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Nestled on the coast of the Bay of Bengal, Puri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India, famous as a Char Dham destination. It beautifully merges spiritual fervor, historical architecture, and the relaxing allure of golden beaches.
The popular 3 Days and 2 Nights Puri Itinerary provides the ideal time frame to explore the holy city, take a trip to the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, and visit the natural wonder of Chilika Lake.
Ready to explore Odisha’s golden coast? Here is your ultimate Puri 3 Days 2 Nights travel plan!
📅 Puri Itinerary: 3 Days & 2 Nights Overview
This itinerary focuses on Puri itself on Day 1, the historical Konark side on Day 2, and the vast natural beauty of Chilika Lake on Day 3 before departure.
| Day | Focus Area | Key Activities |
| Day 1 | Arrival & Puri Core | Arrival, Jagannath Temple Darshan, Puri Beach (Swargadwar), Swargadwar Market |
| Day 2 | Konark & Art Triangle | Konark Sun Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Raghurajpur Artist Village, Evening at Marine Drive |
| Day 3 | Nature & Departure | Chilika Lake (Satapada for Dolphins), Alarnath Temple (Optional), Local Shopping, Departure |
🙏 Day 1: The Divine Centre and Golden Beach
Morning/Afternoon: Arrival & Darshan
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Arrival in Puri: Arrive at Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) and take the scenic 1.5-hour drive to Puri, or arrive directly at Puri Railway Station. Check into your hotel, preferably near the beach for easy access.
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Shree Jagannath Temple: The primary focus of the trip. Visit the ancient 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the abode of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra.
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Tip: Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple. Non-Hindus can view the temple’s architecture from the nearby Raghunandan Library rooftop.
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Relish Mahaprasad: Don’t miss the temple’s famous Mahaprasad (sanctified food) cooked in one of the world’s largest kitchens.
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Afternoon & Evening: Beachfront Bliss
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Puri Beach (Golden Beach): Head to the main beach stretch, often called the Golden Beach (a Blue Flag certified beach). Relax, witness the famous sand art sculptures by local artists like Sudarshan Pattnaik, and take a dip in the holy waters.
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Swargadwar Market: As evening falls, stroll through the bustling market near the beach. This is the hub for local religious items, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
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Chakratirtha Beach (Optional): Visit this quieter beach for a more serene experience, located towards the northern end of the town.
☀️ Day 2: Konark, Sun Temple, and Artistic Heritage
Day 2 involves an exciting half-day road trip along the scenic Puri-Konark Marine Drive highway.
Morning: The Black Pagoda
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Konark Sun Temple: Drive about 35 km to Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the 13th-century Sun Temple, built in the shape of a colossal chariot with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels, drawn by seven horses.
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History: Spend time admiring the detailed erotic carvings, the depiction of court life, and the famous ‘sun dials’ formed by the spokes of the wheels.
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Chandrabhaga Beach: Located just 3 km from the Sun Temple, this is a beautiful, clean beach known for its religious significance and stunning sunrise views.
Afternoon: Village of Artisans
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Raghurajpur Artist Village: On your way back to Puri, stop at Raghurajpur. This is a heritage crafts village where nearly every family is involved in art. It is famous for Pattachitra paintings (traditional cloth-based scroll paintings), palm leaf engravings, and wooden toys. It’s the perfect place for unique souvenir shopping directly from the artists.
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Pipili (Optional): If time permits, visit the village of Pipili, renowned globally for its exquisite and vibrant Appliqué work (patchwork on fabric).
Evening:
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Dinner: Enjoy dinner at a sea-facing restaurant, trying local Odia delicacies like Chhena Poda (baked cheese dessert) or fresh seafood.
🐬 Day 3: Natural Wonder and Departure
Your final day is dedicated to the massive lagoon, home to unique wildlife, before your departure.
Morning: The Brackish Lagoon
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Chilika Lake (Satapada): Drive approximately 50 km to Satapada, the entry point to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.
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Boat Ride & Dolphins: Take a boat ride out to the Sea Mouth (where the lake meets the Bay of Bengal). This area is famous for spotting the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins jumping and playing in the waters. The sight of migratory birds (especially during winter) is also fantastic.
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Alarnath Temple (Optional): On your return drive from Chilika, stop at the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri, a significant shrine for Lord Vishnu devotees.
Afternoon: Final Moments
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Swargadwar Market: Squeeze in a final visit to the market for any last-minute purchases of local textiles, filigree work, or silver jewellery.
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Departure: Check out of your hotel and proceed to Bhubaneswar (or Puri) for your flight or train journey, taking with you the blessings and the memories of Odisha’s golden coastline.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Your Puri Trip
| Aspect | Essential Tip |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March is ideal, offering pleasant weather for sightseeing and beach activities. Rath Yatra (June/July) attracts massive crowds. |
| Getting Around | Hiring a private taxi for Day 2 (Konark) and Day 3 (Chilika) is the most efficient option. Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common within Puri town. |
| Jagannath Temple | Strict Rules: Leather goods (belts, wallets) and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Lockers are available nearby. |
| Food Must-Try | Try the temple’s Mahaprasad, local seafood preparations near the beach, and the famous Chhena Poda. |
| Photography | The best light for photography at the Konark Sun Temple is usually in the early morning or late afternoon. |
This complete Puri Itinerary offers a perfect blend of spirituality, history, and natural exploration, making it a compelling feature for your Musafir Diary blog!
