DAY 01: Arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport /Rly. Stn.
Arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport/ Rly. Stn. Drive to Puri. On the way visit If time permits visit Lingaraj Temple Constructed in 650 A.D. this temple is a unique specimen of Oriyan style of architecture. The most special feature of this temple is the presence of one thousand lingas in the north-west corner of the complex.. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as the name suggests, the temple was built sometime in the 7th century by the King Jajati Keshari. The Lingraj Temple houses a Shivalingam that rises to a massive height of 8 inches above the floor level and is about 8 feet in diameter as well. Lingaraj Temple is a spectacular specimen of Orissa style of temples with a hint of Kalinga style of architecture, covering a vast area of 2,50,000 sq ft., stand tall 180 ft.As many as 150 smaller shrines dot the temple complex. Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple.
Then Visit Dhauli, where a modern peace pagoda and ancient rock edictsmark the emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism. Dhauli , a sacred Buddhist site on the banks of then river Daya, where the great Kalingan war was taken place. Revered by Buddhists as the place where ancient Indian emperor Ashoka renounced violence and embraced Budddddhism, the site pagoda , and see two of the rock-carved edicts declaring Ashoka’s new religious principles that date from 260 BC. Then view some rock-cut caves, medieval Hindu temples, and the renovated Shiva temple near Pagoda.
Continue to Visit Pipli the artist village where locals produce appliqué art- a process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers, leaves , gods, goddesses and other decorative motifs and stiching them over a piece of cloth. These creations are fabricated into lampshades, handbags, cushion covers, or even garden umbrellas.Arrive at Puri. Check in to hotel. Relax at hotel.
Overnight at Puri.
DAY 02: Puri – Satpada – Puri
After breakfast visit the world famous Lord Jagannath temple.The majestic Jagannath Temple in Puri is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is a part of the “Char Dham” pilgrimages. Jagannatha is not the only deity worshipped in the temple, though it is known as the ‘Jagannatha Temple’. The deities of the Puri temple are generally known as the Trimurti (trinity) and also as Chaturdhamurti. The temple was originally built by the Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga(1078 – 1148 CE). Much of the present structure was built by King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 CE. It took 14 years to complete and was consecrated in 1198 CE.
Then Drive to satpada ( Chilka lake).
Arrival Satapara. Book a motor boat ride in Chilka lake. ( booking will be on direct payment basis) Enjoy the day at chilka lake (India’s biggest inland lake spread over 1,100 square kilometers) Boating at the lake to spot the wild Asiatic Irrawaddy Dolphins at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal. Back to hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 03: Puri – Konark –puri
After breakfast excursion to Konark through marine drive. on the way visit some beautiful beaches , Ramachandi temple, Chandrabhaga beach. Continue to drive towards Konark the Chariot of the Sun God temple, built by Laqngula Narasingh Deva in 13th century A.D.. The Sun temple is known for its exquisite and intricate architecture and sculptures, an UNSECO World Heritge List of monument. The word ‘Konark’ is a combination of two words ‘Kona’ and ‘Arka’. ‘Kona’ means ‘Corner’ and ‘Arka’ means ‘Sun’, so when combines it becomes ‘Sun of the Corner’, dedicated to Sun God. Konark is also known as Arka khetra. There are three different sides of the temple, positioned in proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at morning, noon and evening. King Narasimhadeva the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels , each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever that might be, the konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole world. Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: “here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.” Drive back to Puri, evening enjoy beach marketing and relax on beach.
Overnight at hotel.
DAY 04: Puri – Sakhigopal – Raghurajpur- Bhubaneswar Departure
After freshen up in hotel visit Gundicha temple, the abode of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra for 9 days in-between Rath Yatra festival to Bahuda Yatra. Then visit Raghurajpur is 12Km from Puri- the artisans’ village, is a living museum itself. Every household has a painter and can show you lavishly painted, the age-old tradition paintings on canvas, skil (tassar) and other varieties like Pattachitra, papiermache, masks, stone idols, sculptures, wooden idils and toys and many more.The recently drawn mural paintings on the house walls are a step forward to make impression about survival of the past glory. One can contact any house in this village for the painting. The village ambience is also heart touching. This is a Heritage Craft Village of Odisha.
Then visit Sakhigopal also known as SakhigopalSatyabadi-is famous for the shrine of Lord Krishna. Although the Sakhigopal temple was built during the 19th century, the legend has it that the Krishna image was brought here by King Prataprudra Deva after his victory over Kanchi (South India).The life-size image is standing with flute and Radha is standing on the left side. The images are very beautiful and impressive.
Provide departure transfer at Bhubaneswar Apt. / Rly.Stn. for onward Journey.
