Kolkata, West Bengal to Puri, Orissa from $3: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Make sure to fuel up at one of the major gas stations along NH16, as prices hover around INR 110-116 per liter; filling up at Kolkata before departure can help avoid higher rates in smaller towns.

• Pay attention to local traffic laws, especially regarding the use of seat belts and mobile phone usage while driving; using Waze (link: (waze.com) can help you navigate efficiently while avoiding any restricted zones.

• Upon arriving in Puri, parking options can range from INR 50-200 per day, depending on location; you'll find several parking areas near the Jagannath Temple but watch out for no-parking zones along the beach road to avoid fines.

• Onboard services for the Kolkata to Puri route typically include catering options such as 'IRCTC Food Catering', offering a variety of meals that you can pre-order through the IRCTC website or app. You can expect a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meal options, snacks, and beverages. Be sure to check the menu in advance to order your meal on time.

• When traveling from Kolkata to Puri, you will find several seating options available. The most common classes on this route are AC Chair Car (2nd AC), Sleeper Class (3rd AC), and General Seating. If you're looking for comfort with air conditioning, the 2nd AC Chair Car provides that as well as cushioned seats. For budget travelers, the Sleeper Class is more economical but less comfortable and can be crowded.

• There are several operators for the Kolkata to Puri route, including Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway. You can check their schedules and book tickets on their respective websites: Eastern Railway at er.indianrailways.gov.in and South Eastern Railway at ser.indianrailways.gov.in

• Book an early morning flight for spectacular views as you approach Bhubaneswar; the sunrise over Eastern India can be truly breathtaking.

• Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport, head directly to the pre-paid taxi counter to avoid any confusion or overcharging; the ride to Puri typically costs around ₹1,500.

• Make sure to check if your airline offers any meal options ahead of time as some, like AirAsia India, may not provide food on shorter flights; consider packing snacks or using the links provided for local dining options: IndiGo, AirAsia India, Helitrans.