FESTIVAL OF FAITH TOUR

7 Nights / 8 Days

If you’ve ever wondered what a juggernaut actually looks like, Puri is the place to see one during the annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) in celebration of Lord Jagannath in Orissa. Each year, three huge chariots are constructed - wheels alone are more than 7 meters in diameter - and are ritually pulled through the streets from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Mandir. The chariots are replicas of the Jagannath Temple and each of them carries an idol of Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and his sister Subhadra. The idols reside at the Gundicha Mandir for a week before they are returned to the Jagannath Temple on the same chariots. The entire journey is accompanied by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims, many of whom, at one time in history, threw themselves under the wheels of the 'juggernaut' in the delerium of their fervor. Now, this festival is pure celebratory and a holiday of utter joy, and Puri is transformed into one huge fairground.

Itinerary Route:  Kolkatta - Puri - Chilika Lake - Puri

Day 1: Arrive Kolkatta

Upon arrival, a Tour Packages India Representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 2: Kolkatta

Spend the day sightseeing. Kolkatta is a great city to explore - see "Local Attractions" for a comprehensive list of things to do, places to go, what to see in this cultural capital of India.

Day 3: Kolkatta to Puri (480 km / 11 hour drive)

Spend the day driving to Puri with breaks for meals and scenic stops. Upon arrival in Puri, check-in to your hotel where you'll spend the next three nights.

Day 4: Puri

Puri is one of the most important and famous Pilgrimage Centers of India - boasting the largest kitchen in the world serving over 100,000 devotees daily - and well beyond that during the Festival of Faith. Discover the traditional temple culture of Puri. Meet the skilled craftsmen preparing for the festivities. Feel the mounting anticipation and watch the massive chariots take shape in the town square. Watch temple dancers practice and traditional painters rendering the vivid colours which bring the festival to life.

Day 5: Puri

Take a drive to the famous Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 13th Century - created in the a form of Chariot - also considered an important pilgramage stop on this Festival of Faith. Back in Puri, tour the town and see the world famous Jagannath Temple, Potters Village, Grand Road, Fishing Colony.. Enjoy a trip to Pippli Aplique work village. 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.

Day 6: Puri to Chilika Lake (45 km / 2 hour drive)

In the morning, set off for Chilika Lake where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 7: Chilika Lake

Spread out over 1100 sq.km. Chilika Lake 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. Relax in the evenings and enjoy the tranquility of surrounding nature.

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

Checkout and transfer back to Puri to continue your onward travels.

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.

View Festival of Faith (Chariot Festival / Rath Yatra) in a full screen map