Bhubaneswar - Konark - Puri - 4 nights & 5 days (Golden Triangle) - East Odisha

Lingaraj Temple, Sun Temple, Shri Jagannath Temple

Published on 2021-11-02

Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar Temple

Destination

pilgrimage

Best time to visit

October to March

  • The state of Odisha, on the eastern coast of India, offers rich diversity with respect to tourist destinations.
  • Around 490Km of coastline along the Bay of Bengal, the hills of the Eastern Ghats, glorious temples and ancient monuments, and the people and their cultures make this place a hotspot for tourists.
  • The biggest attraction is the collection of age-old temples and monuments across the state. Infact, the state capital, Bhubaneswar is referred to as the City of Temples.
  • Eastern Odisha is the most popular part of Odisha which the travellers visit. This includes the cities/towns of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark. It also has one of India’s Blue Flag beaches.

How to Reach Bhubaneswar?

  • Railhead – Bhubaneswar railway station is well connected to major cities in India. Puri Cuttack, Khurdah Road, and Puri are other prominent railway stations to access the Eastern Odisha tours.
  • Airport – Biju Patnaik International airport at Bhubaneswar serves as the primary gateway to Odisha.
  • Bus Service – Interstate buses are also available to travel to Bhubaneswar or Puri.
  • Private Taxi – Cars may be booked for Rs 2500-2800 per day for trips from and to the major places.

Highlights

  • Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha is a majestic town. It was the capital of the ancient Kalinga. Dhauli, near Bhubaneswar, is the place famous for the battle of Kalinga, after which King Ashoka adopted Buddhism.
  • Puri is famous for “Shri Jagannath Temple” (one of the Char Dham of Lord Vishnu). Beautiful beaches, markets, and great food attract thousands of pilgrims and weekend travelers to this place.
  • Konark is known for the ancient Sun Temple. Along with Puri and Bhubaneswar, this forms a holy trail for pilgrims that is commonly referred to as the Golden Triangle of Odisha.
  • Chilika Lake spread across the districts of Puri, Khurdah and Ganjam, is the largest brackish water lagoon in the world. Like many temples of Bhubaneswar, this is also listed as a tentative Unesco World Heritage Site.

Itinerary

Day - 1 Visit to Zoological park & Temple Visit

Reach Bhubaneswar and check-in at the hotel.
Bhubaneswar has different categories of Hotels and guesthouses. It is recommended that you book a Hotel around the Master canteen (near the main railway station) area.

Explore Hotels in Bhubaneswar

Lunch options - Within 3 km of Master Canteen

  • Venus Inn Pure Veg - Bapuji Nagar & Governer House - 3 km from Ananta Basudev Temple, One of the oldest resturant serves Pure Vegetarian.
  • Taste of China, Bapuji Nagar 

Have Anna Bhog at Ananta Basudev Temple. Standing tall beside the Bindusagar Lake, this is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.

  • The deities of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra are the same as that of Jagannath Temple of Puri but the idols made of stone are not incomplete like that in Puri. Around 200 men prepare vegetarian food in earthen pots for thousands of devotees every day.
  • Bhog is made available for pilgrims at the Ananda Bazaar which can cater to 2000 people at a time. The prasad of Ananta Basudev temple is the most sought-after holy meal in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's 'Mahaprasad'.

Visit Nandankanan Zoological park - This is a unique zoo since a part of it has been declared a sanctuary. Unlike other zoos, Nandankanan is built right inside the forest and set amidst the natural environment. The animals are housed in spacious enclosures and tourists may explore the area on foot or in safaris in jeeps

  • Entry Fee : Rs. 50 / 100 per Indian / Foreign National.
Nandankanan Zoological park
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Nandankanan Zoological park

Return back to city,

  • Dinner Options, near Unit-2  Ashok Nagar, within - 4 km

In the evening you may explore the Unit-2 Market Building for shopping. Sambalpuri Silk sarees are particularly popular in Odisha. Boyanika Handloom Store, a government store, is recommended for authentic Sambalpuri sarees.

 

Unit-2 Market Building, Bhubaneswar
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Unit-2 Market Building, Bhubaneswar

Nimapara Sweets - Most of the Odia sweetmeats are based on Chenna (unripened curd cheese). This shop offers a unique opportunity to experience these delicious dishes. Other famous sweet shops in the city are Cuttack Sweets and 56 Bhog.

Chhena Jhili
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Chhena Jhili

 Overnight Stay in Bhubaneswar.

Day - 2 Ancient Temple & Heritage sightseeing

It is recommended to book a cab for the day to visit all the places of sightseeing in Bhubaneswar.
Breakfast - Ram Mandir Tiffin Centre is a famous breakfast joint. Dahivara, poori, and dalma are popular here.

Ram Mandir Tiffin Centre
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Ram Mandir Tiffin Centre

Lingaraj Temple - The oldest and largest temple of Bhubaneswar, The Lingaraj Temple represents the Kalinga Architecture. The temple complex has 50 other shrines, encompassed by a high boundary wall. Bhubaneswar is called the Ekamra Kshetra as the deity of Lingaraja was originally under a mango tree (Ekamra). Lingaraja temple is maintained by the Temple Trust Board and the Archaeological Survey of India. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Mukteshwar Temple - This is a 10th Century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, about a km from the Lingaraj temple. The intricately carved ceiling and figurines on the walls are interesting features of the temple.

Rajarani Temple - Another ancient temple in the vicinity is the Rajarani Temple, built of Golden Sandstone. Although the temple has no presiding deity, it is famous for its architecture and wall carvings. 1 km from Mukteshwar Temple

Lingaraj Temple
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Lingaraj Temple

Khandagiri & UdayaGiri Caves - Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, formerly called Kattaka Caves, are partly natural and partly artificial caves situated on two adjacent hills near Bhubaneswar. They are of great archaeological, historical and religious significance.
Rani Gumpha, Haathi Gumpha, Ganesha Gumfa are especially famous for their exquisite inscriptions and carvings.

  • Located 10km from the Mukteswar Temple, it takes around one hour to explore. Recommended getting a guide from the ticket counter.
Khandagiri and  UdayaGiri Caves
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Khandagiri and UdayaGiri Caves

Lunch Options 

  • Odisha Hotel - Traditional Odia Food is served in this popular restaurant, which has multiple outlets across the city. 10 km from Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves
  • The Zaika, Jaydev Vihar - Serves Veg & Non-Veg Food. 7 km from Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves.
Odisha Hotel
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Odisha Hotel

Dhauli Shanti Stupa - The fierce Kalinga War was fought between the state of Kalinga and the Maurya Empire under King Ashoka on the hills of Dhauli by the river Daya. After the war ended, Ashoka devoted his life to Buddhism. The Peace Pagoda was built by the Japan Buddha Sangha and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha in 1972 to commemorate the path of world peace that King Ashoka showed.
    The Peace Pagoda is located about 14km from the caves.

Ashokan Rock Edicts - About 500m from the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, there are inscriptions on rocks and pillars, related to King Ashoka. These inscriptions proclaim Ashoka's adherence to Buddhist philosophy.        

Dhauli Shanti Stupa
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Dhauli Shanti Stupa

Explore Street Food in the evening. About 200m from Ram Mandir, over 20 streetside food stalls assemble between 7 and 10 pm. This place is called Khau Gali. Landmark - IHM hostel area.

Overnight Stay in Bhubaneswar.

Day - 3 Bhubaneswar to Konark Journey & night stay in Puri

Start the day after breakfast in the hotel.

  • Visit Pipili - Pipili was set up as an artisans’ village around 25Km away from Bhubaneswar, during the 10th Century. The village has since then prospered in Applique (ornamental needlework) handicraft. Applique work comes in many variants right from wall hangings to lanterns, umbrellas, bags, pouches and bedspreads. They are perfect souvenirs to buy from Odisha.

Nimapada - If you are fond of sweetmeats, halt at Nimapada (23Km from Pipili, on the way to Konark). Chhena Jhili is a specialty sweet dish available in Nimapada. Arta Bandhu Sweets is well-known for this.

Chhena Jhili
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Chhena Jhili

Konark - The Sun Temple is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Made entirely of stone, this abandoned temple is amazing due to its marvellous architecture, symmetry, precision and intricate detailing. The temple was designed as a 227ft high chariot of the Sun God driven by 24 beautifully carved wheels and pulled 7 horses. Major portions of the structure have however collapsed. Restoration is now managed by the ASI.

  • Another attraction of the place is the Light and Sound show which starts at 6:30pm.
  • Ticket Price Rs.50 per person

Konark (ASI museum) - Sculptures from the ruins of the Sun Temple are preserved along with artefacts & relics within the premises.

The Sun Temple, Konark
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The Sun Temple, Konark

Chandrabhaga beach - 3 km from the Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach is India’s first Blue Flag Beach. People visit this beach from distant places for a holy dip during Sawan month.

Proceed another 40Km to reach Puri. The road, accompanied by the sea to the left and trees to the right, is thoroughly enjoyable.

Puri Sea Beach
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Puri Sea Beach

Day - 4 Shri Jagannath Temple Visit & Local Sightseeing in Puri

Breakfast at Bhuban Dukan - Poori & Dalma is famous in this eatery located near Puri Railway Station.

Shri Jagannath Temple - One of the four cardinal spots of Hindu pilgrimage - referred to as the Char Dham of India. The temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is almost 800 years old. Jagannath (form of Lord Vishnu) and his siblings Balaram and Subhadra are the presiding deities of the temple. A place filled with legends and myths, the temple takes about a couple of hours to explore.

Mahaprasad - The major attraction of the place is the Rosaghora, which is considered as the biggest Satvik (vegetarian) community kitchen of the world. Fifty-six types of food (Chhappan Bhog) offered to the deities through the day is also served to devotees as Mahaprasad. Pilgrims may buy Mahaprasad from Anandabazar in the premises of Temple - (Available after 1 pm)
You can also get packed for lunch.

Shri Gundicha Temple - This sacred Temple is the destination of Lord Jagannath’s chariot during the annual Rath Yatra. This temple is around 3Km from the Shri Jagannath Temple.

Shri Jagannath Temple
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Shri Jagannath Temple

Lunch Options Sri Jagnnatha Temple - 3 km from Shri Jagannath Temple

Sudam sand art museum & Sudarsan sand art institute - Explore these places, to find exclusive sculptures made of sand. Sand Animation based on a new theme everyday is also presented here between 07:30 am and 08:00 pm.

Puri Sea Beach - In the evening, explore the sea beach and the adjoining stalls selling a variety of items. Camels and ponies are also available for rides or photographs.

Golden Sea Beach
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Golden Sea Beach

Dinner Options

Day - 5 Puri - Bhubaneswar and Departure to your home location

Breakfast - Hotel Padmalaya, Chandanpur is well-known for Chuda kadamba with Dalma. About 9 km from Puri, this is a dhaba on the highway, with average care of hygiene.

Raghurajpur - This is a UNESCO Heritage village of about 150 households. Every family has artisans engaged with handicrafts. Several artists living in this village have been awarded for their beautiful creations.

Reach Bhubaneswar and return back to your home location.

Things to Buy

  1. Conch and other items from beachside stalls.
  2. Sambalpuri Silk Sarees, bedspreads and clothes- Government Handloom stores are recommended for genuine products.
  3. Unique handicraft items from Pipili or Raghurajpur.

Suggestions & Recommendations

  • Shivaratri – held in the month of Feb/March and Rukuna Ratha Yatra held in April - are popular occasions in Lingaraj temple. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the place.
  • Sweets - Chhena Poda and Khaja are the most famous sweets that people eat in Puri. Khaja is most popular in multiple outlets of Narasingha and Ganguram Sweets.
  • The Kalinga Dhauli Mahotsav –The three-day festival usually held in the month of February features a heady mix of classical music, classical dance, and martial art dance forms. The festival is organized by the Odisha Tourism Department. There is no entry fee attached to the festival.
  • If you want to see the light & sound show in Konark, then you may stay in Konark Yatri Niwas - (rooms are available at Rs 1400 per night). Travel to Puri on the following day.
  • The annual Rath Yatra is held in Puri around July/Aug. Rooms get packed to capacity. In fact, some rooms get booked years in advance. Always reserve and venture out.
  • You can also extend your journey from Puri to Chilika lake - you may stay at OTDC Panthanivas at Satapada or Rambha or return to Puri after a speedboat ride in Chilika Lake.
  • You can also opt for Odisha tourism tour packages for the Golden triangle and also explore other options: http://www.panthanivas.com/tour/
  • Puri hotels have a check-out time of 7 am. Thus, on the day of check out, you can keep your luggage in the cloakroom and go for sightseeing if you are going to move out of Puri later in the day.
  • Ideal options for stay in Puri: Hotels in Puri generally have check-out time at 7 am. Puri hotel happens to be the only hotel that allows a 24Hour check-out policy for tourists. Puri Hotel, located near Golden Beach. Tourists may stay in sea-facing hotels around Swargadwar Beach as well, getting access to major restaurants and beach markets. Hotels near the lighthouse provide a quieter environment. Devotees may book hotels near the temple as well.
  • Other Attractions

    If you have time at your disposal, you can visit these destinations near Bhubaneswar.

  • Mangalajodi is a small village surrounding the shallow water marshlands of the magnificent Chilika. In winters it hosts millions of migratory birds. Mangalajodi, situated in Khorodha district, about 75 kms from Bhubaneswar on NH5. December to February is considered to be the best time for bird-gazing.

  • Homestays are available and can be booked online. The average cost is Rs.2300 per head per night with meals included.
    The boat and guide price is 1200 but it is negotiable.
    Early morning or afternoon is the best time of the day for boating.

  • Barunei Hills Trek is 18 KMs away from Bhubaneswar on NH 5. The trail has been recently developed by Odisha Tourism to promote the unexplored sites near Bhubaneswar. Barunei hills have important historical significance too.

  • Chandanpur is a small village that falls on the way to Puri from Bhubaneswar. You have to take a detour of 5 km from the highway. There are two famous hotels/restaurants Krishna and Padmalaya where one must not miss lunch in these. Chuda Kadamba and Dalma are available only in the morning. Chenna Payes (Khir Sagar) is also famous here.

 

Conch shells at Puri Beach Side Stalls
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Conch shells at Puri Beach Side Stalls