The state of Odisha termed as the "best kept secret of India" is a lesser known and yet a culturally rich destination of the Indian subcontinent. With magnificent temples, well preserved Buddhist ruins, expansive beaches, rich tradition of handicrafts, primitive tribes and abundance of Nature, the below listed itineraries have something to offer to anyone who is interested to visit this jewel on the east coast of India.
Classic Odisha
Day 1 Depending on the time of arrival, you can explore the Temple Town area of Bhubaneswar which has many old and architecturally magnificent temples to offer. While here you can visit the Lingaraj Temple, Lord Lingaraj is worshipped in the largest temple complex here. Night stay at Bhubaneswar.
Day 2 Visit the ancient cave complex of Udaygiri and Khandagiri in the morning. After lunch proceed to the 9th century shrine of Chausathi Yoginis in Hirapur. Then drive to Shanti Stupa of Dhauli after this. You can either move towards Puri after the visit or spend the night in Bhubaneswar.
Day 3 If starting in the morning from Bhubaneswar, you can take a stroll in the heritage village Raghurajpur known for Pattachitra, Palm leaf engravings and Gotipua dance. Visit the temple town of Puri, explore the golden sand beaches and drive towards Satapada to see the Irrawady Dolphins in the afternoon. Night stay at Puri.
Day 4 Enjoy the Marine Drive (road from Puri to Konark and ) and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sun Temple in Konark. On the way back to Bhubaneswar you can explore the applique works done at Pipli.
Day 5 Departure from Bhubaneswar
Cultural heritage of Odisha
Day 1 Depending on the time of arrival, visit the Old temple town in Bhubaneswar known for its cluster of architectural magnificence. Time permitting you can also explore the ancient cave complex of Khandagiri and Udayagiri.
Day 2 Visit the monastic complexes of Ratnagiri-Udaygiri-Lalitgiri which has a great expanse of ruins, remarkable sculptures and restored structures signaling the presence of a popular Buddhist university in the old times.
Day 3 If you are content with your visit to the serene viharas you proceed to the temple town of Puri where Lord Jagannath & his siblings are worshipped. You can take a relaxed walk on its golden beaches and visit the temple in the evening.
Day 4 Before visiting the UNESCO World heritage site of Sun temple in Konark, explore the heritage village of Raghurajpur dedicated to the beautiful crafts of Patachitra, palm leaf engravings and Gotipua dance. Or you can also opt for a morning visit to Satpada.
Day 5 Visit the famed Chausathi Yogini temple of Hirapur and Shanti Stupa at Dhauli in the morning. Early afternoon you can drive to the bird paradise of Mangalajodi in Chilika for a boat ride. The rich bird habitat attracts migratory bird in large numbers every year.
Day 6 Departure from Bhubaneswar
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