Tour Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Bhubaneswar - Puri - Dhauli - Lalitgiri - Ratnagiri - Udaygiri - Nuapatna - Gopalpur-on-Sea - Rayagada - Tumudibandh - Jeypore - Visakhapatnam
Day 01: Arrival at Mumbai
Upon arrival in Mumbai, you'll be cordially welcomed in a traditional Indian manner by out tour executive, after which you'll be transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel and retire for the night.
Day 02: Mumbai
Post breakfast, you'll proceed for a guided sightseeing tour of the city. From shopping streets to beaches to religious getaways to places of historical relevance, Mumbai is a tourist's delight. Major attractions include Gateway of India, Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach, Crawford Market, Fashion Street, Linking Road, Haji Ali Mosque, Mahalaxmi Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahim Church, and many more. In the afternoon, you'll head for an excursion to the mystical Elephanta Caves. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 03: Mumbai - Bhubaneswar - Puri
Early in the morning, you'll be transferred to the airport to board a flight to Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa. Upon reaching, you'll straight away head to Puri, about 60 km from Bhubaneswar. Arrive at Puri and make a check in at the hotel. Freshen up and proceed for a city tour in the afternoon. The Artisan Village of Raghurajpur is the major attraction here. Some of the art forms found in the village date back to 5th century BC. Drive back to the hotel to spend the night.
Day 04: Puri
Day four will begin with a nutritious breakfast, followed by a full-day excursion to the Sun Temple Complex at Konark. Built by the King Narsimhadeva I of the Easter Ganga Dynasty in mid 13th century CE, the temple is a fine example of Orissan architecture and is often referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of India. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the entire morning and afternoon exploring the place. Head back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 05: Puri - Bhubaneswar
In the morning, you'll ride back to Bhubaneswar. En-route, you'll pay a visit to the Asokan Rock Edicts located in Dhauli, about 8 km from Bhubaneswar, and 64 Yogini Temples of Hirapur in Khurda District, about 15 km from the capital. Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, you'll be escorted to the hotel for a check-in. After a short relaxing session, set out for a mini sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar and return back for overnight stay.
Day 06: Bhubaneswar - Lalitgiri - Ratnagiri - Udaygiri - Bhubaneswar
The day will begin with a delectable breakfast, after which you'll head off for a full day excursion to the Buddhist triangle of Orissa - Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri. Each site is similar to the other and comprises of popular stupas and monasteries. Ratnagiri, in particular, houses a main stupa dating back to the 9th century AD, remains of six temples, and thousands of small stupas. Drive back to the hotel in the evening. Oriya cuisines will be served for dinner, after which you can retire in your comfy and snugly room.
Day 07: Bhubaneswar - Nuapatna - Bhubaneswar
Post breakfast, you'll be going for a full day tour to the village of Nuapatna, also known as Weaver's Village; and Sadeibarini village, also called Dokra Metal Worker's Village. Nuapatna village is renowned for Khandua silk and Ikat sarees. Do grab a few to boast of the Oriya tradition! The excursion to Sadeibarini, on the other hand, will give you an opportunity to see the local craftsmen working close at hand. Return back to the hotel in Bhubaneswar. Treat your taste buds with a delicious supper before calling the day off.
Day 08: Bhubaneswar - Gopalpur-on-Sea
On day eight of the tour, you will drive, via Chilka Lake, to Gopalpur-on-Sea, a famous beach and popular tourist destination sited in the Ganjam district of Orissa. Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon, prominent for sighting India's migratory birds and the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. Upon your arrival, you'll check in to a beach hotel. After a lavish beach dinner, spend the night on the tranquil shores of Bay of Bengal at the hotel.
Day 09: Gopalpur-on-Sea - Rayagada
In the morning, you'll depart from Gopalpur-on-Sea to the district of Rayagada, celebrated for its picturesque vistas comprising of forests, valleys, and waterfalls. This isolated district is a home to some of the primitive tribes of India. En-route, visit the Desia Kondh tribal villages and hot sulfur water springs at Taptapani. Continue your journey to Rayagada and upon arrival, make a check in to the hotel. Unwind and refresh as you doze off in the night.
Day 10: Rayagada - Tumudibandh - Rayagada
After an early morning meal at the hotel, you'll leave for a full day sightseeing tour of the tribal villages at Kutia Kondh, located in the Tumudibandh area of Orissa. Spend the entire day interacting with the folks and witnessing the village life of one of the most primitive tribes of India. In the evening, head back to the hotel in Rayagada. Spend the night at the hotel, post dinner.
Day 11: Rayagada - Jeypore
Take a sumptuous breakfast in the morning, after which you'll proceed to the Dongria Kondh tribal market at Chatikona. The people of this tribe are considered to be the protectors of streams, hills, and jungles. Hereafter, you'll journey to Jeypore and make a check in at the hotel, upon your arrival. Enjoy the multi-cuisine supper served to you in a traditional manner. Call it a day, thereafter.
Day 12: Jeypore - Visakhapatnam
Day twelve marks your visit to the most colorful tribe of Orissa, Bonda. Complete your wholesome breakfast and seat yourself comfortably in the cab. Travel to Bonda to meet the people and explore their local market. Continue your expedition with a short visit to the Gadaba village, before you embark to Visakhapatnam, The Jewel of the East Coast. Once you reach Vizag, make a check in the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Visakhapatnam Departure
Before leaving Visakhapatnam, you'll visit the Simachalam Temple, dedicated to the incarnation of Vishnu as Narsimha. The temple is a blend of Dravidian and Orissan styles of architecture. Hereafter, you'll be transferred to Visakhapatnam Airport to board the flight for your onward destination.
