Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: Bhubaneswar’s rich architectural heritage, vibrant cultural traditions and natural landscapes will take centre stage as the 10th edition of Ekamra Walks begins on October 17, offering residents and visitors a fresh opportunity to explore the Temple City through guided walks and curated experiences.
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An initiative of the Heritage Cell of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), the programme will begin with special morning trails during the Durga Puja and Dussehra holidays. Specially designed heritage, cultural and nature-based experiences will subsequently be organised for delegates attending the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25.
The initiative aims to showcase Bhubaneswar beyond its familiar tourist attractions by connecting participants with its ancient temples, urban planning legacy, traditional crafts, local cuisine and natural surroundings.
Special Trails for Dussehra and UMI Delegates
The Dussehra special morning trails will run from October 17 to 22, allowing participants to discover the city’s heritage during the quieter hours of the morning.
From October 23 to 25, specially curated experiences will be offered to visiting UMI delegates and dignitaries. These will include the Living Temple City Trail, Walk in Wilderness at Deras, handloom and handicraft shopping experiences, the Light and Sound Show at Dhauli and Udayagiri, nocturnal jungle safaris and special night-time trails.
The experiences are designed to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Bhubaneswar’s architecture, cultural traditions and ecological attractions while accommodating their conference schedules.
The regular season of Ekamra Walks for 2026–27 will commence on November 1 and continue until February 28, 2027.
Heritage, Architecture and the Story of a Planned Capital
The upcoming season will feature several guided experiences highlighting different aspects of the city’s identity.
The Living Temple City Trail will take participants through historic temple precincts, showcasing the distinctive features of Kalinga architecture, intricate stone carvings and longstanding religious traditions.
The Story of a Planned Capital Trail will explore Bhubaneswar’s transformation from an ancient temple city into a modern administrative capital. The walk will trace the influence of German architect Otto Königsberger’s 1948 master plan and examine the urban design principles that shaped the city’s development.
Another distinctive offering, the Odia Literary Trail + Lost Games, will bring together literary narratives and traditional folk games. Designed for participants of different age groups, the experience will encourage families and visitors to rediscover Odisha’s literary and recreational heritage.
Discover Bhubaneswar After Dark
The new season will also offer opportunities to experience the city beyond daylight hours.
Bhubaneswar by Night will introduce participants to heritage precincts, sacred landmarks and evening devotional traditions. Meanwhile, the Late Night Specials will combine nocturnal heritage exploration with curated stargazing and astronomy sessions.
Nature lovers will also have opportunities to explore Odisha’s natural surroundings through experiences such as Walk in Wilderness at Deras, a jungle safari at Bharatpur Reserve Forest and a night jungle safari at Chandaka Reserve.
Other offerings will include Spiritual Sojourn, Mystical Odyssey, Dhauli Peace Walk, Nature Walk and the Odia Film Panorama, bringing together spiritual, cultural, environmental and cinematic themes.
Sunday Food Trail to Celebrate Odisha’s Culinary Heritage
One of the major attractions of the 2026–27 season will be the return of the popular Sunday District Signature Food Trail, which celebrates Bhubaneswar’s distinctive food culture.
Participants will have the opportunity to sample traditional Odia delicacies and local sweets while learning about indigenous ingredients, regional recipes and traditional cooking techniques.
The trail will also highlight the stories of local food vendors and the culinary traditions that continue to shape Odisha’s gastronomic identity.
Connecting People with the City’s Living Heritage
With a combination of familiar favourites and refreshed experiences, the 10th edition of Ekamra Walks seeks to make Bhubaneswar’s diverse heritage more accessible to residents, tourists and visiting delegates.
By bringing together architecture, history, spirituality, food, literature and nature, the initiative offers an opportunity to understand how the city’s ancient traditions coexist with its modern urban identity.
Details regarding trail schedules, tickets and bookings will be available through the official Ekamra Walks website, www.ekamra-walks.com, and its social media platforms.
The new season is expected to further strengthen Bhubaneswar’s appeal as a destination for heritage tourism and immersive cultural experiences.
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