What to Wear in Bhubaneswar

Dressing for the temples

Lingaraj and the other living temples expect modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or see-through. Men in shorts are sometimes turned away at the gate. Leather belts and bags are not welcome inside many shrines, so a cloth bag makes life easier. A cotton scarf or dupatta is useful for women and men alike; it covers shoulders in a pinch and keeps the sun off your neck on the walk between temples.

Shoes you can slip off

You will remove your shoes at every active temple, and the stone courtyards heat up fast. Wear sandals or kolhapuris that come off without laces, and go early, when the paving is still cool. Socks are allowed at some temples and help on hot stone; ask at the shoe counter.

By season

• November to February: warm days and mild evenings. Light cotton by day, one thin layer for early starts at Dhauli or on the road to Puri.
• March to June: hot and humid, often around 40 °C in May. Loose cotton or linen in light colours, a hat for the cave hills, and a spare shirt.
• Mid-June to September: heavy monsoon showers. Quick-dry trousers, an umbrella and sandals with grip; the sandstone steps at Udayagiri turn slippery.

Buying local

Bhubaneswar is the easiest place in Odisha to buy handloom. The Sambalpuri saree, with its tie-dyed ikat patterns, and the finer Bomkai are sold at Ekamra Haat and at Boyanika, the state weavers' showroom. A checked cotton gamucha costs little and is the most useful souvenir you can carry: towel, head cover and scarf in one.

For photos

Maroon, mustard and white sit well against the red-gold stone of Rajarani and the grey of Lingaraj. Avoid pale beige at the temples; it disappears against sandstone. See the photo spots page for which colours suit which site.