Golden Triangle of Odisha

Day 1 - Welcome to Kolkata! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. At the hotel, check in and freshen up as you get ready for the exciting days ahead. The rest of the day is free to visit the erstwhile capital city of India, with interesting colonial architecture and fascinating street life, hectic and yet, brimming with life and creativity. You may choose to take a leisurely walk in the evening to explore Kolkata’s nearby market area. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - After breakfast, we head out to explore the city. We begin with a visit to the flower market near the famous Howrah bridge. Next we visit the imposing Victoria Memorial, Kolkata's most popular building, made of white marble in a European architectural style. It houses a number of rare and one-of-a-kind antiquities. Then we visit the first Episcopal Church of the Orient, which was built in Indo-Gothic style, followed by the tranquil Saint Paul's Cathedral, the spectacular Paresnath Jain Temple, the holy Kali Temple, and the lush green Botanical Garden. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - In the morning we get a transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. Known as the 'Temple City of the East,' Bhubaneswar has plenty of attractions to visit. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and then leave for a guided temple tour around Bhubaneswar. We first visit the 11th Century Lingaraj Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and adorned with beautiful sculptures carved on the spire. It is the biggest in Bhubaneswar. Next we explore the Bindu Sarovar and Kedareshwar Temple. The evening is free to explore the multihued city. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Early in the morning after breakfast we leave for an excursion to see the architectural heirlooms of Lalitgiri, Khandagiri and Udayagiri. These sites exhibit picturesque Buddhist attractions surrounded by magnificent scenery. We first visit Lalitgiri to witness the quaint lifestyle of the people, alluring crafts and exquisite pottery of older times. Next visit 2nd Century caves in Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the largest Buddhist complex in Odisha. These partially natural and partially artificial caves hold historic, archaeological and religious importance. The caves were built during the reign of King Kharavela and served as the residence of Jain ascetics. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 5 - We check-out of the hotel after breakfast and proceed to Konark. The mystical city hosts Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the golden era of Odisha art, this 13th century architectural marvel is one of the most magnificent monuments in the world. Next we visit the Chandrabhaga beach, the beautiful expanse of silvery soft sands lapped by the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is also mentioned in many mythological tales. We spend some time admiring nature's splendour. Afterwards proceed to Puri. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel and freshen-up. Then we visit the famous Jagannath temple in Puri, which is one of the four Dhams (places of sacred pilgrimage) – Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. The unique appearance that Jagannath takes in this famous temple is considered to be the unfinished work of Vishvakarma, the artisan God. This 12th Century temple is known for its Annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival. In the evening, we take a stroll and indulge in exotic seafood, shop for local handicrafts and pick up beach souvenirs. Overnight stay in Puri.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 6 - We enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel and leave for Satpada. Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon is recognized as one of the world's most important wetlands. It is well-known for its sightings of gorgeous Irwadi Dolphins. Dotted with islands, it has the richest diversity of aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher's paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter. With over 160 species of birds, there is a spectacular display a thousand distinct colours. We spend the day discovering the delights of the wetland. After a well-spent day in the natural beauty, we return to Puri. Overnight stay in Puri.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Today we head back to Bhubaneswar. On the way we stop at Raghurajpur, a heritage craft village known for its master 'Pata Chitra' painters, an art form which dates back to 5th century BCE. The village is also home to crafts like Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, wooden, cow dung and papier mache toys, and masks. Our next stop is in Pipli, a colourful village known for its artisans and appliqué handicrafts. Our final stop is at Dhauli Buddhist Stupa. Surrounded by paddy fields and cashew trees, the Dhauli hill brings back memories of the historic 'Kalinga war' which was fought here. It is here that Emperor Ashoka, the terrible, was transformed into Ashoka, the compassionate and championed the cause of Buddhism. From here we proceed to Bhubaneswar and check-in at the hotel for an overnight stay.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - Our tour of the Golden Triangle of Odisha comes to an end and it’s time to pack our bags and head back with the memories of a lifetime. We check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the Bhubaneswar airport for our flight back to Kolkata.

Tour Ends