A 5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Puri

Tuesday, December 26: Puri Beach

Start your trip by spending a delightful morning at Puri Beach. Take a leisurely walk along the sandy shores, enjoying the gentle waves and beautiful sunrise. In the afternoon, visit the famous Jagannath Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. Explore the temple complex and witness the fascinating rituals. As the evening approaches, head to Swargadwar, the cremation beach, to witness the mesmerizing sight of the evening Aarti.

• Puri Beach: Free, 3-4 hours
• Jagannath Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Swargadwar: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot near Puri Beach is Mahabhoj Restaurant, which offers a variety of traditional Indian breakfast dishes, such as Puri Bhaji and Masala Dosa. The average cost for a meal is about INR 150 per person.
• For lunch, head to Wildgrass Restaurant, known for its delicious seafood and vegetarian dishes. They have a wide range of options, including prawn curry and paneer tikka. The average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
• In the evening, dine at Chung Wah Restaurant, a Chinese restaurant near Swargadwar. They serve mouth-watering Chinese and Indian dishes, such as fried rice and butter chicken. The average cost for a meal is about INR 400 per person.

Wednesday, December 27: Chilika Lake

Embark on a day trip to Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India. Start your morning by taking a boat ride on the lake, exploring its tranquil waters and spotting migratory birds. In the afternoon, visit the Kalijai Temple situated on an island in the lake and seek blessings. Enjoy a picnic by the lakeside, savoring the scenic beauty. Return to Puri in the evening.

• Chilika Lake: Boat ride - INR 500 per person, 5-6 hours
• Kalijai Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, December 28: Raghurajpur Heritage Village

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant Raghurajpur Heritage Village. This traditional artists' village is known for its Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and unique crafts. Engage with the local artisans, learn about their techniques, and even try your hand at painting. Enjoy a traditional Odia lunch in a local home. In the afternoon, visit Sakhigopal Temple, an ancient Krishna temple, and seek blessings.

• Raghurajpur Heritage Village: Free, 3-4 hours
• Sakhigopal Temple: Free, 1-2 hours

Friday, December 29: Sun Temple in Konark

Embark on a journey to marvel at the architectural masterpiece, the Sun Temple in Konark. Spend your morning exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories. In the afternoon, visit the Konark Beach and enjoy the serene surroundings. In the evening, witness a mesmerizing Odissi dance performance at the Konark Natya Mandap.

• Sun Temple: INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners, 3-4 hours
• Konark Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
• Konark Natya Mandap: Ticket prices vary, 2-3 hours

Saturday, December 30: Raja Rani Temple and Pipli Village

Explore the architectural beauty of Raja Rani Temple in the morning. Admire the stunning sculptures and intricate carvings of this 11th-century temple. In the afternoon, visit Pipli Village, famous for its vibrant appliqué work. Witness the artisans creating beautiful handicrafts and shop for souvenirs. Spend the evening relaxing at the Golden Beach, watching the sunset and enjoying beach activities.

• Raja Rani Temple: INR 25 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners, 2-3 hours
• Pipli Village: Free, 2-3 hours
• Golden Beach: Free, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Puri, don't miss the chance to visit the Sudarshan Crafts Museum, where you can witness the exquisite stone and wood carvings done by local artisans. For a unique culinary experience, try the mouthwatering Odia delicacies like the famous Puri Mahaprasad and Chhena Poda. You can also take a relaxing boat ride in the nearby Satapada to observe the playful dolphins in their natural habitat.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices on Kayak.