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.
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.
Trails 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.
Ticket prices range from ₹ 100 for most trails to ₹ 200 for Jungle Safari & ₹ 300 for Nocturnal Safari.
Ekamra Heritage Walk – The Living Temple City 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
Mystical Odyssey – The Shakta Traditions of Bhubaneswar Destinations Covered:
Chausathi Yogini Temple, Hirapur (unique circular shrine dedicated to 64 Yoginis) Baitala 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
Spiritual Sojourn – Paths of Harmony 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
Walk in Wilderness – The Forest and the City 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
Jungle Safari / Night Safari 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
Dhauli Peace Walk – From War to Wisdom Destinations Covered:
Dhauli Hill (site of the Kalinga War, Ashokan Rock Edicts) Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda) Light & Sound Show (ticket price is included)
Duration: 2.5 - 3 hours
Fitness: Short hill climb, accessible for most
Includes: Reflection sessions, guided storytelling, group meditation segment
Odia Film Panorama Destinations Covered:
Classic Odia Movie in an open air theatre + Explainer & Conversations Traditional Odia Snacks
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Interactions, workshops, refreshments, documentation of art processes
Odia Literary Trail – Language, Literature & Identity Destinations Covered:
Introduction to Odia Language by eminent research scholars & writers. Mesmerising Odia Fold Dance Performance Culturally significant performance of stories
Duration: 2.5 hours
Includes: Expert narrators, Award winning dance performance, immersive story telling & multilingual support
References