Gems of Odisha

India........

“This is indeed India; the land of dreams and romance of tigers and elephants, the country of a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions, cradle of the human race, mother of history, grandmother of legend, the one sole country under the sun that is endowed with an imperishable interest, the one land that all men desire to see, and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.”

IMPORTANT NOTE

  • As per the Government rules photography is strictly prohibited in two weekly tribal markets (Chhatikona weekly Market of Dongaria kondhas on Wednesday and Onkadelli Bonda market on Thursday).
  • Tribal Dance is any form for entertainment is prohibited by Government.
  • The Tourist cannot enter into any tribal house and physical proximity to tribals is restricted.
  • For the permit we need the passport and visa copies of the foreign foreign tourist before 15 days of the actual arrivals.
    • DURATION

      13 Nights / 14 Days

    • PLACES COVERED

      Kolkata – Bhubneswar –Puri – Gopalpur – Raygada - Jeypore – Vishakhapatnam - Chennai

    DETAILED ITINERARY

    • Arrive Kolkata

      Welcome, met & assisted at airport and straight transfer to hotel
      Afternoon proceed for half day sightseeing of the city, visiting,

      Kolkata – Dominique Lapierre’s ‘City of Joy,’ the city of Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta is more than 300 years old. This span has witnessed its development into one of the world’s most densely peopled metropolises. And yet, there is something undoubtedly special about Calcutta. For, it combines the past and the present on a covetous plane. It amalgamates the traditional and the modern, and brings the intense and the frivolous together. At one level Calcutta is always in transition, and at another, it is firmly anchored to a tradition and culture quite uniquely its own.

      There are many facets to Kolkata. For one thing, it is a noted cultural centre, famed for its cinema, poetry, music, art and cinema. For another, it offers some wonderful memorabilia of the British Raj. But, above all, Kolkata is an intensely human city and the warmth and charm of its people is to be experienced to be believed.

      Proceed for half day sightseeing visiting, the world famous missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa’s convent.

      Overnight stay

    • Kolkata

      Early morning , greet the city with a colorful visit to flower market near the famous Howrah Bridge, followed by a boat ride in river Hoogli.

      Morning leave for the tour of city; visit to Indian cultural sights of interest including the Dakshineswar Kali temple built in 1847. Also visit Kumartuli, the home of the kumars or potters who all year round preparing clay images for pujas and festivals, visit the Victoria Memorial, the white marble monument to Queen Victoria designed in Italian Renaissance Mughal style; St Paul’s Cathedral is the original metropolitan church of British India completed in 1847 Also visit Sishu Bhavan, one of Mother Teresa’s many homes for the underprivileged. Visit Chowringhee Museum, Victoria Memorial and the Race Course.

      Overnight stay

    • Kolkata – Bhubneshwar by Train Falknuma Express: 0725 – 1350 Hrs

      Early morning transfer in time to railway station (along with packed breakfast) to baord train for Bhubneshwar – popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.

      1350 hrs: arrive Bhubneshwar and transfer staright to your hotel
      Late afternoon proceed for a city tour visiting; Ling Raj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple Parashurameshwara Temple and Handicrafts Museum.

      Overnight stay

    • Bhubaneswar - Lalitgiri - Ratnagiri - Udaygiri - Bhubaneswar

      This morning take an excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udayagiri. Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaigiri (Udayagiri) are Buddhist excavation sites. These three ancient Buddhist complexes date back up to the 1st century A.D.

      Evening return back to Bhubaneswar

      Overnight at hotel

    • Bhubaneswar - Konark - Puri by surface approx. (80 Kms / 3 Hrs)

      After breakfast, check out and drive to a small tribal village callled Pipili, enveloped in a blaze of colour, 15 km South of Bhubaneswar, on the highway to Puri, is home of applique work. The craft originated to serve temples, providing intricately stitched coloured awnings and covers for deities and hangings for festival days, details on the craft.

      Drive to Puri; enroute visiting the famous Konark Sun Temple – showcases how the Sun god roams about on his royal chariot. This temple I India is meant to be worshipped by the people from all the sects and from all walks of life, as the Sun God is indispensable in everyone’s life.

      Arrive Puri – One of the four celebrated religious centers of India, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs noPuri Beach introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.

      Upon arrival transfer to hotel, Evening at leisure

      Overnight at hotel

    • Puri

      Morning proceed for the Temple visit dedicated to Lord Jagannatha, the shrine is considered as one of the four holiest pilgrimage according to hindu Mythology. Particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu has to be visited in one's lifetime.

      (please note: Foreigners are not allowed to visit the shrine from Inside) Visitors not allowed entry may view the precincts from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan Library and pay their respects to the image of God Jagannath known as Patitapavana at the main entrance to the temple.

      You may also visit the Gundicha Ghar and many other temples that dot all over the holy city. Relax on the beach for the rest of the day.

      Overnight stay

    • Puri - Chilka - Gopalpur by surface approx. (140 Kms / 3 ½ Hrs)

      After breakfast drive to Gopalpur. Visit the painting village of Raghurajpur en route. Later visit Chilka Lake and a boat ride to Nalaban Bird Sanctuary.

      Nearly 14 Kms from Puri Raghurajpur earns its fame from 'Patta Chitra' paintings. See the making of beautiful 'Patta Chitra' and the native painters busy at work.
      On arrival at Gopalpur, check in to hotel.

      Overnight stay

    • Gopalpur - Rayagada by surface approx. (210 Kms / 4 Hrs)

      After breakfast, drive to Rayagada visiting Soura and Desia Kondh villages en route. Rayagada has all facilities to serve as a good base for visiting nearby attractions. On the way visit Soura and Desia Kondh tribal villages of Orissa and observe the lifestyle of the tribes of Orissa.

      Overnight stay

    • Rayagada - Bisamkatak - Rayagada

      In the morning drive to Dukum, Desia Kondh market and later visit Desia Kondh village. Bisamkatak and Rayagada are tribal villages and famous for tribal craftsmanship. The Kondhs were once famous in for their Human Sacrifices. The now simple and hospitable Kondhs folks live in the high slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills.

      Return to hotel

      Overnight stay

    • Rayagada - Chhatikona - Jeypore by surface approx. (170 Kms / 4 Hrs)

      Drive towards Chhatikona in the morning. The most colorful market Dongariya is here. Kondhas tribe in this tiny hamlet is sure to charm you. The market is set up only on Wednesday.

      Later drive to Jeypore. Check in to hotel.
      Overnight at hotel

    • Jeypore - Onkudelli - Jeypore

      Morning take an excursion to Onkudelli today. Visit the colorful markets of Bonda, Gadaba and Didayee. Market commences only on Thursday. Post lunch visit traditional Boro-Gadaba villages and enjoy the company of the colorful and friendly tribals of Orissa. drive back to Jeypore in the afternoon.

      Rest of the day at leisure

      Overnight at hotel

    • Jeypore - Gupteswar - Jeypore

      This Morning spend the first half of the day in a pleasant excursion to Gupteswar visiting Dharua Gond tribal villages of Orissa and the famous temple of Lord Shiva. Gupteswar is a famous cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva near Jeypore. It is located at the top of a limestone hill, which is about 500 meters above sea level.

      Later stop at a pottery village while driving back towards Jeypore.

      Overnight at hotel

    • Jeypore - Visakhapatnam by surface approx. (240 Kms / 5 Hrs)

      In the morning, depart Jeypore for Vishakhapatnam. Also visit Vishnu Temple at Simachalam en route. Simachalam is located 15 Kms from the city and is dedicated to the half-man half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple bears reference to the Chola and Chalukya styles of architecture.

      On arrival at Visakhapatnam, check into the hotel

      Overnight at hotel

    • Visakhapatnam – Chennai by flight Depart Chennai

      Early morning, transfer from hotel to airport to board flight to Chennai, upon arrival transfer to International departure terminal for your onward journey.

      ****** END OF THE TOUR ******