Highlights of Orissa

Overview

On one hand we see the development and progress; on the other hand we see the natural slow paced lifestyle that is successful in retaining life in their lives with simplicity and deep religious and traditional values.

Orissa breathes traditions, so much so that it is called the city of the temples. This tour begins at Kolkata, known as the city of joy. From here you touch Bhubaneshwar, the city that traces its mention in the Indian scriptures. There are temples belonging to the 7th and the 8th century. The charming Bindu Sagar Lake is surrounded by these temples. 20kms from here is the famous Nandan Kanan lion safari park. The next three days are totally soaked in the sound of cymbals and bells of the temples because you are in the beach town of Puri immersed in mythology, religion and traditions.

The Jagganath Temple also called the White Pagoda a name given by European soldiers; it’s a jewel of the Kalinga style of architecture. There are several attractions nearby, like the Chillika Lake and the well known masterpiece in rock; the Sun temple of Konark.

After such sumptuous fill of history and art it is time to wind up the tour in city of joy once again before bidding adieu to this eastern magic!!

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for orientation tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated and drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Day 02 - Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to Delhi airport to connect with your flight to Bhubaneswar 1030-1235. Arrive Bhubaneswar and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Temples visiting Lingaraj Temple, Raja Rani Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Parsurameshwar Temple and the Brahmeshwar Temple.

Day 03 - Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, you will be taken for a private guided tour visiting Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves in the morning and Yogini Temple in the afternoon. The ancient city of Bhubaneshwaris also the modern capital of Orissa. With 600 temples still in existence, temples are to this ancient city as forts are to Rajasthan. It is probably the only city in the world that enables an authentic overview of the stages of development of Hindu religious architecture.

Day 04 - Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full day private guided tour of Denkanal & Sadaibarini Bell Metal work village and Nuapatana sari weaving village.

Day 05 - Puri

After breakfast, you will visit Nandan Kanan followed by drive (2 Hrs) to Puri. Enroute, you will visit Dhauli and Pipli. Arrive Puri and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day will be at leisure for independent services. Puri, the holy city of Orissa has a remarkable value in the field of Art, Architecture, Literature, religion and tradition. Puri is the seat of Lord Jagannath, the Lord of Universe.

Day 06 - Puri

After breakfast, you will visit to Jagannath Temple (outside the Temple) and Raghurajpur and the famous Konark Sun Temple, one of the most vivid architectural treasures of Hindu India and a World Heritage Site. It is famous for its 13th century Sun Temple, the most striking example of Kalinga architecture. It is designed as a huge chariot to the Sun God, having twelve pairs of great wheels and drawn by seven exquisitely carved and ornamented horses. Each wheel functions as a working sundial. In the evening, you will enjoy sun set at Chandrabhaga Beach.

Day 07 - Puri

After breakfast, you will have excursion to Chilka lake at Satapada [1.5 Hrs]. Evening will be at lesiure to explore shore market and Beach area.

Day 08 - Puri

After breakfast, you will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities or relaxation on beach.

Day 09 - Delhi

Early morning, you will drive to Bhubaneswar airport [2 Hrs] to connect with your flight to Delhi 0905-1110. Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day will be at lesiure to pursue independent activities. An excursion to Chilka Lake can be arranged if you wish to explore further.

Day 10 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.