Ancient Temples, a UNESCO Sun Chariot, a Dolphin Lagoon & India's Largest Saltwater Crocodile Population
Nine days that bring together every major facet of Odisha into a single comprehensive circuit — this is our most complete Odisha itinerary, combining the Golden Triangle's ancient temple architecture with Chilika Lake's dolphin-rich lagoon and Bhitarkanika's mangrove wildlife, finishing at Chandipur's extraordinary tidal beach.
The journey opens with two nights in Bhubaneswar's temple circuit, before continuing to Puri for two nights covering the Jagannath Temple, Raghurajpur's craft village, and a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple.
From Puri, the route turns to Chilika Lake for a night and a full-day cruise — Irrawaddy dolphin spotting, Kalijai Temple, and the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary — before continuing north to Bhitarkanika National Park for two nights of mangrove boat safaris and saltwater crocodile sightings.
The circuit concludes at Chandipur, where the Bay of Bengal famously recedes up to 5 km at low tide, before the drive back to Bhubaneswar — nine days covering an extraordinary breadth of Odisha's temples, lagoons, and wild coastline.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Bhubaneswar! On arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves and the Lingaraj Temple.
After breakfast, explore the Rajarani Temple and the exquisite 10th-century Mukteswar Temple, with time at Bindu Sarovar.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Puri (approximately 65 km, ~1.5 hours), stopping en route at Dhauli and the craft villages of Raghurajpur and Pipli.
Morning darshan at the Jagannath Temple. After breakfast, drive to Konark (approximately 35 km) to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple. Return to Puri for an evening beach walk.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Chilika Lake. Board a boat cruise — Kalijai Temple, Irrawaddy dolphin spotting, and Nalbana Bird Sanctuary's wetlands. Check in to your lakeside hotel.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Bhitarkanika National Park (approximately 180-220 km, ~4.5 hours) via Bhubaneswar and Kendrapara. On arrival at the jetty, check in to your nature camp.
A full day boat safari deep into Bhitarkanika's mangrove creeks — India's largest population of saltwater crocodiles, water monitors, and over 215 recorded bird species. Visit the Dangmal Crocodile Research Centre.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Chandipur (approximately 220 km, ~5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel and witness the tide receding over Chandipur's famously flat shore, exposing up to 5 km of sandy seabed.
A final morning by the sea. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bhubaneswar (approximately 220 km, ~5 hours) for your departure flight or train. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 8 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ Chilika Lake boat cruise
- ✓ Bhitarkanika mangrove boat safari & park entry permits
- ✓ 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
- ✗ Optional Mangalajodi or Gahirmatha excursions (seasonal, payable locally)
- ✗ 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, lagoon cruises, and wildlife sightings. March–May is hot and humid (up to 40°C); the monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and can affect access to Bhitarkanika and the hill stations, though Daringbadi's waterfalls are at their fullest during this period.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Nandankanan Zoological Park, or extend any coastal or wildlife stop. 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.
