[streetfighter]

Originally Posted by Happyrev

If one were to plan a road-trip to Odisha what would be the ideal place to begin? Preferably where a self-drive option is available. Lets say a 5 day itinerary, what should be the route and the spots covered?

Thanks

Self drive would probably only be available from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. You can fly/train in and then take the self drive. Odisha is budget friendly, so you can also hire a taxi with driver.

A 5 day itinerary can be... map link

Day1: Reach Bhubaneswar, drive out to Konark (stay at hotel in Konark).
Visit Konark Temple and Museum nearby.
Visit Chandrabhaga beach or Ramchandi beach or Turtle Beach (as time permits, or enjoy your resort)

Day2: Drive to Puri (approx 1hr drive)
Visit Shri Jagannath Temple
Visit Blue Flag Beach
Towards evening, you may proceed to Satapada

Day3: Enjoy The Chilika lake by boat, spot red crabs and dolphins. Enjoy sea food at local restaurants
Post lunch or late afternoon, you can drive back to Bhubaneswar (approx 3hr drive). On the way you can stop at the arts village Raghurajpur and Pipli and look/buy some local handicrafts.
You can also visit a Art and Craft Foundation to look at some exquisitely carved stone statues (available for sale too)

Day4 and 5: Bhubaneswar local. Some places to visit (select as per your interest):
Nandankanan Zoological Park
Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves
State Tribal Museum
State Musueum
Dhauli Shanti Stupa
Lingraj Temple
Mukteshwara Temple
If the time permits, you can plan a day trip to Bhitarkanika National Park to witness crocodiles

There are some good glamping options at many places - Eco Retreat and Eco Tourism

One can find budget to luxury stay options at Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri. Hope this info helps.

[Happyrev]

Originally Posted by streetfighter

Self drive would probably only be available from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. You can fly/train in and then take the self drive. Odisha is budget friendly, so you can also hire a taxi with driver.

A 5 day itinerary can be... map link

Day1:...................
One can find budget to luxury stay options at Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri. Hope this info helps.

Thank you, i didnt imagine getting a perfect response such as this.

Appreciate your help, sir!

[deepak_misra]

What a travelogue!!!
I hail from incredible Orissa myself but have not seen most of my beautiful state

Originally Posted by streetfighter

A 5 day itinerary can be... map link

If I might make some counter suggestions:

BhitatrKanika might be a bit strenous to pack into a 5 day trip with all you have outlined

Puri and Konark can be covered in one day if you leave Bhubaneshwar early. Do note that the temple is really crowded.

You need half a day to cover temples in BBSR

To add to the list along with the Lingraj

Parsurameshwar temple (8th century in very good condition)
Kedargauri
Raja Rani
Mausi maa
(all are nearby and not far from Lingraj)

While driving to Puri , make a brief halt at Daya river where the Kalinga war was supposed to have been fought leading to the spread of Budhism

Offbeat is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chausa...emple,_Hirapur

and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisupalgarh (I have not visited myself but planned for next visit. not sure of condition)