A Sacred Beach Town, and Asia's Largest Brackish Water Lagoon
A relaxed 4-day escape pairing Puri's sacred Jagannath Temple and beach with a cruise on Chilika Lake — the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest in the world, and one of the most important wintering grounds for migratory birds anywhere in India.
The tour opens with darshan at the Jagannath Temple and a walk along Puri's Grand Road, before an afternoon at leisure on Puri's long stretch of Bay of Bengal coastline.
From Puri, the route continues to Chilika Lake (via Rambha or Barkul, the two main boating points) for a full day on the water — spotting the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, found in only two lagoons on earth, visiting Kalijai Temple on its own island, and exploring Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, where over 150 species of migratory birds gather each winter, having travelled from as far as Siberia and Central Asia.
A genuinely peaceful 4-day combination of pilgrimage and pure natural beauty, with the lagoon's still waters and birdlife offering a complete change of pace from the temple town's devotional energy.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Odisha! On arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport or railway station, drive to Puri (approximately 65 km, ~1.5 hours). On arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit the Jagannath Temple to witness the Aarti ceremony and seek the Lord's blessings — one of the four sacred Char Dham of Hinduism. Walk the Grand Road and visit the Gundicha Temple. Evening at leisure on Puri Beach.
A relaxed morning on Puri Beach. In the afternoon, visit Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village renowned for its Pattachitra scroll paintings and palm-leaf engravings, where you can watch artists at work and purchase pieces directly from them. Return to Puri for the evening.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Chilika Lake (approximately 35-50 km to Rambha or Balugaon, the main boating points). Board a boat for a cruise across the lake — visiting Kalijai Temple, the abode of Goddess Kalijai set on its own island, and keeping watch for the rare Irrawaddy dolphins found in only two lagoons in the world. Explore Nalbana Bird Sanctuary's wetlands, home to over 150 species of birds in the winter season. Check in to your lakeside hotel for an overnight stay.
For keen birdwatchers, an optional early-morning excursion to Mangalajodi — one of India's premier birding destinations, with vast wetlands hosting over 150,000 birds in peak season. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bhubaneswar (approximately 100-130 km, ~2.5-3 hours) for your departure flight or train. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ Chilika Lake boat cruise
- ✓ 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
- ✗ Mangalajodi excursion (optional, 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.
