ORISSA ODYSSEY TOUR

14 Nights / 15 Days

From the cultural capital of India to the Tribal forests of Orissa, this is truly an odyssey through one of the most culturally diverse populations of India as well as one of the most diverse scenic routes one can travel.

Itinerary Route: Kolkatta - Bhitarkanika - Bhubaneshwar - Puri - Gopalpur - Rayagada - Jeypore - Lamtaput - Visakhapatnam

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 Bhitarkanika National Park (via Train)

In the morning, board the train to Bhitarkanika. The ride takes you through some of the most scenic parts of Orissa - paddies and plains, remote villages. From the railway station you'll be transferred to the National Park to check in to a guest house where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 4: Bhitarkanika National Park

A coastal national park, Bhitarkanika is a nature lover's dream - sea, sand, rivers, forest, creeks, ponds. The wildlife is diverse and it's a birdwatcher's paradise. Take a drive deep into the wildlife sanctuary and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive saltwater crocodile. Spend the night in a guest house and dine to the music of nature.

Day 5: Bhitarkanika to Bhubaneshwar (300 km / 7 hour drive)

After leaving the park, spend the day driving to Bhubaneshwar. En route, stop at ancient Buddhist ruins, take in scenic overlooks, picnic under Banyan trees, stop on hilltops for the panoramic views of lush valleys below. Ascend into the capital of Orissa and spend the night.

Day 6: Bhubaneshwar to Puri (120 km / 2 hour drive)

On the drive to Puri enjoy stops along the way at Yogini Temple in Heerapur, Pippli Aplique work village, and the, Dhauli Peace Pagoda. Continue on to Puri, an important Pilgrimage Center of India which boasts the largest kitchen in the world serving over 100,000 devotees daily. Check-in to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 7: Puri

Enjoy a trip to Pippli Aplique work village and the famous Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site - built in the a form of Chariot in the 13 century. 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.

Day 8: Puri

Spend the day as you wish. See "Local Attractions" for ideas on where to go and what to see..

Day 9: Puri to Gopalpur via Chilika Lake (245 km / 5 hour drive)

On the drive to Gopalpur enjoy a stopover at Chilika Lake for dolphin spotting. Chilika Lake is spread over 1100 sq.km. and 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. Wind up at Gopalpur-on-Sea - a quiet beach resort town - where you'll spend the night.

Day 10: Gopalpur to Rayagada (215 km - 4 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 11: Rayagada to Jeypore (160 km / 3 hour drive)

En route to Jeypore, drive through the hilly regions of the Eastern ghats and rub shoulders with the largest weekly gathering of indigenous peoples at the vibrant Chatikona Market. Join Dongrja Kondh girls with their countless hairpins, earrings and nose rings fawn over fancy items. A people watcher's heaven. Spend the night in Rayagada.

Day 12: Jeypore to Lamtaput (157 km / 3 hour drive)

Visit the most extraordinary weekly market of India' most primitive indigenous peoples at the Onukadeli marketplace. Observe the Bonda tribeswomen adorned with a kaleidoscope of beads; picnic under a waterfall and follow the footsteps of the Gaddava and Paroja tribes; camp near their village and participate in the evening revelry; dance the Dhemsa long into night! Lamtaput is a melting pot of indigenous cultures who gather to trade their goods and wares every week. A healthy balance maintained between co-dependency and individual identity is most apparent during these occasions. Spend the night in Lamtaput.

Day 13: Lamtaput to Visakhapatnam (145 km / 3 hour drive)

Check-out in the morning and take the scenic drive to Visakhapatnam. Stop along the way at Kunduli weekly market where everything from cattle to dried fish is sold. If you dare, try the home-brewed alcohol! Pass through dense forested hills and green valleys as you drive into the port city of Visakhapatnam. Spend the evening visiting the 11th century hilltop Simachalam temple, dine at the beach. Spend the night.

Day 14: Visakhapatnam

Spend the day as you like. See "Local Attractions" for what to do, where to do, what to see.

Day 15: Depart from Visakhapatnam

Checkout and transfer to airport or railway station for onward journey.

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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