Package Details
Temples, Biodiversity & Caves of Odisha
Duration : 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destination Covered : Puri - Bhubaneswar
Day 1 - Arrival in Puri - Sightseeing in Puri
Upon arrival in Puri, head to the hotel. Puri is a holy city and holds an important place in the Hindu religion. It is believed that a tour of the temples of India is not complete without a visit to Puri. This city is also known as the home of Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Besides the religious significance, the city is also recognised as a famous beach resort.
On arrival at the hotel, check-in and repose for a while. Later, leave the hotel for a visit the revered Jagannath Temple, which was constructed in AD 12. Surrounded by huge walls, the entire temple complex sprawls across an area of 400,000 square feet. This temple was commissioned by Raja Ananta Varman Chodaganga Dev and is largely visited by devotees, who follow the Vaishnava traditions. The highlight of this temple is the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), which is organised here every year. During this festival, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are taken to Gundicha Temple in decorated chariots.
Later, proceed towards Gundicha Temple, which is situated amidst a luxuriant garden. This temple is constructed using light-grey sandstone and is exemplary of Kalinga style of architecture. This temple has a vimana (main tower), jagamohana (assembly hall), bhoga-mandapa (offering hall) and nata-mandapa (festival hall). Thereafter, continue the journey towards Lokanath Temple, which was built in the 11th century.
After exploring these temples, visit the open-air market and go for a leisure walk at the pristine Puri Beach. This beach serves as the site of the Puri Beach Festival, which is celebrated annually and is a major crowd-puller. After spending some quality time at the beach, go for an excursion to the sprawling Chilika Lake, which covers an area of approximately 1100 square kilometres. It is a brackish water lagoon and is home to a large number of endangered species of aquatic animals.
Later, retire to the hotel in Puri and enjoy an overnight stay.
Day 2 - Excursion to Raghurajpur and Konark (60 km/approx. 1 hour 30 minutes drive)
In the morning, embark on an excursion to Raghurajpur. To experience the different shades of the rich cultural spectrum of Odisha, a visit to this village is a must. Popularly known as the Heritage Crafts Village, it has kept a years-old art form alive. Pattachitra paintings made over a piece of cloth and dried palm leaves can be found here. Besides craftwork, quaint little huts, palm groves and tranquil environment make it a place worth visiting.
After spending time at this village, continue your journey and visit the small town of Konark. This place is renowned for its Sun Temple, which was built in the 13th century. The entire temple is constructed using black granite and is also referred to as the Black Pagoda. Now, mostly in ruins, this temple is also listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This temple was constructed in Kalinga architectural style, in the shape of a giant chariot of Sun god, Surya.
After admiring the architecture of this temple, return to Puri and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 - Drive from Puri to Bhubaneswar - En route visit Pipili, Dhauli and Chausathi Yogini Temple (70 km/approx. 1 hour 30 minutes drive)
In the morning, check-out from the hotel and drive towards Bhubaneswar. On the way to the capital city, visit Pipili – a small town famous for its homemade articles and skilled artisans. A large number of applique handicrafts are made in this region that are demanded across the globe.
Later, continue your journey and visit the splendid hill of Dhauli, which has Edicts of Ashoka. Dhauli hill is believed to be the site where Kalinga War was fought. Earlier, this region was an important Buddhist centre, which is evident from a number of chaityas and stupas built here. Atop the hill is a beautiful white pagoda, built in the year 1970 by the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangha and Japan Buddha Sangha.
Thereafter, pay a visit to the Chaushathi Yogini Temple, which is situated in Hirapur. Built in the 9th century, this temple is believed to be a tantric place. It is constructed in a circular shape and is open from the top.
After a visit to this temple, continue your journey towards Bhubaneswar. On arrival in the city, check-in at the hotel and rest. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Sightseeing in Bhubaneswar - Departure from Bhubaneswar
In the morning, leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar. This place has a history that dates back to over 3000 years. There are a number of temples dotted across its landscape and hence, it is also referred to as the ‘Temple City of India’. Some of the prominent temples of this destination are Parasurameswar Temple, Mukteswar Temple, Rajarani Temple and Lingaraj Temple.
Besides the large number of temples, this city is also famous for its Nandankanan Zoological Park. This place has 101 enclosures that include 54 cages and 47 open moated enclosures to keep a large number of endangered animals. Some of the elusive species that can be seen in this park are patas monkey, open-billed stork and eastern rosella. It is also a famous place for the breeding of white tigers, which are rarely seen in any part of the country. You can also opt for a wildlife safari to get a closer view of the wild animals.
Another site that must not be left unexplored is Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves. These are partly artificial and partly natural caves that have high archaeological, religious and historical importance.
After exploring this beautiful place, check-out from the hotel and drive towards airport/railway station to board your return flight.
Price : Rs. 21300 (USD 313 ) for TWO persons – For travel dates between (01 April-30 Sept 2016)
Best Offer
Member Price : Rs. 17300 (USD 254 ) for TWO persons – For travel dates between (01 April-30 Sept 2016)
Package Includes :
Accommodation Standard Room with Breakfast,Sightseeing in all destination covered in the tour,Conveyance in chauffeur driven Ac Indica and All Hotel Taxes included.
Pick up and Drop will be at Airport / Raiway Station in Bhubaneswar.
Package Excludes :
Entrance Fees,Parking,Toll,GST and Personal Expenses.
For the package enquiry and hotel reservations
Mail Id: info@myholidayclub.co.in
Contact: +919840103503, +914427169060