Odisha Temples, Coast & Chilika Lake

Connect Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri, then head south along Chilika Lake to the coastal town of Gopalpur.

This itinerary adds Chilika Lake and the southern coast to the classic Golden Triangle. Spend the first two days exploring ancient temples and Jain caves, then take the coastal road to Konark and Puri, followed by dolphin watching at the northern end of the lake and exploring lake islands at the southern end. With a moderate pace, it is perfect for first-time visitors to Eastern India. If you only have 5 days, you can skip Gopalpur and return from Puri.

Summers are extremely hot. During the Rath Yatra festival, Puri becomes incredibly crowded, so book your accommodation as early as possible.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival & Jain Caves

Bhubaneswar（Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves、Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts）

After arrival, hire a car for city sightseeing. It takes about 20 minutes from the airport to the Old Town, and about half an hour one-way to the caves.

The Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts is closed on Mondays; if you arrive on a Monday, swap this with the next day's itinerary.

Stay: Old Town (Lingaraj Temple Area)

Day 2 · Old Town Kalinga Temples

Bhubaneswar（Lingaraj Temple、Parashurameshvara Temple、Mukteshvara Temple、Rajarani Temple、Chausath Yogini Temple, Hirapur）

Walk or take a short taxi ride between the ancient temples in the Old Town. In the afternoon, it takes about 30 minutes to Hirapur.

Lingaraj Temple is open only to Hindus; other tourists can view it from the outside viewing platform.

Stay: Old Town (Lingaraj Temple Area)

Day 3 · Dhauli to Konark

Bhubaneswar（Dhauli Shanti Stupa、Pipili） → Puri（Konark Sun Temple、Chandrabhaga Beach）

Hire a car to drive to Konark via Dhauli and Pipli (approx. 2 hours), then take the Marine Drive to Puri (approx. 1 hour).

Stay: Swargadwar Beach

Day 4 · Puri Temples & Craft Village

Puri（Jagannath Temple, Puri、Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village、Puri Beach）

Explore Puri's Old Town in the morning. In the afternoon, travel to Raghurajpur (approx. 30 minutes one-way).

Jagannath Temple is closed to non-Hindus and can only be viewed from the outside.

Stay: Swargadwar Beach

Day 5 · Chilika Lake & South to the Coast

Puri（Alarnath Temple, Brahmagiri、Chilika Lake (Satapada)） → Gopalpur-on-Sea（Gopalpur Beach）

Drive to Satapada (approx. 1.5 hours) for a boat tour to spot Irrawaddy dolphins, then drive to Gopalpur (approx. 4–5 hours).

It is best to start early in the morning. Confirm with your driver in advance whether the vehicle ferry across the lake is operating.

Stay: Beach Road and Lighthouse Area

Day 6 · Rambha Bay & Return to the Capital

Gopalpur-on-Sea（Tara Tarini Temple、Rambha Bay, Chilika Lake） → Bhubaneswar

Drive from Gopalpur to Tara Tarini and Rambha (approx. 2 hours), then return to Bhubaneswar (approx. 2.5 hours).

It is recommended to book a return flight departing in the evening or later to allow plenty of travel time on the road.