Best of Odisha in 48 hours

Best of Odisha in 48 hours

Best of Odisha is a tour in which guests get to experience the rich culture of Odisha in 48 hours. The tour starts at Dhauli where in 260 BC Emperor Ashoka gave up War and became Buddhist and paved the way for the World to embrace Buddhism. The highlight of this tour would be the grand Sun Temple at Konark with its mesmerizing Sundials in the form of wheels of the Chariot. At Puri we see the magnificent Temple of Lord Jagannath, famous for its Chariot festival. A Dolphin spotting ride in a boat on the Lake Chilika, meeting the legendary artists of Pattachitra style of painting and Caving in Khandagiri and Udayagiri are the other things we will do.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dhauli & Konark

Pass By: 5 Senses Tours, Bhubaneswar India
Orientation

Stop At: Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, Shanti Jan Path Dhauligiri, Bhubaneswar 751001 India
8 AM- Our first destination is Dhauli. This is the venue of the ancient battle which was fought in 260 BC. Emperor Ashoka, the great Mauryan King won the battle but upon seeing the bloodbath had a change of heart. He became a propagator of peace and had a big role in the spread of Buddhism in India. We will get to see edicts of Ashoka embossed on rocks using the ancient Brahmi script and Prakrit language. The rock cut Elephant sculpture is one of the oldest in India.

Another highlight of Dhauli is the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. The current structure was built by an Indo-Japanese collaboration in 1972 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh.

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Konark Sun Temple, Kasia-Tamkuhi Road, Konark India
We will drive to Konark to experience one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of India. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across heavens.

The most interesting aspect of the architecture lies in the wheels of the chariot. The twelve pairs of wheels located at the base of the temple are no ordinary wheels. They create a sundial and tell time!

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Ramchandi Temple, Ramanagar, Odisha 754224, India
We will visit Ramachandi temple besides the Bay of Bengal. The temple is surrounded by casurina plantations, and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi who is seen seated on a lotus.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: ଶ୍ରୀ ଜଗନ୍ନାଥ ମନ୍ଦିର Shree jagannath Temple, Puri, Puri, Odisha 752002, India
6PM- We arrive at beachside town of Puri. We will also see famous temple of Lord Jagannath, from outside as non-Hindus are not allowed inside. The temple is famous for its annual chariot festival. During the chariot festival, the three principal deities are pulled on gigantic chariot. In-fact this chariot festival is the origin for the English term Juggernaut!
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Puri hotel

Day 2: Chilika Lake

Stop At: Chilika Lake, Satapada Satapada, Puri 752001 India
630 AM- We drive for an hour to reach the magnificent Chilka lake. At Satapada we will take a boat ride on the lake. If we are lucky we can spot dolphins of Irrawady.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Raghurajpur Artist Village, On the river Bhargabi, Puri India
The state of Odisha is very famous for its handicrafts. We will visit a village market at Raghurajpur. This village is home to the immensely talented Pattachitra painters whose traditional style goes back to the 5th century BC. The artists use gum and chalk and their canvas is the dried palm leaf.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Khandagiri Caves, Udaygiri Khandagiri Road Khandagiri Hills, Bhubaneswar 751030 India
Khandagiri caves are dwelling retreats or cells of ancient Jain ascetics. These were built in the second century BC during the reign of King Kharavela of the Kalinga Kingdom. At the top there is a 18th century Jain temple as well.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rajarani Temple, Tankapani Rd, Bhubaneswar 751002 India
Raja rani temple is a temple constructed in the 11th century from reddish and yellow sandstone. This material was called Rajarani in the local dialect and hence the temple got its name. The temple is famous for its unique sculptures of women. Women are in poses performing Odissi the traditional dance form as well as in every day life moments.

6 PM– End of Tour

Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.