Why My Short Trip To Bhubaneswar Felt Like The Reset I Needed

I picked up the book Stay Worry-Free with Epictetus from the Stoic Philosophy series at Relay inside Delhi’s IGI Airport. The past few months had been unusually stressful, and somewhere along the way I had started feeling a little lost. I opened the book once I boarded the flight, hoping for some clarity—but somewhere between a few pages and the hum of the aircraft, I drifted off to sleep.

Still, I had a strangely positive feeling about the journey ahead.

When I landed in Bhubaneswar, a driver greeted me outside the terminal with a placard bearing my name and a warm smile. As we pulled out of the airport, he tuned into Big FM and the nostalgic Y2K song Tum Dil Ki Dhadkan Mein began playing. While the familiar melody filled the car, I looked out of the window at a cityscape that felt strikingly different from Delhi—less traffic, fewer crowds, and an almost surprising level of cleanliness.

The 15-Minute Journey To The Hotel

It was my first time in Bhubaneswar, and I was headed to Lyfe Hotels, the brand’s flagship property in the city. The purpose of my visit was the launch of Hi Lyfe, a rooftop bar that promises to be one-of-a-kind in Bhubaneswar—one of the city’s first elevated nightlife spaces in the smart city.

But before reaching the hotel, I insisted on making a quick pit stop. My personal rule for judging a place is simple: start with a cup of chai. The driver pulled over at RK Variety Store, a modest roadside stall, and the steaming glass of chai I had there instantly shook off the grogginess of the early morning flight. It was exactly what I needed.

Lyfe Hotels is located in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes from Biju Patnaik International Airport, making it an easy base for travellers. The property sits along Janpath Road, adjacent to the Deloitte office, in a bustling yet upscale neighbourhood lined with malls, cafés, and shops selling just about everything one might need.

Checking Into Lyfe

By the time I arrived and checked in, the city was beginning to settle into its afternoon rhythm. My room on the 8th floor was spacious and airy, with a large window overlooking the steady flow of traffic along Janpath Road. After unwinding with a long, relaxing soak in the bathtub—a small luxury after travel—I allowed myself a quick nap.

Lyfe Hotels in Bhubaneswar is a five-star luxury property located on Janpath Road, and features 110 rooms and suites across multiple categories, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, studio suites, and presidential suites. As one of the newer high-end properties in the city, the hotel balances contemporary design with comfort—making it a convenient base for both business and leisure travellers. There was still some time before the evening’s main event, so I stepped out to explore the neighbourhood on foot. A short stroll led me to a nearby mall, where I inevitably ended up buying clothes I didn’t really need. But then again, what is travel without a little impulsive shopping?

Soon enough, it was time for the evening everyone had gathered for.

Hi Lyfe: A Bar With A View

As the sun began to dip behind Bhubaneswar’s skyline, guests gathered on the rooftop of Lyfe Hotels for the unveiling of Hi Lyfe—a rooftop restaurant and bar designed to bring a new social energy to the city. With panoramic views stretching across Bhubaneswar, the space instantly makes an impression. Mediterranean accents meet vibrant, bohemian décor, creating an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and stylish. Ambient lighting, upbeat music, and the open-air layout lend the rooftop an effortless evening charm. What stood out most to me, though, was the view. From up here, the city feels alive—cars gliding along the roads below, buildings glowing softly in the dusk light, and the sky slowly transitioning from gold to indigo.

The culinary concept draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, with dishes influenced by Italy, Spain, Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon. The menu features plates designed for sharing—think charred harissa prawns, Turkish lamb koftas, Lebanese mezze platters, wood-fired flatbreads, and Spanish-style patatas bravas.

Where Cocktails Meet The Skyline

At the bar, the cocktail programme continues the Mediterranean journey. Signature drinks include Medina Flame, a bold blend of pomegranate, cinnamon and whiskey; Zagora Orchard, layered with apricot and dark rum; and Nomad’s Trail, a spiced bourbon-forward cocktail. For lighter options, Riad Reverie brings delicate floral notes of rose and lavender, while Aegean Breeze delivers a refreshing citrus lift—perfect for sundown. According to Sonal Sahoo, Co-founder of Lyfe Hotels, the idea behind Hi Lyfe was simple: Bhubaneswar needed a sophisticated social space.

“We felt the city needed something classy, niche, and upmarket,” she explained. “While there are standalone rooftop spaces, we wanted to create something within a five-star setting that offers a more refined experience.”

Interestingly, the rooftop isn’t entirely open-air. Considering Bhubaneswar’s weather, the team designed a space that balances openness with comfort. “We wanted it to feel open but still be comfortable year-round,” Sahoo said. “So there are sections that can transition into open-air while still offering air-conditioned spaces.” The interiors take cues from Moroccan and Turkish aesthetics, bringing in vibrant colours and textured elements that echo the Mediterranean theme.

As the evening unfolded, conversations flowed easily over glasses of wine, music grew livelier, and the rooftop slowly transformed from sunset lounge to energetic night spot. A few drinks and conversations later, I decided to retire for the day.

Revisiting Spirituality

Back in my room, I found myself thinking about my last trip to Odisha. I had stayed in Puri, near the beach, but for some reason had never managed to visit the Jagannath Temple. This time, I was determined to change that. I was initially unsure about making the journey—the temple is around 60 km from Bhubaneswar—but what surprised me was how quickly the distance disappears here. Unlike in larger metropolitan cities, road trips around Odisha feel refreshingly manageable.

By morning, I was on my way. The sultry coastal air near the Bay of Bengal left me feeling slightly drained, but the moment I reached the temple complex, something shifted. Even though the queue for darshan stretched endlessly, there was a quiet determination among everyone waiting.

Nearly four hours later, I finally completed the darshan. It was exhausting, yes—but also strangely grounding.

Food Stops Along The Way

On the way back to Bhubaneswar, we stopped for pakhala, Odisha’s beloved summer dish made from fermented rice soaked in water (sometimes with curd). Simple, cooling, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of meal designed perfectly for the region’s heat.

We followed it with two iconic Odia sweets—chenna poda and Pahala rasgulla—before heading back to the hotel. By the time I reached my room, the day’s travel and temple visit had caught up with me.

A Relaxed Evening At Sweet Basil

Later that evening, I headed down to Sweet Basil, Lyfe Hotels’ Thai restaurant, for dinner. The meal turned into an unexpectedly elaborate culinary journey. The evening began with Somtum Kung, a classic Thai green papaya salad with shrimp, long beans, cashews and cherry tomatoes tossed in a tangy tamarind dressing—spicy, sour and refreshing all at once.

Then came Surat Thani Grilled Lobster, a beautifully tender lobster dish paired with peanut and spicy sauces, followed by a comforting bowl of Tom Kha Gai, the Thai coconut-based green curry, fragrant with lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves. The Pad Thai—stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, egg, tofu and peanuts—arrived with the traditional condiments on the side: lime, chilli flakes, sugar and peanuts, allowing diners to balance flavours to their preference. The meal ended on a sweet note with Ka-Nom-Toy, a coconut pudding served with pandan sauce, coconut ice cream and delicate coconut tuiles. Chef Sara, who leads the kitchen at Sweet Basil, explained that authenticity is central to her cooking.

“Thai food is all about balance,” she told me. “Sweet, sour, spicy, salty—everything needs to come together. If a dish doesn’t have that balance, it’s not truly Thai.”

Interestingly, she chose Bhubaneswar not only for work but for lifestyle. “It’s calm here,” she said with a smile. “Less traffic, slower life—it reminds me of home.” By the time dessert ended, I was pleasantly full and ready to call it a night.

A Morning To Pause

The next morning was slow and quiet. Since my flight was later in the day, I ordered a simple English breakfast with tea and enjoyed it while looking out at the city below. As I packed, the small hardcover I had bought at the airport—Stay Worry-Free with Epictetus—slipped out of my bag. I had barely read a few pages before falling asleep on the flight.

Yet somehow, over the past two days, Bhubaneswar had already done what the book promised. Between rooftop sunsets at Hi Lyfe, a long temple queue in Puri, roadside chai, and a peaceful breakfast overlooking Janpath Road, the trip had gently slowed things down for me.

FAQs

1. Where is Lyfe Hotels located in Bhubaneswar?
Lyfe Hotels is located on Janpath Road in central Bhubaneswar, around 15 minutes from Biju Patnaik International Airport.

2. What is Hi Lyfe at Lyfe Hotels?
Hi Lyfe is a rooftop restaurant and bar at Lyfe Hotels, offering Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, signature cocktails, and panoramic views of Bhubaneswar.

3. How far is Jagannath Temple from Bhubaneswar?
Jagannath Temple in Puri is about 60 kilometres from Bhubaneswar and can be reached by road in around 1.5–2 hours.

4. What dining options are available at Lyfe Hotels Bhubaneswar?
Lyfe Hotels features multiple dining venues, including Hi Lyfe rooftop bar and Sweet Basil, which specialises in authentic Thai cuisine.

5. What is pakhala and why is it popular in Odisha?
Pakhala is a traditional Odia dish made from fermented rice soaked in water or curd, often served with sides. It is especially popular during the summer for its cooling effect.