Start very early to make a comfortable same-day loop; drive south on NH16 toward Balugaon/Chilika. Total driving for the day ~8–10 hours depending on stops and traffic. Pack water, sunscreen and ID for temple/boat bookings.
Stop in Balugaon for a hot breakfast at a roadside dhaba or local cafe — expect tea, idli/dosa/poori or a local tiffin. Many highway eateries open by 6:00–6:30am; if you prefer a guaranteed option, pack breakfast in Bhubaneswar the night before.
Quick shoreline/estuary viewpoint near Balugaon to stretch your legs and get your first Chilika vistas; good spot for morning light and photos. No formal facilities required; stay 20–30 minutes.
Short drive to Barkul (or Barkul area jetty) — this is one of the quieter access points to Chilika and the launch point for nearby island/temple boat trips. Arrive early while boat services operate smoothly.
Take a local motor-boat from Barkul (or nearby jetty) to the Kallijai island/temple area for darshan and bird/lagoon views. Boats typically run from early morning up to late afternoon — confirm local first-boat timing and sea/monsoon/weather conditions in advance.
After returning from the island, walk the shoreline and nearby village lanes to see Chilika’s mangrove/estuary life, fishermen activity and local temples. Good for photos and local snacks; plan 30–45 minutes.
Head southeast toward Tara Tarini (Kumari Hill) — scenic coastal and countryside driving. Expect roughly 2–3 hours driving depending on exact start point and traffic; use this time to enjoy coastal views and rest stops.
Have a mid-day meal at a local restaurant near Kumari/Tara Tarini: choose simple Odia thali, fresh fish preparations (if you eat fish) or vegetarian meals. Small eateries around the temple serve fresh, homestyle food — confirm kitchen hours (most serve lunch 12:00–3:00pm).
Visit the hilltop Tara Tarini Temple (on Kumari Hill) — an important Shakti Peetha with sweeping views of the Bay of Bengal; darshan and a short climb or steps are involved. Typical temple hours are early morning until evening (commonly ~5:00am–7:30pm) — check local confirmation for special puja/closing times.
After darshan, spend time at the hill viewpoint for panoramic sea-and-coast views and scenic photos; relax here before the return drive. There may be small stalls selling cold drinks and snacks.
Begin the drive back to Bhubaneswar. This is the longest stretch of the return journey — expect ~3.5–4.5 hours depending on traffic and stops; plan a short tea break en route if needed.
If you prefer a break, stop again at Balugaon for tea and quick snacks to stretch before the final leg to Bhubaneswar. Many small eateries stay open until early evening; check exact closing times during festivals/holidays.
Finish the day with dinner in Bhubaneswar. Recommended: try a classic Odia restaurant for local fare (rice, dalma, seasonal vegetable curry) or a popular multi-cuisine diner if you prefer quick service. Typical restaurants serve dinner until 10:00–11:00pm; check closing times.
Back at your Bhubaneswar lodging — rest after a full day visiting Chilika and Tara Tarini. Review any boat or temple timings for the next day if staying longer.