HIGHLIGHTS OF ORISSA
Orissa, India
Day 1: ARRIVAL KOLKATA
Upon arrival at Kolkata international airport, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with the arrival transfer and check in formalities at the hotel.
Day 2: KOLKATA CITY TOUR
Today after breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Kolkata visiting: -
Victoria Memorial hall, Calcutta Victoria memorial hall is a fabulous museum that was established in the year 1921. Here you can view the photos and effigies of prominent personalities, who made an incredible contribution in the glory of India. Today, Victoria memorial is one of the finest art museums in Kolkata. It is a 184 ft tall edifice that was constructed on 64 acres of land. The museum houses a group of mind-blowing figures above the north porch that epitomize prudence, learning and motherhood.
Howrah Bridge, popularly known as the Rabindra Setu, Howrah Bridge is an engineering marvel and is counted amongst the busiest cantilever bridge in the World. Observing a daily traffic of about 60,000 vehicles and innumerable pedestrians, Howrah Bridge has equalled its position to Sydney Harbor Bridge.
Fort William: is a must visit tourist attraction place of Calcutta. Situated at the banks of river Hooghly, it was named after King William III of England. Fort William of Kolkata, India, was established during the tenure of British Raj in 1696. It was the guardroom of this two-storied building, where the black hole tragedy took place.
Marble Palace: of Kolkata was built in the year 1835 by Rajendra Mallick, it is an exquisite art gallery. Marble palace houses the marvelous objects of art, sculptures, pictures & oil paintings. Its major highlight includes the Reuben's masterpieces. You can also find the original paintings of Rembrandt,
Reynolds and Van Goyen etc. Calcutta marble palace is the one of its kinds and consists of exquisite pieces of art.
Belur Math: is the most enchanting temple in Belur. In 1897 Swami Vivekananda founded Ramakrishna Mission in loving memory of his Guru Ramakrishna Paramhansa who preached unity of all religions. It is the international head quarters of Ramakrishna Mission. The architecture of the structure is very interesting. From any angle you look at it the structure is like a temple, a mosque or a church depending on the way you look at it.
Botanical gardens: The gardens were originally founded in 1786 by Colonel Kyd, containing about 12,000 living plants and over two and half million dried out plant specimens in the herbarium collected from all over the world. This is the oldest of all the Botanical Gardens in India. Trees of the rarest kinds, from Nepal, Brazil, Penang, Java and Sumatra can be found here. The main attraction of the garden is the 200 year old Banyan Tree, claimed to have the second largest canopy in the world.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple is situated alongside the Vivekananda Bridge north of Calcutta, about 20 km. from BBD Bagh. It is famous for its association - with Ramakrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. This temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847. The 12- spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: KOLKATA- BHUBNESHWAR (Train)
After breakfast transfer to Kolkata railway station to board train for Bhubneshwar:
Departure: Kolkata At: 0600 Hrs By: Dhauli Express
Arrival: Bhubneshwar At: 1245 Hrs
Upon arrival in Bhubneshwar, transfer to the hotel for check in. Later proceed for sightseeing tour of the city. You will be visiting Bindu Sagar Lake: Bindu Sagar, also known as the Bindu Sarovara and Ocean Drop (Bindu means drop) Tank, is considered as a very sacred located near the famous temples in
Bhubaneswar. A large number of temples surround this tank and it is believed that this sacred lake contains drops of water from every holy rivers, pools and tanks in India.
Lingaraj Temple: an ancient temple built dating back to 7th century, is a majestic monument of Oriyan architectural style and craftsmanship. The temple, a massive structure of 147 feet high, is enclosed by fortified walls and is surrounded by many ancient small shrines. It is believed that the construction of the temple took place a long period during the rule of three dynasties. This beautifully and elaborately carved lofty tower is a special attraction of the temple. The Unique feature and identity of the temple is the main deity, a Swayambhu Linga, a merge of Half Vishnu and Half Shiva. The temple encloses a Shivling placed in a pancha-ratha sanctum, a hall for offering and other two halls used for dancing and other activities related to the temple. The annual chariot festival conducted during the month of April is a major draw.
Orissa State Museum: Exhibiting a rich and invaluable collection of archaeological objects, art and craft objects, natural history objects, Bronze Age tools and stone sculptures, Orissa State Museum offers a memorable visit for nay of its visitors. The museum was established in 1948 and show cases many other items also, like bronze images, traditional and folk musical instruments, coins, copper plates, prehistoric objects, ethnological objects and armory. Orissa State Museum is well known and famed to glory its huge collection of manuscripts on palm-leaves. A palm leaf manuscript of 12th century devotional poem Gita Govinda is available in this museum.
Mukteshwara Temple: a 10th century old monument, a real specimen of ancient and modern Kalinga School of architecture, blended perfectly in construction. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptural works. The complicated carvings in the temple walls and halls show a mixture of artistic styles of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. The temple is credited with a richly adorned stone arch at the entrance; an architectural marvel in the ancient past. The temple is a massive structure of 35 ft high and is a marvel in sandstone. The temple walls are decorated with legendary stories from the Panchatantra and sculptural designs of many animals including elephants, lions and monkeys.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: SAME DAY TRIP TO UDAYAGIRI, LALITAGIRI & RATNAGIRI
After breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to the caves of Udaigiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri. These caves boast of some great Buddhist monasteries, Stupas, motifs, return back to hotel for overnight stay
Udayagiri: A sprawling Buddhist complex has been excavated from Udayagiri. The vestiges of the complex include brick monasteries, brick stupas, various sculptures and ancient inscriptions, which are truly worth seeing and experiencing. The largest Buddhist Complex in Udayagiri has gained its significance after the recent excavations, which exposed that the complex was formerly known as Madhavapura Mahavihara. The whole area was set up at the backdrop of a large hill and the place is now acquired the status of the earliest Buddhists establishments in the world.
Ratnagiri: is a famous Buddhist centre located in the magnificient ambience of Birupa river valley in the Cuttack district of Orissa. Ratnagiri is a beautiful hill and is one among the Diamond Triangle - Lalitgiri and Udayagiri being toe other two. It contains valuable collections of Buddhist antiques. Recent excavation held here revealed that, Ratnagiri was a prime centre of Buddhism from the first half of sixth century AD. Initially, Ratnagiri was a prominent Mahayana sect Buddhist centre, later in the 8th – 9th century it became a focal point of Vajrayana Buddhism. Two large monasteries, Buddhist sculptures, inscribed stone slabs and molded terracotta plaques were unearthed from here.
Lalitgiri: This majestic hill serves as a backdrop to an outstanding Buddhist complex of the first century. The excavations done here reveal that Lalitgiri was a great centre of Buddhist attraction in ancient times. Brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals, esoteric Buddhist images, huge Bodhisattva statues and votive stupas are among the excavated items. Most of the sculptures bear short inscriptions on them. Apart from this, sacred relics were also obtained from the site. The ancient university at Lalitgiri, though in ruins, is noted for its beautiful doorways and sanctum with a colossal Buddha figure. Other highlights in the site include a small monastery, stone temple and a large stupa.
Return back to the hotel in Bhubneshwar for overnight stay.
Day 5: BHUBNESHWAR- PURI
After breakfast you will be driven towards Puri (approx 60 Kms/ 1-2 Hrs).
Upon arrival transfer and check in at the hotel. Rest of the day is free for independent activities/ to explore beaches of Puri and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: PURI
After breakfast proceed to visit Shree Jagannath Puri temple: one of the most impressing monuments which was constructed by a famous king of Ganga Dynasty Ananta Varman Chodaganga Deva dating back to 12th century at the seashore Puri. This astounding Vaishnava temple enshrines Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Balabhadra. The main temple of Jagannath is an impressing and amazing structure constructed in Kalinga architecture, with a height of 65 meters placed on an elevated platform. Lord Jagannath is believed to be the symbol of Universal peace, love and brotherhood and is a manifestation of Lord Krishna. In 1975, Archeological Survey of India took over the temple as a protected monument and ASI carries out the up keeping, preservation and maintenance.
Chilika Lake: the Asia’s the biggest inland salt-water lagoon, is separated from the waters of Bay of Bengal by a narrow neck of land. The Lake extends across the three districts of Puri, Ganjam and Khordha in Orissa. The lake is a tourist attraction with many small islands of lusting emerald green and natural beauty. The lake is a winter hub of many spectacular migratory birds. The view of sunset and sunrise are memorable experiences here. The sanctuary in Nalbana Island houses many different kinds of flora and fauna.
Atharnala Bridge: The Atharnala Bridge of Puri was put up as early as in the 13th century. This bridge was constructed in an effort to develop the transport system of the place. The bridge was meant to make communication easier for the people there at that time. The Atharnala Bridge at Puri helped the people to travel from one side of the stream called Mandupur stream to another. This bridge is situated at the entry point of the town of Puri. Other than the historical importance of the structure, the visitors
to the town also come to view the architectural expertise exhibited by the Atharnala Bridge in Puri. The dimensions of the bridge are 85 x 11 meters. The pilgrims often come to offer prayers to the Almighty, as this place is considered to be one of the most popular sites that are located in Puri for offering prayers.
Rest of the day is free and overnight stay at the hotel
Day 7: PURI- KONARK- PURI (Surface)
After breakfast you will be visiting Sun Temple of Konark (40 Kms one way).
Sun Temple: A 13th century temple dedicated to Lord Surya, Sun Temple at Konark displays the glory of ancient Orian architecture at its zenith. Built in the year 1250 AD, in the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I, Konark temple depicts the varied materialization of Hindu architecture. Till recently, this temple serves as a navigation point to the sailors and the Europeans called this temple as 'Black Pagoda' owing to its black colour.
The carcasses of this temple were unearthed in late 19th century. The Konark temple is broadly recognized not only for its architectural stateliness but also for the obscurity and cornucopia of sculptural vocation. The edifice of the temple is in the shape of a chariot, which is driven by seven horses. The intricately carved wheels of the chariot make the viewers astounding. It is believed that the wheels represent the hours of the day and the shadow of these majestic wheels tells the exact time. Belonging to the Kalinga School, the characteristic feature of this temple is the wavy towers build up by cupolas. A mammoth construction consisting of the main sanctum, dancing hall, audience hall and dining hall, Sun temple sits in lonely grandeur enclosed by itinerant sand. The entire structure is embroidered with complicated carvings such as images of warriors on horses, foliage, animals and other erotic sculptures. A world heritage site, the temple’s massive size and convoluted stonework, implemented with masterly touch illustrating diverse themes arrest the attention of the spectator. Magnificent in idea, this temple is undeniably one of the most awe-inspiring testimonials of India.
Return back to hotel in Puri and rest of the day is at leisure, overnight stay at the hotel
Day 8: PURI- KOLKATA (Train)
After breakfast transfer to railway station to board train for Kolkata.
Departure: Puri At: 1150 Hrs By: Train- Dhauli Express
Arrival: Kolkata At: 2015 Hrs
Upon arrival in Kolkata, transfer and check in at the hotel for overnight stay/ OR if the onward flight is around midnight then direct transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.
Day 9: KOLKATA- DEPARTURE
In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination
**END OF TOUR**