Odisha (Orissa) can be rightly called the Pilgrimage State of India as its temples attract thousands of tourists year round. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha (Orissa), is known as City of Temples. Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannatha and is famous for the Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival / Car Festival) all over the world. On the hand Konark, a small town in Puri, is world famous for its Sun Temple (Black Pagoda) which is a World Heritage Site.

 

Apart from the Temples in Odisha (Orissa), beaches and art and culture of the State are overwhelming. The below itinerary covers the main tourist attractions in Odisha (Orissa)-Pilgrimage Sites, Beaches and Art and Culture of Odisha (Orissa).

 

Arrival in Bhubaneswar and transfer to the hotel. Spend the day at leisure exploring the town by own. Overnight stay.

 

After breakfast proceed for full day Temple Tour in Bhubaneswar includes sightseeing of the famous Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and famous for its remarkable structure along with other Temples in Bhubaneswar Raja Rani Temple, Vaital Duel Temple etc. Afternoon proceed for sightseeing of Caves in Bhubaneswar: Udaigiri and Khandgiri Caves in Bhubaneswar enjoy the second place in Places to vIsit in Bhubaneswar. The coarse grained sandstone caves Udaigiri and Khangiri in Bhubaneswar served as the dwelling places of Jain monks. Overnight at Hotel.

 

After breakfast proceed for a tour to Dahauli and Hirapur. Dhauli are the historic plains located just 8kms from Bhubaneswar which witnessed the famous Kalinga War. Tourists come to Dhauli in Odisha (Orissa) to explore the Edicts of Ashoka engraved on a mass of rock. The great turn in Ashoka's life which coverted him to a monk took place at this battlefield only. Historians, Buddhists and tourists come here to survey the Chaityas, Stupas and Pillars built by Ashoka. There are only four major 64-Yogni Temples in India out of which 2 are situated in Odisha (Orissa). One of them is located in Hirapur, 15 kms from Bhubaneswar. Overnight at hotel in Bhubaneswar.

 

After breakfast leave for Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannatha. Located around 65 kms from Bhubaneswar, the Devine City Puri is located on the shores of Bay of Bengal. After lunch a tour to Puri Temples and Beach which includes a visit to the Jagannatha Temple and the Gunchinda Temple. In the evening relax yourself at the Puri Beach famous for the sand art and enjoy the sunset view at Puri Beach. The magnificent play of colors in the sky will rejuvenate your souls. Overnight at Hotel.

 

After breakfast leave for a tour to Chilika Lake and Pipli. Pipli is a famous center for exploring traditional crafts of Odisha (Orissa). Applique handbags, lampshades, wall hangings etc found at Pipli attract people from near and far. Chilika Lake, the second largest lagoon in the world, is a brackish water lagoon covering an area of 1100 sq feet. You can enjoy a Cruise trip in Chilika Lake. Overnight stay at hotel in Puri.

 

Konark is a small town in the district Puri which is world famous for its Sun Temple. The famous Konark Temple or Sun Temple is built with black granite in the form of Chariot of Surya (Surya-Sun God).

Local Life and Shopping : In the evening stroll around in the streets of Puri and enjoy the local life of Puri which revolves around the Lord Jagannatha. You can even purchase some traditional items at the local bazaars in Puri, Odisha (Orissa). Overnight at hotel in Puri.

 

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Bhubaneswar for an onward destination.