Discover the Charms of Puri, Konark, Chilika, and More
Saturday, September 30, 2023: Puri
Embark on your exciting journey by visiting the sacred city of Puri, located on the east coast of India. Begin your morning with a tranquil visit to the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Witness the magnificent architecture and rich religious traditions. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Puri Beach and relax by the shores of the Bay of Bengal. In the evening, take a stroll along the bustling streets of Puri, exploring local markets and savoring delicious seafood.
Jagannath Temple: Entry is free, around 2 hours
Puri Beach: Free entry, around 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Tato, a quaint café known for its delicious sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to The Red Chilli Restaurant, a popular eatery offering a wide variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Enjoy their flavorful curries and aromatic fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at The Black Pearl, a fine dining restaurant specializing in seafood delicacies. Feast on their mouthwatering grilled fish and succulent prawns. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, a cozy cafe known for its freshly baked pastries and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Spice Garden Restaurant, where you can savor authentic Indian cuisine with a stunning view of the Chilika Lake. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a fine dining experience at Seafood Paradise, a waterfront restaurant offering a variety of succulent seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at Café Nandan. This cozy café offers a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For a delightful lunch experience, head to Puri Sea Food Restaurant. Indulge in a wide selection of mouthwatering seafood dishes, including prawns, fish curry, and crab masala. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For a memorable dinner, visit The Lotus Heritage Restaurant. This fine dining establishment offers a fusion of Indian and international cuisines, with dishes like butter chicken and grilled prawns. The elegant ambiance and attentive service make it perfect for a special evening. The average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Puri Butler, located in the heart of Puri. Indulge in their freshly brewed coffee and mouthwatering omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
For lunch, head to Chandan's Seafood Restaurant, known for its delectable seafood dishes. Try their famous prawn curry and enjoy the stunning views of Chilika Lake. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
In the evening, dine at Zafraan Exotica, a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of Indian and international cuisines. Savor their signature dishes like Butter Chicken and Tandoori Prawns. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Mahodadhi Cafe, known for its delicious South Indian cuisine and refreshing filter coffee. Enjoy a traditional dosa or idli for about Rs. 150 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit Wildgrass Restaurant, a popular spot for its extensive vegetarian menu featuring regional specialties like the Puri Mahaprasad. Expect to spend around Rs. 300 per person.
End your day with a flavorsome dinner at Chung Wah, a Chinese restaurant offering a variety of dishes like Manchurian and Hakka Noodles. Indulge in a scrumptious dinner for approximately Rs. 500 per person.
Sunday, October 1, 2023: Konark and Chilika
Today, venture out to the magnificent Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the stunning architecture dedicated to the sun god Surya and explore the museum to learn about the temple's history. Afterward, make your way to Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. Take a boat ride and witness the serene beauty of the lake, home to migratory birds and endangered species. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings. Spend the evening admiring the picturesque sunset over Chilika Lake.
Sun Temple, Konark: Entry fee is around INR 40 ($0.54), around 3 hours
Chilika Lake: Boat ride costs around INR 600 ($8.10) per hour, around 4 hours
Monday, October 2, 2023: Deomali, Damanjodi, Duduma Waterfalls, Paderu, and Vizag
On the final day of your itinerary, get ready for an adventurous expedition to multiple destinations. Start with Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha, offering breathtaking views of the Eastern Ghats. Spend your morning hiking and immersing yourself in nature. Proceed to Damanjodi, a picturesque town known for its lush greenery and serene ambiance. Stop by Duduma Waterfalls, where you can witness the grandeur of the cascading waters and enjoy a refreshing swim. Head towards Paderu, a quaint tribal village in the scenic Araku Valley. Indulge in local cuisine and explore the tribal culture. Finally, reach Vizag, a vibrant coastal city, and conclude your trip by relaxing at Ramakrishna Beach, renowned for its serenity and spectacular sunsets.
Deomali: No entry fee, around 4 hours
Damanjodi: No entry fee, around 1 hour
Duduma Waterfalls: Entry fee is around INR 20 ($0.27), around 2 hours
Paderu: No entry fee, around 2 hours
Ramakrishna Beach, Vizag: Free entry, around 2 hours
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path experiences and local favorites, head to Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village near Puri. Here, you can witness traditional Odisha art forms like Pattachitra paintings and exquisite handicrafts. Don't miss exploring the narrow streets of Puri's Old Town, which holds a treasure trove of ancient temples and historical landmarks. Another local gem is the Bonda Market in Onkadelli, where you can witness the vibrant culture and traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Bondas. These hidden gems provide a unique glimpse into the rich heritage and traditions of the region.