Arrive Delhi :Arrive
by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat'
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport
& transfer to hotel for check in. Delhi is a bustling
metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the
ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the
prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their
seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are
believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from
the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC.
Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by
different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin
Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the
Walled City Shah Jahanabad.Later in first half of 20th
century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin
Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative
area as a testament to British rule in India. The
division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the
division in life styles.
Day 02
Delhi - Bhubaneswar
(Flight S2-6143 - 0815hr-1015hr) :Today we take a
flight to Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. Once
the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long
history & is today a bustling centre for commerce &
religious activity. These temples are unique in
themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but
also in the wonderful sculptures. These temples
epitomize a comprehensive history of Orissan style of
temple architecture from its very inception to
perfection spreading almost to 2000 years from 3rd
century BC to 16th Century AD.
Later we take a tour of Bhubaneswar visiting Lord Shiva
Lingaraja Temple, the 11th century temple of Bhubaneswar
has been described as "truest fusion of dream &
reality." A rare masterpiece, the temple has been rated
one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple. Every
inch of the 55 m-high Lingaraja temple is covered with
elaborate carvings. Sculpture & architecture fused
elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Next we visit
Mukteshwara Temple, a 7th-8th century AD is one of the
most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar. The intricate
carvings of the deities stand testimony to the influence
of Hindu, Buddha & Jain style of architecture. The
carvings on the roof are specially striking.
We also visit Parashurameshwara Temple, a small but
richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the
7th century. It is one of the best examples of the
Orissa style of temple architecture.
Day 03
Bhubaneswar - Puri via
Dhauli, Pipli village & Konark (56 Kms - 02 hr)
:Today we drive to Puri, en-route visit Dhauli & Pipli
village & Konark (Sun Temple). First we stop at Dhauli,
where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great renounced bloody
warfare & embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory
over kingdom of Kalinga. Here we visit Peace Pagoda
known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese.
Also visit two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by
the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they
outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his
administrators to rule with gentleness & fairness. Next
we visit the Colorful Pipli village, where Orissan
Handicrafts, the specialty is applique work.
Later we drive to Puri en route we visit Konark temple
Chariot of the Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha
Deva in the 13 century AD in the Golden era of Orissan
art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture &
sculpture is sheer poetry on stone.
Day 04
Puri Full Day Tour
:Today we visit the famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated
to Krishna (Vishnu) in his deity form of Jagannath,
meaning Lord of the Universe (Jag translates to
Universe, nath means Lord). The present temple structure
was built by Ananta Brama Chodaganga Dev in middle of
12th century AD (1078-1147 AD). It is a curvilinear
temple which rises to 214 feet. Crowning the very top is
the 'srichakra' (an eight spoked wheel) of Vishnu. The
most important festival is the Rath Yatra or the Chariot
festival once a year.
Later we explore the Puri beach, one of India's finest
beaches. Puri Beach attracts millions of travelers to
India with its strategic setting & religious importance.
Day 05
Puri - Gopalpur via
Chilka Lake (200 km- 05 hr) :Today we drive to
Gopalpur en-route visit Chilka Lake, famous for its bird
sanctuary. It is Asia's largest inland salt-water
lagoon. Studded with small islands including the
picturesquely named Honeymoon Island & Breakfast Island,
the lake is separated by a sandy ridge. It is dotted
with small islands & has an impressive array of bird
life both native & migrant. White bellied sea eagles,
graylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons &
flamingos are most popular bird species found. Other
than the birds, its shores are home to black buck,
spotted deer, golden jackals & the lake is rich in
aquatic life, its water harbor various species of fish
including the famous Chilka dolphin. Prawn, crab &
mackerel fishing is an important source of livelihood
for the locales.
Later drive to Gopalpur on Sea, ancient sea port not
often visited by tourists. Sand dunes, groves of coconut
palm & casuarinas separate the small town from the
beach.
Day 06
Gopalpur - Bhubaneswar
(200 km - 05 hr) Bhubaneswar - Delhi (Flight IC-878 -
1520hr-1720hr) :Today we drive to Bhubaneswar to
board the flight to Delhi. Upon arrival assistance &
check-in hotel.
Day 07
Depart Delhi -Transfer
Full Day Tour :Today we take a guided tour of Old
Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad,
Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of
Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal
Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known
mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw
ride through Chandni Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah
Jehanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort,
built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan.
In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father
of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black
marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on
31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate,
memorial built in the year 1931 to commemorate the
Indian soldiers who died in the World War I & the Afghan
Wars. The names of the soldiers who died in these wars
are inscribed on the walls. President's House, the
official residence of the President of India, built in
the year 1931. Until 1950 it was known as Viceroy's
House & served as the residence of the Governor-General
of British India. We will also visit Humayun's Tomb,
memorial of Mughal Emperor Humayun, built in the year
1562. The complex is a World Heritage Site & the first
example of this type of Mughal architecture in India.
Qutub Minar, built in the year 1206 by Qutub-ud-din
Aibek. It is the tallest (72m) brick minaret in the
world, an important example of Indo-Islamic
Architecture. Qutub Minar & its monuments are listed as
a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
