Bhubaneswar and Puri 7-Day Itinerary: Exploring Ancient Temples and Coastal Beauty
Experience the rich cultural heritage of Bhubaneswar and the serene coastal charm of Puri in this 7-day itinerary. Discover ancient temples, indulge in local cuisine, and relax on pristine beaches. Check hotel and flight prices here.
Thursday, August 17: Arrival in Bhubaneswar
Arrive in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, and check into your hotel. In the morning, visit the Lingaraja Temple, one of the most prominent and architecturally stunning temples in India. Explore the ancient caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri in the afternoon, known for their intricate carvings and Jain heritage. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Bindu Sagar Lake, surrounded by several temples.
For breakfast, head to The Tangerine, a cozy café known for its freshly brewed coffee and delectable breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, try out Kanika, a popular vegetarian restaurant offering a variety of regional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, indulge in seafood at Zesty Bay, a waterfront restaurant serving delicious coastal delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Friday, August 18: Explore Bhubaneswar's Temples
Start your day by visiting the Rajarani Temple, known for its intricate sculptures and stunning architectural beauty. In the afternoon, explore the ancient temple complex of Mukteshwar, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Enjoy a serene evening at Dhauli Hill, where you can witness the magnificent sunset and visit the Shanti Stupa.
Dhauli Hill and Shanti Stupa: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to The Treat in Bhubaneswar, which offers a wide range of delicious Indian and continental breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, try out the famous Dalma restaurant, known for its authentic Odia cuisine. Enjoy their flavorful thalis and local delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, visit Chung Wah in Bhubaneswar, a popular Chinese restaurant. Indulge in their delectable Chinese dishes and enjoy the ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Saturday, August 19: Travel to Puri
Travel from Bhubaneswar to Puri, a scenic coastal town. In the morning, visit the famous Jagannath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site. Explore the bustling Puri Beach in the afternoon and indulge in local street food. Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset view from the Golden Beach in the evening.
Golden Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Try the delicious South Indian breakfast specialties at the famous Govinda Bhawan. Average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
For a fulfilling lunch experience, head to Chung Wah, a popular Chinese restaurant known for its delectable dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at Wildgrass Restaurant, offering a wide range of seafood and Indian delicacies. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Sunday, August 20: Explore Konark Sun Temple
Embark on a day trip to the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the architectural brilliance of this 13th-century temple dedicated to the Sun God. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Chandrabhaga Beach and witness the beauty of the coastline.
Konark Sun Temple: Estimated cost - INR 30 (entry fee), Time spent - 2-3 hours
A great breakfast option is Sunrise Cafe, located near Chandrabhaga Beach. Enjoy a delicious spread of Indian and continental dishes with an average cost of about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood specialties at Sea Breeze Restaurant. With its stunning ocean views, you can savor fresh catch of the day dishes for an average cost of 500 INR per person.
For dinner, head to Olive Kitchen, a restaurant known for its fusion cuisine. Indulge in flavorful dishes like butter chicken pasta and seafood biryani, with an average cost of 800 INR per person.
Monday, August 21: Discover Chilika Lake and Satapada
Take a boat ride to Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India. Explore the picturesque islands and spot migratory birds. Visit Satapada, a village on the lake's southern side, renowned for its dolphin watching tours. Enjoy a serene evening by the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake.
Satapada: Estimated cost - Boat tour cost varies, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Chilika Lake is Bhojohari Manna, serving traditional Odia cuisine with dishes like idli, poha, and puri sabzi. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Mahabelly, a restaurant known for its authentic Kerala cuisine including delicious seafood dishes like fish curry and prawns fry. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at Dalma Restaurant, known for its delectable Odia thalis featuring regional delicacies like dalma, baingan poda, and macha bhaja. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Tuesday, August 22: Relax at Puri Beach
Take a leisurely day to relax at Puri Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and engaging in water sports activities. Indulge in delicious seafood at the beachside shacks and witness the evening Aarti ceremony at the beach.
Puri Beach: Estimated cost - Water sports cost varies, Time spent - Full day
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Arya Palace. This restaurant offers a wide variety of breakfast options including dosas, idlis, and chole bhature. The average cost for a meal is about ₹150 per person.
For lunch, visit Wildgrass Restaurant. Known for its farm-to-table concept, this place serves delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For dinner, try out Chung Wah. This popular Chinese restaurant offers a wide selection of Chinese and Oriental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, August 23: Departure from Bhubaneswar
Travel back to Bhubaneswar for your departure. In the morning, visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park, home to a wide variety of exotic animals. Explore the Tribal Museum in the afternoon, showcasing the art and culture of Odisha's indigenous tribes. Bid farewell to the beautiful cities of Bhubaneswar and Puri.
A popular breakfast spot in Bhubaneswar is Fiesta Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian and Continental breakfast options. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Dalma in Puri, a renowned restaurant serving authentic Odia cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹300 per person.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at Wildgrass Restaurant in Bhubaneswar, known for its serene atmosphere and delectable multi-cuisine menu. The average cost for a meal here is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Bhubaneswar, make sure to visit the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens, a serene oasis in the city. It offers lush greenery, beautiful flower beds, and a perfect spot for a picnic. In Puri, don't miss the Raghurajpur Artist Village, where you can witness traditional Odisha art forms like Pattachitra and Odissi dance.