India Tours: Kolkata and Orissa Tour Itinerary
India Tour Length: 10 days
Day 1: Kolkata.
Welcome on arrival to Kolkata. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to walk around the city to appreciate and observe this new culture.
Kolkata is the City of Joy, contrast and culture. It was once the capital of British India - now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures.
Day 2: Kolkata Sightseeing.
In the morning at 8.30 AM, start your half day city tour with an introduction about the glory of Bengal. You will first take a brief drive around Kolkata to see the beautiful built heritage buildings by the British. Then you will visit the Flower Market - a unique wholesale market of flowers which is situated in the bank of river Ganges near the famous Howrah Bridge. After the flower market, you will visit Kumortuli which is the artisan’s quarter where Hindu Gods are made and a visit to the Jain Temple.
After lunch, hop onto an old charming local tram and travel to the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple. It is famous for its association with Ramkrishna who achieved spiritual vision here. Rani Rashmoni built this temple in 1847. The 12 spired temple with its enormous courtyard is surrounded by 12 other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Experience the river cruise from Dakshineswar Temple to Belur Math across River Ganges by motorized boat and watch the glimpses of river along with the vibrant modern life and cultures of Kolkata.
Belur Math is the international headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission. It was founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, the world famous yogi and disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. You will finish the day with a tour at the Mother Teresa’s Orphanage, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity. Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 3: Kolkata to Sundarbans and Visit the National Park:
In the morning around 8, you will be transferred to Sonakhali jetty (95Kms/2Hrs) after driving through beautiful countryside, rural villages and rural markets. Arrive at Sonakhali and board a motorised boat. After a briefing and interpretation by our local guide cum naturalist over Tea/Coffee/Welcome drink, cruise through Hogol, Gomor, Durgaduani and Gumdi rivers to the Sudhanyakhali watch tower through creeks and canals. Experience the Island Cruise and arrive at Bali Island. Check into Sundarbans Jungle Lodge Camp. Stay overnight at the Camp.
Day 4: More of Sundarbans and Transfer to Kolkata.
In the morning after breakfast, take a village walk to be followed by an adventure cruise by manually oared country boat. Cruise to Dobanki to experience the canopy walk in the tower. Transfer back to the camp for lunch followed by transfer to Kolkata. On arrival, check into your hotel.
Day 5: Kolkata to Bhubaneshwar flight
In the morning, transfer to airport to connect for your flight to Bhubaneshwar, Orissa. On arrival into Bhubaneshwar, you will be received at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Puri. Enroute visit Dhauli, Pipli, and Raghurajpur (artisans’ village). Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 6: Puri Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing of Puri. You will visit - Jaganath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Holy Narendra Tank and Badadanad. The afternoon is free for leisure or to spend on the beach. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 7: Puri – Chilika Lake - Puri
In the morning, proceed for a day excursion to Satapada (Chilika Lake). Visit Dolphin Island by boat. In the afternoon return to your hotel.
Day 8: Puri to Bhubaneshwar
In the morning, visit Konark Temple, a UNESCO Heritage site, Chandrabhaga Beach, a fishermans’ village and if time permits the 64 Yogini Temple at Heera Pur and bell metal works at Balkati. Stay overnight at your hotel in Bhumaneshwar.
Day 9: Bhubaneshwar Sightseeing
This day will be to visit the Bhubaneswar Temples and Caves.
In the morning, you will have a tour of Bhubaneswar temples covering Parasurameswar temple, Mukteswar Temple complex, Rajarani temple, Brahmeswar Temple complex and Lingaraj Temple (from the outside).
After lunch, you will visit the caves of Bhubaneswar covering Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain Caves of 1st century B C. These are 34 honey comb type of rock cut caves in the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri situated 8 kms away from the city center in the western side of Bhubaneswar built by King Kharavel. He spent his last life here. Visit the fascinating Tribal Museum. Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 10: Bhubaneshwar Departure
Transfer to the airport to connect to your ongoing flight.
