CHARMINAR AND GLIMPSES OF ORISSA TOUR

9 Nights / 10 Days

From the capital city of Hyderabad to the tribal country of Orissa; immerse yourself in the customs of tribes, visit quiet beach towns, and dine on fresh caught seafood on the shores of Chilika Lake.

Itinerary Route: Hyderabad - Goudaguda - Rayagada - Gopalpur - Chilika - Puri

Day 1: Hyderabad

Upon your arrival in Hyderabad, you will be met by a Tour Packages India Representative and then escorted to your hotel. If time permits, take in some of the sites of Hyderabad (see "Local Attractions").

Day 2: Hyderabad to Vishakapatnam (via Train)

After breakfast, embark on a day of sightseeing around Hyderabad - home of the extraction site of the world famous Kohinoor diamond. to (See "Local Attractions".) In the evening, board the overnight train for Vishakapatnam.

Day 3: Vishakapatnam to Goudaguda (200 km / 5 hour drive)

After your morning arrival in Vishakapatnam, you'll enjoy the scenic drive through the Araku Valley to Goudaguda in Orissa where you'll check-in to the Chandoori Sai Guesthouse where you'll spend the next two nights. Goudaguda, one of the better known tribal areas of Orissa, offers the unique opportunity to interact with the area tribal villagers and to observe their way of life.

Day 4: Goudaguda

Chandoori Sai has teamed up with one of the most experienced and respected eco-tribal tour operators in Orissa to bring you the Goudaguda "experience". Read more about it in "Local Attractions". The day is loosely planned leaving room to pick and choose what you'd like to do and see.

Day 5: Goudaguda to Rayagada (71 km / 2 hour drive + stops)

Though a relatively short drive, you'll make stops along the way to visit tribal villages and further your exposure to the differences between the tribes. Most likely you'll encounter a marketplace teeming with traders, barterers, and tribal members from neighboring villages - a true sense of how the villages are intertwined yet distinctively autonomous. Spend the night in Rayagada.

Day 6: Rayagada to Gopalpur (215 km / 5 hour drive)

Drive into the tribal territories via quiet country roads lined with teak plantations and dense forest, into idyllic remote villages and fascinating little marketplaces, and encounter the Adivasis tribe - considered to be the true indigenous people of India. Hidden away in the hills of the Eastern Ghats, the Adivasis account for 25% of Orissa's population making it the most populous Adivasi region in all of India. The traditions of these diverse ethnic tribes are fiercely guarded and you'll most likely witness a way of life which has remained relatively unchanged throughout history

Day 7: Gopalpur to Chilika Lake (190 km / 4 hour drive)

Check-out and drive to Chilika Lake via quiet tribal country roads. Enjoy the peace and quiet of Chilika Lake in the evening - dine to the sounds of nature on the shores of the largest brackish body of water in Asia.

Day 8: Chilika Lake to Puri (45 km / 2 hour drive)

Spend the morning exploring Chilika Lake. Spread out over 1100 sq.km. Chilika Lake is a favorite stopover for migratory birds and a birdwatcher's paradise. Take a boat ride and get a closer look at flamingos, cranes, pelicans and whatever other flying creatures the season may bring. And, as always, you're sure to spot Wild Asiatic Dolphins. Relax in the evenings and enjoy the tranquility of surrounding nature.

Day 9: Puri

Enjoy a trip to Pippli Aplique work village and the famous Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site - built in the 13th century in the form of a Chariot. Later, tour Puri - Jagannath Temple, Potters Village, Grand Road, Fishing Colony. Enjoy a meeting with local painters and learn how to mix organic colors. In the evening, be sure to visit the beach to check out the sand sculptures. Sand art in Puri has achieved global recognition and it's not unusual to see sand artists at work on the beach in the evenings. Additionally, take a ride to Chilika Lake, spread out over 1100 sq.km., which is the largest brackish body of water in Asia. It's a favorite stopover for migratory birds and a birdwatcher's paradise. Take a boat ride and get a closer look at flamingos, cranes, pelicans and whatever other flying creatures the season may bring. And, as always, you're sure to spot Wild Asiatic Dolphins.

Day 10: Departure

Check-out and departure from Railway Station or Airport.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

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