After breakfast, drive early to Puri, approximately 60 km and around 2 hours by road. Visit the exterior view area of the Jagannath Temple, noting that non-Hindus are not permitted inside the main temple. Head to Badadanda, the Grand Road, to witness the spectacular Rath Yatra atmosphere and chariot pulling. Secure a spot early or watch from a rooftop overlooking the procession. In the evening, enjoy the festive atmosphere, street food and evening aarti along the procession route. Overnight at hotel in Puri.

After breakfast at the hotel, follow the special Rath Yatra day plan. Vehicular movement is completely banned on the Grand Road, Bada Danda, and most parts of Puri today. Leave your car parked at the hotel and walk or use authorized cycle rickshaws early in the morning to reach your designated balcony spot or viewing zone on Bada Danda. Witness the spectacular Pahandi ceremony and the grand chariot pulling of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Overnight at hotel in Puri.

After an early breakfast, take a short drive or local auto-rickshaw to Gundicha Temple for close-up darshan of the deities in their temporary abode. This sacred destination is where the deities reside during the annual Rath Yatra. In the afternoon, explore the local Grand Road, Bada Danda, and traditional mathas. In the evening, relax by the sea or visit the Loknath Temple. Overnight stay in Puri.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Konark via Raghurajpur. The Puri-Konark Marine Drive is one of India’s most scenic coastal roads, running parallel to the sea through dense cashew plantations. First visit Raghurajpur Crafts Village to see Pattachitra painters at work. Continue along the Marine Drive to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Black Pagoda for its magnificent stone chariot architecture. Catch the sunset at Chandrabhaga Beach before returning to the hotel area. Overnight stay at Konark.

After breakfast, drive down to Satapada, the eastern ridge and gateway of Chilika Lake. Enjoy a boat ride for a three-hour cruise to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and see the majestic Sea Mouth where Chilika opens into the Bay of Bengal, subject to weather conditions. Continue the drive southwards along the coast to Gopalpur-on-Sea. Check into your hotel and spend a peaceful evening relaxing on the tranquil, less-crowded beach. Overnight stay at hotel.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and spend the day at your own pace. You may stroll along the historic port ruins, relax on the beach, enjoy the coastal atmosphere or, subject to time and interest, take a half-day excursion to the Taptapani Hot Springs. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and journey back to Bhubaneswar, approximately 215 km and around 4 to 5 hours by road. In the afternoon, explore the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, known for ancient rock-cut Jain caves with historical inscriptions. In the evening, shop for Odisha’s traditional crafts such as Pattachitra paintings, Sambalpuri sarees or silver filigree at Ekamra Haat before heading to Bhubaneswar airport or railway station for departure.