Kolkata Bhubaneshwar Tour

At. (Your Arrival Time): Upon arrival at Kolkata (also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose) International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our representative who will ensure your transfer to your pre-booked hotel in this city. Nicknamed as the “city of joy”, Kolkata is the capital of the West Bengal state and is known for its colonial architecture, historic temples and artistic museums. 

After reaching your accommodation, complete the check-in procedure and take some time off to relax and de-stress. If you happen to arrive early, feel free to wander and discover the local areas nearby your accommodation. After you’ve explored a little bit on your own, return back and enjoy your overnight stay.

Note: You can also choose to travel to this city via road as well, but please keep in mind that you’ll have to travel to the Birgunj (Raxaul) border on your own. You’ll be picked up from here and then transferred to Kolkata via a private vehicle. 

Meal: Not Included.

At. 06:00 AM: This day demands a bit of an early waking up, as you’ll be heading towards Gangasagar located on Sagar Island. Being a prominent pilgrimage site for many Hindu devotees, the Sagar is the convergence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal. 

Likewise, in Hindu mythology, it’s believed that taking a dip in this sacred site helps to achieve moksha (liberation) from the constant cycle of reincarnation, especially on Makar Sankranti. 

To reach this attraction, you’ll first be picked up from the hotel and then transferred to Lot Number 8 (also known as Harwood Point) in Kakdip. From here, you’ll hop on a ferry (at your own personal cost) where you’ll cross the Muriganga River to reach Kachuberia. 

From here, you can either travel to Sagar Island via a local rickshaw or car (at your own personal expense). The sheer beauty of the island will leave you speechless, as you’ll see waves crashing on the shore and feel the crisp sea air providing you a refreshing break during your sightseeing.

After being dropped off at the entry point of the island, you’ll have to walk a little to reach the Gangasagar area. If you travel during Makar Sankranti, you’ll see thousands of devotees offering prayers but during other times of the year, the island will likely be empty and uncrowded.

Here, you can take a holy dip along the shore side, perform pujas and might even catch devotees conducting pujas by offering flowers, incense and sweets to Goddess Ganga. 

Note: You’ll also be provided a prepacked breakfast during your tour. 

Then, visit the Kapil Muni Temple located at a walking distance dedicated to Kapil Muni (a renowned sage). Built in a traditional Bengali architectural style, this attraction holds the idols of many Hindu deities like Kapil Muni, Goddess Ganga, Hanuman and Shiva. 

To get the best spiritual experience, you can offer prayers to the gods and seek blessings from the priests and see devotees engaging in many religious activities. 

Once you’ve explored these destinations, you’ll have to walk back to the island’s entry point and then take a rickshaw/car (at your own personal expense) to Kachuberia, followed by a ferry to Lot Number 8, where you’ll finally be picked up and driven to your hotel in Kolkata.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After having breakfast, you’ll begin your Kolkata sightseeing tour, where you’ll explore many of this city’s notable attractions, starting with Kalighat Kali Temple, devoted to Goddess Kali (a representation of Durga). Being one of the 51 shakti peethas sites, the temple is constructed using Bengali architecture.

Additionally, the temple consists of many prominent attractions like mandapams (halls), kunds (tanks) and the main garbha griha (sanctum) where you’ll see devotees worshipping Goddess Kali and offering gratitude and prayers.

Next, explore Belur Math, a sacred ashram/temple founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1897. Functioning as the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission, this attraction has been working for many humanitarian and social service purposes, serving many people in need in Kolkata. 

Following this, stop by Dakshineswar Kali Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, which showcases elegant domes and tall spires along with motifs and sculptures that depict scenes from various Hindu books and mythologies. 

After this, you’ll proceed to Victoria Memorial, a historical landmark built in the 20th century. Consisting of numerous galleries (like botanical, bronze and coin, to name a few), here, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of many historical paintings, sculptures, weapons and books, which will offer you deep insights into Kolkata’s colonial past. 

Next, move on to Fort William (also known as Vijay Durg), which overlooks the majestic Hooghly River, which you’ll also get to see during your tour at this site! Constructed in the 18th century, a few major highlights of this fort are the watch towers, defensive walls and underground tunnels that were established for defensive purposes in the past. 

Note: You’ll only be able to see this destination from the outside, as entry inside is prohibited. 

After soaking in the historical atmosphere of the fort, you’ll explore Eden Gardens, one of India’s largest cricket stadiums that also features a lush green park located nearby. Then, explore the Indian Museum, a 19th century landmark that has helped preserve this city’s deep rooted history and thriving cultural legacy. 

Divided into various galleries like archaeology, art, anthropology and geology, a few highlights of the museum include the remains of the Bharhut Stupa, ancient Buddha’s relics, Mughal paintings and ancient coin collections. 

In the evening, you can finally unwind at Eco Tourism Park, a massive urban park that spans across 480 acres! You can also go boating in the park’s tranquil lake, rent bicycles and cycle through the paved roads, see the miniature replicas of the seven wonders or simply walk through scenic garden pathways soaking in this attraction’s beauty. 

Note: Tickets for the boat ride and bicycle rentals are not included and can be paid directly by the clients in the park if they wish to partake in these activities. 

After completing all the sightseeing activities, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Kolkata, where you can enjoy your overnight stay. 

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: Once you’ve had your breakfast at the hotel, complete the checkout formalities, as you’ll be traveling to Bhubaneshwar from Kolkata either through a train or via airplane depending upon your convenience. 

Once you reach Bhubaneshwar city, you’ll be transferred to Puri (via road), taking another 2 to 3 hours. After you’ve arrived at your pre-booked hotel in this city, complete the check-in procedure and have some rest. During the evening time, you can explore the popular Golden Beach (also known as Blue Flag). 

This destination is said to come alive especially during the sunset hours, as the sky changes colors into hues of orange, red and blue. For a bit of fun, you can also dip your toes in the refreshing waves that crash against the shore and take those Instagram worthy photos/videos to best preserve the beauty of this scenic place!

After a few hours of exploration, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Note: Train/flight tickets are not included in the package cost and will have to be paid separately by the clients.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast, you’ll first stop by Puri, one of the four Bada Chardham sites. In this city, you’ll visit the renowned Shree Jagannath Temple devoted to Lord Jagannath (a representation of Vishnu). 

Inviting massive numbers of Hindu pilgrims every year during the Rath Yatra, this destination offers visitors a deep religious experience as they can witness devotees engaging in bhajan programs and priests performing sacred rituals, which you’ll also get to observe during your tour here. 

Tracing back its history, the temple was built during the 12th century and features four grand gates namely the Singha, Ashwa, Vyaghra and Hasti, that serve different purposes. 

A major highlight of the temple is definitely the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra kept in the inner garbha griha (sanctum) made out of wood from neem trees. Decorated with colorful garlands, clothing and jewellery, the idols are replaced during auspicious years in the Hindu calendar by the priests of the temple. 

Note: Please take into consideration that only Hindus are allowed inside the premises of the temple.

En route to Konark, a historic town known for its historical landmarks and beautiful beaches, you’ll first tour Ramachandi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga (a manifestation of Parvati), followed by a visit to the popular Chandrabhaga Beach. While this beach is said to be one of Konark’s best spots for catching the sunrise, it still remains a prized spot for locals and tourists during other times of the day as well. 

Following this, stop by the Konark Sun Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Surya. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the temple resembles a chariot structure (for Lord Surya to ride on during travels) and features many stone wheels and sculptures of horses situated around the vicinity. 

Lastly, explore the Chhaitana Stone Carving Village, an artistic craft village where you’ll be able to witness stone sculptures of various religious figures made by the local craftsmen of the village. You’ll also find many locals working with chisels on large blocks of stones. 

After all the sightseeing activities are completed, you’ll then be dropped off at the hotel back in Puri, where you can enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After breakfast, complete the checkout formalities, as you’ll drive to Bhubaneshwar from Puri, which can take around 2 to 3 hours to reach. En route, visit Pipil, a picturesque town popular for its colorful applique (sewing and needlework technique) handicrafts. 

Then, explore Dhauli Giri Hills, which features a white colored peace pagoda situated on top of a small hill. The pagoda also features statues of Lord Buddha in Dhyana Asana (meditating) and Parinirvana (sleeping) positions. 

Lastly, visit Lingaraj Temple (in Bhubaneshwar) dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu (also known as Hari-Hara). Established using Kalinga architecture, this destination is divided into 4 major sections, namely the Vimana Area (the temple tower), Bhoga Mandapa (hall of food offerings), Jagamohana (assembly hall) and Nata Mandir (festive hall) where many of the temple’s religious activities are carried out. 

Note: Please take into consideration that only Hindus are allowed inside the premises of the temple.

After the temple visit, you’ll be taken to your pre-booked hotel in Bhubaneshwar, where you’ll need to complete the check-in procedure. Freshen up, as you’ll be visiting the Khandagiri & Udayagiri Cave Hills, two of this city’s most ancient sites. 

The hills are situated opposite each other and were believed to have been established in the 2nd century during the ruling of King Kharavela. Out of the 117 caves that were carved in the hill, only 33 have survived, of which 18 are in the Udayagiri Hills, whereas the remaining 15 are in Khandagiri. Additionally, the caves are known for their stone cut architecture, detailed designs and artistic carvings of the Hindu deities engraved on the walls. 

Finally, stop by Kalabhumi Art & Craft Museum, built in 2018 by the government of Odisha state and consisting of many thematic galleries like handloom, tribal art, stone/carving, metal crafts and paintings. Likewise, there’s a garden located outside that you can take a stroll around as well during your tour here.

After completing all the sightseeing activities, you’ll then head to your accommodation in Bhubaneshwar and enjoy your overnight stay.

Meal: Breakfast Included.

At. 07:30 AM: After having a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, get ready to head to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar for your flight back (with a layover) to Kathmandu. Safe travels and we hope you made lots of wonderful memories along this journey! 

Note: We advise you to travel to the airport 3 hours before your flight schedule. Additionally, if you choose to travel to Kathmandu via road, you’ll be dropped off at the Birgunj (Raxaul) border from where travel arrangements will have to be done on your own terms.