Classic Odisha Tour (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Odisha is a confluence of the Aryan, Dravidian and Adivasi cultures. Most festivals in the state bring out some part of these cultures and celebrate their religion by way of festivals which span out the entire year. There are festivals that are common, but the celebration remains unique to a region.

Day 1: Arrive Bhubaneswar

On arrival at Biju Pattnaik International Airport you will be met by Insight Holidays representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will be assisted with the check in. Bhubaneswar, though modern in design by the German architect Otto Königsberger in 1946, the history of the areas in and around the present-day city can be traced to the 3rd century BC and earlier. Get enthralled by a myriad of tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar ranging from monuments of ancient history, breathtaking temple architecture & Buddhist sites, art & craft villages, museums and artefacts that never ceases to amaze. Depending on your arrival time, explore Odisha Crafts Museum (Kalabhoomi) dedicated to the art and crafts of Odisha. Stroll down to Ekamra Haat Crafts market & try some local delicacies. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Day 2: Bhubaneswar – Hirapur – Dhauli – Bhubaneswar

Morning after breakfast visit the Jain caves of 2nd century BC at Khandagiri and Udaygiri. Later in the day explore the Tantric Cult 64 Yogini shrine at Hirapur dating back to the 9th century AD which gives a glimpse of the religious and occult practices of medieval times. Visit Shanti Stupa at Dhauli Hills, a significant symbol of love and peace. It is at Dhauli that Ashoka adopted Buddhism. Return back to hotel. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Day 3: Bhubaneswar – Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri & Udayagiri

Today post breakfast set out for a full day excursion to Lalitgiri (archaeological site of a Buddhist Monastery from 4th to 8th Century AD), which includes monastery ruins, votive stupas and a huge stupa from where caskets of Buddha’s relics were excavated. Later visit Ratnagiri, the largest Buddhist monastery that flourished from the 4th to 14th century AD with most sculptors of the Vajrayanic sect, hundreds of votive stupas & a huge monastery complex. Proceed to Udayagiri, another huge Buddhist monastery still under excavation. The sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri & Lalitgiri were together called Pushpagiri, an important seat of Buddhism. Later, drive back to Bhubaneswar. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Day 4: Bhubaneswar – Pipili – Konark – Raghurajpur – Puri

Morning after breakfast visit Dhauli Peace Pagoda, famous for Ashokan Rock Edicts and the site where the battle of Kalinga was fought. Visit Alandhua textile villages, Pipili (famous for colorful appliqué works used in temples and households). Later visit the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, built in the 13th century, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Sun God. Drive along the marine drive to Puri. On arrival check in at hotel. After short relaxation visit the Lord Jagannath Temple (15th century AD), a fine example of Odisha temple architecture. Overnight stay at Puri.

Day 5: Puri – Chilika Lake – Raghurajpur – Puri

Early morning leave for Satapada at Chilika Lake. Spread across 1200 sqkm, Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lake and home to a unique ecosystem. Enjoy a boat trip to see Irrawaddy Dolphins in their natural habitat. Later visit Raghurajpur, a heritage craft village known for Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and traditional Odissi & Gotipua dance performances. Overnight stay at Puri.

Day 6: Puri – Departure

Today morning after breakfast drop at Bhubaneswar airport before two hours of scheduled departure for your onward destination. Hope you got an insight into the Classic History of Odisha and wish you to return back again to explore incredible India with us.