2-Day Konark Sun Temple, Puri & Chilika Lake Tour Including Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves & Jagannath Temple

Day 1: Bhubaneswar to Puri Trip Covering Twin Caves, Dhauli Hills & Konark Sun Temple

At approximately 8-8:30 in the morning, our driver will pick you up from your hotel or airport in Bhubaneswar, and your memorable tour covering Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri’s main attractions will begin. First, we will take you to the marvelous Rajarani Temple. Built in the 11th century in the Kalinga style of architecture, the temple is famous for its intricate carvings and beautiful erotic sculptures. The temple is also known as Love Temple as the locals believe it to be the site where the king and queen of Bhubaneswar met for the first time.

After you have explored the temple premises, you will be taken on the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves excursion. The Twin Caves are located at a distance of 11 km from the Rajarani Temple. They are prominent examples of Jain rock-cut architecture and house many famous caves known for their stunning art like the Rani Gumpha, Hathi Gumpha, and Ganesha Gumpha in Udayagiri and Ananta Gumpha, Navamuni Gumpha, and Barabhuji Gumpha in Khandagiri.

Next, get ready for Dhauli Hills sightseeing. The iconic Buddhist landmark is 40 minutes away from the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. While the place served as the site of the dreadful Kalinga War that led to massive bloodshed and destruction, it is now famous for the Dhauli Shanti Stupa—a Buddhist peace pagoda. After the war, Asoka, the winning emperor, gave up the path of violence and started practicing Buddhism. The place is home to rocks, walls, and pillars carved with the message of peace, known as the Ashokan Rock Edict. You can immerse in the rich history of the place while enjoying a panoramic view of Bhubaneswar from the hilltop.

Finally, you will embark on your Konark Sun Temple tour. Located at a distance of approximately 60 km from Dhauli Hills, the Konark Sun Temple is a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the temple has faced the wrath of nature and many wars, it still stands strong as an example of the excellence of the Kalinga style of architecture. Designed as a chariot, it has 24 wheels and 7 horses that feature intricate carvings unlike any other. From erotic imagery to fascinating sculptures of Hindu deities, the place has it all. After you have explored the temple, we will take you to Puri. In about 1 hour, you will reach your hotel. Complete the check-in formalities and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Jagannath Temple Tour with Chilika Lake Excursion

You will start the 2nd day of the tour with a delicious meal for breakfast and then check out of the hotel. Our driver will be waiting for you to take you on the much-awaited Jagannath Temple tour. A popular travel destination, the temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is believed that Lord Krishna’s heart is placed here which makes it a sacred place for Krishna devotees.

If you wish, you can spend some leisure time at Puri Beach. Known as the Golden Beach, it is a scenic site famous for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing alone or with your loved ones. For the next part of the tour, you will be driven to Chilika Lake—Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. If you are wondering about the things to do in Chilika Lake, the place is home to many interesting attractions like dolphin sightings. Surrounded by forests and next to the sea, the lake is a treasure trove for nature lovers. You can opt for a boat ride or enjoy the magical view from the shore. After relishing its beauty, our driver will take you back to your hotel or airport in Bhubaneswar and the 2-day tour will come to a memorable end.

Note: 

Only Hindus are allowed entry into the Jagannath Temple. Non-Hindus and foreigners can enjoy an external view of the temple.

If time allows, you can witness the flag-changing ceremony at Jagannath Temple in Puri which takes place every day at 5 PM in winter and 6 PM in summer.