Trip Details
Travel - Day 1 Itinerary
Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar the land of temples, the visitor group will be taken to a star hotel to settle down. The same day the group will be taken to Khandagiri and Udaygiri area. The caves are as ancient as 2nd century BCE and dates back to the time of Mahameghavahana Aira Kharavela, the famous powerful king of Kalinga (The then Odisha).
Khandagiri and Udagiri Caves
Mostly built for the Jain monks during the 2nd century BCE, the caves are part of two hills - Kumari Parvat. Udaygiri means 'Sunrise Hill' has 18 caves where as Khandagiri means 'Splitted Hill' has 15 caves. Most important among them are 'RaniGumpha' (Queen Cave) a two storied monastery, 'Hathigumpha' (Elephant Cave), 'Baghagumpha' (Tiger Cave), 'Anantagumpha '(Eternal Cave),'Sarpagumpha' (Snake cave).
The caves have inscriptions written in 'Brahmi' an ancient dialect being used in the Kalinga dynasty. The Hathigumpha inscriptions consist of 17 lines deep cut into the stones on the overhanging brow of the natural cavern. The scripts start with 'Namokar' mantra followed by a praise in the name of King Kharavela
"The worshiper of all the religious orders, the repairer of all shrines of god".
After the Kalinga conquest of king Ashoka, Jainism slowly vanquished by budhism and these caves remained dilapidated.
Bhubaneswar City Tour
The team are then taken for a short evening city tour en-route to the hotel. The temple city also smart city No. 1 is named after lord Shiva (Lingaraj who is also named as Bhubaneswar). It is one of the first planned cities and fastest growing Tier-II cities with lush greenery, wide roads, footpaths along with cycling paths and planned well decorated market complexes, malls. A highly cosmopolitan city Bhubaneswar has become a hub for education, commerce, healthcare, transportation, fashion in the entire eastern region.
Shopping Attractions -
Apart from numerous malls, shops, outlets, Bhubaneswar has some specific shopping arenas those operate under the Govt. 'Bayanika' is an exclusive saree showroom showcasing indigenously designed sambalpuri, bomkai etc sarees.
Similarly 'Khadi Nikatan' deals with hand-loom garment products designed to commemorate the father of nations ideology. 'Orissa Emporium' also deals with handicraft materials that depict the skills and craftsmanships of Oriya artisans.
The tourist group will be taken to some of the shopping areas before checking into the hotel for a relaxed rest.
Travel - Day 2 Itinerary
Lingaraj Temple -
Built by the Somavanshi and Ganga kings during the 7th century AD, the temple is a very famous and powerful Shiva temple. The temple is also called HariHara as both Shiva and Vishnu co-exists and being worshiped together. The Lingam is 'Swayambhu' and abodes on a Shakti Pitha. As per Hindu legends, there is an underground fountain originates from the temple that fills water into a near by highly sacred pond called Bindusagar.
'Maha Shivaratri' is celebrated with great spirit in order to pray the deities for devine blessings. An annual car festival is also celebrated in the name of the lord of the lords.
Dhauli Shanti Stupa -
Standing on the banks of river Daya, this is a Buddhist sculpture built by the King Ashoka during the Kalinga War. The structure has edicts (rock engravings) carved by the king himself on the ill effects of war on the world.
The sight will definitely take your imagination back to the Kalinga war time when the great battle was fought between Kalinga and Magadh and the Daya river was turned into blood red due to the war casualties.
The Sun Temple -
After the Tourists get an imagination of History at the Daya and Dhauli, and after a very good lunch in a quality restaurant, the Sun temple tour will begin. Konark is around 60 kilometers from Bhubaneswar and by 2 PM the team will arrive at Konark. The team will check-in to a hotel and take rest for some time, get re-energized for the sun temple visit.
Like Taj mahal, Konark sun temple can only be realized only when one experiences and witnesses the rock sculpture of the temple. The entire temple resembles a chariot of the sun god and when one visualizes the master art work done on the temple, the engineering used at 11th century, one can only become spellbound in astonishment.
With numerous invaders ransacking the structure, only a part of the temple is available now for viewing. A world heritage center and taken care by ASI of India at present, the structure is a standing ovation of Indian art, science, craftsmanship.
Each of the wheels of the chariot depicts one of the hours of the day and one can accurately figure out the time of the day looking at the shadow of sun shine falling upon these wheels.
Our team of experts will explain each part of the temple with historical and scientific significance during this memorable tour of the world famous Konark Sun temple.
Day 2 Closure
After a splendid viewing of the Sun Temple, the team will be taken back to the hotel. Dinner arrangements will then follow before the team hits on to the beds for a well deserved good night rest.
Travel - Day 3 Itinerary
Day 3 starts with the trip to the lord of the universe, Jagannath Temple Puri. The 40 KM stretch of the road is entirely built on the sea shore with spectacular view of the sea and dear parks (blackbucks) and hence known as Marine Drive.
Ramchandi beach -
In the mid-way, the team will come across a stretch of the beach where Kushabhadra river merges into the Bay of bengal. A temple is built for the goddess Ramachandi which elevates the magnanimity of the place. The serene view of the place is simply spectacular and one can stay aback looking at the nature for hours on his/her own free of thoughts and anxiety.
Upon arrival at Puri -
During the noon, the team will arrive in the holy city of Puri, one of the 'char dhamas' for a Hindu. It is said in the Skanda Mythology that one's spiritual pilgrimage is not complete unless the visit to Jagannath Puri completes.
The team will be checked into a quality hotel. Once the team gets refreshed and completes lunch formalities, will be taken to the Temple.
The Jagannath Temple
The 12th Century shrine was built by Ananga Bhima Deva, the Ganga dynasty king during 1174 AD. The temple stands 66 Meters (214 Ft) tall with a wheel shaped structure on the top called 'Nilachakra' made up of an alloy of 8 metals.
Apart from the three presiding deities Jagannath, Brother Balabhadra and Sister Subhadra, numerous other deities are worshiped in side the temple premise. Like the sun temple, the Jagannath temple is also an epitome of craftsmanship of the then artisans of Kalinga (Odisha). The kitchen where the prasadam (maha prasad) is prepared everyday is famous for the unique style of food preparation. The wide open space where the mahaprasad is served to devotees is called
Anand Bazar and is the largest open restaurant in the world in terms of people gathering.
The team will enjoy a guided tour of the temple with explanation to all important aspects of the temple, the Jagannath cult to make them well aware of the phenomenon which upholds the faith among 800 Million Hindus worldwide.
The team will also be taken to Anand Bazar to have a taste of the Mahaprasad of the lord.
The Sea Beach at Puri -
After the soul enriching Darshan of Jagannath, the team will be taken to the famous beach of Puri. One of the finest, calm and beautiful beaches of India, the Puri beach is also called 'Saradha Bali' as it cleans the feet of the lord of universe. The wide and flat beaches along with shallow waters with relatively calm waves of the bay of Bengal gives a very pleasant and safe exposure to the travelers.
An evening view of the beach with sun setting at the background is simply breathtaking. There are ample of shopping opportunities on the beach side as well - sea products such as shell conch carvings, appliques, stone carvings, wood carvings, patta chitras, palm leaf articles, coir products.
Day 3 closure activity
After witnessing a mesmerizing spiritual as well as natural trip of Puri, now its time to rest. After the dinner, the team will head towards the hotel rooms.
Travel - Day 4 Itinerary (Optional)
Chilka Lake Trip
Day 4 - After day break, the team will gear up for the final destination - A trip to the Asia's largest lake - Chilka.
Situated on the east coast of India, and connected to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow sea mouth, Chilika is also a lagoon and like all coastal lagoons, its waters are rich with life. The water spread area of Chilika varies between 1165 to 900 sq.km during the monsoon and summer respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer channel connects the main lagoon to the Bay of Bengal, near the village Motto. The mouth connecting the channel to the sea is close to the Northeastern end of the lagoon. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilika one of the best places in India for bird-watching, splashing around in the water and quiet relaxation.
Bhitarkanika Trip
Day 4 - After day break, the team will gear up for the final destination - A trip to the famous Bhitarkanika National Park. The beauty and magnanimity of the place, the river paths inside the mangroves, the site of huge salt water crocodiles visible from the boat, the bird sanctuary and the crocodile hatching island can only be experienced only when witnessed in person. The National park is some 200 KMs away from Puri (Highway) and will take 4-5 hours to reach there. A very early morning start from Puri is the essence of getting maximum out of the trip. There are two options that can be explored here as per time availability.
Option -1 - River route (Lengthy but adventurous trip)
Arrival at Chandbali (the gateway to board the boats) followed by checking into a hotel managed by Govt. of Orissa tourism dept. After a small refreshments the team will start for Baitarani river port - the gateway to Bhitarkanika. The timing is very important here and the gates are open till 11 am. Pre-paid food arrangements will be made and carried along with the boat (The boats are motor driven and safe with zero accident records).
1) Trip starts with getting into the Baitarani River and navigating for couple hours .
Option -2 - Direct route on road
In this option, the team will be driven down to the location of the national park (avoiding the river and creek trip). They will be checked into a quality hotel and then taken to the park via road. In this option, the river path and surrounding beauties will not be in the scope.
The trip ends at this point.
Day of Return (Either 4th or 5th Day of Trip)
After a good night rest at either the Chilka OR Bhitarkanika, the team will head back to Bhubaneswar in the wee hours of the return journey Day. They will be straightaway taken to the airport for the flight back to their homes/origin with the treasures of loads of memory.
Eat
Odisha offers numerous food options to exactly match your taste buds requirements. Whether you are a Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian, the options are simply mind blowing.
A typical Oriya Thali - Consisting of rice, dal and numerous other options.
Chilka Lake's prized possession - The Tiger Prawns and Crabs.
Famous Sweets of Odisha
