5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Puri, August 13-17, 2023

Sunday, August 13: Arrival in Puri

Start your trip in the coastal city of Puri, known for its beautiful beaches and famous Jagannath Temple. In the morning, visit the Shree Jagannath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Explore the temple complex and witness the rituals and ceremonies. Enjoy a delicious lunch of local Odia cuisine in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, head to the stunning Golden Beach, where you can relax, build sandcastles, and enjoy water sports. As the evening sets in, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and witness a breathtaking sunset.

• Shree Jagannath Temple: Admission is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Golden Beach: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Experience a delicious breakfast at Katica Breakfast Cafe, conveniently located near the Shree Jagannath Temple. Indulge in homemade pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
• Savor the flavors of Odia cuisine at Dalma Restaurant for a delightful lunch. This restaurant offers a variety of traditional dishes such as dalma, chhena poda, and pakhala. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• For a memorable dinner, visit Wildgrass Restaurant, known for its serene ambiance and delectable seafood. Enjoy freshly caught prawns, fish curry, and grilled lobster. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.

Monday, August 14: Exploring Puri

Start your day with a visit to the Puri Beach Market, a bustling local market where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh seafood. Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast of street food at the market. In the afternoon, visit the Puri Sea Beach, known for its clean sand and clear waters. Take a boat ride or indulge in various beach activities with your family. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Marine Drive, a scenic road alongside the beach, and enjoy the cool sea breeze.

• Puri Beach Market: Estimated cost for shopping, time spent: 2-3 hours
• Puri Sea Beach: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Marine Drive: Free entry, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to The Breakfast Club, a cozy café located near the Puri Beach Market. They offer a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try out Seafood Paradise, a seafood restaurant near the Puri Sea Beach. Enjoy a delicious spread of freshly caught seafood dishes like grilled fish, prawns curry, and fish thali. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• For dinner, visit Spice Garden, a fine dining restaurant situated along the Marine Drive. Indulge in delectable Indian cuisines and seafood specialties while enjoying breathtaking views of the sea. The average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Tuesday, August 15: Excursion to Konark Sun Temple

Embark on an exciting day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun Temple. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of this 13th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God. Spend the morning exploring the temple complex and admiring the intricate stone carvings. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Chandrabhaga Beach, known for its scenic beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Konark Beach and relax amidst the serene surroundings. As the evening approaches, head back to Puri and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant.

• Konark Sun Temple: Admission fee of INR 40 per person, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
• Chandrabhaga Beach: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Konark Beach: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• The Breakfast Club: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, known for its wide variety of breakfast dishes including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
• Beachside Bistro: Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Beachside Bistro, a beachfront restaurant offering a diverse menu of seafood, Indian dishes, and international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
• Amber's Fine Dining: Treat yourself to a lavish dinner experience at Amber's Fine Dining, an elegant restaurant known for its exquisite Indian and global fusion dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.

Wednesday, August 16: Wildlife Encounter at Chilika Lake

Take a day trip to Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a paradise for bird watchers. Start your day early and embark on a boat ride to explore the lake's stunning biodiversity. Witness the migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the tranquil surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Kalijai Temple situated on an island in the lake. Explore the temple and learn about the local folklore. Return to Puri in the evening and savor delicious seafood delicacies at a local restaurant.

• Chilika Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost of INR 500 per person, time spent: 5-6 hours
• Kalijai Temple: Free entry, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 17: Cultural Exploration in Puri

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Puri on your last day. Start your morning with a visit to the Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, known for its exquisite Pattachitra paintings and traditional handicrafts. Interact with local artisans and learn about their artistic techniques. Enjoy a traditional Odia lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Sudarshan Crafts Museum to witness a diverse collection of handicrafts and sculptures. In the evening, attend the Sand Art Exhibition by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik on the Puri Beach.

• Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village: Estimated cost for shopping, time spent: 3-4 hours
• Sudarshan Crafts Museum: Admission fee of INR 20 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
• Sand Art Exhibition: Free entry, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Mahamaya Restaurant, located near the Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village. This family-friendly restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast options, including traditional Odia dishes like chuda (flattened rice) and guguni (whole dried peas curry). The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹200 per person.
• For a delightful lunch experience, head to Wildgrass Restaurant, situated close to the Sudarshan Crafts Museum. This restaurant specializes in serving fresh and organic vegetarian meals made with local ingredients. Indulge in their flavorful thali (traditional Indian platter) that features a variety of Odia delicacies. The average cost for a lunch meal at Wildgrass Restaurant is about ₹500 per person.
• For a memorable dinner in Puri, visit the Chung Wah Restaurant located in the heart of the city. This Chinese restaurant offers a wide range of delectable dishes, including mouth-watering noodles, fried rice, and stir-fried vegetables. The average cost for a dinner meal at Chung Wah Restaurant is about ₹800 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Puri, make sure to visit the Balighai Beach, a serene and less crowded beach known for its natural beauty. It's an ideal spot for a family picnic. Another offbeat attraction is the Sakhigopal Temple, located a few kilometers from Puri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is believed to fulfill wishes. Locals highly recommend trying the mouthwatering street food delicacies at the Gouranga Bhojanalaya, a popular local eatery serving authentic Odia dishes.

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