Table of Contents:- A three-week
tour of Odisha (formerly Orissa) and Kolkata (formerly Kolkata) will allow you to experience the cultural richness, natural beauty and unique traditions of these parts of India. Here is a suggested itinerary for your trip: Week 1: Odisha
Day 1-2:
Bhubaneswar
• Arrive in Bhubaneswar
, the capital of Odisha.
• Visit the famous temples of Lingaraj, Mukteshwar, Rajarani, and Parasurameswara, which feature remarkable architecture.
• Explore the Odisha State Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Day 3-4 : Puri
• Head to Puri, a coastal city sacred to Hindus.
• Visit the Jagannath Temple, one of the four great Hindu pilgrimages (Char Dham).
• Enjoy Puri Beach and attend the evening ceremony at Jagannath Temple.
Day 5-6: Konark & Chilika Lake
• Depart for Konark to visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed Temple of the Sun, known for its exquisite architecture.
• Take a trip to Lake Chilika, Asia's largest saltwater lake, to observe migratory birds and enjoy the natural beauty.
Day 7-8: Gopalpur-on-Sea & Rayagada
• Travel to Gopalpur-on-Sea, a beautiful, peaceful seaside resort.
• Explore the serene beaches and surrounding fishing villages.
• From Gopalpur-on-Sea, head to Rayagada to experience the unique tribal culture and visit the colorful weekly markets.
Week 2: Odisha
Day 9-10: Jeypore and Tribal
Villages
• Travel to Jeypore, a city located in the heart of the tribal regions.
• Explore tribal villages and learn about their handicrafts, music, and traditional dance.
• Visit the bustling markets where tribes come to sell their wares.
Day 11-12: Visakhapatnam and Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh) • Depart for Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Explore Ramakrishna Beach, Borra Caves Museum, and Kambalakonda Zoo.
• Take a trip to the Araku Valley, known for its coffee plantations and picturesque landscapes.
Week 3: Kolkata
Day 13-14: Kolkata
• Travel to Kolkata, the cultural capital of India.
• Visit the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Kali Temple, and Mother Teresa's House.
• Learn about Kolkata's history and culture with a visit to the Indian Museum, Birla Museum, and New Market.
Day 15-16: Sundarbans
• Take a trip to the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove swamp and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Enjoy boat safaris to observe the unique flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers.
Day 17-18: Shantiniketan & Murshidabad
• Head to Shantiniketan, the city founded by Rabindranath Tagore.
• Visit Visva-Bharati University and explore the artworks and books in Tagore's collection.
• Next, depart for Murshidabad to explore the rich historical heritage and visit the Hazarduari Palace and Katra Mosque.
Day 19-20: Darjeeling and Mount Kanchenjunga
• Travel to Darjeeling, a famous hill station in the Himalayas.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Kanchenjunga from the Tiger Hill viewpoint.
• Visit the Tea Gardens, Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Zoo and take a ride on the toy train.
Day 21: Departure from Kolkata • Return to Kolkata
and use your last days to shop and taste the delicious Bengali cuisine.
• Depart Kolkata for your departure destination.
This itinerary will allow you to discover the cultural, historical and natural diversity of Odisha, as well as the cultural and historical richness of Kolkata and its surroundings. You will discover the beauty of East India and the unique customs of its people. Be sure to allow enough time for travel between destinations, as some of them may be far from each other. Enjoy your trip and the unique experiences this region has to offer!
