Plan Your Spiritual Journey to Puri and Bhubaneswar 4 Nights / 5 Days

After you arrive at Puri Railway Station, you will be received and transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Puri. Once you have checked in and freshened up, you will go on a spiritual journey with a visit to the Sri Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples and an important pilgrimage site in India. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, this magnificent 12th-century temple is rich in grand architectural design and full of spiritualness. Go to the Gundicha Temple, popularly known as the Garden House of Lord Jagannath. It holds enormous importance as a resting place at the end for the deities during the festival of Rath Yatra.

Return to the hotel for lunch and some leisure time. Late afternoon, proceed to Puri Beach, the pristine and scintillating beach with its golden sands and strong waves. Enjoy a lovely walk along the shore, an eye-catching sunset experience, and a vibrant life. Later, visit the local market, famous for handicrafts, seashells, and traditional Odia artefacts. Evening is an excellent time when people get a chance to experience the cultural essence of Puri. Overnight stay in Puri.

Take an early morning darshan from Sri Jagannath Temple. Remember that non-Hindus are prohibited within the temple boundaries, so please refrain before proceeding to Gundicha Temple. This temple has a deep connection with the Jagannath Yatra. Then, proceed to Bedi Hanuman Temple, which is stated to be the temple built to keep the sea at bay.
After the morning temple visits, embark on a scenic drive to Satpada, Chilika, one of the largest coastal lagoons in India. En route, visit the sacred Amarnath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially popular during Lord Jagannath’s Anavasara period.
On reaching Chilika Lake, take a boat ride on a direct payment basis to experience the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins found in the lake’s brackish waters. The boat tour also covers Hradaya Sagar Sangam, a beautiful sea mouth where the lake meets the Bay of Bengal. Enjoy the serene surroundings and the natural grandeur offered by Chilika Lake, an area covering over 1,100 square kilometres with varying patterns of flora and fauna.

Later in the evening, return to Puri and unwind at the golden beach, the cleanest and most beautiful beach in the area. In your free time, explore the local markets for traditional handloom textiles, silver filigree jewellery, and exquisite souvenirs. Overnight stay in Puri.

After a delicious breakfast, drive to Konark. Take a scenic drive through Marine Drive, which is full of beauty and serenity. On the way, stop by Chandrabhaga Beach. This unspoiled beach holds great spiritual and mythological significance. Pilgrims take a holy dip there. Visit Ramchandi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ramchandi, the presiding deity of the Konark region.

The day’s itinerary includes a visit to the magnificent Black Pagoda, the Konark Sun Temple. This 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural marvel—designed as a colossal chariot dedicated to the Sun God. The temple is covered with intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories and celestial beings, making it a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture.

Continue to Bhubaneswar, passing by Dhauli (Peace Pagoda), an important Buddhist site famous for its rock edicts and peaceful ambience. It is where, after the Kalinga War, Emperor Ashoka transformed from a conqueror to a proponent of peace.

On reaching Bhubaneswar, visit the Lingaraj Temple, one of the oldest temples in Odisha, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga-style architecture and is an important pilgrimage site. Proceed to the Chausath Yogini Temple, an ancient circular shrine dedicated to Goddess Yogini, famous for its unique architectural design and spiritual significance.

Other architectural marvels to visit in Bhubaneswar are the Rajarani Temple, a beautiful monument known for its exquisite carvings; the Mukteshwar Temple, known as the “Gem of Odisha Architecture”; the Parshurameshwar Temple, a model for early Odishan temple architecture; and the Kedar Gauri Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Finally, visit the Khandagiri and Udaygiri Jain Caves, ancient rock-cut caves that were monasteries for Jain ascetics. If time allows, visit the Tribal Museum, which is closed on Mondays, to learn about the rich tribal culture of Odisha. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.

After breakfast, visit other major attractions in Bhubaneswar. First, visit the Rajarani Temple, famous for its striking red and yellow sandstone structure. Then, visit Mukteshwar Temple, distinguished by its ornately carved torana or archway.

The Parshurameshwar Temple, a good specimen of early Kalinga architecture, is next. It is followed by the Khandagiri and Udaygiri Jain Caves, whose caves amalgamate the beauty of nature with the glory of history.

Later, visit India’s finest Zoological Park, Nandankanan Zoological Park, amidst lush foliage. This excellent zoo accommodates a wide variety of wildlife and is notable for its White Tiger and Lion Safari. If open, the Tribal Museum depicts the lifestyle and traditions of all the indigenous Tribes of Orissa. Stay overnight at Bhubaneswar.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast. It’s time to check out of the hotel and head on for your transfer to Bhubaneswar Railway Station/Airport. In conclusion, leave behind this remarkable journey with fantastic memories of Puri, Konark, Chilika Lake, and Bhubaneswar, carrying the spiritual and cultural essence of Odisha along with you.
Wishing you a good and smooth onward journey!