Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed for guided sightseeing tour of Bhubaneshwar.

Among the finest of its 600 temples is the Lingaraj Temple of Shiva built in the 11th century, it is also the biggest in Bhubaneswar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Bindusagar Lake lying to the north of the Lingaraja Temple, is one of the popular tourist attractions of Bhubaneswar. Lingaraj Temple (Non Hindu are not allowed inside the temple. To be viewed from a platform outside). Mukteshwar Temple, is one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar and has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. Rajarani Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. It is made from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of ‘Raja Rani’. .

The “Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts” popula rly known as Tribal Museum is also conceptually labeled as “Museum of Man” was established in the year 1953. Since then, the tribal artifacts were collected and displayed in a single hall of the Institute. During the year 1986, 5 Tribal huts such as Santal, Juang, Gadaba, Saora and Kandha communities were constructed in the premises of SCSTRTI. The Artifacts collected from different Tribal groups and PTGs of Odisha are displayed in the Tribal huts and opened for the visitors. The New Museum building was inaugurated on 5th March 2001. This Museum of Man is an integrated part of the Institution, which disseminates knowledge covering the human species in totality. It is a mile stone in its history and one of the important wings of SCSTRTI, Government of Odisha. Odisha being famous as a virgin bud of Tribal cultures; a living museum of pluri-centric and multiplex tribal life style, this Museum exhibits cultural past and present, in continuum, gives due recognition to the ingenious tribal excellence. It is located in sprawling land in a tribal friendly environment where one can feel accommodated in the replicated tribal matrix. Now the Tribal Museum has become a hub of anthropological interest for the local people, tourists and overseas visitors. The Museum facilitates the visitors to enrich their knowledge on tribal people, their society and culture.

Visiting Hours from 10:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs . Closed on all Government Holidays. Photography restriction in the gallery.

Afternoon visit the ancient caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri which were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Odishan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After early breakfast proceed to visit the ancient rock edict of Emperor Ashoka, Hirapur 64 Yogini temple and the one and only Kala Bhoomi crafts museum.

Dhauli-Ashoka (reign ca. 272-231 BC) was the most illustrious king of the Maurya dynasty. After his conquest of the kingdom of Kalinga in modern day Odisha, struck with remorse at the suffering he caused, Ashoka converted to Buddhism and spent the rest of his life propagating his dharma (law). In order to achieve this, he had numerous edicts inscribed on rocks, pillars and caves, throughout his vast empire. These are written in various vernaculars and represent the earliest written document from the Indic regions. From these edicts it would appear clear that Ashoka was an extremely tolerant and benevolent monarch. .

Near Dhauli, south of Bhubaneshwar, there is a rock inscribed with the edicts of the emperor Ashoka. The front of the rock is sculpted as the head, trunk and front legs of an elephant.

The Shanti Stupa at Dhauli Hills is a significant symbol of love and peace. The pilgrimage is significant because here King Ashoka resigned from violent wars. After witnessing the devastating sight of blood filled land and the Daya River that obtained red color because of the merciless slaughter of around 1,50, 000 warriors, King Ashoka was filled with sheer grief and therefore decided to renounce wars completely all through the rest of his life. It is at Dhauli that Ashoka resorted to Buddhism and presented his sword in front of Lord Buddha.

Hirapur 64 Yogini Temple Hirapur - On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, 15 km south-east of the city, is a small, circular temple, the Yogini Temple, dating to the early ninth century. It is hypaethral (open to the sky), and belongs to a genre of architecture completely apart from the major Odishan school.

Although it seems that temples of this type existed throughout India at one time, today only four remain. Two of them are in Odisha; the shrine at Hirapur, and o ne in the far western reaches of the state, at Ranipur-Jharial.

Kala Bhoomi The crafts museum, spanning across 13 acres is divided into two blocks – handicrafts and handloom. The handicraft section exhibits unique artworks of Odisha craftsmen, the handloom section exhibits traditional textiles and weaves.

Items such as terracotta, paintings, dhokra and bell metal work, Pattachitra, wood carvings, household objects, ornaments, mythology/folklore depictions, palm-leaf paintings, etching, applique work, stone and wood carving and tribal art are also displayed in separate galleries.

Crafts Museum is closed on National Holidays. Opening time from 10:00 hrs -17:00 hrs.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed for Bhitarkanika. En-route visiting the Diamond Triangle of Odisha.

These three hills and their environs comprise a remarkable Buddhist complex. Hiuen T’sang the Chinese Pilgrim found it to be the seat of a flourishing Buddhist University called Puspagiri. Extensive ruins of brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals and esoteric Buddhist images testifying is ancient glory, have been unearthed. Discover the trails of Buddhism.

Ratnagiri By the river Birupa, about 100 kms. away from Bhubaneswar, Ratnagiri has a rich concentration of Buddhist antiquities. A large excavation has unearthed Buddhist shrines, large monasteries, a big stupa and a number of vovite stupas. Established way back in 6th century AD., it appears that Buddhism was fostered at this place unhindered up to the 12th century AD.

Udayagiri Nearby Udayagiri is known for its bell-shaped stupa signifying Vajrajana from of Buddhism. One of the largest Buddhist complexes in Odisha, Udayagiri is about 90 kms. away from Bhubaneswar. The ancient name of this complex was Madhavapura Mahavihara. Chronologically, this complex came in to being after Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri, flourishing between 7th and 12th century AD. It is located in the basin of a U-shaped hill. The remains suggest the presence of brick monastery, a brick stupa, rock-cut sculptures and a sepped well with an inspiration.

Lalitgiri, 12 kms away from Ratnagiri, is one of the earliest Buddhist complexes, dating back to the 1st century AD. The huge brick monastery, the remains of a Chaitya Hall, a number of votive stupas and a renovated stone stupa at the top of a rugged standtone hillock dominate the greenery around. The sculpture shed nearby displays excavated images, throwing light on the various schools of Buddhist art.

Continue drive to Bhitarkanika.

Upon arrival Check In at hotel

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed for Bhitarkanika National Park.

By boat to explore the Bhitarkanika Crocodile and Birds Sanctuary

BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK-An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika Nat ional Park vide Notification No.19686/F & E dated 16.9.1998 of Forests & Environment Department, Govt. of Odisha. It has much significance about ecological.

Geomorphological and biological background which includes man grove forests, rivers, creeks, estuaries, back water, accreted land and mud flats.

Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary comprising Mangrove Forests meandering rivers, innumerable criss-crossed tidal inundated creeks provide last refuge to the already endangered salt water Crocodile (Crocodile Porosus).Besides estuarine Crocodile, the Sanctuary is rich in avifauna mammalian and reptilian population. Theses Mangrove forests are good habitat for King Cobra, Indian Python and Water Monitor Lizard. A large number of water birds visit Bagagahan heronry which is an area of approximately 4 hectare. within the Bhitarkanika Forest Block near Suajore creek from the month of June to October. Most of the Birds are Asian open bill. Egrets. Black Ibis, Cormorants, Darters & etc. During 2002 the Bhitarkanika mangroves having an area of 2672 sq-km. been declared as a Ramsar site being a wetland of international importance.

(Bhitarkanika National Park is closed generally from 1st week of January for census. It is subject to change as per Forest Department notice. Guests cannot venture into the core area of the crocodiles, but one can explore the park surroundings, natural flora and fauna by boat).

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at hotel

After breakfast proceed for Dhenkanal.

En-route visit the typical rural farming villages of Odisha and interact with the villagers and explore their unique lifestyle.

Later proceed to Dhenkanal.

Dhenkanal which is the gateway to one of the most ancient forest covers of Orissa, which shelters the elephants, tigers and numerous species of birds and beasts. The broad plains of the river Bramhani were the dwelling place of early homo-sapiens who lived on the berries and wild fruits before the advent of rice on these heavily watered expanses. The surrounding Sal forests come ablaze with the changing seasons making this district headquarters town focal point of trips to beautiful interiors.Dhenkanal District is situated on the Cuttack Sambalpur Road( NH 55) and the Cuttack Sambalpur S.E. Railway line. It is bounded by the Keonjhar District in north, Cuttack district in south, Jajpur in the east and Angul in the west.It is commonly believed that it owes, its name to a Savara chief called Dhenka who formerly ruled over in this tract.

Upon arrival Check In at hotel

Explore the Palace surroundings and interact with the Royal family-subject to their presence.

In the evening visit Joranda and witness their religious ceremonies -- The world famous headquarters of ‘Mahima Dharma’, Joranda is the holiest place for its followers. The Gadi Manidr, Dhuni Mandir, Jyoti Manidr & the Ashrams all are the attractive spots within the exquisite temple complex. Magha Mella known as Prabhu Prunima which falls in January to February every year is the greatest festival attracting devotees from far & wide. The believers of Mahima Cult or Alekh Brahma (Who believe that god does not have any shape,so they don’t worship any image) are an obscure Nath cult, the saffron clad naked sadhus chanting “alekh Niranjan” .

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast at Palace full day excursion to explore and interact with the traditional weaving at Nuapatna and dokra tribal crafts village of Siali tribal community at Sadeibarani.

Nuapatna Weaving Village - This village with many co -operatives of weavers, where centur ies of tradition woven into fabric. The weavers of this village are a class by themselves. The TIE & DYE patterns popularly known as ‘IKAT’ is a unique mechanism of texturing. One can watch all the steps of Ikat Bandha. As per the tradition they weave in silk.

Sadeibarni Dokra Crafts - The Dhokra casting, a variety of metal casting is essentially a folk craft and is limited to a few pockets of Orissa. In Sadeiberni, in Dhenkanal district, it is being practiced by an aboriginal caste called sithulias. While the lost wax process is followed, the raw materials used are not pure brass but contain miscellaneous scraps of other metals which give it an antique look. Its motifs are mostly drawn from folk culture

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed to Puri. En-route visiting Pipli appliqué center.

Pipli It’s a center for appliqué work, which depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also known for colorful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder and handbags etc. The cocktail effect of the colors is certainly a feast for the eyes. Pipli, Odisha's appliqué capital, announces itself with loud colourful splashes of bright colour in the shop fronts.

Later continue drive to Puri.

For centuries now, the beach at Puri has been the venue of countless pilgrims taking the traditional purifying dip. However, for decades now, both Indian and foreign beach lovers have made it their special haunt. The fine golden sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the ages. As it is with all the beaches of Odisha, overcrowding is never a problem and the sight of holiday-makers having entire stretch of the beach to themselves is not uncommon. The local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide brimmed cane hats are welcomed by tourists.

Upon arrival Check In at hotel

Later in the afternoon visit the Jagannath Temple at Puri which is one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. This 12th century temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath –“The Lord of the Universe”. The wooden figures of the three deities, Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra stand in the sanctorium garlanded and decorated by the high priests. The extraordinary form that Jagannath takes, according to the legend, is the unfinished work of the craftsman god Viswakarma, who in anger left this portrayal of Lord Vishnu incomplete. This majestic temple and its chronicles allure devotees from all over the world. The wide Bada Danda, the road which leads up to the majestic temple, provides a view of the grandness of scale and proportion that typifies Puri. This is also the path to Nirvana, where the chariots of the much-loved divine siblings, Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra, roll down in the famous annual Rath Yatra, which inspires awe and draws tumultuous crowds. In Puri, everything has to be big. The main road is called Bada Danda, or Grand Road the sea is Mahodadhi, or the widest ocean; the bhog is called Mahaprasad, or the great prasad.

(Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath temple and to be viewed from outside platform. Sunday and all local holidays this platform is closed but one can view from outside and walk along the streets and interact with the local community).

Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed for excursion to Raghurajpur heritage craft village and later in the afternoon visit famous Sun Temple at Konark.

Visit of Raghurajpur crafts and nearby pottery village with interaction of the local community.

The big attraction at Raghurajpur and nearby villages is that the whole village community is involved in making some kind of handicraft. Many have even won national awards for their work. There are just over 100 households and 300 artisans in the village. The economic, social and cultural life of this village revolves around arts and crafts with at least one member from almost every family involved in the arts. There is an informal division of work in the family and every member is engaged in doing something or the other related to paintings. While the men folk and the boys work on the paintings, the women are busy preparing the canvas, boiling the gum or powdering the pigments in a mortar.

You can wander around, check out the beautiful painted murals on the houses, chat to the friendly artisans and see them in action -- and of course shop! Pattachitra traditional cloth paintings are a specialty in the village, but the artisans make a wide variety of items including the palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, wood carvings, and wooden toys. Interact with the Chitrakars as they demonstrate their craftsmanship.

Interact with the Chitrakars as they demonstrate their craftsmanship and witness the Gotipua dance with lunch at Raghurajour village.

Gotipua Dance An opportunity to witness the Gotipua dance - In Oriya language, “Goti” means “single” and “Pua” means “boy”.For centuries, the Gotipua dance has been performed in Orissa by young boys who dress up as female to praise Lord Jagannath and Lord Krishna.The actual form of the dance is executed by a group of boys who perform acrobatic figures inspired by the life of Radha & Krishna. The boys start to learn the dance at an early age until the adolescence, when their androgynous look is fading.It is also the native place of Late Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the famed Odissi dancer. Even today, under the tutelage of renowned Guru's, young boys can be seen practicing the Gotipua dance here.

Afternoon proceed to visit the Sun Temple of Konark

The third link in the Odishan Golden Triangle, Konark is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture in the world. The Sun Temple at Konark conceived as a massive chariot hauling the Sun God across the heavens by the might of seven splendidly carved horses, standing aloft on 24 chariot wheels-intricately carved - symbolizing the march of time, lies in solitary splendor surrounded by drifting sand three kilometres from the sea, but originally it was reported to be closer for which it was used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.

This 13th century architectural marvel is one of the most magnificent monuments of the World and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nobel Laureate & Poet Rabindranath Tagore said, 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man'. It is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.

Also visit the local Fisherman’s village and interact with the local community.

Later in the evening return back to Puri.

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast proceed to Lake Chilika,Satpada to see the Irrawady dolphins, prawn harvesting and interact with the local community.

A vast lake along the eastern cost of Orissa with beautiful islands, migratory birds wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and other parts of Mongolia, Central and South-East Asia, the Irrawaddy dolphins making the playful appearance in the water…this is only a glimpse of the breath-taking beauty of Chilika-Asia’s largest brackish water estuarine lake. It’s a haven for bird-watchers / nature lovers. Abounding in unique flora and fauna, Chilika supports the livelihood of more than hundred thousand families living in and around it. The rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance of Chilika has earned t the status of Ramsar site.

Winter is usually the best time to visit Chilika as over 160 species of migratory birds flock the islands during this time of the year. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

After excursion to Chilika drive back to Puri .

Overnight at hotel

Breakfast at the hotel

After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Bhubaneshwar Biju Patnaik International airport to take flight back home with some great STORIES OF INDIA.

      END OF THE TOUR