Thursday, September 7: Arrival and Puri Exploration
Start your trip by arriving in Puri, a beautiful coastal town located in the Indian state of Odisha. In the morning, relax and unwind on the pristine golden beaches of Puri, such as the famous Golden Beach or Swargadwar Beach, while enjoying the soothing sound of the waves. After a refreshing swim, visit the historic Jagannath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the bustling Puri Beach Road, lined with shops and small eateries.
Golden Beach: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
The Chilika Dhaba is a popular breakfast spot in Puri, known for its mouthwatering South Indian dishes and fresh fruit juices. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
For lunch, head to the Zaffran Restaurant, which offers a variety of delicious Indian and Chinese cuisines. With its serene ambiance and friendly staff, this restaurant is a great choice for a midday meal. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner experience at Wildgrass Restaurant. This rooftop restaurant offers a stunning view of Puri's coastline along with delectable seafood and North Indian dishes. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about Rs. 500 per person.
Friday, September 8: Relaxation at Chilika Lake
Embark on a day trip to Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, located near Puri. Start your morning with a serene boat ride along the lake, where you can spot migratory birds and dolphins. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake's surroundings and take in the natural beauty. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque Satpada village situated on the southern part of the lake, and indulge in some delicious seafood at the local eateries. As the evening approaches, witness a breathtaking sunset over Chilika Lake.
Chilika Lake Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 500 per person, Time Spent - 4 hours
Sunset at Chilika Lake: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Ma Odisha, a popular restaurant in Puri known for its traditional Odia cuisine. Enjoy their delicious Puri Bhaji, a famous local dish made with deep-fried flatbread and spicy potato curry. The average cost for a breakfast meal at Ma Odisha is about 100 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Swosti Chilika Resort in Satpada village. This restaurant offers a wide variety of seafood dishes prepared with fresh catch from Chilika Lake. Try their mouthwatering Chilika Crab Curry or Prawn Masala. The average cost for a lunch meal at Swosti Chilika Resort is about 500 INR per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Bhojohori Manna, a fine dining restaurant in Bhubaneswar. Known for its authentic Bengali cuisine, they serve delectable dishes like Fish Kamala Bhog and Aam Pora Shorshe Ilish. The average cost for a dinner meal at Bhojohori Manna is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday, September 9: Exploring Bhubaneswar's Temples
Travel to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, which is renowned for its ancient temples. Begin your day by visiting the magnificent Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its exquisite architecture. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks. End your day with a visit to the peaceful Dhauli Hill, where you can find the famous Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace and non-violence.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Estimated Cost - INR 15 per person, Time Spent - 3 hours
Dhauli Hill and Shanti Stupa: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this popular restaurant known for its wide range of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and Indian breakfast staples. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
Food Court: Grab a quick and delicious lunch at this bustling food court offering a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, and street food. Average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
The Spice Garden: Indulge in a delectable dinner at this fine dining restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisines. The elegant ambiance and mouthwatering dishes make it a perfect choice for a memorable dinner experience. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Sunday, September 10: Nandankanan Zoological Park
Spend the day exploring the renowned Nandankanan Zoological Park, located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Start your morning by observing various species of animals, including the majestic white tigers for which the zoo is famous. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon by visiting the Botanical Garden within the park, which is home to a diverse range of flora. Don't miss the opportunity to take a thrilling cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the zoo and its surroundings.
Nandankanan Zoological Park: Estimated Cost - INR 100 per person, Time Spent - 4 hours
Cable Car Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 30 per person, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Maa Tarini Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Odia breakfast at Maa Tarini Restaurant, located near Nandankanan Zoological Park. Indulge in mouthwatering poha, idli, and vada, served with piping hot chai. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about 100 INR per person.
The Zaika: For a satisfying lunch, head to The Zaika, a popular restaurant in Bhubaneswar. Relish the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine, including biryanis, kebabs, and curries. The average cost for a lunch meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dalma: To end your day on a delightful note, visit Dalma, a renowned dinner destination in Bhubaneswar. Indulge in a buffet spread of delectable Odia dishes, including dalma, machha besara, and kakharu phula bhaja. The average cost for a dinner meal is about 500 INR per person.
Monday, September 11: Last Day in Bhubaneswar
On your last day, take a leisurely morning walk around the beautiful Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens, known for its lush greenery and peaceful ambiance. In the afternoon, visit the Odisha State Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of ancient sculptures, artifacts, and paintings, providing insight into Odisha's rich cultural heritage. End your trip with a visit to the bustling marketplaces of Bhubaneswar, such as the Ekamra Haat or Unit 2 Market, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs.
Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens: Estimated Cost - INR 20 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Odisha State Museum: Estimated Cost - INR 10 per person, Time Spent - 2 hours
Shopping at Ekamra Haat or Unit 2 Market: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Bhubaneswar is The Breakfast Club, known for its wide selection of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out The Silver Streak, a charming restaurant offering a variety of Odia cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
If you're looking for a dinner option, head to The Cellar, a cozy restaurant known for its delicious seafood and live music. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For a truly off the beaten path experience, head to Konark, a small town near Puri, and explore the stunning Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Surrounded by scenic beauty, this architectural marvel is a testament to India's rich history. Another hidden gem is the Chandrabhaga Beach, located close to Konark, where you can enjoy a peaceful time sunbathing or simply relaxing. Locals love to indulge in authentic Odia cuisine at local eateries, such as Dalma, where you can savor traditional dishes like 'Pakhala' (watered rice) and 'Chhena Poda' (a sweet treat made from cheese).
Check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Puri and Bhubaneswar here.