We started the journey in the morning. We choose the smaller route which connected orissa to varanasi via chattisgarh. The road till Renukoot was very nice but afterwards especially after entering Chattisgarh was really bad and because of that the road journey became a little tiring. But it was a good experience. Atleast now no WRONG TURNS!. PS- don't expect nice restaurants or dhabhas with washroom on the way. Infact if you get a washroom you should really celebrate that. I think advertisement doesn't go on air there.we stayed the night at Sambalpur's Hotel Nikki. It was a nice and amicable hotel will comfortable accommodation and food. The service is little slow but manageable.
After eating good breakfast (esp South Indian Dishes) we started for Puri. We reached Marine Drive in the evening. The beaches were very clean and serene. The calmness of shore and sound of the waves mesmerized our souls. After check in we went to visit Jaganath Puri Temple. Its a world famous temple but I particularly donot have very likes for it as it seems more like a trading company. Everything involves donation of money even a simple gesture of giving prasad required some donation. We decided to visit the temple in the evening itself, it was a 2km walk. there were alot of shops where one can buy a lot of stuff.
PS- You can Bargain. At Temple purse or anything which is of leather is not allowed.No phones are allowed. For slippers and phone there are stands outside the gate. there are 4 entrances the main is the north gate entrance. there is token system for prasad inside the temple and the rates are fixed. shops close at around 11pm.
We hurried to eat dinner at a restaurant named Made In China, the food was fine but the service was very poor. Later in the evening I walked the beach hearing the sound of the waves which soothed my mind and soul. The calmness which the sounds of waves brought was satisfying and different. The moon was bright enough to give the waves a shiny look.
Next day in the morning the beach had a different view. There were people who were worshiping the water god, few were taking bath in the Bay,some were fitness freak as for me I sat there looking at the sun and letting the waves come to me from all the directions. After breakfast we visited Chilika Lake. The best part of the sightseeing is that dolphins a easily seen, they do try to hide because of the sound of the motor boat yet they can be seen. In the evening we went to Konark Temple. There was some renovation. Konark even after years stood like a marvelous piece of architecture.There are some local shops as well selling some local made jewelry, hat, wooden item etc. If you like you can buy it.
PS- do bargain at all the places in Orissa. One has to buy a ticket to enter at Konark.
Next day was the last day to a mesmerizing place.While coming back we stayed at Balasore , I dont remember the name of the hotel but I do remember that the food was awesome esp the butter chicken and butter prawn.
I came back to Varanasi with a lot of memories and divine blessings