ODISHA - CELEBRATING HOLINESS AND HERITAGE
Plan a visit to the state of Odisha for a memorable vacation with your friends and family. Home to some of the most revered temples of the country, this place is flocked by devotees and tourists all year-round. A visit to the revered Lord Jagannath Temple and Gundicha Temple add a religious aspect to the vacation. On the trip, also visit interesting places like Raghurajpur, Pipli, Chilika Lake, Konark Sun Temple and Dhauli that are flocked by tourists from across the globe.
Highlights
Sightseeing tour of Puri.
Visit to the temple of Lord Jagannath.
An excursion to Chilika Lake – the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
Visit Pipili, Dhauli and Chaushathi Yogini Temple.
Sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar.
Visit Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Parsurameswar Temple and Ananta Vasudeva Temple.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day
Soon after arrival in Puri, board the designated vehicle and head towards the booked hotel. Puri is a holy city in the state of Odisha and is home to some of the most revered temples of the country. This city is also famous for its pristine beach and colourful markets. An annual Rath Yatra or ‘Festival of Chariots’ is organised here every year, which attracts a large number of tourists from across the state and beyond.
On reaching the hotel, complete the check-in formalities and take rest. Later, go on sightseeing tour of this destination. Start the tour with a visit to the temple of Lord Jagannath. This temple, covering an area of approximately 400000 square feet, was built in AD 12 by Chodaganga Deva. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
After seeking blessings at this temple, proceed towards the revered Gundicha Temple. This shrine is built using light-grey sandstone and has the Kalinga style of architecture. It comprises a main tower with a sanctum, assembly hall, offering hall and festival hall.
Later, head to Lokanath Temple, which is located close to the Jagannath Temple. The temple of Lokanath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a lingam in the sanctum that is believed to be established by Lord Rama.
Later, go to the open-air market for shopping for souvenirs, and then enjoy at the Puri Beach. After spending some time here, go on an excursion to Chilika Lake – the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia.
After the excursion to Chilika Lake, return to the hotel to enjoy an overnight stay.
In the morning, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Konark and en route visit Raghurajpur. Famous for its Pattachitra painters, this place is renowned for its great art and craftwork. This village is popularly known as the Heritage Crafts Village.
After exploring this village, head to Konark, which is a small town in the state. The word Konark is derived from Sanskrit words – Kona and Arka that mean ‘angle’ and ‘sun’. The famous Konark Dance Festival is organised here every year in the month of December. The biggest attraction of this region is the Konark Sun Temple, which was built in the 13th century. This temple was constructed using black granite during the reign of Narasimhadeva I. Depicting the fabulous Kalinga architectural style, this temple is in the shape of a huge chariot. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of its sculptures are housed in the Sun Temple Museum, which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
You can also enjoy surfing at the Kushabhadra River. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
Soon after a delicious breakfast, drive from Konark to Bhubaneswar and en route visit Pipili, Dhauli and Chaushathi Yogini Temple.
Pipili is a town famous for its exclusive work of appliqué handicrafts, which are demanded all across the globe. A majority of families at this place are involved in applique craftwork, which is the main source of their livelihood. Spend some time at this place and even make a purchase for local handicrafts as souvenirs.
Later, visit Dhauli hill, which is located on the bank of Daya River. This hill is renowned for Edicts of Ashoka that are engraved on a piece of rock located here. It is believed that this hill was the historic site where the Kalinga War was fought, and the Daya River turned red with the blood of the deceased. At the top of the hill lies a beautiful white pagoda, which was constructed in the year 1970.
Thereafter, head to the renowned Chaushathi Yogini Temple. It is located in Hirapur and is believed to be built in the 9th century. Open from the top, this temple is constructed in a circular shape.
Thereafter, continue your journey towards Bhubaneswar, which is the capital of the state of Odisha. With a history dating back to 3000 years, this place is dotted with a plethora of historic edifices and ancient temples.
On arrival at Bhubaneswar, check-in at the hotel and enjoy an overnight stay.
In the morning, leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar. It is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’ as there are more than 500 temples over here that are flocked by devotees all round the year. Some of the prominent ones that are worth visiting in this city are Lingaraj Temple, Rajarani Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Parsurameswar Temple and Ananta Vasudeva Temple.
After seeking blessings at these revered shrines, head to the ancient rock-cut caves of Udayagiri and Khandagiri. It is believed that these caves served as homes to Jain monks, during the rule of King Kharavela. Explore these caves that give an insight into the past of this region.
Later, visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park (closed on Mondays and government holidays), which is spread across an area of 400 hectares and includes a zoo and botanical garden. This park was built in the year 1960 and was opened for public in 1979. Some of the elusive and endangered species of wild animals and birds can be seen at this zoo. It is also a famous breeding place for white tigers, which are rarely seen in any other part of the world. You can also enjoy a safari ride and witness wild animals in their natural habitat at this park.
After the sightseeing trip of the city, return to the hotel and complete the check-out formalities. Thereafter, head to the airport/railway station for your onward journey.
What's included
Assistance upon arrival.
01 night accommodation at respective hotel in Puri
01 night accommodation at respective hotel in Konark.
01 night accommodation at respective hotel in Bhubaneshwar.
Meals as per the hotel plan.
Sightseeing as per the itinerary by an AC Indigo or Dezire (Maximum 03 pax), AC Innova (Maximum 05 Pax)
Vehicle mentioned will perform the duties as per the itinerary point to point and will not be at disposal basis.
Presently applicable Taxes.
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Useful things to know before you go
Tourism in Odisha is one of the main contributors to the Economy of Odisha, India, with a 500 km (310 mi) long coastline, towering mountains, serene lakes and frolicking rivers. Odisha is one of the major tourism sectors of India, with various tourists' attractions, ranging from wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals. Other than wildlife reserves, beaches, temples, monuments, the arts and festivals, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation, a Public Sector Undertaking of Government of Odisha, is also developing tourism sector of Odisha and India.Odisha has a long coastline of 500 km and consists of some of the most beautiful beaches of the world. Exotic beaches of Odisha are the venue of India Surf Festival 2014.
Chandipur Beach, Chilika, Gahirmatha Beach, Gopalpur Beach, Konark Beach, Puri Beach, Talasari Beach.
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