Odisha is an eastern Indian state on the Bay of Bengal. The state is home to many magnificently sculpted temples and spiritual places.
The inner beauty of India is beautifully showcased in Odisha in its majestic culture, ancient heritage, beautifully sculpted Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples, amazing wildlife and grand tribal community.
Arrive at Bhubaneswar airport. Transfer and check in at hotel.
With more than 600 temples and its magnificent 3000 years ancient inheritance, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is the embodiment of the perfect blend of fantasy and realism. The city is known as Temple city of India.
Visit KHANDAGIRI, UDAIGIRI CAVES, DHAULI ROCK EDICTS, PIPLI ARTISAN VILLAGE, RAMCHANDI TEMPLE and CHANDRABHAGA BEACH.
Later, we will leave for sightseeing of the city and visit great temples of Lord Shiva: Lingaraj Temple and Parusuremeshwara Temple.
LINGARAJ TEMPLE is one of the largest temples in Bhubaneswar and is an outstanding example of Orissa temple architecture. Built in 7th century by Yayati Kesari, temple has two famous Nata and Bhog temples which are the later additions to the temple. You will also explore inscriptions on the walls of the temple dating back to Kalinga King Anangabhima III dynasty from the 13th century.
The PARASURAMESWARA TEMPLE at Bhubaneshwar is the oldest, dating back to the middle of the 8th century and intricately built. The temple typifies the stage of Saiva Pasupata Sect, illustrated by the frequent representation of Lakulisa. Windows of the temple are adorned beautifully with motif of highly adorned chaitya window filled animal, human and divine figures.
Overnight stay at hotel
In the morning leave for full day excursion to LALITGIRI, RATNAGIRI and UDAYGIRI.
These are the diamond triangle of Orissa which are rich in Buddhist heritage. A visit to these Buddhist sites will take you to attractive temples, stupas and monuments located in the ambience of tranquillity and concentrated spiritual activities. Beautifully nestled in the green hills and lush fields within the calm surroundings are the imposing Buddhist monastery complex of the country.
LALITGIRI is the earliest Buddhist Complex dating back to 1st century AD. It became evident with the help of recent excavations that it was a great centre of Buddhism. The ruins of the huge brick monastery and chaitya hall along with renovated stone stupa at the peak of a small rugged sandstone hill dominate the rural greenery around the complex.
RATNAGIRI was an important centre of Mahayana form of Buddhism. This became a vital centre of Tantric Buddhism during 8th and 9th century. According to Pag Sam Jon Zang, a Tibetan source, Ratnagiri played an important role in the emergence of Kalachakratantra during the 10th century A.D.
UDAYGIRI caves are about 135 feet high. The major attraction of these caves is awesome carvings. The largest cave in the complex is Rani Gumpha which means Queen’s Cave. There is also an Elephant Cave called Hathi Gumpha, where you will find astonishing statues of elephants.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
In the morning drive to Puri.
A place of sacredness and natural beauty is one of the four main Hindu pilgrimage centers of India. The city is well known for its golden beaches and Jagannath temple.
Situated at the distance of 8 kms from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli boasts of one of the major edicts of Ashoka which is engraved on a mass of a rock. You will find inscriptions in ancient Brahmi script. The top of the edict is sculpted with impressive elephant head, which reflects the dream of his mother. it is among the earliest rock structures in India. Pipli is famous all round the world for its exquisite handicrafts which involves embroidering and stitching of small pieces of colored cloth with traditional designs. The usual appliqué patchwork items are Garden Umbrellas, Wallets, Wall Hanging, lampshades, Pouches & Bags.
Then visit KONARK, famous for SUN TEMPLE (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The splendid Sun Temple at Konark is the zenith of Odisha temple architecture, and one of the most spectacular testimonials of religious architecture in the world. Constructed by the King Narasimhadeva in 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a huge chariot with seven horses and 24 wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.
Continue drive to Puri for overnight stay at hotel.
In the morning visit famous JAGANNATH TEMPLE and GUNDICHA TEMPLE
The sanctified city of PURI is renowned all over the world for the splendid temple of Jagannath, the Lord of the World. This 65 metre high temple built in the 12th century AD stands impressively in the center of the city and governs the landscape. One can also see within the temple surroundings a congregation of other smaller temples including Asta Sambhu and Asta Chandi and Goddess Vishnu. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. This restriction has been in practice for nearly 500 years and hence it is not an easy take to change this tradition.
Afternoon visit RAGHURAJPUR ARTISAN VILLAGE and evening is free for you to relax on the PURI BEACH. Overnight stay at hotel
Today morning we visit Asia’s largest brackish water lake at CHILIKA. On arrival visit SATPADA ISLAND – a major attraction for spotted Irrawaddy dolphins and Sea Mouth – the Island where Chilka Lake meets the Bay of Bengal. Way back to Puri visit ALARNATH TEMPLE and RAGHURJPUR PATACHITRA VILLAGE. Overnight stay at Puri
After breakfast check out from hotel and drop at Airport / Railway station at Bhubaneswar.
