Discover Odisha in its most immersive form with this 7 Nights / 8 Days grand journey, Tribal & Buddhist Odisha Tour blending sacred temples, UNESCO heritage sites, pristine beaches, tranquil lagoons, Buddhist monasteries, tribal weaving villages, and royal temple towns. Covering Puri, Konark, Chilika, Gopalpur, Chandragiri, Taptapani, and Bhubaneswar, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking culture, spirituality, nature, and offbeat experiences in one unforgettable tour.
Day 1: Arrival at Bhubaneswar – Transfer to Puri via Sakhigopal & Pipili
On arrival at Bhubaneswar Railway Station or Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Puri. En route, visit the sacred Sakhigopal Temple, associated with a legendary tale of divine friendship. Continue to Pipili, Odisha’s famous appliqué craft village, known for its colorful handmade textiles.
Arrive at Puri, check in to your hotel, and relax.
Overnight stay at Puri.
Day 2: Puri – Konark Excursion
Distance: Approx. 80 km
Begin the day with darshan at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dhams of Hinduism. Later, proceed to Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of Kalinga architecture, designed as the grand chariot of the Sun God. Continue to Chandrabhaga Beach, famous for its scenic beauty.
Return to Puri by evening and enjoy leisure time at the golden Puri Beach. Explore seaside markets for shell-made handicrafts and souvenirs.
Overnight stay at Puri.
Day 3: Puri – Chilika (Barkul)
After a relaxed morning at Puri Beach, proceed towards Chilika Lagoon, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. En route, visit Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village, renowned for Pattachitra paintings, palm-leaf engravings, and traditional art forms.
On arrival at Barkul, check in to the hotel. Later, enjoy a motor boat ride (at own cost) on Chilika Lagoon, visiting Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Kalijai Island, and the revered Kalijai Temple.
Overnight stay at Chilika.
Note: Accommodation at Chilika is limited and basic compared to city hotels, offering a nature-focused experience.
Day 4: Chilika – Gopalpur via Tara Tarini Temple
Distance: Approx. 82 km | Travel Time: Approx. 6 hours
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Gopalpur-on-Sea, a serene coastal town with colonial-era port remnants. En route, visit the sacred Maa Tara Tarini Temple, one of Odisha’s most revered Shakti Peethas, situated atop a scenic hillock.
Arrive at Gopalpur, check in to the hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening by the sea.
Overnight stay at Gopalpur.
Note: Gopalpur offers limited dining and accommodation options; vegetarian food choices may be restricted.
Day 5: Gopalpur – Chandragiri (Mini Tibet) – Taptapani Excursion
Distance: Approx. 120 km
After breakfast, drive to Chandragiri, a Tibetan refugee settlement popularly known as Mini Tibet of Odisha. Visit the impressive Jirang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Southeast Asia. Continue to Taptapani, famous for its natural hot sulphur springs amidst lush forests.
On return to Gopalpur, visit Padmanavpur, a traditional cotton sari weaving village. Evening free for leisure.
Overnight stay at Gopalpur.
Day 6: Gopalpur – Bhubaneswar with Temple Tour
Distance: Approx. 200 km | Travel Time: Approx. 8 hours
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Bhubaneswar. En route, visit Olasing Textile Village, known for exquisite Khandua-pattern Kosa silk and cotton saris.
On arrival, check in to the hotel and freshen up. In the evening, explore Bhubaneswar’s architectural gems—Parasurameswar, Mukteswara, Rajarani, and Brahmeswar Temples.
Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Day 7: Bhubaneswar – Full Day Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the iconic Lingaraj Temple, one of India’s oldest Shiva temples (non-Hindus are not permitted inside the sanctum). Continue to the ancient Udayagiri and Khandagiri Jain Caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
Later, visit Nandankanan Zoological Park & Botanical Garden (closed on Mondays), famous for its white tigers. In the evening, enjoy shopping at Ekamra Haat, a hub for Odisha’s handicrafts and souvenirs.
Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Day 8: Bhubaneswar – Buddhist Triangle – Departure
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri, two important ancient Buddhist sites forming part of Odisha’s famed Diamond Triangle. Explore stupas, monasteries, and archaeological remains that reflect Odisha’s Buddhist legacy.
Later, proceed for a timely drop at Bhubaneswar Railway Station or Airport, marking the end of a memorable journey.
Tour Highlights
- Darshan at Shree Jagannath Temple & Lingaraj Temple
- UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple
- Scenic Chilika Lagoon & Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
- Relaxed beach stays at Puri & Gopalpur
- Tibetan culture at Chandragiri (Mini Tibet)
- Hot sulphur springs at Taptapani
- Handloom villages: Pipili, Olasing & Padmanavpur
- Buddhist sites: Lalitgiri & Ratnagiri
- Temple city exploration of Bhubaneswar
Conclusion
The Grand Coastal, Tribal & Buddhist Odisha Tour offers an in-depth exploration of Odisha’s spiritual heritage, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. From sacred temples and serene beaches to Buddhist monasteries and tribal weaving villages, this 8-day journey presents Odisha in its most authentic and enriching form—perfect for travelers seeking a truly holistic experience.