Bhubaneswar, India | World’s Best Cities

Bhubaneswar, India

With more than 700 temples dotting its landscape, including the iconic Lingaraj Temple and Rajarani Temple, Bhubaneswar is a living museum of Odisha’s storied past (with a #81 ranking for its actual museums). As one of India’s first cities selected under the national Smart Cities Mission, Bhubaneswar has embraced technology to enhance public services, from intelligent traffic management systems to robust waste management initiatives. The Bhubaneswar Town Centre District, an integrated urban project, aims to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that blend tradition with 21st-century convenience. The city’s evolving infrastructure, including a planned expansion of Biju Patnaik International Airport (currently ranked #84) and upgraded rail links, will connect new visitors and talent. With Odisha’s government committed to attracting US$50 billion in investments by 2030, Bhubaneswar is poised for a new era of economic and cultural renaissance, especially given its relative affordability. Bhubaneswar has also emerged as a hub for IT and education and is home to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), fostering a steady flow of talent into the #52-ranked local Business Ecosystem. Major IT firms like Infosys and Tech Mahindra have established significant operations here,  attracting investment in cutting-edge sectors.