Orissa Temple Tour

Tour can be customized according to your specific requirements
Orissa temple tour offers sacred journey in Orissa temples that are ancient, architecturally unique and offer a quick insight into the psyche of people of Orissa, their customs and traditions. It includes sightseeing in Chilka lake, religious Puri temples and Sun temple of Konark in India.

Detailed Itinerary

Day - 1 - Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight SU-535 at 0330 hrs. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check-in. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi at 1100 hrs, beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat followed by the drive around India Gate and President's House. In the afternoon visits to Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay. (B)

Day - 2 - Delhi - Bhubaneswar (Flt. At IC-877 / 1145 - 1345 hrs)
Morning post breakfast on time transfer to airport to board the flight for Bhubaneswar. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel.

Bhubaneswar has some stunning temples clustered around the Bindusagar Tank. Of the original 7000 only 500 remain dating from the 7th century to the 11th century. Of these the most outstanding is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple which represents the peak of Orissa art and the late 10th century and beautifully decorated Muktesvara temple which belongs to the end of the phase of temple building. Close to the Mukteswara Temple is the Parsurameswara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best preserved. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs.

In the evening we visit the great temples of Lord Shiva: The Lingraj Temple and Parusurameshwara Temple. Overnight stay at hotel. (B)

Day - 3 - Bhubaneswar - Konark - Puri (56 Kms / 2 Hrs)
Morning post breakfast we drive to Puri, en-route visiting Dhauli and Pipli villages, then visit Konark (Sun Temple).

Dhauli is where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great, renounced bloody warfare and embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as the Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. The sculpted elephant atop the edict signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. Our next stop is the colorful village of Pipili where we can see Orissan Handicrafts, the specialty is appliqué work.

Afternoon drive to Konark (45 km). In Konark, visit to the Temple - Chariot of The Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the thirteenth century A.D. in the golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture is sheer poetry in stone. Everyday the Sun rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts its first gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the morning Sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. Return to Puri for overnight. (B)

February Attraction : Performance of the Annual Dance Festival which is held by the stunning ruins of the Sun Temple. Renowned exponents of Indian classical dance forms participate at this festival. Return to Puri for overnight.

Day - 4 - Puri
Puri is one of the four most important pilgrimage centre for Hindus. Today in the morning we visit the Jagannath temple of Puri. The temple of Lord Jagannath (God Vishnu), who is considered the preserver of the world in Hinduism, attracts thousands on feast every day, particularly at the time of 'Rath Yatra' (the car festival). The Jagannath temple is also referred as the white Pagoda and it accommodates 5000 priests in its premises. It's an experience to observe the activities of the pilgrims visiting this unique temple. It is one of the most sacred temples in India. In the afternoon we visit the Puri beach. The Puri Beach is also known as one of India's finest beaches. Puri Beach attracts millions of travelers to India with its strategic setting and religious importance. Overnight stay. (B)

Day 05 - Puri - Chilka Lake - Gopalpur -On-Sea (200 km/ 5 hrs)
Drive to Gopalpur en-route visiting Chilka Lake, famous for bird sanctuary.

The drive to Chilka Lake takes us through scenic countryside and attractive villages. Chilka lies in the heart of coastal Orissa. The pear-shaped lake, spread over 1,100 sq km, is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. It is dotted with small islands and has an impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant. White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos are among the many species which make the lake a bird watcher's delight. Chilka, in fact, is home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of flamingos. Other than the birds, Chilka's shores are home to blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas, and the lake is rich in aquatic life- its waters harbour around 160 species of fish, crustaceans and other marine creatures, including the famous Chilka dolphin. Prawn, crab and mackerel fishing are an important source of livelihood for the local people, and hundreds of small fishing boats set sail each morning to bring in the day's catch from the lake.

Afterwards we will drive to Gopalpur on Sea, an ancient sea port not often visited by tourists. Sand dunes, groves of coconut palm and casuarinas separate the small town from the beach.

Upon arrival check-in hotel for overnight stay. (B)

Day 06 - Day 07 - Gopalpur -On-Sea
Days at leisure and overnight stay at hotel. (B)

Day - 08 - Gopalpur -On-Sea - Bhubaneshwar (200 km/ 5 hrs)- Delhi (Flt. IC-878 / Dep. At 1430-1630 hrs)
Morning post breakfast drive to Bhubaneshwar airport to board the flight for Delhi. Upon arrival assistance and check-in hotel for overnight stay. (B)

Day - 09 - Depart Delhi
Our tour concludes : We thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the International airport for your onward travel.