Ekamra Walks: Difference between revisions

Ekamra Walks is a weekly heritage walk for visitors to explore the heritage trails of Ekamra Kshetra or the temple city of Bhubaneswar. The walk is a non-profit initiative by the unified effort of Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation There are multiple trails conducted by Ekamra Walks across Heritage, Culture & Nature.^[1]

Old Town Bhubaneswar, also known as Ekamra Kshetra is the center of Kalingan temple architecture. In 2014, Ekamra Kshetra earned a place in UNESCO’S tentative list of World Heritage sites. Ekamra Walks, hence borrows its name from “Ekamra Kshetra” and is a paid guided tour for people interested in the history and culture of the land that once hosted more than 7000 temples.

Ekamra Walks is Bhubaneswar’s signature heritage and culture initiative — a curated series of guided trails that celebrate the city’s living history, art, ecology, and people. Designed by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), the walks invite citizens and visitors to explore the city beyond monuments — through its stories, traditions, and creative spirit. From the ancient temples of Ekamra Kshetra to the tranquil forests of Chandaka and the reflective peace of Dhauli, each trail offers a new lens to experience Bhubaneswar as a clean, green, and inclusive city. Anchored in the ideals of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ekamra Walks connects heritage with responsibility — transforming every step into a celebration of culture, community, and civic pride.

There are 9 Trails for the year 2025-26. Each of these trails are organised to provide a holistic view of the tempest, art, culture and natural elements of the city. ^[2]

Destinations Covered:

• Mukteswar Temple (10th century, iconic “gem of Kalingan architecture”)
• Lingaraj Temple (11th century, grand shrine of Lord Shiva)
• Parasurameswar Temple (7th century, oldest surviving shrine in Bhubaneswar)
• Ananta Vasudev Temple (Vaishnavite shrine)
• Chitrakarini Temple
• Bindusagar Lake (ritual center)

Duration: 2–2.5 hours, approx. 2 km distance

Requirements: Moderate fitness (easy to moderate walk), comfortable footwear, camera

Destinations Covered:

• Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur (unique circular shrine dedicated to 64 Yoginis)
• Vaitala Deula (Tantric temple)

Duration: Usually 1.5–2 hours, transport included for outlying sites

Includes: Expert-guided discussion on rituals, symbolism, festival stories, welcome kit

Destinations Covered:

• Jain Caves (Udayagiri & Khandagiri – ancient rock-cut caves)
• Bhaskareswara, Brahmeshwara, Rajarani

Duration: 2–2.5 hours, approx. 2 km distance

Requirements: Moderate fitness (easy to moderate walk), comfortable footwear, camera

Destinations Covered:

• Deras forest reserve (Biodiversity hotspots, scenic walking trails, water reservoir)
• Observation spots for flora, birds, and wildlife

Duration: 2–2.5 hours, 5 KM brisk walk

Fitness: Easy walk, suitable for most ages

Equipment: Sports shoes, hats, water bottles

Includes: Naturalist guide, eco-friendly walk, group safety measure

Destinations Covered:

• Bharatpur wildlife sanctuary (Tropical forest, migratory birdwatching, small mammal sightings)

Duration: 2 hours

Mode: Vehicle / jeep safari, includes trained spotters & guides

Fitness: Suitable for all

Destinations Covered:

• Dhauli Hill (site of the Kalinga War, Ashokan Rock Edicts)
• Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Fitness: Short hill climb, accessible for most

Includes: Reflection sessions, guided storytelling, group meditation segment

Destinations Covered:

• Classic Odia Movie & Plays in an open air theatre + Explainer & Conversations
• Traditional Odia Food (on payment)

Duration: 3 hours

Includes: Interactions, workshops, refreshments, documentation of art processes

Destinations Covered:

• State Libraries/archives (ancient manuscripts)
• State Museum
• Kala Bhoomi
• Culturally significant performance of stories & art forms

Duration: 2.5 hours

Includes: Expert narrators, sample readings, multilingual support