Orissa Cultural Tours

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destination Covered: Bhubaneswar - Lalitgiri – Ratnagiri – Cuttack – Konark – Puri – Chilika – Khurda – Gopalpur - Taptani

Day 1: Arrival in Bhubaneswar
The Cultural Orissa tour starts with your arrival at Bhubaneswar airport. Avail the courtesy pick from the spot and drive to hotel. Check-in and get fresh. Today the sightseeing tour starts with Khandagiri Udaygiri caves. These caves are the earliest group of Jain rock cut shelters. The caves hold importance for its history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. Once the dwelling retreats or cells of the Jain ascetics, here visitors can feel the wisdom of the learned.
The next sight you visit is The Lingaraj temple. The thousand year old spectacular specimen of Hindu architecture is awe-inspiring. It is one of the most revered places to visit. Pay respect to the Linga form of Lord Shiva. The Kedar Gouri temple and Sai Baba temple is a short way from the temple complex. The unique architecture, the peacefulness lingering in air spellbinds all visitors. Take the blessings of the divine.

Day 2: Bhubaneswar – Lalitgiri – Ratnagiri – Cuttack
Early morning check-out from the hotel and drive to Lalitgiri& Ratnagiri Buddhist complex. The vital points of the Buddhist circuit in Orissa, these house some relics of the religion.Dating back to the 6th century, these excavations have treasures worth visiting.
After sightseeing accomplished proceed to Cuttack. Visit Barabati fort and Cuttack Chandi Mata temple. Located at the banks of the Mahanadi River, the ruins of the fort are intriguing. Next, proceed towards Cuttack Chandi temple. The holy site worships various incarnations of Durga.After sightseeing, check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Cuttack.

Day 3: Cuttack – Konark – Puri
Morning after breakfast check-out of the hotel and proceed to Konark. Visit the UNESCO heritage Konark sun temple and enjoy some time at Chandrabaga beach. The temple is an architectural marvel dating back to the 13th century. The colossal chariot shaped temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The exquisite carvings and skills of artisans still shines through.TheChandrabaga beach is scenic anda good place to soak the charms of the sea.
Afterwards, proceed to Puri and check-in the hotel. . Freshen up as you are scheduled to visit Puri Jagannath temple and Gundicha temple. The Puri Jagannath temple is one of the holy places in Hindu religion. Mentioned as one of the divine Char dhams, the temple is dedicated to the "Lord of the Universe' Jagannath. Pay your respects and move to the Gundecha temple. Evening is kept free.
Relax at the Golden sand beach of Puri. The views of sunset are breathtaking. Enjoy long walks on the soft sands. Check out the beach eateries where delicacies of the fresh catch can be tasted. Check out tribal handicrafts and other specialties. Shop for some delights. Return to hotel for overnight stay at Puri.

Day 4: Puri – Satpara - Chillika – Puri
Early morning depart for Satpara, Chillika.Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world. It is known for the spotting of beautifulIrwadi Dolphins.The lake is also home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Spectacular display of colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species awaits here. Spend the day exploring the pleasures of the wetland.
After a well-spent day in the natural beauty, return to Puri in the evening. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 5: Puri – Khurda – Gopalpur
After morning breakfast, check-out of the hotel and drive to Gopalpur, en-route visit Atri. Atriis blessed with hot Sulphur springs with medicinal properties. Enjoy a relaxing and rejuvenating bath. Upon arrival check-in the hotel at Gopalpur relax for a while. Afternoon is scheduled to enjoy sightseeing of Rushikulya Turtle Island and Maa Tara Tarini Temple. Spend the evening on the beach or the charming town. Return to hotel for overnight stay at Gopalpur.

Day 6: (Gopalpur – Taptapani – Gopalpur)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast. Later, proceed for sightseeing of Taptapani the hot water spring. Soak in the warm waters blessed with curative properties. Walk through the Deer park. After sightseeing of the place return back to Gopalpur. Evening free for leisure and relax at the beach. Overnight stay at Gopalpur.

Day 7: (Gopalpur – Bhubaneswar)
After morning breakfast check-out of the hotel and drive to Bhubaneswar. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Nandankanan Zoo, famous for white tigers. Carved out of the Chandaka forest, animals here are kept in their natural habitat. Come up-close to white Royal Bengal Tigers, Gharials and other species. The flora species of the region are also unrivalled. Enjoy jungle safari day wide and evening return to hotel. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Day 8: (Bhubaneswar – Departure)
Morning after breakfast check-out of the hotel. Avail transfer to the Bhubaneswar airport/railway station. Trip concludes here, return home with wonderful memories.