Glorious Sun Temple with Sunderban Tour

01 Day: Arrival Kolkata

Welcome to the mesmerizing land of India. As per your scheduled flight, our representative will assist and escort you by a/c car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room key and check-in is organized. You will be briefed about the tour and services. All documents will be handed over to you with traveling brief and interaction for any query in terms of tour and services. Evening is free for visiting local market and rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural style of Bengal.

02 Day: Kolkata

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people every day; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kalighat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Day: Kolkata – Harwood Point (100 kms: 2 ½ hrs one-way) – Ganga Sagar (By Jetty - 45 mins one-way)

After breakfast, take an excursion to Ganga Sagar. Drive till Harwood Point to cross the Muriganga River on a ferry, and from there hire a cab to reach the southernmost part. Ganga Sagar - A dip in the ocean, where the Ganga drains into the sea is considered to be of great religious significance. Visit Kapil Muni Ashram, sage responsible for initiating the chain of events that ultimately resulted in Ganga coming down to earth from heaven and giving mankind an opportunity to wash away its sins in her pure water. Inside the temple, a vermilion-smeared stone panel is the object of worship. Carved in the centre is an image of the saint holding a small pot of water in his left hand and a rosary in the right. Flanking this image are two others-of Ganga, the four-armed goddess with Bhagirath sitting on her lap and another one of Sagar, the bearded king. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: You can opt to stay at the southern most part of Ganga Sagar for one night and return to Kolkata the next day.

04 Day: Kolkata – Sunderbans (By Cruise: 3 hrs approx.)

8.30 A.M.: Departure from the hotel and drive to Gothkhali jetty (to board the boat ) Refreshments are provided during the journey through rustic Bengal.

11.00 A.M.: Arrival at Gothkhali (Here the road journey ends and the cruise to beautiful Sunderban begins.)

11.30 A.M.: Departure by Boat for Dayapur. Tea/Coffee on Boat

1.15 P.M.: Arrival at Sunderban Tiger Camp, Dayapur (The resort is located right opposite the Sunderban Tiger Reserve Forest separated just by River Pitchkhali).

1.30 P.M.: Lunch.

3.30 P.M.: Departure by boat for Sajnekh ali Tiger Project Area for viewing Wild life, Sajnekhali Museum, Mangrove Interpretation Centre & Watch Tower.

5.30 P.M.: Return to Sunderban Tiger Camp.

6.00 P.M.: Evening Tea/Coffee with Snacks. Enjoy a Panoramic View from Watch Tower. Evening Get-Together. Folk Dance by Local Artists/ Wild Life Movie and Bonfire (during winter season only)

9.00 P.M.: Dinner.

Note: Timing may vary depending upon tide.

05 Day: Sunderbans

5:30/6: 30 A.M: Morning Tea.

8.00 A.M.: A thrilling Boat Cruise inside creeks and dense forest (breakfast on boat during cruise) through numerous rivers while visiting Dobanke Watch Tower where the canopy walk inside the forest sends chills down your body (experience the life in which caged animals live in, while getting an all around view of the forest). Also visit the Spotted Deer Rehabilitation Centre. After which we cruise through Matla – Sea Face (the point from where Bay of Bengal can be seen) –Cruising back through the 5 river junction - to Pitchkhali.

1:00 P.M.: Lunch.

4.00 P.M.: Promenade around the Neighbouring villages to interact with the Local Community at a typical Sunderban settlement to understand their local Art, Culture and Way of Life (how man and tiger coexist in such a difficult terrain. In simple words a “Rendezvous with the Rural Bengal.”

5:30 P.M.: Evening Tea / Coffee with Snacks, followed by a Folk Dance by Local Artists/Wildlife Movie.

9:00 P.M.: Dinner.

Note: Timing may vary depending upon tide.

06 Day: Sunderbans – Kolkata (By Cruise)

6.30 A.M.: Morning Tea.

7.00 A.M.: Visit to Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower and Cruise through Rivers and Narrow Creeks of Pitchkhali- Sarakhkhali-Sudhanokhali- Bonobibi Dharani (narrow creek) and visit the Watch-Tower followed by a cruise around the Islands of the Sunderban Tiger Project Area (Breakfast on Boat during Cruise).

10.00 A.M.: Return to Sunderban Tiger Camp.

11.30 A.M.: Lunch.

12.00 Noon: Departure for Gothkhali by Boat.

3.00 P.M.: Arrival at Gothkhali.

3.30 P.M.: Departure for Kolkata.

6.30 P.M.: Arrival at Kolkata and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Timing may very depending upon tide.

07 Day: Kolkata – Bhubaneswar (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Bhubaneswar, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar city famous for its temple culture and its architectural richness amaze visitors to the city, visit the Rajarani temples - dedicated to Lord Brahma. After visit drive to Atri famous for its hot sulphur springs. Besides having healing powers the hot water of the Atri spring is famous for rejuvenating ones body and soul. Then visit the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar which is also a popular tourist spot. Followed by visit to the State Museum House to see some of finest collections of paintings and palm leaf etchings. Overnight at the hotel.

Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubaneswar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or “Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Besides being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubaneswar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubaneswar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.

08 Day: Bhubaneswar:

Today morning after breakfast, visit to Hatakeswar Temple near Atri (60 kms), also visit the Mukteswar temple, Lingaraj temple & the Parasurameswar temple - all the three temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The twin hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri (Lat. 20.16 N; Long. 85.47E) are located in the vicinity of Bhubaneswar town. The National Highway No.5 passes through the close proximity of the hills. These two hills represent one of the earliest groups of Jaina rock-cut architecture in eastern India in the field of architecture, art and religion. These caves were first brought to the notice by A. Stirling in 1825 A.D.  Evening is free to explore the bustling colourful markets, shopping for some exquisite Orissan handicrafts or you can visit Bindusagar Lake - one of the popular tourist attractions. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

09 Day: Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri (70 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Puri, enroute you will visit, Dhauli -The battleground of Kalinga war during 3rd century BC, which transformed Emperor Ashoka into Dharmashoka. After visit stop over at Konark to visit the spectacular Sun Temple dedicated to Sun God build by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. It was build as a chariot to him with wheels on all sides of the temple. Made out of black granite is also referred to as 'Black Pagoda'. It is one of the earliest places where Sun God was worshiped. After visit proceed to Puri, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for leisure at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Konark: Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stand to the West it. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history.

Puri: Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This is Puri beach. It is a pleasure to swim here, as the sea is shallow for almost a mile. Very near the beach huge waves come rolling in - ideal for surf riding. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centres in India and is famous for its Jagannath temple. Millions of devotees flock to this holy place every year to participate in the Rath Yatra or "Car festival". This annual ritual spreads over the entire summer and monsoon seasons making the most fruitful period to visit Puri.

10 Day: Puri

After breakfast take a city tour of Puri. Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centres in India. Visit to the famous Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe, Gundicha temple - considered to be the home of the aunt of Lord Krishna, Adi Sankracharya Mutt, enjoy a stroll through the temple bustling bazaar and visit the main temple complex. After visit drive to Chilka Lake, Satpada - Asia’s largest salt water lagoon. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

11 Day: Puri – Raghurajpur village – Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary (200 kms 5hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Bhitarkanika, enroute visit to Raghurajpur village, a small village near Puri, is well-known for its art and culture. It is situated on the southern bank of the river Bhargavi, about 14 km away from the city of Puri. It has occupied a prominent position in India’s cultural map. The village represents the rich cultural heritage of the state of Orissa. Almost every family in Raghurajpur village is engaged in art and craft works, and as such it wouldn’t be an overstatement to refer to it as the artisan’s village. Raghurajpur is considered as the heritage craft village of the state of Orissa. This village houses numerous small temples dedicated to Lord Lamxinarayan, Radha Mohan, Raghunath, Gouranga, Gopinath and Bhuasuni, which happens to be the local deity of this village. After visit proceed to Bhitarkanika, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment, explore Farmers village where you can watch men working in the field & Women in the morning leave for the Creeks to Catch the Fish & Crabs for the day, also visit crocodile breeding centre, Museum, deer, water lizard etc. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park located in Kendrapara district of Odisha in eastern India. The park is home to the saltwater crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, black ibis, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, chitals, darters, cobra, water monitor lizard. Mangroves, trees like sundari, thespia, casuarinas, and grasses like the indigo bush, and more. The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by a number of rivers - Brahmani, Baitarni, Dhamra, Pathsala and others.

12 Day: Bhitarkanika – Ratnagiri – Bhubaneswar (150 kms: 4 hrs)

After a delicious home style breakfast, explore the Sanctuary by Boat & spot the Giant Salt Water Crocodiles basking on the Bank. Enjoy the Whole Sanctuary by Walk & spot the Deer, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizards, Migratory Birds & Many more Rare Species at Bhitarkanika. Later check out the resort and drive to Bhubaneswar, enroute stop over at Ratnagiri- Buddhist monuments,. It was built by Gupta king Narasimha Gupta Baladitya during 1st half of the 6th century. Buddhism had developed at this place in the 12th century. If time permits visit Lalitgiri is one of the most famous places among Buddhist peoples and Hindu peoples. Udayagiri is situated in the district Jajpur. It is also a very popular centre for the Bddhist Pilgrimage. It is at 5 km far from Ratnagiri. After visit proceed to Bhubaneswar for overnight stay.

Ratnagiri is one of the most famous Buddhist sites of India. Ratnagiri literally means the Jewel hill and lies in the Birupa river valley of Orissa. Excavation work carried out here have exposed two big monasteries, one big stupa, Buddhists shrines, sculptures and votive stupas. The bigger of the two monastery has 60 columns and well decorated gates. The rich Buddhist treasures unearthed from here also include bronze and stone images of the Buddha as well as a number of idols of the Buddhist pantheons. Of special significance is a mammoth image of meditating Buddha, with eyes half open, at the top of the hill. A museum here safeguards and exhibits the relics unearthed from the site.

13 Day: Bhubaneswar – Hometown (By Air) )

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Bhubaneswar airport to board the schedule fight for Hometown. On departure tour concludes with happy memories.