Temples and traditions of Orissa
17 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Moderate
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
This tour is an enthralling journey through eastern India, a relatively unknown part of the country but one that is full of interest for the visitor. Our main focus is the magnificent temples and rich cultural heritage, much of it upheld by the region’s numerous tribal groups – but we’ll also go wildlife spotting and experience contemporary Indian life in the great city of Kolkata. This varied program is a great opportunity to gain insight into India’s exotic past and vibrant present in equal measure.
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Tour Highlights
- Tribal handiwork at craft villages – metalwork, weaving, pottery, cloth painting and jewellery
- Amazing Konark Sun Temple
- Puri, a famous beach town home to the impressive Jagannath Temple
- Magnificent Buddhist ruins at Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri
- The terracotta temples of Bishnupur
- Wildlife-spotting at Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tour Details
Our itinerary begins in the Bengali metropolis of Kolkata; after an overnight stay, we’ll take a two-day excursion to Bishnupur in the nearby plains, visiting several of the famous terracotta temples before returning to Kolkata for further exploration of the city sights, such as the Victoria Memorial and Kali Temple.
It’s then time to board the overnight train south to the Orissan city of Bhubaneswar, from where
we travel onwards to Dhenkanal for a two-night stay. Dhenkanal is our base for trips to the surrounding tribal craft villages, each one with its own unique speciality. We’ll have chance to see a tremendous array of traditional artistic skills as we visit a tribal jewellery workshop, watch sari weavers at work and stop by at metalwork villages where the so-called dhokra craft combines metallurgical skills with a wax technique to create exquisite ornaments.
Next we travel to Satkosia Tiger Reserve, where we’ll spend two nights: this beautiful nature reserve is a sanctuary for various species of deer and antelope, plus wild elephants and a small population of tigers and leopards. From here it’s on to the town of Auli and an excursion to the wonderfully atmospheric ruined Buddhist temples of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri, set deep in the Orissan countryside. The following day is spent at Bhitarkanika Sanctuary, a wild area of mangrove-fringed coastline known for its crocodiles, followed by an entertaining cookery lesson in the evening.
We’ll spend a day at the pottery craft village of Bharigada, and call in at Mangarajpur to see the unique local tradition of “golden grass” craftsmanship, before reaching the seaside resort of Puri – famed for its broad sandy beach and grand Jagannath Temple. During our three-night stay, day trips will travel to the utterly magnificent Sun Temple at nearby Konark and the attractive cloth painting tradition at Raghurajpur village, a great chance to purchase some delightful souvenirs. There’s also plenty of time to laze on the beach.
Finally, a short drive takes us back to Bhubaneswar for the train to Kolkata, where we’ll spend one last night before the tour ends.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Kolkata
Arrive at Kolkata, transfer to hotel for check-in and rest of the day free
Arrive at the international airport of Kolkata. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax or free to explore the city on own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Bishnupur.
Drive from Kolkata to Bishnupur; visit the famous Terracotta temples
Today after breakfast we drive from Kolkata to Bishnupur (Distance: 145Km appx). Later we visit Terracotta temples; the surviving brick temples of Bengal were mainly built during a period when the region was witnessing a revival of Hinduism with particular focus on the cult of Krishna. This was after prolonged exposure to Islam. As a result, temples built during the sixteenth century and later absorbed the monumental style of the traditional Muslim building forms and techniques.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Bishnupur.
A day exploring Bishnupur’s temples
This day we explore temples of Bishnupur, including Jor-bangla, also called char-chala a style of temple architecture that arose in Bengal. Madan Mohan temple, King Durjana Singh Deva built the temple in the ekaratna style, a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices. Shyam Rai temple, the walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life. Last we visit, Ras Mancha Temple, It is the oldest brick temple and was built by King Bir Hambir.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Kolkata
Drive back from Bishnupur to Kolkata and day free to explore
Today after breakfast we drive back to Kolkata (Distance: 145Km appx). During afternoon, we reach Kolkata and we have a day free to explore Kolkata’s colourful city.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Kolkata
Half day sightseeing of Kolkata and overnight train to Bhubaneswar
Morning we visit Victoria Memorial Hall. It is one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata. Built entirely of white marble, Victoria Memorial, one of India's most beautiful monuments, represents a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. The Victoria Memorial blends the best of the British and Mughal architecture. Later, we visit Kali Temple; it is located on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi). The temple is on the banks of a small canal called Adi Ganga which connects to the Hooghly. Evening we will be transferred to railway station to catch the overnight train to Bhubaneswar.
Overnight Train
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DAY 06 - Dhenkanal
Arrive Bhubaneswar and transfer to Dhenkanal; later visit Karmul village and Joranda Gadi temple
Early morning we reach Bhubaneswar railway station, later we drive from Bhubaneswar to Dhenkanal (Distance: 80Km appx). Upon arrival check-in to the hotel and relax. Evening we visit Karmul village to see tribal Jewellery making art. Later we take a short drive to Joranda Gadi temple, it was built in early 20th century, but the shrine existed from early 14th century. It is the Samadhi Peetha of Mahima goswami, who spread the Mahima Dharma.The principles of the sect, includes doctrines of Jainism. We also witness the evening prayers of sadhus.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 07 - Dhenkanal
Short drive to visit Nuapatna textile village and Sedaiberani village, evening back to Dhenkanal
Today we enjoy a short drive from Dhenkanal to Nuapatna textile village (Distance: 40Km appx), this village with many co-operatives of weavers, where centuries of tradition woven into fabric. We continue to Sedaiberani village to see Dhokra metal craft before returning to Dhenkanal in the evening.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 08 - Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Drive from Dhenakanal to Satkosia Tiger reserve, evening free
Morning after breakfast we drive to Satkosia Tiger Reserve (Distance: 100Km approx. | 3hrs drive), afternoon we reach and check-in into Eco Camps with in park. Satkosia spreads along the magnificent gorge over the mighty river Mahanadi in Orissa. Evening we have free time to explore nearby village life.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 09 - Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Explore Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Today we explore Satkosia; a paradise of immense scenic charm. It is one of the best ecosystems in the country, representing a diverse floral and faunal extravaganza. Around 38 species of mammals, 161 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians and 183 species of fishes are found in the reserve. We visit the reserve to look for chital and sambar deer, elephants and a great number of bird species and, just possibly, tigers and leopards.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 10 - Auli
Drive to Auli and visit Buddhist monasteries at Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri
Morning after breakfast we drive from Satkosia to Auli (Distance: 200Km approx. | 4-5hrs drive). Today we visit ruined Buddhist monasteries at Ratnagiri, Udaigiri and Lalitgiri. The beautiful hills and rice-growing lands are home to remarkable Buddhist remains of the Vajrayana sect, set in an idyllic landscape surrounded by green fields. The excavations at the three sites have revealed Buddhist stupas, monasteries, sculptures and Buddha images.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 11 - Auli
Drive from Auli to Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and evening back to Auli. Evening attend cooking classes
Early morning we drive from Auli to Bhitarkanika Sanctuary (Distance: 50Km appx) Bhitarkanika is a hot-spot of biodiversity. It is home to largest population of giant salt water crocodiles in India. Also home to more than 215 species of avifauna including amazing eight varieties of Kingfishers; it is the second largest viable Mangrove Eco-System in India Harbors more than 70 species of Mangrove and its associates. Later we return back to Auli. In evening we participate in cooking classes.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Auli
Visit Bharigada village in Auli, traditional pottery making
This morning after breakfast we visit Bharigada village to see traditional pottery making and ceramic crafts.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Puri
Drive from Auli to Puri, en-route visiting Mangarajpur village and famous Mangarajpur Palace
Today after breakfast we drive from Auli to Puri (Distance: 250Km appx) en-route we’ll stop at Mangarajpur village to see the demonstration of “Golden Grass” work where grass is fashioned into lamps, pots and ornaments, and also visit Mangarajpur Palace.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Puri
Visit Konark temple and Raghurajpur village
Today we drive from Puri to Konark (Distance: 40Km appx). We visit Sun Temple; it has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun God, Surya. It has twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone Kalinga architecture, later we drive back to Puri and then on to Raghurajpur village to see the traditional Patta cloth painting. Return to Puri in the evening.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 15 - Puri
Day free to explore in Puri
This day we have free time to relax in Puri; spend time on the sandy beach and explore the many Hindu temples.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 16 - Kolkata
Drive from Puri to Bhubaneswar, later train from Bhubaneshwar to Kolkata
Early morning drive to Bhubaneswar, then take the express train back to Kolkata; arrive afternoon and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 17 - Kolkata
Departure transfer to Kolkata International Airport
Today, you will be transferred to the airport to board the flight for your onward destination.
Tour Map
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
