Best of Odisha

Arrive at Bhubaneswar, the ‘Temple City of India’, where you be met by our Holxo Holidays representative who will assist you to transfer to the hotel and check in. Then, visit the ancient Lingaraja Temple, the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and one of the most revered Lord Shiva Temples in Odisha. It is a 1000+ year old temple with a 180 ft Gopuram built in classic Kalinga style architecture. Also, visit the Mukteswara Temple and Chausath Yogini Temple, one of the four Yogini temples in India, which has over 64 yoginis residing in the temple.

The evening is free for leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, travel to the beach getaway of Puri. Enroute, visit the Shanti Stupa of Dhauligiri, a Pipili appliqué work market and the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century. The temple includes a massive 100 ft chariot being pulled by horses and wheels, carved of stone. Stop at Chandrabhaga Beach before reaching Puri.

Visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the most revered temples in East India and one of the Char Dhams (other three being Rameshwaram, Badrinath and Dwarka). Later, relax on Puri Beach, believed to be one of the best places to witness picturesque sunrises. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Satapada for Chilika Lake, a 1100 sq. ft. brackish backwater lagoon, renowned for dolphin sightings and bird watching. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India. Enjoy a 2-hour boat ride to explore the area.

Return to Puri and visit the heritage artisan villages of Raghurajpur and Nayak Patna enroute. You have the rest of the evening free to explore Puri. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast, proceed to Gopalpur. Enroute, visit Mangalajodi, located at one end of the Chilika Lake. These wetlands are known for their bird sightings. Go on a country boat ride gently cruising through. OR visit Chilika Lagoon from Barkul end and enjoy the motor boat ride. Visit Kalijai Temple, located on an island in Chilika Lake.

Reach Gopalpur and check in to the hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

After a delicious breakfast, take a day trip to Chandragiri, a Tibetan settlement. The Jirang Monastery is a beautiful monastery to visit. Enroute, visit Taptapani, known for its natural hot sulphur springs. While returning to Gopalpur, visit the village of Padmanabhpur, where traditional cotton weaving still continues.

Return to Gopalpur and stay overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to Bhubaneswar. On arrival, visit the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in the outskirts of Bhubaneshwar from the 1st century BCE, Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts and Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum.

Stay overnight at the hotel.