Board an early morning train (Howrah→Puri) or leave by private car/volvo; trains take ~7–9 hours depending on service, road drive ~6–8 hours — starting early gives you more time in Puri.
Check in to a family-friendly hotel/resort (choose one offering vegetarian meals) and freshen up after the journey; hotels typically allow check-in from 12:00–14:00.
Relax on Puri Beach, let the children play in the sand and enjoy the sunset; the beach is open all day — supervise around water and avoid strong tides.
Browse Grand Road for handicrafts, appliqué work and shell souvenirs; good time for light shopping before dinner — stalls typically open late afternoon to evening.
Enjoy a family-friendly vegetarian Oriya thali or house-style Indian dishes (dalma, pithas, vegetable curries) at the hotel or a clean local vegetarian restaurant; many eateries are open until 22:00.
Hearty vegetarian buffet breakfast at your hotel — expect idli, dosa, parathas, porridge, fruit and local options; most hotels serve breakfast from 7:00–10:00.
Explore the open-air ruins and the site museum; the UNESCO-listed complex (generally open 6:00–18:00) is famous for its stone chariot and intricate carvings — allow 1.5–2 hours.
Have a relaxed vegetarian lunch (thali featuring dalma, rice, mixed vegetables and pakhala if available) at a clean family restaurant near the temple; suitable for all ages and typically open through lunchtime.
Visit Raghurajpur (10–15 minutes from Konark), a heritage crafts village known for Pattachitra paintings and mask-making; artisans often demonstrate work between 10:00–17:00 — great for children to watch and try small workshops.
Choose a reliable vegetarian restaurant in Puri or dine in the hotel for a range of child-friendly options, from dals and paneer dishes to local vegetable preparations.
Leave before sunrise for Satapada to maximise dolphin sighting chances and enjoy cooler weather; travel time from Puri ~1.5–2 hours by car depending on traffic.
Board a licensed government or private boat for Chilika dolphin watching — the best window is early morning (approx. 6:30–10:00); book the boat in advance during peak season for availability.
Walk through small fishing villages (observe local life) or, in winter months, arrange a birdwatching trip to Nalabana island (seasonal access and timings vary).
Enjoy a vegetarian lunch by the lake — rice, vegetable curries, dal and local vegetable specialities; many lakeside eateries accommodate vegetarian-only requests.
Experience the atmosphere around Jagannath Temple and watch public aarti timings; note only practising Hindus may enter the sanctum, so plan a respectful outside visit and confirm aarti times locally.
Sample chhena poda (a local cottage-cheese dessert) from a reputable sweet shop and have a light vegetarian dinner at the hotel or nearby restaurant — great for children and elders.
Visit Gundicha Temple (linked to Rath Yatra) or view the historic Atharnala Bridge for a short cultural stop; both are low-effort and family-friendly with short walks.
Board your return train or drive back to Kolkata; afternoon trains from Puri to Howrah/Sealdah take ~7–9 hours so plan arrival time in Kolkata accordingly.