Puri is a coastal city and a pilgrimage destination in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is famous for its 12th-century Jagannath Temple, one of the four sacred sites of Hinduism, and its golden sandy beach. Puri is also a cultural and historical hub, with many temples, monuments, museums, and art forms to explore.
Day 1: Arrival and Temple Tour
Arrive at Puri by train, bus, or car from Bhubaneswar, the nearest airport and the state capital. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Then, head to the Jagannath Temple, the main attraction of Puri. This temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple is a magnificent example of Kalinga architecture, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings. The temple is also the venue of the famous Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, held every year in June or July.
After visiting the Jagannath Temple, you can explore some other temples nearby, such as the Gundicha Temple, the Mausi Maa Temple, the Lokanath Temple, and the Sonar Gouranga Temple. These temples are also dedicated to various aspects of Lord Jagannath and his devotees.
Day 2: Konark and Chandrabhaga
On the second day, you can take a day trip to Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 35 km from Puri. Konark Temple is famous for its Sun Temple, a 13th-century marvel of stone carving and engineering. The temple is designed as a huge chariot of the sun god Surya, with 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses. The temple is adorned with thousands of exquisite sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, astronomy, and eroticism.
Day 3: Chilika Lake and Satapada
On the third day, you can take another day trip to Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, and Satapada, a small town on the banks of the lake. Chilika Lake is a biodiversity hotspot, home to hundreds of species of birds, fish, dolphins, and other aquatic animals. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the panoramic views, the flora and fauna, and the islands. You can also spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, which are one of the main attractions of the lake.
Satapada is a popular tourist destination, known for its dolphin watching, fishing, and boating activities. You can also visit Rajhans Island, which is a sandy island between the lake and the sea. You can also visit the Sea Mouth, which is the point where the lake meets the sea. You can also visit the Alarnath Temple, which is a sacred shrine of Lord Vishnu, and the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, which is a haven for migratory birds.
In the evening, you can return to Puri and enjoy a cultural program at your hotel or at the beach. watch some folk dances, such as Odissi, Gotipua, and Chhau, and listen to some folk music, such as Ravana Chhaya, Ghumura, and Daskathia.
Day 4: Raghurajpur and Pipili
On the fourth day, you can visit Raghurajpur and Pipili, two villages famous for their art and craft. Raghurajpur is a heritage village, known for its Pattachitra paintings, which are made on cloth or palm leaf using natural colors and motifs. The village is also known for its other crafts, such as palm leaf engraving, stone carving, wood carving, paper mache, and mask making. You can interact with the artists and learn about their techniques and traditions. You can also buy some of their products as souvenirs or gifts.
Pipili is another village, known for its applique work, which is a form of embroidery using patches of colored fabric and mirrors. The village is famous for its colorful and vibrant products, such as umbrellas, wall hangings, lampshades, bags, and clothes. You can visit the workshops and the markets and admire the creativity and skill of the artisans. You can also purchase some of their products as souvenirs or gifts.
Day 5: Departure and Shopping
On the last day, you can check-out from your hotel and head to the railway station, bus stand, or car rental. Before leaving, some shopping at the local markets and bazaars, where you can find a variety of products, such as sarees, jewelry, handicrafts, paintings, and sweets. You can also visit some of the famous shops, such as Sudarshan Art and Crafts Village, Puri Emporium, Jagannath Ballav Math, and Grand Road.