Arrival at Kolkata airport, rest and prepare for journey ahead. Brief orientation for the trip and introduction to Eastern India’s cultural diversity.
Scenic drive through rural Bengal and Odisha visit Haripur Fort ruins dating back to Bhanja dynasty near Baripada town. After the visit, proceed to Belgadia Palace. Check-in to the palace for cultural and historical experience in one of Eastern India’s best preserved boutique palace hotels.
Explore Simlipal National Park rich biodiversity. Enjoy Jeep Safari either in the early morning recommended. Wildlife sightings, including tigers, are not guaranteed as they depend on natural factors; visitors are urged to practice responsible tourism and respect wildlife and their habitats.
Check out and proceed to Byasanagar road en-route to visit Maa Kichakeswari Temple at Khiching with 10th-century black chlorite idol. On arrival, check-in and stay at Byasanagar.
Post breakfast, visit the Buddhist Diamond Triangle with 5th-13th century monasteries and stupas of Ratnagiri,Lalitgiri and Udayagiri. These sites represent the last stronghold of Buddhism in India..
Reach Aul Palace, a heritage accommodation with royal history.
Full day excursion to Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s most important mangrove ecosystems. Boat safari to spot saltwater crocodiles (some of the largest in the world) and diverse bird species.
Breakfast checkout and drive to Dhenkanal. Explore Dhenkanal Palace with colonial architecture and royal heritage. Visit Joranda, headquarters of Mahima Dharma sect with a unique circular temple. Experience the heritage of this monotheistic reformist sect that challenged orthodoxy in 19th century Odisha.
Visit Situhali community Dhokra craft works at Sadei barni and Nuapatna textile village known for traditional ikat weaving techniques. Explore Cuttack’s remnant fort ruins and possibility to see silver filigree crafts (tarakasi) with intricate designs. Also visit Cuttack-Qadam-e-Rasool Mosque. Arrival in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s temple city with over 700 ancient temples.
Visit major temples showcasing Kalinga architecture: Lingaraj (11th century, 180ft tall), Mukteswar (10th century, “gem of Odisha architecture”). Also visit other temples such as Parasurameswar, Siddheshwar, Rajarani, Brahmaswara, Ananta Basudeva and Vaital Deul.
Later, explore Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves with Jain rock-cut shelters dating to 2nd century BCE.
Visit rare 64 Yogini Temple at Hirapur with tantric goddess sculptures. Peace Pagoda at Dhauli commemorating Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after the Kalinga War. Pipli appliqué craft village with colourful textile art. Evening arrival at the holy city of Puri.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple at Konark, the 13th-century marvel designed as a chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels. Explore Chandrabhaga beach near the temple.
Also, visit Chaurasi’s Varahi Temple and Jagatsinghapur’s Trilochaneswar Temple.
Return to Puri for a rickshaw ride along the Bada Danda street . Enjoy the religious fervour of the pilgrims and also see from outside across the main street the Jagannath Temple, one of India’s four holiest Char Dham sites. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside Puri Lord Jagannath temple and to be see from outside adjoining private platform.
Enjoy the breakfast and check-out. Today, drive to Bhubaneswar airport to embark the flight back to home via Kolkata or Delhi. Your trip to Odisha ends here.
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