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Sacred Sites and Wilderness: Discover Bhubaneswar and Bhitarkanika

0/5
Duration

3 Nights / 4 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through Odisha with the “Sacred Sites and Wilderness: Discover Bhubaneswar and Bhitarkanika” tour. Start in Bhubaneswar, where you’ll explore ancient temples like Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar, Rajarani, and Lingaraj, along with the historic Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves and the Dhauli Rock Edicts. Transition to the enchanting Bhitarkanika National Park, India’s second-largest mangrove forest, known for its rich biodiversity, including estuarine crocodiles and Olive Ridley turtles. Enjoy a boat safari through the lush mangroves and visit the Bagagahan Bird Sanctuary to spot a variety of bird species. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the ancient Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udaigiri, and Lalitgiri. This tour perfectly blends spiritual heritage with natural wonders, offering a comprehensive experience of Odisha’s cultural and ecological treasures.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 46.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 49.9%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 58.9%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 60.4%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 62.3%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 62.9%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 66.6%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Bhubaneswar

Transfer from Bhubaneswar airport to your hotel and check-in. After settling in, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Parasurameshwar Temple, a masterpiece of early Kalinga architecture, featuring intricate carvings and detailed sculptures. Continue to Mukteshwar Temple, known for its beautiful arches and ornate stone carvings that highlight the artistry of the 10th century. Explore Rajarani Temple, renowned for its distinctive red sandstone and its carvings of Hindu deities. Head to Lingaraj Temple, an important pilgrimage site, where only Hindus can enter the inner sanctum. Admire the temple’s grand architecture and sculptures. Visit Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves, ancient Jain rock-cut caves with impressive carvings and inscriptions that provide insights into Jainism's history. View the Dhauli Rock Edicts, a collection of ancient inscriptions by Emperor Ashoka that convey his conversion to Buddhism and his commitment to non-violence. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Bhubaneswar - Bhitarakanika National Park (200kms)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bhitarkanika National Park, a significant mangrove forest area. Check in at your jungle accommodation and enjoy the natural surroundings. Bhitarkanika, the second largest mangrove forest in India, was declared a sanctuary in 1975 to protect the estuarine crocodile and various species of turtles. The park also hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Relax and unwind in the peaceful environment of the park. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay at Jungle Cottage or Tent.

Day 3: Bhitarakanika National Park

After breakfast, embark on a boat safari through the mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika. Observe the complex network of creeks and waterways, home to a variety of bird species, particularly Kingfishers, which are often seen hunting for fish. Look for estuarine crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and explore the serene beauty of the mangrove ecosystem. Visit Bagagahan Bird Sanctuary, where you can climb the observation tower for panoramic views and to spot different bird species, including Pelicans and various types of Storks. In the afternoon, drive to Similipal National Park. Check in at your Cottage or Tent. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay surrounded by nature.

Day 4: Bhitarakanika National Park - Bhubaneswar

After breakfast, drive back to Bhubaneswar. Enroute, visit Ratnagiri, Udaigiri, and Lalitgiri, the prominent Buddhist excavation sites from the 1st century. These sites include ancient monasteries, stupas, and intricate carvings, reflecting the rich Buddhist heritage. At Ratnagiri, explore the remains of Buddhist monasteries and stupas. Udaigiri is known for its rock-cut caves with elaborate carvings of Buddha and other figures. Lalitgiri features ancient Buddhist ruins and relics. Continue your drive to Bhubaneswar and arrive at your hotel or the airport for your departure.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 3 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Boat safari in Bhitarkanika Mangrove Forest with naturalist.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 3 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Bhubaneswar x 1 night: Fortune Park Sishmo/ Lemon Tree Premier
Bhitarkanika x 2 nights: Sand Pebbles Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts/ Nature Camp Bhitarkanika Retreat

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