Auditorium, you’ll witness folk dances, Odissi performances, and musical showcases, all under ₹100. These government-sponsored events are frequent during festive seasons, especially the Rath Yatra and Independence Day.
- Location: Rabindra Mandap, Unit IV, Bhubaneswar
- How to Reach:
By Bus: Mo Bus Route No. 207 or 203
By Train: 3 km from Bhubaneswar Station
By Air: 5.2 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport - Things to Do / Places to Visit: Odissi dance, Gotipua, Sambalpuri music, art displays
- Estimated Budget: ₹50–₹100
- Trip Duration: 2–3 hours in the evening
- Must Try Foods: Muri-masala, ghugni, local snacks sold at the venue
- Nearby Cities: Cuttack, Khurda
Pro Tip: Book seats through Odisha Tourism or local event apps during festive times for guaranteed entry.
Conclusion
Bhubaneswar isn’t just Odisha’s capital—it’s a budget traveler’s paradise. From ancient caves to vibrant temples, every adventure is affordable, flavorful, and unforgettable. With SavePlus India, every rupee you spend is a step closer to saving more. Ready your backpack and wallet—you’re about to experience Bhubaneswar without breaking the bank.
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FAQ
What is the best month to visit Bhubaneswar on a budget?
October to February offers great weather and festive vibes with discounts on hotels and flights.
Are there any free attractions in Bhubaneswar?
Yes, temples like Lingaraj Temple and Rajarani Temple are free to enter and explore.
Which mobile wallets give the best cashback in Bhubaneswar?
PhonePe, Paytm, and GPay frequently offer location-based cashback and seasonal wallet rewards.
Can I find budget food in Bhubaneswar easily?
Absolutely! Street food in Old Town, Unit IV Market, and near colleges is tasty and pocket-friendly.
Does Bhubaneswar have budget stay options near tourist spots?
Yes, areas like Kalpana Square and Bapuji Nagar offer hostels and lodges starting from ₹300/night.