Start with a hearty Odia breakfast — try dalma, khicede or local tiffin — at your hotel or the popular Dalma restaurant to fuel the drive. Many such places open ~7:30am.
Drive southwest (~2–2.5 hours depending on traffic) to Satpada, Chilika's main jetty area — this places you on the lake for the best morning sightings and cooler conditions.
Take a motorboat from Satpada jetty to spot Irrawaddy/dolphin pods and enjoy the brackish-lagoon scenery; early morning is best for sightings. Boats typically operate ~6:30am–4:00pm; go as early as possible for better wildlife activity.
Have a fresh seafood lunch at a jetty restaurant or local shack (fish curry, prawn fry) to taste Chilika’s catch — simple, fresh coastal cuisine and quick service are common at the jetty.
Walk the long sandy Golden Beach for sunset, beachside snacks, and local life — the beach is open 24 hours and is best at late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds; avoid swimming at night.
Enjoy dinner at a recommended beachfront restaurant (try WildGrass or another well-rated Puri restaurant) for seafood, thalis or Indian dishes; many restaurants serve until 10–11pm.
Visit the exterior and courtyard of the famous Jagannath Temple early to see morning rituals; note: non-Hindus are not permitted inside the inner sanctum. Temple hours commonly run from ~5:00am–9:00pm with ritual periods in the morning.
A short drive (20–40 minutes depending on route) brings you to Raghurajpur, the living heritage village known for Pattachitra painters and traditional craftsmen — mornings are best to meet artists at work.
Walk the lanes to see Pattachitra painters, stone-carvers and puppet-makers; you can watch live demonstrations and buy authentic artworks directly from artisans (village visiting hours ~9:00am–5:30pm).
Short coastal drive to the Konark Sun Temple complex — plan to arrive before midday to avoid strongest sun and have time inside the museum and grounds.
Visit the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple to see the monumental chariot architecture and stone carvings; site open typically 6:00am–6:00pm (check ASI notices).
Quick visit to the Konark archaeological museum (small but informative) and a walk at Chandrabhaga Beach (near Konark) for coastal views and quieter sands; beaches are open all day.
Return drive to Bhubaneswar takes ~1.5–2 hours; if you prefer to overnight in Puri instead, it is a short drive back from Konark and allows an easier next-morning departure.