Odisha has the largest variety of tribal communities, which are at various stages of socio-economic development. At one extreme are the group which lead a relatively secluded and archaic mode of life, keeping their core culture intact, while at the other extreme there are communities which are indistinguishable from the general agricultural communities. The tribal people express their cultural identity and distinctiveness in their social organization, language, rituals and festivals and also in their dress, ornaments, art and craft.
During your tour you will get a firsthand experience of many facades of India. Varanasi is perhaps the cradle of Hindu Civilization. Khajuraho offers exotic and erotic architecture from millennia back.
Nestled in Northern Vindhyas, the sacred town of Chitrakoot embraces green forests, gurgling streams and tranquil rivers. Chitrakoot is a hub of Hindu religion and culture. Tour to Chitrakoot makes for a spiritual experience amidst tranquil surroundings. The holy place of Chitrakoot was regarded as a significant place in Tretayuga, the third epoch of the Hindu cosmology. It is believed that the legendry hero of Ramayana, Rama with his beautiful wife Sita visited Chitrakoot during their exile. It was here where the great sages Atri and Sati Anasuya meditated. The holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh assumed incarnations here. Chitrakoot is an epitome of Hindu thought and philosophy. Goswami Tulsidas who lived during Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign, is believed to have visited Chitrakoot to seek divine inspiration when he was about to begin he chronicling of Rama's life in his masterpiece Ramcharitamanas.
Day 1: Kolkata
Upon arrival, you will be met and transfer to Hotel (Check in TIME – 1200 hrs NOON)
Afternoon, city sightseeing of Kolkata: "fascinating", "overwhelming", "grand", Calcutta evokes such responses because it has several cities in one. A throbbing industrial city, a river port and artistic nerve centre of literature, music and painting. Having been the capital of India until 1911 Calcutta is now an ant-heap of human beings, animals and vehicles of all kinds which by itself make it a unique experience and the journey worth while. <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'VTM','CCU','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Victoria Memorial</a> a relic of the colonial era, Kali Temple - where pilgrims come with the same devotion as at Benares, and goats are still sacrificed to the "Black Goddess", the Jain temples.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Following breakfast, full day visit of Kali Temple - where pilgrims come with the same devotion as at Benares, and goats are still sacrificed to the "Black Goddess", the Jain temples, Belur Math, , Kali Temple, Marble palace, Science City, Birla Planetarium, Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), Vidyasagar Setu (Second Hooghly Bridge), Fort William, Nakhoda Mosque, Metro Rail will make you more closer to this living city
Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar
Following early breakfast, transfer to railway station to board train for Bhubaneshwar.
On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Afternoon, visit Bhubaneshwar : The Lord of the Universe”is the capital of Orissa. There are several sites in the vicinity which testify to the importance of the region far earlier than the 7th to 11th centuries when the Kalinga Kings ruled Orissa and regions beyond. Both Jain and Buddhist shrines give clear evedence of important settlements around Bhubaneswar in the first 2 centuries BC and one of the most complete edicts of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka dating from between 272-236 BC, remains curved in rock just 5 milesto the modern city.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Bhubaneshwar
Following breakfast, full day excursion to Nandan Kanan & Udaigiri / Khandgiri caves:
Nandankanan National Park - Located at a short distance from Bhubaneshwar, there lies a miraculous zoo in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest. The zoo contains a botanical garden with the soothing sound of water of the Kanjia Lake. Due to its being a successful breeding ground for endangered species such as Asiatic lion , Indian crocodiles, Sangal lion, tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish; a part of the zoo has been declared as a sanctuary.
34aquaria, another part of the zoo is home to a large variety of fresh water fish. The reptiles at the zoo are also guarded well in a park. Its cave like entrance takes the desired care of numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes who share the park with natural ease.
With 67 species of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexisting in the deeply forest boundaries; the zoo enjoys an excellent reputation both nationally and inter nationally for successfully breeding black panthers , gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.
Afternoon back to Bhubaneshwar and en-route visit Udaigiri & Khandgiri Buddhist caves: partly natural and partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa,India. The caves are situated on two hills <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A1Z','BBI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Udayagiri and Khandagiri</a>, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road. They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves. It is believed that most of these caves were carved out huge residential blocks for the Jain monks, during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri meaning Sunrise Hill, has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. The caves of <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A1Z','BBI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Udayagiri and Khandagiri</a>, called lena or le?a in the inscriptions, were dug out mostly during the reign of Kharavela for the abode of Jaina ascetics. The most important of this group is Ranigumpha in Udayagiri which is a double storeyed monastery.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Bhubaneshwar / Nandan Kanan
Following breakfast, drive to Puri & en-route visit to <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A2A','BBI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dhauli</a>: <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A2A','BBI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dhauli</a> hills are located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Orissa (India). It is a hill with vast open space adjoining it, and has major Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock, by the side of the road leading to the summit of the hill. <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'A2A','BBI','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Dhauli</a> hill is presumed to be the area where Kalinga War was fought.
After visit continue your drive to Puri and en-route visit to Pipli: Pipli is a beautiful village located on the highway between Puri and Bhubaneswar, in Orissa. The village is the main center of exquisite appliqué work. Pipli is about 40 km from Puri. Tourists can buy appliquéd handbags, bed sheets, wall hangings, purses, cushion covers, letter cases, pillow covers, canopies and garden umbrellas from the road side shops in Talwara.
After visit, continue your drive to Puri en-route visit Konark: This is one of the most vivid architectural treasures of Hindu India. Built in the shape of the Chariot of the Sun, standing abandoned in isolation of the coast this largest and most stupendous of Hindu Temples gives the appearance of “Black Pagoda” History of the temple is very interesting with one legend surrounding the building of the temple relates the story of Samba who cursed by his father Lord Krishna, suffered from leprosy for 12 years before being cured by the Sun God and so built a temple to Surya. The present temple was built by King Lagula Narasimha Deva in the 13th century, although there may have been an older 9th century temple to the Sun God here
After visit continue your drive to Puri.
Upon arrival check into your hotel
Evening visit, Puri: The ancient site of Dantapura,”Town of the Tooth”, is believed to be in the region of Puri although no proof exists. Its name was derived from the left canine tooth of The Buddha which was for a time enshrined there before being taken to Sri Lanka. Puri is famous for the temple to the “Lord of the Universe'- Jagannath Temple.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 6: Udaygiri
Following breakfast, drive to Taptapani & en-route visit to Chilka Lake & Boat Ride: It is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda andGanjam districts of Orissa state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the World. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher–folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands. The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances, but it must be stressed, that the migratory birds probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach Chilika River.
After visit, continue your drive to Taptapani.
On arrival, check in to hotel.
Located at a distance of 50 Kilometers from Berhampur,Taptapani, as the name suggests, is a hot water sulfur spring in Orissa. Set amidst the greenery of a lush forest, the sulfur spring of Taptapani is situated on the top of a hill. The hot waters erupts in bubbles in two specific places and the temperature of this hot water varies between 90 degree to 100 degree Fahrenheit.
The water from the hot water spring of Taptapani is channelized into a nearby pond which is open to the public for bathing. The water of the Taptapani spring is believed to have medical properties that can cure diseases of skin and body. The hot water spring of Taptapani is attributed with religious virtues and therefore a temple has also been built near the spring.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Khandigiri - Bhubaneshwar
After breakfast, drive to Raygada, en-route visit Saora tribal village: The Saora tribes are mostly concentrated in the Ganjam district of the State. The whole area is an intricate labyrinth of precipitous hills and valleys which are part of the Eastern Ghat - the height of the hills varying from 2000 to 4000 feet above sea level. The tribes trace their origins to the Ramayana where there is reference to Savari, a Saora woman whom Ram and Laxman met while moving about in the Dandaka forests in search of Sita.
After visit, continue your drive to Raygada.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Raygada is one among the old districts of Orissa. This district is known for its hotwater spring Tarable and irrigation & power project Budhbudhiani. It is also acknowledged for its Leather works, Brass& Bell utensils and Sugar Factory. Baramul, Odagaon, Jamupatna, Kantilo, Ranapur, Sarankul, Tarabalo, Kuturi and Kuanria are some of the visiting places of this district.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Bhubaneshwar
After breakfast, full day excursion to Kutia Kondh tribal village.
Evening back to hotel
Overnight at hotel.
Day 9: Bhubaneshwar - Dhauli
After breakfast, drive to Jeypore en-route visit to Chitakona Tribal area.
After visit, continue your drive to Jeypore.
Afternoon, visit Jeypore: Jeypore, in the Koraput district of Orissa, is a feast for the eyes, cradled in virgin nature with a broad panorama of enchanting hills, rippling streams, spectacular waterfalls, wonderful caves and lush green valleys.
The antiquity of Orissa is endorsed by her ancient people - They continue to inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas of the deep forests and hilly interiors. Steeped in the mystery that surrounds their ancient ways, the Orissan tribal continue to be a source of deep interest not only for anthropologists and sociologists but also for numerous tourists who flock to Orissa in search of the exotic mystique of this relatively unexplored state. The tribal economy is by and large based on activities around the jungles. Hunting and fishing continue to be the main source of livelihood though some of the larger tribes such as Santals, Mundas, and Gonds have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saura, and Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya tribals are cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making. The Santal, Munda and other tribes have now also become involved in the mining and industrial belt of Orissa. Though their economy is shaky, the Orissan tribal enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage, the most powerful instance of this being in their music and dance, which are as colorful as they are rhythmical. The cycle of life offers numerous reasons to celebrate and is done so with vigor and grace - either in the privacy of family home or as a community activity. The changing seasons, religious customs, and the traditional rhythms of superstitious belief are strong incentives for creating a string of festivals to augment their importance to the tribal.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10: Dhauli
After breakfast, drive to Vishakapatnam. En-route visit to Oukudelli: These ethnic groups count a few thousand individuals. Live recom-the device in roots and wild fruits; practicing agriculture throughout manual; breeding buffaloes, goats and poultry. Few forms of craft: in which-that village is working metals (Aluminum, Brass), and in some other the terracotta (which are produced mainly jars for water), or the wooden artifacts of everyday life. It also weaves cotton, lat-diffuse enlargement in the fields, and are interwoven fibers derived from plants like bamboo and rice straw.
After visit, continue your drive to Vishakapatnam en-route visit to Lampatapur Tribal village market.(Tribal Markets are weekly markets and the day of operation to be checked before confirming the tour with visit to Tribal Market.)
After visit, continue your drive to Vishakapatnam.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Evening free for independent activities
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Pipli - Konark
Following breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to hotel
Rest of the day free for shopping and orientation tour of city
Day 12: Konark - Puri
After breakfast, transfer to airport to connect flight for Varanasi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Afternoon, excursion to Sarnath: 10 kms from the centre of the city, Sarnath symbolises the birth of Buddhism. It was here that Lord Buddha revealed his doctrine and founded his monastic community. The Museum at Sarnath is amongst the most important in India and contains carvings representing a whole range of styles - Archaic, the covering work of sculptors from 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.
Evening back to Varanasi & join Arti ceremony on bank of River Ganges
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Puri
Varanasi
Early morning proceed for boat ride at Sunrise on the Mother Ganges River. This is a soul stirring experience as you witness the performance of various rituals, laundary & cremations in the background of the rising Sun. We also have an opportunity to walk the narrow streets which are preserved as they were 100s of years back in time. Following your visit, you realise why Varanasi is described as the eternal city!.
Later visit Varanasi City : The consists of visiting the city temples – the durga temple, better known as the Monkey temple on account of the large number of monkeys residing there and the temple of Vishwanath (or Vesheshwar "Lord of the Universe") are the most sacred spots in the city. Visit will also include Bharat Mata or Mother India Temple and <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AUB','VNS','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">The Benares Hindu University</a>.
Evening free
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14: Puri - Chilka lake
Morning, leisurely breakfast. Later transfer to airport for your flight to Khajuraho.
On arrival, you will be met and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon, Afternoon visit Khajuraho City : The Eastern and Western Group Temples Founded in the 9th and 10th Century by the rulers of Chandela Dynasty, influenced by tantrism, in eroticism becomes a theme of philosophical interest and the aim is submlimation of sexual relationship in the sexual act or "Maithun", women being regarded as the incarnation of the divine energy or "Shakti". Itis also possible thatthe Khajuraho were influenced by "Kama Sutra". Among the temples to visit is the Kandariya Mahadeo, Chaunsat Yogini, Chitragupta temple, adinath Temples ,Vishwanath temple, andvarious other temples.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15: Chilka lake - Taptapani
After breakfast, drive to <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AW8','HJR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Chitrakoot</a>.
On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Afternoon, visit Ram Ghat, the focal point of <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AW8','HJR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Chitrakoot</a>, is a long stretch of steps cut into the banks where pilgrims perform religious ablutions and rituals. The Param Kutir is believed to be the prime cottage, the first hut, erected by Lakshmana for his brother and sister-in-law. Lord Rama/'s younger bother, Bharat, came to <a class="PIInfosoft-placeName" onclick="openAttractionDescriptionPopup('en', 'AW8','HJR','IND','India');" data-target="#PopUp5" href="javascript:void(0)" data-toggle="modal">Chitrakoot</a> to persuade the prince to return from exile and assume his rightful position as ruler of Ayodhya. He was unsuccessful but, according to a local legend, Bharat and his army of /”chariots, elephants, horses and foot soldiers/”, as well as the royal family and nobility of Ayodhya, camped a little below Param Kutir. The steep escarpments and thickly wooded embankments upstream of Mandakini give way to the Janaki Kund, considered to be the favourite bathing spot of Sita.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 16: Taptapani
Following breakfast, full day excursion to Kalinjer: Kalinjar is located in the ancient land of Jejakbhukti, which is an integral part of Bundelkhand. The Kalinjar fort and town were of strategic importance during medieval times. The township of Kalinjar was also-once protected by ramparts pierced by four gateways, only three of which remain today — Kamta Dwar, Panna Dwar and Rewa Dwar. Dotted with remnants of the past, this historic fort is well worth a visit. Neelkanth Temple was built by the Chandela ruler Parmardi dev. In a position by the rock-cut Swagger Roan pool, stands a massive 18-armed image of Al Bhairav, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva. Neelkanth Temple was built by the Chandela ruler Parmardi dev. In a position by the rock-cut Swagger Roan pool, stands a massive 18-armed image of Al Bhairav, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva. Neelkanth Temple was built by the Chandela ruler Parmardi dev. In a position by the rock-cut Swagger Roan pool, stands a massive 18-armed image of Al Bhairav, the fearsome aspect of Lord Shiva.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 17: Taptapani - Saora Tribe Village
Morning leisurely breakfast
Later drive to Khajuraho. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Rest of the day free for independent activities
Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Saora Tribe Village
Morning breakfast at hotel.
Later in time transfer to airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, you will be met and transfer to hotel.
Evening free.
Day 19: Raygada
Following breakfast, in time transfer to airport for your flight to onward destination.
