Spiritual Sun Temple Tour

Welcome to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, where our representative will assist and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. During check-in, all required documents related to the tour will be handed over to you, and you will receive a travel briefing covering the tour and services, with assistance for any queries. The evening is free for visiting the local market, relaxation and rest. Kolkata, the gateway to Eastern India, developed around the Hooghly River and is known for its cultural heritage and architectural landmarks. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata, visiting the High Court Building, built in 1872 and inspired by the Gothic Revival architectural tradition, and St. Mary's, one of the historic Catholic churches associated with Kolkata's Christian heritage. Continue to Howrah Bridge, the iconic cantilever bridge completed in 1943 and one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, spanning the Hooghly River. Visit the Botanical Gardens, known for its extensive collection of plants and the famous Great Banyan Tree. Continue to Victoria Memorial, one of Kolkata's most prominent landmarks, built between 1906 and 1921 in memory of Queen Victoria and combining British and Mughal architectural influences. The tour also covers St. Paul's Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Temple, Dalhousie Square and Tagore House. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Bhubaneswar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and, after refreshment, begin a sightseeing tour of the city, known for its temple culture and distinctive Kalinga-style architecture. Visit the Rajarani Temple, an 11th-century architectural masterpiece known for its intricate sandstone carvings and the absence of a presiding deity, although its architecture strongly indicates a Shaivite origin. Continue to Atri, famous for its hot sulphur springs, traditionally associated with healing and rejuvenation. Visit the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar, a popular local attraction, followed by the State Museum, where you can see collections of paintings and palm-leaf etchings. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Today morning after breakfast, visit the Mukteswar Temple, renowned for its ornate gateway and finely carved sculptures, followed by the magnificent Lingaraj Temple, one of Bhubaneswar's most important temples and a major example of Kalinga-style architecture. Continue to Parasurameswar Temple, one of the city's earliest surviving temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later visit the twin hills of Udayagiri and Khandagiri, which contain one of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut architecture in eastern India and are important for their historical, artistic and religious significance. The caves were first brought to wider notice by A. Stirling in 1825 AD. In the evening, explore the bustling colourful markets and shop for Orissan handicrafts, or visit Bindusagar Lake, one of the city's popular attractions. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Puri. En route visit Dhauli, the historic battlefield associated with the Kalinga War of the 3rd century BC, an event traditionally linked with Emperor Ashoka's transformation into Dharmashoka. Continue to Konark to visit the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to the Sun God and built by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. Conceived in the form of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels and seven horses, the temple is also known as the 'Black Pagoda'. Its carvings depict aspects of royal, social, religious and military life of the period. After the visit, continue to Puri and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free for leisure on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a city tour of Puri, one of India's four main Hindu pilgrimage centres and an important destination associated with the annual Rath Yatra, or Car Festival. Visit the famous Jagannath Temple, one of the most revered Hindu temples in India and the spiritual heart of Puri, followed by Gundicha Temple, traditionally associated with the Rath Yatra and the journey of Lord Jagannath. Continue to Adi Shankaracharya Mutt and enjoy a stroll through the bustling temple bazaar. Puri's coastal setting, with its yellow sand, blue waves and white surf, also makes the beach an important part of the experience. The rest of the evening is free for shopping or relaxing on the beach. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, take an excursion to Raghurajpur Village, situated on the southern bank of the Bhargavi River and well known for its art and culture. Almost every family in the village is involved in traditional art and craft work, earning it the character of an artisan's village. Visit its small temples dedicated to Lord Laxminarayan, Radha Mohan, Raghunath, Gouranga, Gopinath and Bhuasuni, the local deity of the village. Afterwards drive to Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon and an important wetland known for its rich biodiversity and migratory birdlife. Its waters and reed islands support birdlife including white-bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sandpipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers and gulls, including migratory birds arriving from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, your day is free for beach activities in Puri. Later check out from the hotel and drive to Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, to board the scheduled flight for Kolkata. On arrival, transfer to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, to board the scheduled flight for your hometown. On departure, the tour concludes with happy memories.