Odisha cultural tours

Arrival at Bhubaneswar. Transfer to Hotel. Half day Sightseeing of 2nd Century Ad. ' Caves.

Bhubaneswar is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Odisha, located in the Khordha district. The region, especially the old town, was historically often depicted as Chakra Kshetra and Ekamra Kshetra (Area adorned with a mango tree).Bhubaneswar is dubbed the "Temple City", a nickname earned because of the 700 temples which once stood there. In contemporary times, it has emerged as an education hub and an attractive business destination.

Although the modern city of Bhubaneswar was formally established in 1948, the history of the areas in and around the present-day city can be traced to the 7th century BCE and earlier. It is a confluence of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain heritage and includes several Kalingan temples, many of them from 6th–13th century CE. With Puri and Konark it forms the "Swarna Tribhuja" (lit. 'Golden Triangle'), one of Eastern India's most visited destinations.

Transfer from Bhubaneswar to Puri, Drive down, photographing the lush green paddy fields, enroute visiting Dhaullgiri •Dhauli or Dhauligiri is a hill located on the banks of the river Daya, 8 km south of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India the Buddhist peace pagada the Ashokan rock' .edicts, as well as the colourful village of Pipili' and see the speciality in Orissan Handicrafts.The place is famous for Applique works which is a traditional craft of the local People. They prepares Chandua (colorful Arts on clothes), umbrella, cloth bags, purses, wall hangings, carpets, garments for ladies & other applique works which have a good market in India and abroad.
75 Kms.- 2 , 1/2 Hrs.

Free on the Beach. Puri has been known by several names since ancient times, and was locally known as "Sri Kshetra" and the Jagannath temple is known as "Badadeula". Puri and the Jagannath Temple were invaded 18 times by Muslim rulers, from the 7th century AD until the early 19th century with the objective of looting the treasures of the temple. Odisha, including Puri and its temple, were part of British India from 1803 until India attained independence in August 1947. Even though princely states do not exist in India today, the heirs of the House of Gajapati still perform the ritual duties of the temple. The temple town has many Hindu religious mathas or monasteries.
Day at leisure on the Beach, or for a visit to Jagannath temple and Shopping of Handicrafts.

Transfer from Puri to Bhubaneswar. Via Konark the Famous "Black Pagada" Sun Temple, built like a chariot,Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, what remains of the temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot (30 m) high chariot with immense wheels and horses, all carved from stone. Once over 200 feet (61 m) high, much of the temple is now in ruins, in particular the large shikara tower over the sanctuary; at one time this rose much higher than the mandapa that remains. The structures and elements that have survived are famed for their intricate artwork, iconography, and themes, including erotic kama and mithuna scenes. Also called the Surya Devalaya, it is a classic illustration of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga architecture. Famous for its 13th Centure erotic. Carvings. Half Day sightseeing of the famous temples at Bhubaneswar, or Nandan Kanan,Nandankanan Zoological Park is a 437-hectare (1,080-acre) zoo and botanical garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Established in 1960, it was opened to the public in 1979 and became the first zoo in India to join World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary. Nandankanan, literally meaning The Garden of Heaven, is located near the capital city, Bhubaneswar, in the environs of the Chandaka forest, and includes the 134-acre (54 ha) Kanjia lake.
The only zoo with a Collection of white tigers. O/N at Bhubaneswar.

Transfer from Bhubaneswar to Chilika - The Asia's largest brackish water lake.Another lake in India called Vembanad Lake is the longest lake (if you consider only the length, 96.5 kilometres (60.0 mi) where the length of Chilika Lake is 64 kilometres (40 mi)) in India. Chilika Lake comes after the New Caledonian barrier reef. It has been listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site.Its salinity varies by region, from freshwater where rivers flow in, to oceanic salinity levels due to tidal influx.
Cruise to the Nelaban Bird's^. island and Temple of Kalijai. Continue from ChIlika to Taptapani Bath In Natural Hot Sulphur Springs. The name Taptapani derives from loacl language odiya, "tapta" means hot and "pani" is obviously water. The hot water from the natural spring of Taptapani are attributed with medicinal properties with natural Sulphur and can be bathed in the pond created next to the hot spring.
Overnight at Taptapani. Covering 250 Krns.- 6 to 7 Hrs. Drive.

Taptapanl to Chandragirl, the Tibetan village. carpet weaving centre.Chandragiriis located in Lobarsing Gram Panchayat of Mohona Block. It is famous for the Budhist temple, the highest in the South Asia. In 2010 it was inaugurated by his Highness Dalai Lama.
After lunch depart for Bhubaneswar.
Overnight at Bhubaneswar. Covering 315 Kms. • 9 hrs. Drive.

Bhubaneswar to UdaygirI Lalitgiri / Ratnaglri. The Tringle of the Buddhist Monasteries on Hills.Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, formerly called Kattaka Caves or Cuttack caves, are partly natural & partly artificial caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India. The caves are situated on two adjacent hills, Udayagiri and Khandagiri mentioned as Kumari Parvata in the Hathigumpha inscription.They have a number of finely and ornately carved caves built during the 1st century BCE.It is believed that most of these caves were carved out as residential blocks for Jain monks during the reign of King Kharavela. Udayagiri means "Sunrise Hill" and has 18 caves while Khandagiri has 15 caves. Dating back to 8th Century A.D.Lalitagiri is a major Buddhist complex in the Indian state of Odisha. The complex is home to stupas, 'esoteric' Buddha images, and monasteries, which is the oldest site in the region. Significant finds at this complex include Buddha's relics. Tantric Buddhism was practiced at this site. There are two museums, with excellent collections from the sites Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri.
Overnight at Bhubaneswar. Covering  235 Kms. - 6 Hrs. Drive.

Transfer to Airport. TOUR ENDS