Waterways have historically shaped Bhubaneswar's cultural and ecological landscape.
* **Rivers:** The city is flanked by the **Kuakhai River** to the east and the historical **Daya River** to the south. The banks of the Daya are renowned as the site of the ancient Kalinga War. * **Lakes:** **Bindusagar Lake**, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a sacred water body surrounded by historic temples. **Kanjia Lake**, a natural wetland within the Nandankanan zoo complex, is recognized as a wetland of national importance.