Bhubaneswar: The 10th edition of Ekamra Walks, a heritage tourism initiative of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), will commence on October 17 with special morning trails during the Durga Puja holidays, followed by curated experiences for delegates attending the Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference and Expo 2026.
The special trails will run from October 17 to 22, while customised heritage, cultural and nature-based excursions for UMI delegates and dignitaries will be organised from October 23 to 25, when the conference is scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar.
The programme will feature the Living Temple City Trail, wilderness walks at Deras, handloom and handicraft shopping experiences, light-and-sound shows at Dhauli and Udayagiri, nocturnal jungle safaris and special night-time excursions.
The regular 2026-27 season will begin on November 1 and continue until February 28, 2027, offering a mix of heritage walks, spiritual and cultural experiences, nature trails and wildlife excursions.
Among the key attractions are the Living Temple City Trail, which explores Kalinga architecture and ancient religious traditions, and the Story of a Planned Capital Trail, highlighting Bhubaneswar’s evolution from a temple city into a modern administrative capital under the 1948 master plan designed by German architect Otto Königsberger.
The season will also feature the Odia Literary Trail and Lost Games, combining literary narratives with traditional indoor and outdoor games, and Bhubaneswar by Night, which explores the city’s heritage landmarks and evening traditions. Late Night Specials will offer nocturnal heritage walks alongside stargazing and astronomy sessions.
The Sunday District Signature Food Trail, a popular attraction returning this season, will showcase traditional Odia delicacies, local sweets and indigenous ingredients while highlighting the stories, cooking practices and vendors behind the city’s food culture.
Other experiences on offer include Spiritual Sojourn, Mystical Odyssey, Dhauli Peace Walk, nature walks at Deras, jungle safaris at Bharatpur Reserve Forest and night safaris at Chandaka Reserve, besides the Odia Film Panorama.
The initiative aims to provide residents and visitors with opportunities to explore Bhubaneswar’s architectural legacy, living temple traditions, cultural practices, natural landscapes and planned urban development beyond conventional sightseeing.
Details of trail schedules, tickets and bookings will be available on the Ekamra Walks website, www.ekamra-walks.com, and its social media platforms.
