Delhi to Puri & Nandankanan 3-Day Travel Itinerary for 7 Adults & 3 Children (3rd AC)

Day 1: Travel from Delhi to Puri & Initial Local Exploration

Morning: Start early with your 3rd AC train journey from Delhi to Puri. Estimated travel time is ~30 hours, so pack snacks and entertainment for kids. Pre-book tickets through IRCTC websites or apps. Cost per person approx. ₹1,300.

Afternoon: Continue the train journey comfortably. Light meals can be ordered on train or brought along (₹200 per person approx.). Ensure hydration and use portable activities for children.

Evening: Arrival in Puri late evening. Transfer by cab to your hotel booked in advance. Suggested stay: Hotel Holiday Resort or similar near Puri beach, costing approx. ₹3,500 per room (2 rooms for adults + 2 rooms for children = 4 rooms total). Dinner onsite or nearby (₹300 per person approx.). Rest to prepare for next day sightseeing.

Day 2: Puri: Jagannath Temple Darshan and Chilka Lake Excursion

Morning: After breakfast at hotel (₹200 per person), head early to the Jagannath Temple. Advance online registration for darshan is mandatory via the official temple website. Allocate 2-3 hours for darshan. No ticket cost but donation optional. Carry valid ID for all.

Afternoon: Lunch in Puri local restaurant (₹250 per person). Then proceed to Chilka Lake—approx. 1.5-hour drive. Enjoy boat ride to spot migratory birds and dolphins. Boat ride cost approx. ₹600 per boat; multiple boats likely needed for your group. Spend 3 hours here.

Evening: Return to Puri hotel. Dinner at hotel or local eatery (₹300 per person). Leisure walk near Puri Beach before overnight stay.

Day 3: Nandankanan Zoological Park Visit & Departure from Bhubaneswar

Morning: After breakfast, check out and transfer to Nandankanan Zoological Park near Bhubaneswar (~1.5 hours drive). Entry fee approx. ₹60 per adult, ₹30 per child; Safari ticket approx. ₹150 per person. Plan 4 hours to cover safari and zoo.

Afternoon: Lunch at Zoo’s cafeteria or nearby (₹300 per person). After lunch, visit the Botanical Gardens or nearby attractions if time permits.

Evening: Transfer to Bhubaneswar railway station for your return 3rd AC train to Delhi. Pre-book tickets, cost ~₹1,200 per person. Light dinner/snacks on train or from station vendors (₹250 per person). Overnight train journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Delhi to Puri 3rd AC train: ~30 hours; ₹1,300 per person
• Hotel stay in Puri (2 nights): 4 rooms total; ₹3,500 per room per night; Total ₹28,000
• Meals (9 meals approx.): ₹250 average per person per meal; Total ~₹22,500
• Jagannath Temple Darshan: 2-3 hours; Free (optional donation)
• Chilka Lake boat ride & visit: 3 hours; ₹600 per boat (estimate 3 boats) ~₹1,800 total
• Nandankanan Zoological Park entry & safari: 4 hours; ₹210 per person (adults + kids)
• Bhubaneswar to Delhi 3rd AC train: ~16 hours; ₹1,200 per person
• Local transport (cabs, transfers): Approx. ₹6,000 total for entire trip

Total Estimated Cost: Approx. ₹1,44,000 for entire group (7 adults + 3 children)

Tips

• For travelers preferring a slower pace, extend stay in Puri by 1-2 days to explore more beaches and local culture.
• If on limited time, consider skipping Chilka Lake and spend more time at Puri Beach and Jagannath Temple area.
• Advance booking for Jagannath Temple darshan online is crucial to avoid on-the-spot hassles.
• Book all train tickets well in advance, especially for group travel in 3rd AC tier.
• Carry comfortable footwear and sun protection for day excursions.