This odyssey starts in Kolkata, the ‘City of Joy’, where we will show you the highlights of this former Raj capital. Experience its Bengali culture which was influenced by centuries of British rule as reflected in its architectural heritage, before heading off to Bhubaneshwar, in the State of Odisha. Lying on the Bay of Bengal’s north-eastern coast, this modern capital offers you a contrasting style of architecture as you marvel at the skilled craftsmanship of Bhubaneshwar’s sculpted temples and the Sun Temple at Konark. Next, enjoy the beautiful and tranquil beach of Gopalpur on Sea and be awed by the many birds, fish and Irawaddy Dolphins found in the nearby and unique natural wonderland of Lake Chilka. The journey’s befitting finale is in the holy city of Puri, where for over 1000 years, Hindu devotees have been coming to pray and to be blessed at the famous Jagannath temple.
Following breakfast we set off on a full day guided city tour of Kolkata.
We begin with a walking tour around Dalhousie Square learning about the area’s numerous heritage buildings, including the majestic Writers Building, the Town Hall, St John’s Churchyard and the historic Metcalfe Hall. We then head off to see the iconic Victoria Memorial (closed on Mondays) before visiting Marble Palace, Mother Teresa’s House and the Howrah Bridge, an engineering marvel.
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for a flight to Bhubaneshwar, the temple city of eastern India. On arrival, you are met and taken to your hotel.
This afternoon visit some of its famous to temples such as 10th Century Mukteswara Temple, a gem of Kalinga Temple architecture; Lingaraj temple, Parsurameswar and Rajarani temple. On the way back to the hotel, we briefly stop into a local vegetable market.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
Today, we make a full day excursion to explore the region’s Buddhist & Jain sites. First stop is at Lalitagiri and Udayagiri. These Buddhist archaeological ruins are evidence of a great ancient civilization where you will marvel at the architectural wonders found in its caves, stupas and chaiyas. Later, after returning to Bhubaneshwar we visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, carved between 2nd and 3rd Century B.C.
Today, we drive south of Bhubaneshwar, to the coastal town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. One of the most popular beaches of Odisha, you will enjoy the clear blue ocean waters that also offers an unparallel surfing experience.
On arrival, check into the hotel, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
The day is free to relax by the beach, watching local fishermen busy fishing for the catch of the day! You can also go for a leisurely walk to have a glimpse of the crumbling walls and pillars that surround the light house standing witness to the glorious past of this port city and where the remains of bungalows and mansions that belonged to European merchants are found. The beach is also known for its sand sculptures made by local artists.
Following breakfast, we depart for Puri and en route visiting Chilka Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Enjoy a boat ride all the way to the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, while watching its astonishing bird and marine life including Irawaddy Dolphins.
On arrival at Puri, check into the hotel, where the rest of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation at your selected hotel – 2 nights
One of the four holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Puri is also a popular beach resort. It offers the rare opportunity of watching both the sunset and sunrise from the same beach. In the morning we visit famous the Jagannath temple and nearby Loknatha temple and afterwards the balance of the day is at leisure.
This morning we drive back to Bhubaneshwar and en route, visit the famous Sun temple at Konarak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As we continue our drive to Bhubaneshwar airport, we will also stop at the small village of Pipli, famous for appliqué work then see the peace pagoda at Dhauli.
On arrival at Bhubaneshwar airport, take an evening flight back to Kolkata and onward flight back home.
Explore your TRAVEL DESTINATION like never before.