Odisha: Bhubaneshwar & Puri- 4N/5D

4 Nights, 5 Days Itinerary: Puri & Bhubaneswar

Day 1: Arrival in Bhubaneswar – Explore the Old City, Stupa & Caves

• Morning: Arrive in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha.
  • Start your day by exploring the historical Old City. Visit the iconic Lingaraj Temple, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing beautiful Kalinga architecture.
  • Explore the Mukteswara Temple and Raja Rani Temple, both known for their intricate carvings and architectural brilliance.
• Afternoon: Visit the Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves, ancient rock-cut caves with stunning carvings that offer a glimpse into the region’s Buddhist history.
  • Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant offering authentic Odia cuisine.
• Evening: If time allows, visit Dhauli Hill and the Peace Pagoda, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Bhubaneswar.
• Night: Travel to Puri (approximately 1.5-2 hours by road), check into your hotel, and rest for the night.

Overnight stay in Puri.

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Day 2: Puri Beach, Darshan & Konark Visit

• Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Participate in the morning aarti and explore the temple’s vast history and significance.
• Late Morning: Head to Puri Beach for a relaxed morning by the sea. Enjoy the sandy shores, take a walk along the beach, or indulge in local beachside snacks.
• Afternoon: Travel to Konark (35 km from Puri) to see the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the temple’s architecture, designed in the shape of a chariot with 24 wheels. Visit the Chandrabhaga Beach, located near the temple, known for its scenic beauty.
• Evening: Return to Puri, unwind at the beach, or stroll through Bada Danda, the main road lined with shops and markets selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

Overnight stay in Puri.

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Day 3: Chilika Lake – Satpada & Travel to Gopalpur

• Morning: After breakfast, set out to explore Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Head to Satpada, known for its dolphin sightings and birdwatching. Enjoy a boat ride in the lake, where you can spot dolphins and migratory birds depending on the season.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic lunch by the lake or in a local restaurant near Satpada.
• Late Afternoon: Travel to Gopalpur, a peaceful coastal town (approximately 3-4 hours drive). Gopalpur is known for its serene beaches and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.
• Evening: Arrive at Gopalpur, relax at the beach, and enjoy a leisurely evening by the ocean.

Overnight stay in Gopalpur.

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Day 4: Gopalpur Beach & Rushikulya Turtle Viewing – Return to Bhubaneswar

• Morning: Start the day with a peaceful morning at Gopalpur Beach. You can take a walk along the shore or simply enjoy the tranquil views of the sea.
• Late Morning: Travel to Rushikulya River Mouth (about 1 hour from Gopalpur), one of the key nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles. Depending on the season (usually between November and March), you may get to witness the nesting of turtles or visit the site for a nature walk.
• Afternoon: After lunch, travel back to Bhubaneswar (approximately 3-4 hours by road).
• Evening: If time permits, visit Nandankanan Zoological Park, a unique zoo and sanctuary that is home to white tigers, lions, and a variety of other animals. It’s a perfect place to end the day with a peaceful walk amidst nature.

Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.

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Day 5: Departure from Bhubaneswar

• Morning: After breakfast, depending on your departure time, visit any nearby attractions, or explore local markets in Bhubaneswar for souvenirs.
• Check-out and transfer to Bhubaneswar Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.

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Inclusions:

• Accommodation for 4 nights (Puri, Gopalpur, and Bhubaneswar).
• Daily breakfast.
• All transfers by car for sightseeing and travel between cities.
• Guided tours at major attractions like Jagannath Temple, Konark Temple, and Chilika Lake.
• Boat ride at Chilika Lake and dolphin sighting.

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Best Time to Visit:

• October to March – For pleasant weather and the best experience at Chilika Lake and turtle watching.

This 5-day Puri and Bhubaneswar itinerary offers a perfect mix of spirituality, nature, and coastal beauty, ensuring a relaxed yet enriching experience of Odisha’s cultural and natural wonders.