Bhubaneswar: From exploring ancient temples and the story of Odisha’s capital city to discovering local food traditions and nocturnal wildlife, the 10th edition of Ekamra Walks will offer residents and visitors new ways to experience Bhubaneswar during the 2026–27 season.
The initiative of the Heritage Cell of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) will begin on October 17, coinciding with the Durga Puja festivities. Special morning trails will be organised from October 17 to 22, followed by curated heritage, cultural and nature-based experiences for delegates attending the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026, scheduled in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25.
The regular season will commence on November 1 and continue until February 28, 2027, featuring guided walks, excursions and experiences designed to showcase the city’s architectural legacy, cultural traditions, planned urban development and natural landscapes.
Special trails for Dussehra and UMI delegates
The Dussehra morning trails will allow participants to explore Bhubaneswar’s heritage during the quieter hours of the day. For UMI delegates and visiting dignitaries, the programme will feature specially curated experiences, including the Living Temple City Trail, Walk in Wilderness at Deras, handloom and handicraft shopping, light and sound shows at Dhauli and Udayagiri, nocturnal jungle safaris and special night-time trails.
The experiences are designed to provide visitors with an insight into Bhubaneswar’s temple architecture, traditional crafts, natural surroundings and cultural attractions while accommodating their conference schedules.
Exploring the city’s history and urban identity
The new season will feature several heritage and cultural trails alongside familiar favourites. The Living Temple City Trail will take participants through the city’s historic temple precincts, highlighting Kalinga architecture, intricate stone carvings and longstanding religious practices.
The Story of a Planned Capital Trail will explore Bhubaneswar’s transformation from an ancient temple town into a modern administrative capital. It will trace the influence of the 1948 master plan prepared by German architect Otto Königsberger and introduce participants to the planning principles and neighbourhoods that shaped the city’s development.
Blending literature with folk traditions, the Odia Literary Trail + Lost Games will offer an interactive experience for families and visitors of different age groups. Participants will explore literary narratives and rediscover traditional indoor and outdoor games.
Bhubaneswar by Night will take visitors through heritage areas and sacred landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s evening traditions and devotional practices. Late Night Specials will combine nocturnal heritage exploration with curated stargazing and astronomy sessions.
Food trail returns
A major attraction of the season will be the return of the Sunday District Signature Food Trail, which celebrates Bhubaneswar’s culinary heritage through guided food experiences.
Participants will get to sample traditional Odia delicacies and local sweets while learning about the origins of dishes, indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The trail will also highlight local food vendors and the culinary traditions that continue to shape the city’s distinctive food culture.
Heritage, spirituality and nature experiences
The 2026–27 programme will also include Spiritual Sojourn, Mystical Odyssey, Dhauli Peace Walk, Nature Walk at Deras, Jungle Safari at Bharatpur Reserve Forest, Night Jungle Safari at Chandaka Reserve and the Odia Film Panorama.
Through this mix of heritage walks, spiritual journeys, cultural activities and wildlife experiences, Ekamra Walks aims to encourage people to look beyond conventional sightseeing and discover the stories, traditions and landscapes that define Bhubaneswar.
Further details on trail schedules, tickets and bookings will be available on the official website, www.ekamra-walks.com, and through the initiative’s social media platforms.
