Essence of Orissa with East India

Duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Routing: Delhi – Bhubaneshwar – Puri – Chilka Lake – Gopalpur – Bhubaneshwar – Kolkata

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DELHI: Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, President House, Humayun Tomb and Qutub Minar

Optional Sound & Light Show at Red Fort and dinner at Chor Bizarre

BHUBANESWAR : Lingaraja, Parashurameshwara & Mukteswara Temples

DHAULI: Peace Pagoda known as the Shanti Stupa

PIPLI VILLAGE : Orissan Handicrafts

KONARK: Sun Temple

PURI: Jagannath Temple, Beaches

CHILIKA LAKE : Bird Sanctuary

RAGHURAJAPUR: Tribal Village

GOPALPUR: Ancient Sea Port & Beaches

KOLKATA: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Missionaries of Charity, Fort Williams

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Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Delhi
Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.

Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 02 Delhi
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jahanabad, visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.

In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate, memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars are inscribed on the walls. Also visit President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's House & served as the residence of the Governor-General of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb, memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year 1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site and the first example of this type of Mughal architecture in India. Also visit Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the world, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

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Day 03 Delhi - Bhubaneswar (Flight)

Today we take a flight to Bhubaneswar , the temple city of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history & is today a bustling centre for commerce & religious activity. These temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures. These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to 2000 years from 3rd century BC to 16th Century AD.

Later we take a tour of Bhubaneswar, visiting Lingaraja Temple. This 11th century temple of Lord Shiva has been described as the ‘truest fusion of dream & reality’. A rare masterpiece, the temple has been rated as one of the finest examples of a pure Hindu temple. Every inch of the 55m high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture & architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Next we visit Mukteshwara Temple, a 7th-8th century AD temple, it’s one of the most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities stand testimony to the influence of Hindu, Buddha & Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially striking.

We also visit Parashurameshwara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best examples of Orissan temple architecture.

Overnight Hotel – Bhubaneswar (B)

Day 04 Bhubaneswar - Puri via Dhauli, Pipli Village & Konark (56 Km / 2 Hrs)
Today we drive to Puri, en-route visiting Dhauli, Pipli village and Konark (Sun Temple). First we stop at Dhauli, where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great renounced bloody warfare & embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. Here we visit Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. Also visit two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC, they outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. We also visit the Colorful Pipli village, where the speciality is Orissan Applique Work.

Later we drive to Puri en route we visit Konark temple Chariot of the Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13 century AD in the Golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture & sculpture is sheer poetry on stone.

Overnight Hotel - Puri (B)

Day 05 Puri
We visit the famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Krishna (Vishnu) in his deity form of Jagannath, meaning Lord of the Universe (Jag translates to Universe, nath means Lord). The present temple structure was built by Ananta Brama Chodaganga Dev in middle of 12th century AD (1078-1147 AD). It is a curvilinear temple which rises to 214 feet. Crowning the very top is the 'Srichakra' (an eight spoked wheel) of Vishnu. The most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot festival once a year.

Later we explore the Puri beach, one of India's finest beaches. Puri Beach attracts millions of travellers to India with its strategic setting & religious importance.

Overnight Hotel - Puri (B)

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Day 06 Puri - Gopalpur via Chilika Lake (200 Km / 5 Hrs)
Today we drive to Gopalpur en-route visit Chilka Lake, famous for its bird sanctuary. It is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. Studded with small islands including the picturesquely named Honeymoon Island & Breakfast Island, the lake is separated by a sandy ridge. It is dotted with small islands & has an impressive array of bird life both native & migrant. White bellied sea eagles, graylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons & flamingos are most popular bird species found. Other than the birds, its shores are home to black buck, spotted deer, golden jackals and rich aquatic life. Its water harbours various species of fishes including the famous Chilka Dolphin. Fishing is an important source of livelihood for the locals.

Later drive to Gopalpur on Sea, ancient sea port not often visited by tourists. Sand dunes, groves of coconut palm and casuarinas separate the small town from the beach.

Overnight Hotel - Gopalpur (B)

Day 07 & 08 Gopalpur
Days at leisure.

Overnight Hotel - Gopalpur (B)

Day 09 Gopalpur - Bhubaneswar
(200 Km / 5 Hrs)

Bhubaneswar - Calcutta (Flight)
Today we drive to Bhubaneswar to board the flight to Calcutta. Upon arrival in Calcutta you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel - Calcutta (B)

Day 10 Calcutta
We go for a city tour of Kolkata. In this ‘City of Joy’, we visit the Jain Temple, Zoological Gardens, Victoria Memorial and drive past Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort Williams, Secretariat Building and Old Court House Street. We also visit the Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity.

Overnight Hotel - Calcutta (B)

Day 11 Depart Calcutta

Our tour concludes: We assists you with a punctual transfer to the airport for your onward travel, thanks you for your patronage and looks forward to serving you again in the near future.

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