5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Orissa in December 2023

1. Day 1: Visit Lingaraj Temple
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Bhubaneswar Station

   Morning: Explore the ancient Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Afternoon: Visit the nearby Rajarani Temple, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture. Evening: Head to the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, a stunning network of artificial caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE.

2. Day 2: Discover Konark Sun Temple
   2 hours (65 km) from Bhubaneswar

   Morning: Travel to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning examples of ancient Indian architecture. Afternoon: Relax on the nearby Chandrabhaga Beach and indulge in some fresh seafood. Evening: Witness the light and sound show at the Konark Sun temple, an enchanting experience that brings the temple's history to life.

3. Day 3: Explore Puri
   1 hour 30 minutes (60 km) from Konark Sun Temple

   Morning: Visit the Jagannath Temple, one of the four most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites and a fascinating example of Kalinga-style architecture. Afternoon: Relax on the Puri Beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. Evening: Explore the Puri bazaar and indulge in some local street food.

4. Day 4: Discover Chilika Lake
   1 hour 45 minutes (55 km) from Puri

   Morning: Take a boat tour of the stunning Chilika Lake, the largest saltwater lagoon in Asia and a birdwatcher's paradise. Afternoon: Visit the nearby Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Evening: Enjoy a beautiful sunset at the lake and head back to Puri for dinner.

5. Day 5: Visit Dhauli and Udayagiri
   1 hour (30 km) from Bhubaneswar

   Morning: Visit Dhauli hill, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site where Emperor Ashoka is said to have renounced violence and embraced Buddhism. Afternoon: Explore the nearby Udayagiri hill, a stunning example of ancient Jain rock-cut architecture. Evening: Head back to Bhubaneswar for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs before departing for home.

Recommendations

Make sure to try some of the local delicacies like Chena Poda, Rasabali, and Pitha. You may also enjoy visiting the Odisha State Museum or the Mukteswara Temple if you have additional time. For a side trip, consider visiting the nearby city of Cuttack and exploring the beautiful waterfalls at Dhenkanal. Consider hiring a guide to enhance your experience and learn more about the local history and culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lingaraj Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Rajarani Temple (1 hour, INR 15)
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves (2 hours, INR 25)
• Konark Sun Temple (3 hours, INR 40)
• Chandrabhaga Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Jagannath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Puri Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Chilika Lake (3 hours, INR 1000 for boat tour)
• Nalabana Bird Sanctuary (2 hours, INR 30)
• Dhauli Hill (2 hours, Free)
• Udayagiri Hill (2 hours, INR 25)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 115

Use https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to check hotel and flight prices.