Ancient Temples, a Sacred Chariot City & a 13th-Century Tribute to the Sun
A focused 3-day circuit through what is often called Odisha's Golden Triangle — Bhubaneswar, the temple city; Puri, home to the sacred Jagannath Temple and a long stretch of Bay of Bengal coastline; and Konark, where the 13th-century Sun Temple stands as one of India's most extraordinary architectural achievements.
The tour opens in Bhubaneswar, known as the Temple City of India for its remarkable concentration of ancient shrines — the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves, and the Lingaraj, Parashurameswar, and Mukteswar Temples, followed by an evening at Ekamra Haat, a craft market for local handicrafts and street food.
The drive to Puri the following day passes through Dhauli (site of Emperor Ashoka's transformation after the Kalinga War), the painting village of Raghurajpur (known for its Pattachitra artists), and the appliqué craft town of Pipli, before reaching Puri's beach for an evening stroll along its lively beach market.
The final day brings the spiritual heart of the trip — morning darshan at the Jagannath Temple, one of the four sacred Char Dham of Hinduism, followed by the Konark Sun Temple en route back to Bhubaneswar — a 13th-century masterpiece built in the form of a giant stone chariot dedicated to the Sun God, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Bhubaneswar! On arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport or railway station, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. Check in, and in the afternoon head out to explore the city's remarkable concentration of ancient temples — the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves, carved into rock over 2,000 years ago, and the Lingaraj, Parashurameswar, and Mukteswar Temples, each showcasing a different era of Odisha's distinctive temple architecture. Spend the evening at Ekamra Haat, a lively crafts market where you can browse handicrafts and sample delicious local snacks. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out and drive to the coastal town of Puri (approximately 65 km, ~1.5 hours). En route, stop at Dhauli — the site where Emperor Ashoka is said to have embraced Buddhism following the bloodshed of the Kalinga War, marked by a peace pagoda and rock edicts — and Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village renowned for its Pattachitra scroll paintings and palm-leaf engravings. Pay your respects at the Sakhigopal Temple and Heerapur, and stop at Pipli, a village famous for its distinctive appliqué handicrafts. On reaching Puri, check in to your hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, head out for a stroll along Puri's lively beach market and enjoy a laid-back evening by the Bay of Bengal.
Early morning, visit the Jagannath Temple to witness the morning Aarti and seek the Lord's blessings — one of the four sacred Char Dham of Hinduism and among the most significant pilgrimage sites in India. Walk toward the Grand Road and visit the Gundicha Temple, an important stop on the annual Rath Yatra chariot procession route. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later, check out and drive toward Bhubaneswar. En route, stop at the Konark Sun Temple — built in the 13th century CE in the form of a giant stone chariot dedicated to the Sun God, and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue the drive to Bhubaneswar; on arrival, you will be dropped at Bhubaneswar Airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 2 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Bhubaneswar
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at monuments and attractions
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
October to February offers the most comfortable temperatures (18–28°C) for temple visits and beach time. March–May is hot and humid (up to 38°C); the monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the Odisha coast, and the Bay of Bengal can produce rough seas at Puri during this period.
No — the Jagannath Temple at Puri strictly restricts entry to Hindus only, a rule enforced at the temple gates. Non-Hindu visitors can view the temple's exterior and towering shikhara from the street, and a popular alternative is viewing the temple from the rooftop of the Raghunandan Library directly opposite the main entrance, which offers an excellent vantage point.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can extend Puri for more beach time, add Chilika Lake's dolphin-spotting boat trip, or include Bhitarkanika National Park. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
