As a Bengali, I have always felt a special connection with Odisha, a state in eastern India that shares many similarities with my own. Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is a land of contrasts, where ancient temples coexist with modern cities, where pristine beaches meet lush forests, and where vibrant festivals celebrate the diversity of its people and culture. Odisha is a state that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or spirituality.
I am currently spending a portion of my life in Odisha. In numerous ways, I've watched it change and grow over the past 10 years. It's my home, and every time I go and look for off-the-beaten-path places to visit in and around Odisha, I learn something new and exciting about this state. This state's beauty, charm, and diversity never cease to amaze me. It's a state that makes me feel at home while also igniting my wanderlust soul. Ah, what more do I say? In every aspect, It is beautiful.
It's a land of contrasts, and has something for everyone, whether you are a broke backpacker or a leisure traveller craving for some luxury with a mix of serenity & adventure.
But don’t take my word for it. See it for yourself. In this travel guide, I will show you how to spend 7 days in Odisha and explore its various attractions and activities. And also share some tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how much it will cost you. By the end of this article, I bet you will be convinced to visit this hidden paradise that has long awaited your arrival.
Here is the 7-day itinerary for travellers who want to explore Odisha. Read on!
Day 1: Bhubaneswar
Arrive at Bhubaneswar, the capital and largest city of Odisha, also known as the “Temple City” for its 700 temples.
Visit some of the famous temples, such as the Lingaraj Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple (India's only food temple), the Parashurameshvara Temple, and the Mukteshvara Temple, which showcase the exquisite architecture and craftsmanship of the Kalinga style. You will be amazed by the intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology and legends.
Explore the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which are partly natural and partly artificial caves of historical and religious importance, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves are carved out of laterite rock and have four chambers with lingas (symbols of Lord Shiva) inside. According to legend, the caves were used by the Jain monks for meditation and study.
Enjoy the local cuisine, such as dahi vada-aloo dum, chhena poda, and rasabali. These are some of the delicacies that are common in both Odisha and Bengal and will make you feel nostalgic.
Stay at one of the many hotels in Bhubaneswar that suit your budget and preference. You can find some options here: Best places to stay in Bhubaneswar
The cost of visiting Bhubaneswar will depend on your mode of transport, accommodation, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 2000 per person per day on an average.
Day 2: Bhubaneswar - Konark - Puri
Drive to Konark, about 65 km from Bhubaneswar, to visit the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya and is conceived as a giant stone chariot with 12 wheels. The temple is also known for its erotic sculptures that depict various aspects of human life and sexuality.
Drive to Puri, about 35 km from Konark, a coastal city and a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Check in to your hotel and relax.
Visit the Jagannath Temple, one of the original Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or chariot festival, which attracts millions of devotees. The temple is also famous for its prasad or holy food, which is prepared in huge quantities every day and distributed among the pilgrims. You can taste some of the prasad items, such as khichdi, dalma, pitha, etc.
Enjoy the sunset at the Puri Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Odisha. You can also enjoy some beach activities, such as camel ride, horse ride, or sand art.
Stay at one of the many hotels in Puri that suit your budget and preference. You can find some options here: Best Places To Stay in Puri
The cost of visiting Puri will depend on your mode of transport, accommodation, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 2500 per person per day on an average.
You may also like to read: Why Every Art Fanatic Must Add Raghurajpur Heritage Village To Their Bucket-list
Day 3: Puri - Chilika Lake - Puri
Take a day trip to Chilika Lake, about 50 km from Puri, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and a Ramsar site of international importance. The lake is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, dolphins, crabs, prawns, and fish.
Take a boat ride on the lake and visit some of the islands, such as Nalabana Island, a bird sanctuary, Kalijai Island, a temple island, and Satapada Island, where you can spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
Return to Puri and spend some leisure time at the beach or explore the local markets.
The cost of visiting Chilika Lake will depend on your mode of transport, boat ride, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 1500 per person per day on an average.
Day 4: Puri - Bhitarkanika National Park
Drive to Bhitarkanika National Park, about 200 km from Puri, one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in India and a wildlife sanctuary. The park is known for its saltwater crocodiles, turtles, kingfishers, monitor lizards, deer, and other animals.
Check in to your accommodation near the park and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Take a guided safari tour of the park and visit some of the attractions, such as the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Museum, the Gahirmatha Beach, where olive ridley turtles nest, and the Dangmal Crocodile Breeding Centre.
Stay at one of the many hotels or resorts near the park that suit your budget and preference. You can find some options here: Hotels Near Bhitarkanika National Park
The cost of visiting Bhitarkanika National Park will depend on your mode of transport, accommodation, safari tour, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 3000 per person per day on an average.
Day 5: Bhitarkanika National Park - Balasore
Drive to Balasore, about 150 km from Bhitarkanika National Park, a city famous for its beaches, temples, and handicrafts.
Visit some of the beaches, such as Chandipur Beach, where you can witness the unique phenomenon of sea water receding up to 5 km during low tide, Talasari Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic views of palm trees and sand dunes, and also indulge in water sports and activities.
Visit some of the temples, such as Bhujakhia Pir Baba’s Mazar, a shrine dedicated to a Muslim saint who is revered by both Hindus and Muslims, Khirachora Gopinath Temple, where Lord Krishna is worshipped as Khirachora or stealer of milk pudding, and Panchalingeswar Temple, where five Shiva lingas are submerged in a stream.
Stay at one of the many hotels in Balasore that suit your budget and preference. You can find some options here: Best places to stay in Balasore
The cost of visiting Balasore will depend on your mode of transport, stay, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 2000 per person per day on an average.
Day 6: Balasore - Cuttack
Drive to Cuttack, about 200 km from Balasore, the former capital and second largest city of Odisha. The city is known for its silver filigree work, horn and brass work, and textile industry.
Visit some of the attractions, such as the Barabati Fort, a 14th century fort on the banks of the Mahanadi river, the Netaji Birth Place Museum, where the freedom fighter Subhas Chandra Bose was born, and the Odisha Maritime Museum, where you can learn about the maritime history and heritage of Odisha.
Shop for some souvenirs, such as silver filigree jewellery, horn and brass items, and Sambalpuri sarees.
Stay at one of the many hotels in Cuttack that suit your budget and preference. You can find some options here: Best places to stay in Cuttack
The cost of visiting Cuttack will depend on your mode of transport, stays, food, and entry fees. You can expect to spend around Rs. 2000 per person per day on an average.
Day 7: Cuttack - Bhubaneswar
Drive back to Bhubaneswar, about 30 km from Cuttack, and visit some of the attractions that you may have missed on the first day, such as the Odisha State Museum where you can see exhibits on art, archaeology, anthropology, and natural history, the Nandankanan Zoological Park, where you can see white tigers, lions, bears, and other animals, and the Raghurajpur Artist Village, where you can see the traditional art of Pattachitra or palm leaf painting.
Depart from Bhubaneswar with wonderful memories of your trip to Odisha.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Odisha.
You may also like to read: Jagannath Puri - Exploring The Iconic Yet Lesser-Known Delicacies of Odisha
Note: You can choose from a range of options, such as budget, luxury, family, adventure, etc. You can also customize your trip according to your preferences and availability.
So, what are you waiting for? It's your time to discover Odisha and unearth the secrets of this hidden paradise.
You can also connect with me, here: Instagram & YouTube.
Ready to travel for free? Earn credits and redeem them on Tripoto’s weekend getaways, hotel stays and vacation packages!
Think we missed out on something? Tell us about it in the comments below. Or write about it here on Tripoto and earn Tripoto Credits!
