Sun Temple with Sikkim Tour

01 Day: Arrival Bhubaneswar:

Welcome to the memorizing land of India. Our representatives assist you at the Bhubaneswar airport and escort you by a a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After your check in, you will be given all the required documents related to the tour and our representative will explain all your queries and feedback about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by morning flight, after rest you can take a short tour of the sightseeing of the city; otherwise take the rest and overnight at the hotel in Bhubaneswar.

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.

02 Day: Bhubaneswar:

Today morning after breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar, city is famous for its temple culture and its architectural richness amaze visitors to the city, visit the Rajarani temples - dedicated to Lord Brahma. 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.

03 Day: Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Konark – Puri (70 kms: 3 - 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Puri, enroute you will visit, Dhauli - The battle ground 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.

04 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. Rest of the evening is free for shopping or for relaxing on beach. Overnight at the hotel.

05 Day: Puri – (Excursion to Raghurajpur village: 14 kms ½ hr & Chilka Lake)

After early breakfast, take an excursion 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. Return to the hotel for overnight stay. After visit drive to Chilka Lake, 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.

06 Day: Puri – Bhubaneswar (70 kms: 2-3 hrs) – Kolkata (By Air)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bhubaneswar airport to board the scheduled flight for Kolkata. Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day is free for individual activities. You may opt to visit the local markets for shopping. 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.

07 Day: Kolkata

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Kolkata is a city of joy, where the heritage hunters can discover a blend of old and new. The political capital of British India has now become one of the largest metropolises of the world. 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.

08 Day: Kolkata – Bagdogra (By Air) – Kalimpong (80 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the schedule flight for Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bagdogra airport, and drive to Kalimpong, a quiet hill station in Eastern Himalaya. Kalimpong is famous for its Orchids & Nurseries and some of the rarest cacti & Orchids can be seen. Oak, Maple and Chestnut stretch up the ridge as far as the eye can reach. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evenings if free for relaxation and individual activities. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Kalimpong: Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. Located on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids. Nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong.

09 Day: Kalimpong – Pelling (105 kms: 4-5 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a half day sightseeing in & around Kalimpong covering Durpin Dhara, Zong Dong Palri Fo-Brong Monastery and flower & Orchid Nurseries and Kalimpong Market. Afterwardsw drive to Pelling, located at an altitude of 6,800 ft, Pelling is a very small Himalayan Town in West Sikkim. Pelling is the nearest motor able point from Mt. Kanchendzonga, worlds 3rd highest peak, offers a good sunrise and all day long view of Kanchendzonga and the entire Eastern Himalayan range. On arrival in Pelling, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pelling, situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft. it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim.

10 Day: Pelling

After breakfast take a full day sightseeing in an around Pelling, visiting Changay Falls Singshore Bridge (Worlds 2nd highest hanging bridge) Dentam Bazaar – a beautiful Sikkimese village & Pemayangtse Monastery – the 2nd oldest monastery of Sikkim. Rimbi Falls, Sacred Khechodpalri Lake, the water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface, Kanchendzonga Falls & Rimbi Power Project. Also visit Rabdantsay Ruins which is the 2nd Capital of Sikkim & Sunset Point. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse monastery at an altitude of about 7,000 ft is situated about 6kms from Gyalshing town. It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and first built as a small temple in the late seventeenth century by Latsun Chembo. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru's Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th and the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar which normally corresponds to the month of February.

11 Day: Pelling – Gangtok (125 kms: 5 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Gangtok. Drive to Gangtok is said to be one of the best journeys in our hills. Provides us with magnificent view of the Kanchenjunga and its ranges from Ghum to Lopchu and the tea gardens itself Peshok and Lopchu bears the mark of the famous Darjeeling tea bushes with its mountains on its back ground. The drive is long but offers some scenic views of rivers, valleys, narrow gorge, falls and small towns. Our drive through Teesta bazaar is mostly along the beautiful river Teesta till we reach a small town of Ranipool, from where we gradually climb up for 30 mins towards the capitol of Sikkim. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, visit the Banjhakari Water Park and Ranka Monastery. In the evening, take a walk through the bazaar of Bangkok through the area of old palace and return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Gangtok, situated at an elevation of 5600 feet, on the flank of the ridge, lies 'High Hills' alias the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. With about 30, 000 people inhabiting it, it is the largest town in the city. The snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga envelopes the town and offers spectacular view. Amidst the whipping prayer flags, brightly painted pagoda houses, hums of prayers in the background, coupled with smiling people against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Gangtok, this truly becomes a place worth visiting. It is a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung, and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu. The Stupas, the monasteries, all reach out with full mysticism to attract a large number of people to this magical land every year.Gangtok, apart from being the second smallest state of India, is also host to some of the important Buddhist religious sites.

12 Day: Gangtok – Tsongo – Gangtok (Excursion: 32 kms one way)

After breakfast take an excursion tour to Tsomgo Lake – 32 kms, situated at a height of 3,780 meters with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around and enjoy the Yak ride and Tibetans dish momo. Also visit 18 kms from the Lake Baba Mandir, (temple of disappeared army personal) and back to Gangtok. Later drive back to the city, en route visit Hanuman Tok a temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtokand Tashi View Point built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, this site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Tsongo: It is literally known as "source of the lake” in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

13 Day: Gangtok – Darjeeling (95 kms: 4 hrs)

Today after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Darjeeling, once the summer capital of India, Darjeeling is a land of infinite variety and charm. It will cater you a mix-experience of lively nature charming Himalayan people. Surrounded by Tea gardens; this little town faces some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas. Take a rest and then a walk around town to appreciate the new culture you are in. on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit to the Mall road, this is the shopping paradise for tourists. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

Darjeeling popularly known as the "Queens of Hill Stations" offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan panorama. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens, magnificent view of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga peak, beautiful valleys, trekking to high altitude and famous toy train. As it is Darjeeling attracts botanists, ornithologists, adventurers, photographers and holidaymakers alike. With its array of scenic wonders and a rich folk culture, Darjeeling has something for everyone. The name Darjeeling is a composition of 'dorje' meaning 'thunderbolt' and 'ling' meaning 'place' ... 'the Land of Thunderbolt'. Until the beginning of the 18th century the Darjeeling belonged to the rajas of Sikkim. In 1780 they lost Darjeeling to Gurkhas. A series of wars were fought between the Gurkhas and East India Company, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas.

14 Day: Darjeeling

Early morning take an excursion to Tiger hill to enjoy the breathtaking view of color changes during sunrise over snowcapped peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga Range. Return to hotel for breakfast. Later take a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling visiting Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, the monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. Tibetan Self-Help Refugee Centre, Established in 1959, the centre comprises a home for the aged, and orphanage, school, hospital and craft workshops that produce carpets of pure ladakhi wool, woodcarving, leather work and wool items Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, The Mountaineering Museum contains a collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and a relief model of the Himalaya. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. This zoo was established in 1958 with the objectives of study, conservation and preservation of Himalayan fauna. The animals are well cared for by dedicated keepers. Enter into the world famous tea gardens to watch the tea plantations. Evening once again you may opt to walk around the Mall Area, the heart of the town. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

15 Day: Darjeeling – Bagdogra (80 kms: 4 hrs) – Kolkata (By Air) – Hometown

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Bagdogra. On arrival, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kolkata. On arrival at Kolkata airport, board the scheduled flight for hometown from International terminal. Tour concludes here with happy memories.