Today after and leisurely breakfast in hotel free for last minutes shopping or free at leisure. Later transfer to the airport to board your flight for onward journey.
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11 Nights / 12 Days
Delhi – Bhubaneswar – Cuttack – Ratnagiri- Lalit giri- Udaygiri – Konark – Puri – Chilka – Bhubaneswar – Kolkata – Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport / railway station and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning city tour of Old Delhi covering Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire. Afternoon tour of New Delhi covering Humayun’s Tomb, Lotus Temple, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast in hotel drive to airport to board the flight for Bhubaneswar. On arrival transfer to hotel. Bhubaneswar is a rural Indian capital city with a delightful juxtaposition of modern buildings and ancient temples, which rise, in sepulchral splendour above new hotels, office blocks and industrial complexes. Being the seat of Tribhuvaneshwar or Lord of the Three Worlds, Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre known as ‘temple town of India’.
Later visit the temples of Bhubaneswar like, Lingaraja Temples, Mukteswara temple, Rajarani Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Brahmeswara Temple and Bindu Sorovar one of four sacred Lake of India for Hindus. Overnight at hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Hirapur to see one of the four 64 Yogini temples of India, 15 kms from Bhubaneswar city within a typical bell metal village. Afternoon proceeds to Khandagiri and Udayagiri Jain caves dated back to 2nd century B.C. Later visit the bazaars of Bhubaneswar for typical Orissan Sarees and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel.
Morning full day excursion to the Buddhist Caves of Lalitgiri, Udaigiri & Ratnagiri en route visiting Cuttack . Overnight at hotel.
Cuttack is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi , Devi and Kathajodi rivers, 35km north of Bhubaneswar, one of Orissa’s oldest cities. Though a small chaotic city, but is great for its shopping of Silk and cotton textiles, horn and brasswares are manufactured here along with the exquisite, delicate silver filigree work. Visit the sights of a 14th century Barabati Fort. Kadam Rasool, located in the city centre, is a sacred 18th century shrine that is revered by both Hindus and Muslims. It contains the footprint of the Prophet Mohammed.
LalitgiriLalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri are three-hilltop complexes northeast of Cuttack and about 100km from Bhubaneswar , where some remarkable Buddhist relics and ruins can be found. Together they make up the mini golden triangle of Orissa’s amazing Buddhist legacy. A gold casket, thought to contain the relics of the Buddha was discovered at Lalitgiri. Udaigiri has its own monastery complex and a brick stupa. The Ratnagiri site has the most interesting and extensive ruins of two large monasteries that flourished here from the 6th to 12th centuries. There are beautifully carved doorways, a large stupa and enormous Buddha figures.
Morning after breakfast drive to Puri ( 59 K.ms). Enroute vist Konark Suntemple of 13th Century A.D. The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that ‘here the language of stone surpasses the language of man’, and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.
Later drive to Puri, one of the Dhams for the Hindus called Swarga Dwar or Door to Heaven through marine drive.
Morning visit the Puri jagannath Temple and see the morning Aarti and Puja. The temple of Lord Jagannath (‘Lord of the Universe’) at Puri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India, one of the four abodes (dhamas) of the divine that lie on the four directions of the compass. The present temple structure was built in the twelfth century by the Ganga king, Chodagangadeva, replacing an earlier structure which probably dated to the tenth century. Later proceeds to Satapada part of Chilika lake to see Irawaddy Dolphins dance and enjoy the afternoon in beach. Drive back to Puri. Evening visit bazaars of Puri. Overnight hotel.
Today drive to Bhubaneswar airport to board flight to Kolkata. On arrival you are met and escorted to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning a full day excursion to Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple . Belur Math – located 16km from the city centre is the headquarters of international Rama Krishna Mission. The Rama Krishna temple looks like a church, mosque or temple depending upon from where it is viewed. The building’s unique architecture symbolizes the universal faith of its congregation.
Dakshineshwar Temple – located about 20km north of the city and across the River Hooghly is a temple dedicated to goddess Kali, a form of Goddess Parvati the consort of Lord Shiva. Built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, this temple complex was the place where the saint Sri Ramakrishna attained his enlightenment. The main temple is called the Navaratna Temple . There is a silver lotus with a thousand petals here on which stands the idol of the Goddess. Within the complex are 12 mini temples of Shiva. A temple dedicated to Rani Rashmoni has later been added near the entrance. The Panchavati, a congregation of five ancient trees, in the temple premises, is a spot for peaceful meditation.
Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Morning a half-day tour of Kolkata City visiting Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace, Mother Teresa’s Home, etc. Afternoon borad the flight to Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight.
Today after and leisurely breakfast in hotel free for last minutes shopping or free at leisure. Later transfer to the airport to board your flight for onward journey.