Kolkata – Puri – Konark – Chilika Lake – Bhubaneshwar
Special Features
Unravel the British heritage and Bengali culture of Calcutta
Stumble upon the famous temples of kalinga, now known as Odisha
Relax along the banks of Bay of Bengal and Chilika Lagon
Possible extensions to Sundarbans mangrove or Brahmputra River
Itinerary
Day 1
Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata, formerly called Calcutta. Kolkata has always been the heart of Bengal, a region rich in intellectual, artistic and religious culture.
Day 2
Kolkata
Morning visit the flower market near Hooghly River, under Howrah bridge. Calcutta served as the base of the East India Company and later as capital of the British Raj. Discover the remnants of colonial era: Victoria Memorial, Chowringhee, BBD Bagh… Visit the Indian Museum.
Day 3
Kolkata
Visit Kalighat Temple dedicated to Kali, a central figure in Bengali culture, near Mother Teresa’s home. Later admire the Burmese Pagoda in Eden Park, and Mughal style Nakhoda Mosque. Evening board a train to Puri.
Day 4
Puri
Arrival in Puri Railway Station and transfer to a beach resort. Puri is a holy city for Vishnuite Hindus, who worship Jagannath as a form of Lord Vishnu. Wander around the main temple. Visit Raghurajpur village known for patachitra devotional painting art.
Day 5
Konark / Puri
Day trip to Konark Sun Temple. Visit the spectacular Chariot Temple, dating back to 13th century and dedicated to Surya, the Sun deity. Afternoon at leisure on the beach. Overnight in Puri.
Day 6
Puri / Chilika Lake
Leave for Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest lagoon. It attracts numerous migratory birds in winter. Take a boat ride to Kalijai Temple on an island and catch the sunset.
Day 7
Chilika Lake / Pipli / Bhubaneshwar
Early morning admire the beautiful sunrise on Chilika lagoon. Proceed to Bhubaneshwar, en route visiting Khallikote Temples and Pipli village, famous for Appliqués art. Also visit the 64 yoginis tantric Temple in Hirapur.
Day 8
Bhubaneshwer
Bhubaneshwar is known as “The City of Temples”. It featured more than 7000 temples, of which 500 still remain near BinduSagar Lake. Visit the Museum devoted to Odisha’s tribal and historical heritage. Or take a trip to Khandagiri and Udayagiri hills, to visit ancient Jain and Buddhist monasteries carved out of caves. Evening attend a classic Odissi dance performance.
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