Day-1: Arrive Bhubneshwar – Puri Sightseeing
Upon arrival at Bhubneswar Airport/ Rly. Stn. and transfer to hotel. After fresh up visit the world famous Lord Jagannath temple. The majestic Jagannath Temple in Puri is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus and is a part of the “Char Dham” pilgrimages. Jagannatha is not the only deity worshipped in the temple, though it is known as the 'Jagannatha Temple'. The deities of the Puri temple are generally known as the Trimurti (trinity) and also as Chaturdhamurti. The temple was originally built by the Kalinga ruler Anantavarman Chodaganga(1078 - 1148 CE). Much of the present structure was built by King Ananga Bhima Deva in the year 1174 CE. It took 14 years to complete and was consecrated in 1198 CE. Then Drive to satpada (Chilka Lake). Here book a motor boat ride in Chilka Lake. (Booking will be on direct payment basis) Enjoy the day at chilka lake (India's biggest inland lake spread over 1,100 square kilometers) Boating at the lake to spot the wild Asiatic Irrawaddy Dolphins at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day-2: Puri – Konark – Puri
Morning after breakfast, excursion to Konark through marine drive. on the way visit some beautiful beaches, Ramachandi temple, Chandrabhaga beach. Continue to drive towards Konark the Chariot of the Sun God temple, built by Laqngula Narasingh Deva in 13th century A.D. The Sun temple is known for its exquisite and intricate architecture and sculptures, an UNSECO World Heritge List of monument. The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combines it becomes 'Sun of the Corner', dedicated to Sun God. Konark is also known as Arka kshetra. There are three different sides of the temple, positioned in proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at morning, noon and evening. King Narasimhadeva the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever that might be, the konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole world. Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone surpasses the language of man." Drive back to Puri, evening enjoy beach marketing and relax on beach. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day-3: Puri – Sakhigopal – Raghurajpur – Puri
After breakfast, proceed to visit Gundicha temple, the abode of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra for 9 days in-between Rath Yatra festival to Bahuda Yatra. Then visit Raghurajpur is 12Km from Puri- the artisans’ village, is a living museum itself. Every household has a painter and can show you lavishly painted, the age-old tradition paintings on canvas, skil (tassar) and other varieties like Pattachitra, Papiermache, Masks, Stone idols, Sculptures, wooden idils and toys and many more. The recently drawn mural paintings on the house walls are a step forward to make impression about survival of the past glory. One can contact any house in this village for the painting. The village ambience is also heart touching. This is a Heritage Craft Village of Odisha. Then visit Sakhigopal also known as Sakhigopal Satyabadi--is famous for the shrine of Lord Krishna. Although the Sakhigopal temple was built during the 19th century, the legend has it that the Krishna image was brought here by King Prataprudra Deva after his victory over Kanchi (South India).The life-size image is standing with flute and Radha is standing on the left side. The images are very beautiful and impressive. Back to Puri. Free at beach for beach activities. Reach back & overnight at Hotel.
Day-4: Departure
Morning after breakfast, check-out from the hotel and departure transfer to Airport or Rly. for your onwards journey.
