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

Day 1: Travel from Delhi to Puri & Evening Sightseeing

Morning: Board your 3rd AC train from New Delhi Railway Station to Puri early morning. The most convenient train for this route is the Purushottam Express (Train No. 12801), which takes around 30-32 hours. Tickets per person approximately ₹1500.

Afternoon: Arrive at Puri Railway Station. Transfer to your pre-booked hotel near the beach or Jagannath temple. Check-in and freshen up. Recommended hotel: Budget-friendly 3-star hotels or guesthouses near Puri Beach or Jagannath Temple, costing approx ₹1200 per room per night (3 rooms needed for 7 adults + kids' sharing).

Evening: Visit the Puri Beach for a relaxing walk and sunset views. Have dinner at a local restaurant serving Odia cuisine. Approximate cost for meals: ₹200 per adult, ₹100 per child.

Day 2: Full Day Excursion to Nandankanan & Nearby Attractions

Morning: After breakfast, drive to Nandankanan Zoological Park (approx 20 km from Puri, allow 45min travel). Spend the morning exploring the zoo and botanical gardens. Entry fee: ₹50 per adult, ₹30 per child; Safari ride approx ₹100 per person.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant near Nandankanan, costing around ₹250 per adult and ₹125 per child. Post-lunch, visit the Nandankanan Orchid House and Deer Safari.

Evening: Return to Puri. Spend the evening visiting Jagannath Temple. Note that for darshan, register online in advance at the official Odia temple portal https://jagannath.nic.in/darshan-registration. Passes are free but mandatory for smooth entry, especially for group size like yours. Dinner at hotel or nearby local restaurants (₹200/₹100 for adults/children).

Day 3: Chilka Lake Excursion & Return from Bhubaneswar

Morning: Early morning departure to Chilka Lake (approx 60 km, 1.5 hrs from Puri). Enjoy the boat ride (₹250 per person approx) for bird watching and dolphin spotting. Entry fee ₹50 per adult, ₹25 per child.

Afternoon: Have lunch near Chilka Lake, estimated ₹200/₹100 per adult/child. Start drive to Bhubaneswar (approx 40 km, 1 hr). Check in to a budget hotel near Bhubaneswar Railway Station for convenience on next day travel, cost approx ₹1500 per room (3 rooms).

Evening: Explore Bhubaneswar city light sightseeing if time permits, visiting Lingaraj Temple (free entry, darshan pass usually not required but morning visits recommended). Dinner in Bhubaneswar with an approximate cost similar to earlier days. Early sleep to prepare for next day train journey.

Day 4: Return Travel to Delhi

Morning: Board train from Bhubaneswar Railway Station to Delhi in 3rd AC. Example train: Shri Jagannath Express (Train No. 18478). Cost approx ₹1500 per person.

Afternoon & Evening: Onboard rest and meals (bring packed snacks or purchase onboard, approx ₹150 per meal per adult, ₹75 per child).

Time and Cost Estimates

• Train Delhi to Puri (Per person): 30-32 hours / ₹1500
• Accommodation Puri (3 rooms, 2 nights): 2 nights / ₹2400 per room total
• Puri Food (Per person daily): 3 meals x 3 days / ₹600
• Nandankanan Zoological Park: 4-5 hours / ₹150 (entry + safari) per person
• Jagannath Temple Darshan (Advance Pass): Free (advance online booking required)
• Chilka Lake (Boat + Entry): 3-4 hours / ₹300 per person
• Accommodation Bhubaneswar (3 rooms, 1 night): ₹1500 per room
• Train Bhubaneswar to Delhi (Per person): 17-18 hours / ₹1500
• Onboard & Local Transport & Miscellaneous: Approx ₹300 per person
• Total estimated cost per adult: ~₹5500 - ₹5700
• Total estimated cost per child: ~₹3000 (includes half or concession fares)

Tips

• To extend the trip, add an additional day at Chilka Lake or visit nearby temples in Bhubaneswar like Dhauli and Mukteswar for a deeper cultural experience.
• To reduce the duration, consider direct flights from Bhubaneswar to Delhi (check budget flights), and skip Nandankanan to focus solely on Puri and Chilka, making it a 2-day intensive trip.
• All darshan passes for Jagannath Temple must be booked 2-3 weeks in advance online through the official website to avoid entry denial and long queues.
• For local transport, pre-book a tourist vehicle (tempo traveler or 2-3 taxis) for entire stay for convenience and cost-saving rather than local hires or autos.
• Carry portable snacks and water bottles especially for train journeys and wildlife safari trips for comfort and hygiene.