Bhubaneswar City Guide

Must-try local dishes include Dalma, Pakhala, Chhena Poda, and various seafood preparations. A decent variety of international cuisines is available, especially in the newer parts of the city.

Bhubaneswar's nightlife is relatively subdued compared to larger Indian cities. There are a few pubs and lounges, mainly in hotels, but a vibrant clubbing scene is not prominent.

The coffee scene is developing with a mix of local cafes and international chains like Cafe Coffee Day and Starbucks.

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Common to tip 5-10% in restaurants and round up for taxis. Tipping hotel staff for good service is also appreciated.

SIM cards can be purchased at authorized dealer stores of mobile operators (e.g., Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea) in the city. It's generally not recommended to buy from unofficial vendors.

Bhubaneswar has improved its cleanliness and waste management efforts, often ranking well in national surveys.

Limited 24/7 options. Some pharmacies and cafes have late hours, but 24/7 minimarts are less common.

Limited availability of specific international brands, but major supermarkets stock a decent range of imported goods.

Card acceptance is widespread in larger establishments like malls, supermarkets, and upscale restaurants. However, cash is still essential for local markets, street vendors, and smaller shops. Digital payment apps like UPI (Unified Payments Interface) are widely used and highly recommended for transactions.

ATMs are widely available from various banks (e.g., SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank) across the city. Common fees for international cards may apply, so it's advisable to check with your bank.

Notable schools include KIIT International School, ODM Public School, and DAV Public School. English is the primary language of instruction in most international and private schools, while public schools primarily use Odia.

The digital nomad community in Bhubaneswar is nascent but growing. There are no dedicated large-scale nomad meetups or co-living spaces specifically for nomads yet.

The city boasts several well-maintained parks like Ekamra Kanan, Forest Park, and Indira Gandhi Park, providing ample green spaces for recreation.

Popular running routes include parks like Ekamra Kanan, Forest Park, and roads near Kalinga Stadium.

Several modern gyms are available, and opportunities for cricket, football, and badminton are common.

Tennis courts are available at various clubs and sports complexes, such as Kalinga Stadium.

Padel courts are not widely available.

Several yoga studios and wellness centers are available, often with English-speaking instructors.

Various martial arts schools offer training in disciplines like Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo.

Skiing is not available in or near Bhubaneswar.

Boating and paddle boating are available in local lakes like Bindusagar and Nicco Park.

Surfing is available at Puri Beach, with waves suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers.

Limited organized diving/snorkeling opportunities directly near Bhubaneswar.

Several private hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Kalinga Hospital, and SUM Hospital have English-speaking staff and offer good quality care. Private hospitals generally offer higher quality facilities and services compared to public hospitals.

Tap water in Bhubaneswar is generally not considered safe for direct consumption by travelers. It is highly recommended to drink bottled water or use a reliable water filter.

Many parks in Bhubaneswar have dedicated children's play areas. Baby supplies are readily available, and there are kid-friendly cafes.

While legal protections are improving, social acceptance is still evolving, warranting discretion in public.

Pet policies vary widely; while some accommodations are pet-friendly, options can be limited. Good veterinary services are present, though.