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Immersive Odisha – Colonial Kolkata

Tour Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive BhubneswarBy: Intl Flight

You will arrive at Bhubneswar’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, a INDI TRAILS representative will meet you as you EXIT the ARRIVALS TERMINAL building after which you would be transferred to your hotel (standard check in time is 1400 hrs).
Check-in and freshen up. Later on, get ready for a sightseeing tour starting with a visit to the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves. Partly natural and partly artificial, the caves enjoy popularity for their historical, archaeological and religious importance. Once the dwelling retreats or blocks of the Jain monks, these caves have a distinctive aura.

After this, you will be visiting the Lingaraja Temple. The thousand-year-old spectacular specimen of Hindu architecture is truly awe-inspiring. Counted as one of the most revered places to visit, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The tranquility and the unique architecture spellbind the visitors.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 : Bhubneswar – Konark – Puri By: Surface

Breakfast at hotel and later drive to Puri and enroute visit to Konark. The mystical city is a home to the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 13th century, the colossal chariot shaped temple is an architectural marvel and is dedicated to the Sun God. The skills of artisans and the intricate carvings present a sight to behold. Thereafter, visit the Chandrabhaga beach. Earlier it was considered the place of natural cure for lepers. The scenic beach holds the Blue Flag certification.
Once done with the Konark sightseeing, head towards Puri. Complete the check-in formalities and freshen up quickly to visit the Puri Jagannath Temple and the Gundicha Temple. The former of the two is one of the holy places for Hindus as it is reckoned as one of the divine Char Dhams. The temple houses three astounding idols of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra. Subsequently, you will be taken to the Gundicha temple. The sacred shrine is the concluding point of the very popular Rath Indi Trails. Pay homage at the temple and enjoy the evening leisurely. You can relax on the golden sand of the Puri beach or simply shop for some delights.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 : Puri – Chilika – PuriBy: Surface

Today the tour starts early in the morning. Leave for Satpara, Chilika after delicious breakfast. India’s largest coastal lagoon, Chilika spreads over the Khurda, Puri and Gajnam districts. The brackish-water lagoon is famed for the spotting of beautiful, rare and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. The lake also preserves a wide variety of species of aquafauna, flora and fauna. A spectacular display of vibrant avian charms lures people to this scenic beach. Spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring the pleasures of the wetland.The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Kazakhstan, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances; migratory birds probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach Chilika Lake the lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The highly productive Chilika Lagoon eco-system with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood for many fishermen who live in and near the lagoon. The water spread area of the lagoon ranges between 1165 and 906 km2 during the monsoon and summer respectively.

Post your visit, you will return to Puri. Time permitting, spend some time at the Puri temple.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04 : Puri – Raghurajpur- Pipili – Dhauli – Bhubneswar By: Surface

Breakfast at hotel and later drive to Bhubneswar. This is followed by a road trip to Bhubaneswar. Your first stop on way back will be Raghurajpur-a heritage crafts village, known for its master Pattachitra painters, an art form which dates back to 5 BC in the region and Gotipua dance troupes, the precursor to the Indian classical dance form of Odissi. It is also known as the birthplace of one of the finest Odissi exponents and Guru, Kelucharan Mohapatra. Apart from that, the village is also home to crafts like Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, wooden, cowdung and papier mashie toys, and masks. Every house is a museum and every person living here is an artist.

Post the visit drive on to Pipili. The small town enjoys popularity for designing beautiful Applique handicrafts. The applique work of Pipili is probably most well known handicraft in Puri and surrounding area. Each and every family of darjisahi a well known applique village's people are engaged in this applique craft. This is livelihood of most people here. Brilliant artisans who are well-known for their colorful fabrics reside here. You are free to buy these remarkable fabrics as a souvenir.
Next halt will be at Dhauli hills. Nestled on the banks of River Daya, the hill holds major edicts of Emperor Ashoka inscribed on the mass of rock. It is believed that the Kalinga War was fought at this spot. It is said the blood of deceased turned the river red during the war, which turned the heart of the emperor to realize the harm associated with the war. In his redemption, he embraced Buddhism and built many stupas, chaityas and pillars here.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 05 : Bhubneswar – Ratnagiri - Bhbubaneshwar (approx 100 Kms/2 Hrs 30 Min) By: Flight
After Breakfast visit Ratnagiri to explore the Buddhist excavated sites. Here you will also get to see two large Buddhist monasteries, a massive stupa and a large number of votive stupas that have been unearthed. Ratnagiri (meaning "hill of jewels") is the site of a ruined mahavihara, once the major Buddhist monastery in modern Odisha. The Buddhist monuments were constructed from the 5th century CE onwards, with the last work in the 13th century, and the peak period of work done between about the 7th to 10th centuries. After perhaps the 16th century the site ceased to be used and fell into ruins. Monastery 1 has been described as "the finest in terms of carved stone decoration to have survived in India".The main elements were an impressive stupa surrounded by several hundred smaller stupas of varying dimensions, three quadrangular monasteries (Monasteries 1 to 3). Monastery 1 is much the largest, with a beautiful carved doorway, spacious open courtyard, cells and verandah facing the courtyard, with a spacious shrine centred on a colossal Buddha.The buildings are mainly in brick (much of which has now been removed), but the doorways, pillars and sculpture are mostly in two types of stone, which contrast attractively.The Buddhist pantheon, and analysis of the trends in subjects over time suggests that Ratnagiri turned to become a centre of Tantric Buddhism, as did Nalanda in Bihar. In particular, over two dozen colossal Buddha heads have been found. Return back to Bhubaneshwar for Overnight stay.
Day 06 : Bhubneswar – Kolkata By: Flight

Arrive at New Kolkata’s International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, INDI TRAILS representative will meet you at the arrival hall after which you will be transferred to hotel for check – in.

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site.
Proceed for day sightseeing tour of Kolkata City including visit to Indian Museum - The Indian Museum in Kolkata, also referred to as the Imperial Museum at Calcutta in British India era texts, is the largest and oldest museum in India and has rare collections of antiques, armour and ornaments, fossils, skeletons, mummies, and Mughal paintings. Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings), Howrah Bridge. Indian Coffee House (Closed on Sunday) and College Street Book Market (Closed on Sunday).

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 07 : Kolkata

After breakfast start for a city tour. Covering the below mentioned places:
Kalighat Kali Temple – Is a Hindu temple in Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Kalighat was a Ghat sacred to Kali on the old course of the Hooghly River in the city of Kolkata.
St. Paul’s Cathedral Church - Is a CNI Cathedral of Anglican background in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, noted for its Gothic architecture. It is the seat of the Diocese of Calcutta. The cornerstone was laid in 1839; the building was completed in 1847.
Victoria Memorial - Is a large marble building in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, which was built between 1906 and 1921. It is dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria, then Empress of India, and is now a museum and tourist destination under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.
South Park Street Cemetery- South Park Street Cemetery is located on Mother Teresa Sarani, Kolkata, India. The road used to be called Park Street, and prior to that Burial Ground Road.
Later in the Afternoon we take you on a walking Tour of some quintessential places of interest in Kolkata. We start off with the Buddhist community and their small temple on, where else but, Buddhist Temple Street and continue on to the various other communities including:

  • The Bow Barracks of the Anglo-Indians.
  • Metcalfe Street of the Fire Temple.
  • Sun Yat Sen Street of the Chinese.
  • Pollock Street and around of the Jews.
  • Canning Street of the Portuguese.
  • Armenian Street of the Armenians.
  • Zakaria Street of the Muslims.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 08 : Kolkata- Bishnupur-Kolkata (approx 132 Kms 3 Hrs) By: Surface
After Breakfast proceed for a day return trip to Bishnupur. Bishnupur is a town in the Bankura District of West Bengal and located at about 132 km from Kolkata. It is famous for its terracotta temples and Baluchari sarees. The town has a glorious past that is reflected in its rich architecture, music and handicrafts such as pottery. and weaving. It prospered in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Ruled by a line of Hindu Rajas of the Malla dynasty, Bishnupur developed a unique form of architecture and has perhaps the most brilliant and detailed terracotta work in Eastern India that has withstood the ravages of time. The Terracotta tiles depict stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Temples like the Shyam Ray Temple, the twin shrines of Jorbangla and the Rasmancha are a must visit. Apart from its heritage, Bishnupur is also known for its traditional handloom sarees. Pottery, artiefacts and even jewellery made of terracotta in Bishnupur are also very popular. Bishnupur is also famous for the School of Hindustani Music which flourished under royal patronage along with the Bishnupur School of Painting. This style of music is still being kept alive in local academies of music. The history of Bishnupur can be traced back to 694 AD, when King Raghunath founded the Malla dynasty. However, it was much later in 994 AD that the place was named Bishnupur. The name is derived from the name of the Hindu God Vishnu. The most powerful king of the dynasty was King Raghunath Singh Dev II, who ruled from 1626 AD. At that time the administration of Bengal was in the hands of Shah Lahan and his son Shuja. He developed a close friendship with the king and there followed a period of peace when art and music already flourishing, reached great heights. It was during this period that the Jorbangla Temple was erected. Return back to Kolkata for an overnight stay.
Day 09 : Depart Kolkata By: Flight
Breakfast at hotel and in time transfer to the airport to fly for onward destination.
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