Odisha (Orissa) Temples & Tribes Tours

Destinations Covered : Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri – Chilka Lake- Gopalpur – Taptapani – Rayagada – Jeypore
Tour Duration : (11 Nights / 12 Days).
Day 01 : Arrive Bhubaneshwar
Arrive Bhubaneshwar; garland welcome; assistance and transfer to Hotel. Bhubaneshwar is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Odisha (Orissa), and is famous as the temple city of India. Travel through Odisha (Orissa) is a melange of art, architecture and long-established customs. City tour of Bhubaneswar, which has some stunning temples clustered around the Bindusagar Tank. Of the original 7000 only 500 remain dating from the 7th century to the 11th century AD. Of these the most outstanding is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple, which celebrates the zenith of Odisha (Orissa) art; and the late 10th century beautifully decorated Muktesvara Temple, which marks the end of the phase of temple building in Odisha (Orissa). Outside the city limits are the Udayagiri and Khandgiri caves, harking back to the time of Jain and Buddhist occupation of this region in the 2nd century BC. The Jain caves are among the earliest in India and all the caves were built or excavated during the 150 years before Christ. In contrast to the stark decor of the Jain caves, the Buddhist caves are decorated with excellent friezes and sculptures. O/n hotel.
Day 02 : Bhubaneshwar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri
On the drive to Konark (75km), we will stop at Dhauli where the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced the teachings of Buddha. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970s by the Japanese. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260BC they outline Ashoka’s detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. Our next stop is the colourful village of Pipili where we can see Orissan handicrafts, the speciality being the famous applique work.