This Odisha 3-day itinerary (ଓଡ଼ିଶା ତିନି ଦିନର ଭ୍ରମଣ ଯୋଜନା) covers the Golden Triangle of Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri, the circuit most first-time visitors to Odisha follow. It suits travellers with a long weekend, families and anyone interested in temple architecture, and it works best between October and March, when the coast is cooler and drier than in the summer and monsoon months.
Itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bhubaneswar | Lingaraj, Mukteswar and Rajarani temples, Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves | Bhubaneswar |
| 2 | Bhubaneswar to Dhauli, Pipili, Konark and Puri | Ashokan edicts at Dhauli, appliqué work at Pipili, Konark Sun Temple | Puri |
| 3 | Puri to Raghurajpur and back to Bhubaneswar | Jagannath Temple, Pattachitra village, Puri beach | Bhubaneswar |
Day 1: Temples and caves of Bhubaneswar
Start early at the Lingaraj Temple, the largest temple in the old town, then walk or drive the short distance to the Mukteswar and Rajarani temples, which are smaller but known for fine carving. In the afternoon, visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, rock-cut Jain retreats associated with the Chedi king Kharavela, on the western edge of the city. If you are travelling with children and the day is not a Monday, Nandankanan Zoological Park on the northern side of the city is an alternative afternoon stop.
Food to try: a home-style Odia thali with dalma, and chhena poda from a local sweet shop.
Practical tips:
- Non-Hindus are not allowed into the sanctum of the Lingaraj Temple; they may view the temple from a designated platform outside. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering any temple.
- Nandankanan Zoological Park and its Botanical Garden are closed every Monday, as stated on the park's official website.
- The cave hills involve steps and get hot after mid-morning, so carry water.
Day 2: Dhauli, Pipili and Konark, ending in Puri
Leave Bhubaneswar after breakfast. Dhauli, approximately 8 km south of the city, has a boulder inscribed with edicts of Emperor Ashoka and the forepart of an elephant carved from the rock, along with a white Peace Pagoda on the hilltop. The low hills are traditionally linked with the Kalinga War.
Continue to Pipili, approximately 18 km from Bhubaneswar at the junction where the Konark road leaves the Puri road. The main street is lined with workshops selling Pipili appliqué canopies, umbrellas and wall hangings. From Pipili, take the Konark road. Konark is approximately 65 km from Bhubaneswar in total.
Spend the afternoon at the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century temple built as the chariot of the Sun god with 24 carved wheels and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Then follow the coastal road to Puri, approximately 35 km away, for the night.
Food to try: chhena jhili at sweet stalls on the Pipili to Konark road.
Practical tips:
- The Konark Sun Temple is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) ticketed monument. Check the ASI website for current timings and fees before you go.
- Hire a registered guide at Konark if you want the carvings explained; the temple is large and its symbolism is easy to miss.
- Beaches along this coast can have strong currents. Swim only where lifeguards are present.
Day 3: Puri and Raghurajpur, back to Bhubaneswar
Go early to the Jagannath Temple, when queues are usually shorter. Afterwards, drive to Raghurajpur, a crafts village approximately 12 to 14 km from Puri (Odisha Tourism gives both figures in different listings), where families paint Pattachitra scrolls and palm-leaf etchings and the village is also known for Gotipua dance. Spend the late afternoon on Puri beach before returning to Bhubaneswar, approximately 60 to 65 km away.
Food to try: Mahaprasad, the temple offering sold at the Ananda Bazar inside the Jagannath Temple complex (for those permitted entry), and rasagola.
Practical tips:
- Entry to the Jagannath Temple is restricted to Hindus.
- Since 1 January 2024 the temple has enforced a dress code: shorts, half pants, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless clothes are not allowed. Traditional clothing such as dhoti, saree or salwar kameez is suitable.
- Mobile phones and cameras are prohibited inside the temple. Leave them at your hotel or in a deposit facility.
- Expect very large crowds during the Rath Yatra season.
Customise this trip
Every traveller's pace is different. If you have a fourth day, add a boat trip on Chilika Lake from Puri, or see the 5-day Odisha itinerary. To change the order, add rest days or fit the trip around a festival, use the Odiapedia trip planner.
Plan your visit
Read the detailed guides to Puri, Bhubaneswar and Konark, and check the best time to visit Odisha before booking. Timings, fees and temple rules change, so confirm them with the official temple administration, ASI or Odisha Tourism shortly before you travel.