Welcome to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa! Start your trip by visiting the beautiful Lingaraja Temple in the morning, a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. Afterward, head to the Odisha State Museum in the afternoon to explore its vast collection of artifacts. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around the Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens, known for its lush greenery and serene atmosphere.
For breakfast, try out "The Kitchen," a cozy cafe known for its delicious pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. A meal here will cost you around $10 per person.
For lunch, head to "Dalma Restaurant," which offers traditional Oriya cuisine. Don't miss their mouth-watering thali meals, which are priced at approximately $15 per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful dining experience at "Mayfair Lagoon." This upscale restaurant offers a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Expect to spend around $30 per person for a meal here.
Friday October 6: Puri Beach and Jagannath Temple
On this day, head to Puri, a popular coastal town. Start your morning by visiting the renowned Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afterward, spend the afternoon relaxing at the picturesque Puri Beach, enjoying the golden sands and refreshing sea breeze. In the evening, explore the bustling Puri market, known for its local handicrafts and delicious street food.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Clean Plate, known for their delicious and healthy breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Wildgrass, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes inspired by local flavors. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Mayfair Waves, a restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delectable seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Saturday October 7: Konark Sun Temple and Chandrabhaga Beach
On this day, embark on a day trip to Konark to visit the majestic Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricately carved sculptures depicting various aspects of ancient Indian life. Afterward, head to Chandrabhaga Beach, located nearby, to relax and soak in the sun.
Konark Sun Temple: Estimated cost - INR 40 (Indian), INR 600 (Foreigner), Time spent - 3 hours
Head to Dreamland Beach Café for breakfast, where you can enjoy a delicious spread of pancakes, waffles, and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about INR 200 per person.
For lunch, visit Konark Restaurant & Family Dhaba, offering a wide range of Indian and Continental dishes. Don't miss the popular thali meals. Average cost for a meal is about INR 300 per person.
Savor the flavors of Odisha cuisine at Zodiac Restaurant for dinner. Indulge in their mouthwatering seafood specialties and traditional thalis. Average cost for a meal is about INR 500 per person.
Sunday October 8: Chilika Lake and Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary
Experience the beauty of nature by visiting Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Take a boat ride in the morning to explore the lake and witness its diverse birdlife. In the afternoon, head to Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary, a paradise for dolphin enthusiasts. Enjoy the sight of playful dolphins in their natural habitat.
For breakfast, head to The Lakeview Café, located near Chilika Lake. Enjoy a delicious spread of traditional Indian breakfast dishes with stunning lake views. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the seafood delicacies at Samudra Restaurant, located in Satapada. Indulge in fresh and flavorful fish, prawns, and crab dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
For dinner, visit The Marasa Sarovar Portico Restaurant, situated near Chilika Lake. Relish a delectable fusion of Indian and Continental cuisines in a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Monday October 9: Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, and Nandankanan Zoological Park
Embark on a historical and wildlife adventure on this day. Start by exploring the ancient Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in the morning, known for their intricate rock-cut architecture and Jain influence. Afterward, visit Nandankanan Zoological Park in the afternoon, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the majestic white tigers.
Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Estimated cost - INR 25, Time spent - 3 hours
For breakfast, head to The Brunch Club, a cozy cafe offering delicious and healthy options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try out Swosti Grand, a popular restaurant known for its authentic Odia cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the flavors of North Indian cuisine at Tangerine, a fine dining restaurant with a charming ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.
Tuesday October 10: Cuttack Exploration
On your last day, explore the city of Cuttack. Begin your morning by visiting the historic Barabati Fort, offering panoramic views of the city and the Mahanadi River. In the afternoon, explore the stone-carved Kedar Gouri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Take a walk along the scenic stretch of Kathajodi River for a relaxing evening.
Breakfast Restaurant: Hotel Silvercity - Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Hotel Silvercity, known for its wide variety of South Indian and North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
Lunch Restaurant: Biryani Mahal - Indulge in flavorful biryanis and authentic Mughlai cuisine at Biryani Mahal. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Dinner Restaurant: Truptee Restaurant - Savor delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes at Truptee Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and friendly service. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're looking for off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the Dhauli Giri Hills, where you can explore ancient rock edicts and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another hidden gem is the Nuanai Jungle, a serene forest area with picturesque trails, perfect for a family hike and picnic.