A Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Odisha

Wednesday, October 25: Arrival in Bhubaneswar

Morning: Start your trip in the capital city of Bhubaneswar. Visit the Lingaraja Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings.

Afternoon: Explore the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, intricately carved rock-cut caves that were once used by Jain monks for meditation and religious rituals.

Evening: Take a stroll at Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens and enjoy the serene beauty of nature.

• Lingaraja Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves: Estimated cost - INR 25 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Ekamra Kanan Botanical Gardens: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Thursday, October 26: Puri

Morning: Visit the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Witness the morning rituals and seek blessings.

Afternoon: Spend some leisure time at Puri Beach. Enjoy the sun, sand, and the beautiful shoreline.

Evening: Explore the local markets and try some delicious street food like Puri Chaat and Pani Puri.

• Jagannath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Puri Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Friday, October 27: Konark

Morning: Visit the magnificent Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the stunning architecture and sculptures depicting Odisha's rich history.

Afternoon: Explore the Konark Beach, known for its golden sands and tranquility.

Evening: Take a boat ride in Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lake, and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

• Sun Temple, Konark: Estimated cost - INR 30 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Konark Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Chilika Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 500 per boat, Time spent - 2 hours

Saturday, October 28: Cuttack

Morning: Explore the ancient Barabati Fort in Cuttack, built in the 14th century. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Mahanadi River.

Afternoon: Visit the Netaji Birth Place Museum, dedicated to the life and legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India's freedom fighters.

Evening: Take a boat ride on the Mahanadi River and enjoy the scenic beauty.

• Barabati Fort: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Netaji Birth Place Museum: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1 hour
• Mahanadi River Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 200 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 29: Chilika

Morning: Take a boat ride to explore the stunning Chilika Lake, home to a variety of migratory birds and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

Afternoon: Visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for birdwatchers, located within Chilika Lake. Keep your camera ready to capture beautiful bird species.

Evening: Enjoy a picnic by the tranquil Satpada Beach and witness the mesmerizing sunset.

• Chilika Lake Boat Ride: Estimated cost - INR 500 per boat, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Nalabana Bird Sanctuary: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
• Satpada Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, October 30: Bhitarkanika National Park

Morning: Embark on a thrilling safari at Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its rich biodiversity including saltwater crocodiles, migratory birds, and mangrove forests.

Afternoon: Visit Gahirmatha Beach, famous for nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles.

Evening: Explore the wilderness of Bhitarkanika on a nature trail and enjoy the serene surroundings.

• Bhitarkanika National Park: Estimated cost - INR 100 per person, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Gahirmatha Beach: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, October 31: Departure from Bhubaneswar

Morning: Before departing, visit the Odisha State Museum in Bhubaneswar to explore the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Afternoon: Say goodbye to Odisha and depart for your next destination.

• Odisha State Museum: Estimated cost - INR 10 per person, Time spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the peaceful and scenic Chandrabhaga Beach near Konark, a less crowded alternative to Puri Beach. Also, don't miss out on trying the authentic Odia cuisine, especially the famous Odisha-style Rasgulla and Chhena Poda.