Bhubaneswar: Who doesn’t need a break from a busy work schedule and the rigmarole of work-life balance? Fortunately, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack offer a host of places where one can unwind with family and friends or simply enjoy one’s own company. Although there are many of them to suit every pocket and need, we have shortlisted some of them where you can head this weekend or the one after that and many others to come.
Khao Gali
Khao Gali street food court near the iconic Ram Mandir in Unit 3 Bhubaneswar has about 30 food stalls. Food lovers in the city often visit this place to savour a variety of fast food. The court has also been labelled a ‘clean street food hub’ by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). Besides beautification, the place has water and toilet facilities, which are mostly lacking at many other such haunts.
Bindusagar, Lingaraj Temple
It is located on the right side of Talabazar Road leading from Kedargouri Chhak to Lingaraja Temple, Old Town, Bhubaneswar. It is now under the care and maintenance of the Lingaraj Temple Administration and is the largest water body of Bhubaneswar. All the rituals of Lord Lingaraj are closely associated with this lake. Sneha, who belongs to Bomikhal area of Bhubaneswar, visits Bindusagar whenever she feels low or needs some time to spend with friends. She said that she finds peace here because it is near Lingaraj Temple. Light and sound shows are also conducted here on weekends. This is a place where you will find a rare combination of nature and spirituality.
Jagamara food court
Jagamara Food Park is situated on the new road at Siddhi Vihar, Jagamara. This is one of the favourite places of food lovers in Bhubaneswar. People from all corners of the city come here to satiate their cravings. Kaibalya, a student from Centurion University who stays in Jatni said that he often visits this food centre. Ashish, who is a food lover and has been living in Bhubaneswar since 2017 said, “I have been visiting Jagamara food court since 2017 because it has one of the best ‘shawarma’ outlets of Bhubaneswar back then and it was a small food court.” Now, it has emerged as one of the best food parks of Bhubaneswar with great infrastructure and hygienic as well as tasty food with ample amount of options added Ashish. The shawarma is the showstopper here and one of the best to date in the whole city. The added attraction now is Masala Cheese Pav, Gravy Chicken Momos & Mojitos.
Naaraj, Cuttack
Naaraj Cuttack is a picturesque place and a go-to haunt for youngsters living in Cuttack. Situated on the origin of the Kathajodi, a tributary of the Mahanadi, it gives a panoramic view of the vast expanse of the river. This place is known for its scenic and hill-top view. The best time to visit it is at sunset and during sunrise. Shakti, a resident of Cuttack, said that is a regular visitor to this place. Naaraj is a place where we can go for a short road trip and it has many places where we can hang out with our friends so often, he said, adding, “I like the ambience and atmosphere here. We can feel the fresh air as it has rural-type houses and food, which includes Masala Vada, Masala Paratha and its most famous evening tea). ”
Cuttack Boat Club
Cuttack Boat Club is a river view park developed by OTDC. This place attracts people of all age groups. Activities that are operational in the Boat Club include Jet Skis, Speed Boats, Day Cruise, Banana Boats, Inflatable Boat, Water Scooters, Floating café, Kayaking, Canoeing, Pedal Boats, Scuba Diving etc. There is also a floating restaurant here
