Temple Tour in Odisha 3 Nights 4 Days

Highlights:

• Lingaraj Temple – The grandest Shiva temple in Odisha.

• Mukteshwar Temple – Renowned for intricate carvings.

• Rajarani Temple – Unique red-stone temple with erotic sculptures.

• Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves – Rock-cut Jain caves with inscriptions.

Welcome to Bhubaneswar! Your Odisha Golden Triangle tour starts with your arrival at Bhubaneswar (airport or railway station). Our representative will meet you at the arrival point and assist you with a smooth transfer to your hotel. After check-in and a brief rest, get ready to explore Bhubaneswar, widely known as the “Temple City of India” for its countless ancient temples.

Sightseeing in Bhubaneswar (Day 1):

• Lingaraj Temple: Begin at the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple, the city’s most revered Shiva temple. Admire its towering 180-foot spire and intricate carvings. This temple is a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture and throngs with devotees especially in the mornings. (Note: Only Hindus are allowed inside the inner sanctum, but all visitors can view the beautiful exteriors.)

• Mukteshwar Temple: Often called the “Gem of Odisha architecture,” this smaller 10th-century temple is known for its exquisite arched gateway and detailed carvings depicting mythological stories. The Mukteshwar Temple’s architectural style is considered a transition between early and later phases of Kalinga architecture, making it a must-see for history buffs.

• Rajarani Temple: A short distance away, visit the Rajarani Temple (11th century) set in a manicured garden. It’s nicknamed the “Love Temple” for its romantic sculptural motifs on the walls. The red and gold sandstone structure has no presiding deity today, but its intricate statues of guardians and dancers are fascinating to behold.

• Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves: Travel back even further in time at these ancient rock-cut caves on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Built in the 1st century BCE for Jain monks, the caves (especially Rani Gumpha and Hathi Gumpha) feature elaborate carvings and inscriptions. Climb up for a panoramic view of the city as the sun sets.

• Dhauli Peace Pagoda (Dhauli Giri): (If time permits on Day 1) A short drive from the city takes you to Dhauli Hill, the site of the famous Kalinga War and Emperor Ashoka’s ensuing transformation to Buddhism. Visit the dazzling white Shanti Stupa atop Dhauli, built by Indo-Japanese collaboration, and see the ancient Ashokan Rock Edicts at the base that date to 3rd century BCE. The hill offers a peaceful atmosphere and views of the Daya River.

After a fulfilling day of sightseeing, return to your hotel. In the evening, you can explore local markets like Ekamra Haat for handicrafts and street food, or simply relax at your hotel. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.

Highlights:

• Sun Temple of Konark – Architectural marvel and UNESCO heritage site.

• Chandrabhaga Beach – Golden sand beach near the Sun Temple.

• Ramachandi Temple – Riverside shrine dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi.

• Jagannath Temple – One of India’s Char Dham sites.

• Gundicha Temple – Known as the Garden House of Lord Jagannath.

• Puri Beach & Swargadwar Beach – Evening walk & sunset views.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll check out from the Bhubaneswar hotel and proceed on a scenic drive towards Puri, with important stops on the way, including the world-famous Konark Sun Temple. (Distance from Bhubaneswar to Puri via Konark is approx. 120 km, so you’ll have an eventful day of travel and sightseeing.)

En route Highlights (Day 2):

• Pipili Artisan Village: Leaving Bhubaneswar, drive towards Puri and pass through Pipili, a small town renowned for its applique handicrafts. We’ll take a short break here so you can see the vibrant applique work (locally called Chandua) – colorful fabrics cut into intricate patterns and stitched onto umbrellas, bags, wall hangings, etc. It’s a great spot to pick up a handcrafted souvenir and take photos of the bright designs lining the market street.

• Konark Sun Temple: Continue your journey to Konark, arriving by late morning. The Konark Sun Temple is the highlight of the day. Your guide will help you explore this 13th-century architectural marvel, built in honor of Surya the Sun God. The temple is designed as a gigantic chariot with twelve pairs of stone wheels and seven horses – an astonishing feat of engineering and artistry. Walk around the temple’s ruins to see the detailed carvings of dancers, animals, and celestial figures. The main sanctum is in ruins, but the audience hall (Jagamohana) still stands majestically. Learn about the history, myths, and restoration efforts of Konark. Don’t forget to pay attention to the intricate wheels of the chariot, each of which could serve as a sundial. (The site has benches and a small interpretation center if you wish to rest and delve deeper into the temple’s story.)

• Chandrabhaga Beach: Just 3 km from the Sun Temple is Chandrabhaga Beach, one of the clean and serene beaches of Odisha. Legend has it that Chandrabhaga was once a river flowing by the Sun Temple. Take a short walk on the golden sands, enjoy the sea breeze, and refresh with tender coconut water. This beach is also the venue for the annual Chandrabhaga Mela and the Konark Festival’s open-air sand art displays. It’s an ideal spot for a group photo with the Bay of Bengal in the backdrop.

• Ramachandi Temple (Optional): If time and interest permit, we can stop by Ramachandi Temple, situated at the confluence of the Kushabhadra River and the sea, a few kilometers before Konark (or on the way to Puri). This quaint riverside temple, dedicated to Goddess Ramachandi, is a peaceful spot often missed by tourists. It offers a scenic view of the river meeting the ocean, and there are small stalls where you can have a quick snack.

By afternoon, proceed towards Puri. You will reach Puri by late afternoon or early evening. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Puri.

Evening in Puri (Day 2):

• Puri Beach: Relax on Puri’s popular golden beach. You can take a dip in the sea (waves can be strong, so be cautious), or just sit on the sand and watch local life – pilgrims taking a holy dip, children flying kites, and camels offering joyrides. The sunset over the Bay of Bengal is a sight to behold. As dusk settles, the beach area near Swargadwar comes alive with food stalls. Try some roasted peanuts or the local favorite Jhhaal Muri (spicy puffed rice mix) while enjoying the cool breeze.

Spend the rest of the evening at leisure. You might explore Marine Drive Road/Swargadwar Market for some shopping – Puri is known for pearl jewelry, seashell souvenirs, and palm-leaf engravings. Overnight stay in Puri.

Highlights:

• Satapada Dolphin Point – Enjoy dolphin spotting.

• Sea Mouth – Where the lagoon meets the sea.

• Raghurajpur Heritage Village – Traditional Pattachitra painting hub.

Rise early today for an auspicious start – we recommend an early morning visit to the Shri Jagannath Temple. At dawn, the temple’s atmosphere is tranquil and spiritual, and you may get a chance to attend the Mangal Aarti (morning prayer) if the timing aligns. Our driver will take you as close as possible to the temple (vehicles stop a short walk away). Note: Only Hindus are permitted inside Jagannath Temple. If you are non-Hindu, you can witness the temple’s grandeur from the outside Meghnad Pacheri (outer wall) or visit the rooftop viewpoint of the Raghunandan Library across the street for a glimpse of the deity from afar (small fee, timing dependent on temple schedule). For Hindu visitors, our guide/representative can help you navigate the entry, the shoe deposit counter, and guide you through the darshan process to avoid the crowds.

After seeking blessings at Jagannath Temple, return to your hotel for breakfast.

Around mid-morning, prepare for an exciting trip to Chilika Lake (Satapada), which is about 50 km from Puri (approx. 1.5 hours drive). Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a highlight of Odisha’s natural attractions – it’s a must-add for any Odisha 4 days tour package if you love nature and birdlife.

Chilika Lake Tour (Day 3):

• On reaching Satapada village, you will board a boat for a guided cruise on Chilika Lake. The boat ride typically lasts 2 to 3 hours. Traverse the calm waters of the lake, passing by fishing boats and aquatic plants. The first stop is usually Dolphin Point, the areas of the lake where the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins are often spotted. Keep your eyes peeled – with a bit of luck, you’ll see these friendly grey dolphins popping out of the water in pairs or small groups! It’s a delightful experience, especially for children.

• The boat will then take you towards the Sea Mouth (Muhana) – the point where Chilika Lake opens into the Bay of Bengal. Here, you can disembark on the sandy beach strip known as Rajhans Island. On one side you have the calm lake waters and on the other the roaring sea waves – a unique sight. You can walk across to the sea beach, collect seashells, and enjoy the pristine environment. There are often temporary stalls here selling fresh coconut water and simple snacks.

• Bird Watching: During the winter months (Nov-Feb), Chilika hosts a multitude of migratory birds that fly in from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. If you are traveling in the migration season, the boatman will also take you to the bird congregations in the lake’s shallow areas. Look out for flamingos, pelicans, white ibises, and many species of ducks and waders. The sight of thousands of birds taking flight from the water is truly mesmerizing. (Bird sightings vary by season; in monsoon and summer, migratory birds are fewer.)

After the boat safari, return to Satapada by early afternoon. You can have lunch at a local restaurant in Satapada or back in Puri (there are a few simple eateries serving fresh fish curry, prawn dishes, and veg thalis – your driver will recommend a clean place).

Drive back to Puri. On the return journey, we will make a couple of interesting stops:

• Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village: A short detour off the main road near Chandanpur brings you to Raghurajpur, a heritage village famous for Odisha’s traditional arts. Every household here is involved in some form of art – Pattachitra painting, wooden mask-making, palm-leaf engraving, stone carving, etc. Take a walk through the village to see artists at work on intricate paintings that depict scenes from mythology (like the stories of Lord Jagannath, Krishna’s Raas Lila, etc.). The villagers are very welcoming; they may even demonstrate how they make natural paints from minerals and herbs. This is an excellent place to buy authentic artwork directly from the craftsmen. Even a small souvenir purchased here will support the local artisans.

• (Optional Stop) Pipili Market: If you missed Pipili on Day 2 or wish to shop more, we can briefly stop again at Pipili on the way back (route from Chilika via the same road). The vibrant applique items make great gifts, and you can also find lampshades, wallets, and cushion covers with gorgeous applique work.

By evening, arrive back in Puri. You have the rest of the evening to relax. You might choose to revisit Puri Beach for another beautiful sunset or explore any temple in Puri you haven’t seen (for example, Gundicha Temple – significant during Rath Yatra, or Loknath Temple – an ancient Shiva temple popular among locals). Don’t forget to try Puri’s famous street food like Chhena Poda (roasted cheese dessert) or Khaja, the sweet flaky pastry that is also offered as a holy snack from the Jagannath Temple.

Overnight stay in Puri.

• Nandankanan Zoological Park – Famous for white tigers & rich biodiversity.

• Dhauli Shanti Stupa – A Buddhist peace pagoda.

• Evening darshan at Lingaraj Temple (if missed earlier).

After breakfast, check out from your Puri hotel. Today is the final day of your Bhubaneswar Puri Konark tour. Depending on your flight/train schedule from Bhubaneswar, we will plan some additional sightseeing on the way back to Bhubaneswar or in the city.

• If you did not visit Dhauli Shanti Stupa or have any remaining Bhubaneswar sightseeing, we can cover that today while returning. For instance, if you’re interested in Odisha’s wildlife and have an afternoon flight, we could take you to Nandankanan Zoological Park, a famous zoo and botanical garden on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar (closed on Mondays). Nandankanan is known for its White Tigers and also has a safari ride. This is optional and time-permitting.

• You could also visit Ekamra Walks old town area in the morning if you want to experience the heritage walk (available on specific days) or stop by Odisha State Museum or Museum of Tribal Arts & Artifacts in Bhubaneswar to gain insights into the state’s cultural diversity (if your departure is later in the day).

After any final sightseeing and last-minute shopping (Bhubaneswar has several handicraft stores and places like Utkalika – the state emporium – for authentic crafts), we will drop you at Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport or the railway station for your onward journey. If you prefer to be dropped directly at Puri railway station or even Bhubaneswar city hotel (for those extending their stay), just let us know.

Farewell: As you conclude your 4-day Odisha tour package, carry with you wonderful memories of majestic temples, serene landscapes, and the warm hospitality of Odisha. We are confident that the Bhubaneswar Puri Konark Tour will leave you enriched with cultural insights and beautiful experiences. Have a safe journey ahead!