1. Home
2. 
3. Travel
4. 
5. Hotels
6. 
7. 48 Hours of Warmth & Wonder in Bhubaneswar

Having been born and raised in Kolkata, I’ve learned to always discover art and history in the most unexpected places. Growing up here meant my childhood was a blur of temple visits, getting lost in the labyrinth of book fairs, and most memorably, eagerly waiting for my househelp to cook ‘macher bhaat’ as the distant hum of my neighbours' animated discussions about politics, art, and life filled the air. When my family relocated to Northern India, it was like leaving behind a piece of the calm, the culture and the deep sense of belonging I had for the city—which left me feeling incomplete in ways I didn’t expect.

But during a recent trip to Bhubaneswar, I found that familiar sense of nostalgia and calm flooding back. I recollect it as a land of craft, cuisine, and culture all effortlessly blended together. And Lyfe Hotels, Bhubaneswar’s newest luxury retreat, seemed to capture that very spirit. The city had already enveloped me in its warmth, and thanks to the hotel’s carefully curated itinerary for the next 48 hours, I knew I was in for something special.

After a traditional welcome with a uttoriyo, I checked into my Studio Suite and settled in to enjoy the panoramic view of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows in my room. The well-appointed room, done up in soothing grey with a splash of deep teal hues, had everything that you would need for a comfortable and luxurious stay.

DAY 1

My first stop in the itinerary was the stunning Konark Temple, which is approximately 60 km from Bhubaneswar. After a 3-hour drive from the hotel, we reached our destination, and it was impossible not to be mesmerised by the sheer scale of the Sun Temple. The temple, a fine example of Kalinga architecture, is designed as a colossal chariot. It adorns intricate carvings that narrate tales from mythology and everyday life with stunning detail.

48 Hours of Warmth & Wonder in Bhubaneswar

Our next stop was the Chandra Bhaga Beach, where the vast expanse of the blue waters provided a perfect contrast to the historical grandeur of the Konark Temple. I spent some time walking along the beach, dipping my toes in the water, and savouring the calm surroundings. Before heading back to the hotel, we made a final stop at some local shops near the temple where you could shop for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

After returning to Lyfe Hotels, I had an exquisite dinner waiting for me at Sweet Basil, the hotel’s specialty restaurant. Chef Sara Panisara's menu, inspired by her grandmother’s recipes from Phuket, felt like a nostalgic celebration of Thai cuisine. As dish after dish arrived, I couldn't help but indulge in everything. The crispy prawns with tamarind glaze were addictive, followed by a perfectly crafted Pad Thai that hit all the right notes. One of the highlights was the Pla-Salmon—a beautifully presented salmon tartare, bursting with authentic Thai flavours. And just when I thought I couldn’t eat anymore, the Bou-Loy—a warm coconut milk dessert with sticky rice dumplings—made the perfect finish! To wind down the evening, you can also head to the Mojo bar and sip on expertly crafted cocktails. Stuffed, happy, and ready to collapse into a deep slumber, I slowly made my way back to my room, already looking forward to what the next day would bring.

Day 2

Day 2 began with a lavish Sunday brunch at Lyfe’s Kitchen, the all-day diner of the hotel. If you are looking for nibbles or a quick catch-up over coffee, you can also head to the in-house Cafe Deli.

Every hotel has that one person who seems to know every little detail about the place, someone whose knowledge far surpasses any brochure or guide. At Lyfe Hotels, that person is Preeti, the Marketing Coordinator, who helped me with a detailed tour of the property. As we strolled through the property, she pointed out details, like how the entire design of the hotel draws inspiration from Odisha’s iconic landmarks, with subtle nods to the intricate carvings and sculptures that define the region’s history. She also hinted at some exciting plans in the works, like the upcoming rooftop restaurant that will offer a stunning view of the city’s skyline.

For business travellers, Lyfe offers a well-equipped boardroom for meetings and conferences, along with three banquet halls—Amber, Jade, and Iris—and a smaller venue, Opal. If you're in the mood to unwind, you can take a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the city or relax on the sun loungers and soak up some vitamin D.

After exploring the property, my body was begging for some much-needed R&R, and so I quickly made my way over to the spa for a soothing 60-minute Deep Tissue Massage, followed by a luxurious hair spa. Without a second thought, I sank onto the massage table, and soon enough, the therapist slathered me in various oils and worked her magic. When the session wrapped up, I caught the therapist stifling a smile, and that's when I realised—I had blissfully snored my way through the session—which is actually my highest benchmark for how good a spa session is!

The indulgent Odia thali was the perfect finale to my journey, and I happily devoured all the authentic and local delicacies served to me. The feast began with ‘Badi Chura,’ a flavourful mix of fried lentil dumplings crushed with garlic. Next up was the hearty ‘Manso Jhola,’ a fragrant mutton curry with potatoes, and ‘Macha Besara,’ a tangy mustard-based rohu fish curry, both paired beautifully with ‘Meetha Kanika,’ a sweet yellow rice pulao with dry fruits.

For vegetarians, there was ‘Dahi Baigan,’ a dish with a delicate balance of sweet and tangy notes. These gravies were complemented by ‘Chakuli,’ a soft rice flour flatbread. The quintessential Odia ‘Dalma,’ a wholesome lentil stew with vegetables, rounded out the savoury delights, accompanied by crispy papad, fresh kachumber salad, and a tangy tomato chutney. For dessert, there was the iconic ‘chhena poda’, ‘rosogolla’, and ‘kakara pitha’, a fried pithe with a filling of coconut.

As I savoured the last bite of my decadent Odia thali, I found myself reflecting on the past 48 hours at Lyfe Hotels. Their warm hospitality, cosy accommodations, and lively atmosphere left a lasting impression. Bidding farewell to Bhubaneswar, I felt a deep connection, realising that the feeling of home is wherever you're welcomed with warmth and kindness.