7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Vishakapatnam, Araku Valley, Bora Caves, Chitrakote Falls, Tirathgarh Falls, Kutumsar Caves, Rajiv Lochan Temple, Puri, Bhuvaneshwar
Tuesday, October 17: Arrival in Vishakapatnam
Start your trip by arriving in Vishakapatnam, also known as Vizag. Explore the city's beautiful beaches, including the famous R.K. Beach and Rushikonda Beach. In the afternoon, visit the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, which offers a unique glimpse into India's naval history. In the evening, take a stroll along the picturesque Vuda Park and enjoy the musical fountain.
R.K. Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Rushikonda Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
INS Kurusura Submarine Museum: INR 40 per person, 1-2 hours
Vuda Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Sundari Veg Restaurant, located in the heart of Vishakapatnam, offers a wide range of vegetarian breakfast options including idli, dosa, and uttapam. The average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch: Dolphin's Nose Restaurant, situated near the picturesque Dolphin's Nose viewpoint, serves delicious seafood dishes such as grilled prawns, tandoori fish, and crab curry. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Dinner: Hello Curry, a popular fast food joint in Vishakapatnam, serves a variety of Indian and international cuisines. Their menu includes biryanis, wraps, and burgers. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 18: Araku Valley and Bora Caves
Embark on a scenic drive to Araku Valley, surrounded by lush green hills and coffee plantations. Visit the tribal museum to learn about the indigenous cultures of the region. In the afternoon, explore the breathtaking Bora Caves, known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations. Enjoy the evening at leisure, taking in the serene beauty of Araku Valley.
Tribal Museum: INR 10 per person, 1-2 hours
Bora Caves: INR 40 per person, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Head to Cafe Coffee Day for a delicious breakfast in Araku Valley. They offer a variety of breakfast options including sandwiches, pancakes, and omelettes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
For lunch, try out the Bamboo Restaurant located in Araku Valley. They serve a range of Indian and Chinese dishes in a charming bamboo-themed setting. The average cost for a meal here is about 500 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Udipi Restaurant in Araku Valley. They specialize in vegetarian South Indian cuisine, including dosas, idlis, and vadas. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.
Thursday, October 19: Chitrakote Falls and Tirathgarh Falls
Travel to Chhattisgarh to witness the majestic Chitrakote Falls, often referred to as the "Niagara Falls of India." Spend the morning exploring the beautiful surroundings and taking in the awe-inspiring views. Afterward, head to Tirathgarh Falls, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the cascading waterfalls. Spend the evening relaxing and enjoying the tranquility of nature.
Chitrakote Falls: Free, 3-4 hours
Tirathgarh Falls: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for their fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
River View Cafe: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at River View Cafe, which offers stunning views of the waterfalls. Their menu includes a variety of cuisines, ranging from Indian to Chinese. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Sunset Grill: End your day with a delightful dinner at Sunset Grill, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the falls. They specialize in grilled seafood and offer a romantic ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Friday, October 20: Kutumsar Caves and Rajiv Lochan Temple
Discover the hidden gem of Kutumsar Caves, known for their unique limestone formations and underground beauty. Explore the fascinating natural wonders of the caves and marvel at their stunning stalactites and stalagmites. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Rajiv Lochan Temple, a revered religious site known for its architectural brilliance. Spend the evening relaxing and immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
Kutumsar Caves: INR 40 per person, 2-3 hours
Rajiv Lochan Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Sri Sairam Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional South Indian breakfast at Sri Sairam Restaurant, known for its delicious dosas and idlis. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 100 per person.
Hotel Kalinga: For a satisfying lunch, head to Hotel Kalinga and indulge in their mouthwatering thali meals that include a variety of flavorful dishes. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 150 per person.
Sea Inn: Treat yourself to a delightful seafood dinner at Sea Inn, offering a wide selection of fresh fish and prawn dishes. The tranquil beachfront setting adds to the dining experience. The average cost for a meal is about Rs. 500 per person.
Saturday, October 21: Puri
Travel to the coastal town of Puri, known for its sacred Jagannath Temple and pristine beaches. Begin your day with a visit to the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Explore the bustling streets of Puri, indulge in local street food, and relax on the golden sands of Puri Beach. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing sunset from the beach.
Jagannath Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Puri Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chakra Tirtha Road Restaurant, known for its variety of South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Wildgrass Restaurant, offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Enjoy their signature thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Savor traditional Odia cuisine for dinner at the well-known Mahodadhi Palace Restaurant, offering a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 22: Bhuvaneshwar
Head to Bhuvaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha, and visit the iconic Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the ancient caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which house intricate carvings and Jain rock-cut sculptures. In the afternoon, explore the Nandankanan Zoological Park, home to various exotic animals and a breeding center for white tigers. Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs at Ekamra Haat, a traditional handicrafts market.
Lingaraj Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Free, 1-2 hours
Nandankanan Zoological Park: INR 50 per person, 3-4 hours
Ekamra Haat: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot is Hotel Annapurna, serving delicious South Indian dishes like idli, dosa, and vada. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For lunch, try out the famous Dalma Restaurant, known for its authentic Odia cuisine including dalma (lentil curry) and pakhala (fermented rice). Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delectable dinner at The Cellar Restaurant, offering a range of Indian and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, October 23: Departure
End your trip with a morning visit to the ancient Khandagiri Jain Temple, known for its beautiful carvings and serene ambiance. Spend the remaining time exploring local markets and indulging in delicious street food before departing for your onward journey.
Khandagiri Jain Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Head to Sree Lakshmi Restaurant for a delicious South Indian breakfast. They serve crispy dosas and fluffy idlis. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Hotel Daspalla and try their authentic Andhra thali. The thali includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
End your day with a flavorful dinner at Amaravathi Multicuisine Restaurant. They offer a wide range of dishes including Chinese, North Indian, and Andhra specialties. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For an off the beaten path experience, visit Simhachalam Temple near Vishakapatnam, which is dedicated to Lord Narasimha and showcases exquisite architecture. In Araku Valley, take a ride on the famous Araku Valley Toy Train, offering scenic views of the picturesque landscape. In Puri, explore the vibrant Raghurajpur Artist Village, where you can witness traditional Odisha art forms like Pattachitra painting. These attractions offer unique insights into the local culture and heritage.