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Travel Guide

Odisha Golden Triangle: A Simple 3-Day Itinerary

· 3 min read · by AR-o-VR Team

The “Golden Triangle” of Odisha covers three places: Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri. The three cities are close to each other — no drive is longer than two hours — so you can see all of them in three days.

Here is a simple day-by-day plan.

Day 1: Bhubaneswar — the city of temples

Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha and the best place to start. It has some of the oldest temples in India.

Morning:

  • Lingaraj Temple — the largest temple in the city, over 1,000 years old.
  • Mukteswar Temple — small but beautiful, known for its carved stone gateway.

Afternoon:

  • Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves — rock-cut caves from the 2nd century BCE, where Jain monks once lived. The Hathigumpha inscription here is one of the oldest in India. You can read more about the caves on the Incredible India website.

Rani Gumpha, the two-storey rock-cut cave at Udayagiri

Rani Gumpha, the largest cave at Udayagiri. Photo by Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Evening:

  • Visit Dhauli, the place linked to the famous Kalinga war of Emperor Ashoka. The white Peace Pagoda on the hill is a calm spot to end the day.

We are building an AR/VR experience for Khandagiri and Udayagiri — learn more about us and what is coming.

Day 2: Konark — the Sun Temple

Drive from Bhubaneswar to Konark in the morning (about 65 km, 1.5 hours).

Spend the day at the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century. The temple is shaped like a giant stone chariot with 24 carved wheels. Read our full Konark Sun Temple visitor guide for timings, tickets, and tips.

While you are there, take our AR/VR walking tour. The main tower of the temple fell centuries ago — the tour shows you how the complete temple looked 750 years ago, right in front of your eyes. Book a slot before you go, as slots fill up.

A group of visitors with AR glasses at the Konark temple grounds

Visitors on our AR walking tour at Konark.

Evening:

  • Watch the sunset at Chandrabhaga Beach, just 3 km from the temple.
  • If you stay longer, catch the light and sound show at the temple after dark.

Day 3: Puri — the holy city by the sea

Drive from Konark to Puri (about 35 km). The road runs along the coast and the drive itself is lovely.

Morning:

  • Jagannath Temple — one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India. Note: only Hindus are allowed inside the temple.

Jagannath Temple in Puri seen from the Grand Road

The Jagannath Temple, Puri. Photo by AmlanBiswal25, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Afternoon:

  • Relax at Puri Beach. It is wide, sandy, and always lively.
  • Shop for Pattachitra paintings and other local handicrafts. The artist village of Raghurajpur is a short drive away and worth a stop.

Evening:

  • Watch the evening aarti near the temple, or simply enjoy the sea breeze before heading back.

Quick planning tips

  1. Best time to go: October to March. The weather is cool and good for sightseeing.
  2. How to travel: Taxis are the easiest way to move between the three cities. Buses are cheaper and run often.
  3. Where to stay: Puri has the widest choice of hotels, from budget to luxury. Bhubaneswar is best for the first night.
  4. Book ahead: Book your hotel and your Konark AR/VR tour slot in advance, especially in the winter season.

Three days, three cities, and centuries of history — the Golden Triangle is the best short trip Odisha offers.

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