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The Temples & Tribes of India Tour: 13 Nights & 14 Days

 
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£ 2143 Per Person

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» Tour Overview   » Tour Highlights   » Detailed Itinerary   » Accommodations   » Price   » Inclusions & Exclusions
 
 
Locations Covered:
KOLKATA » BHUBANESHWAR » PURI » GOPALPUR » RAYAGADA » JEYPORE » JAGDALPUR » KANKER » BHORAMDEO » KAWARDHA » DELHI
 
 
Overview:
The Sun Temple at Konark is worth the journey alone and yet as one travels further whether along the coast or into the central tribal areas, you will have the privilege of visiting some of the most interesting temples and isolated tribal people of the subcontinent. Many of these tribal areas are protected but one can visit the local weekly markets and interact with these fascinating people, all that we ask is that you show them respect. Due to this remoteness and subsequent lack of human intervention this is an area where one can enjoy nature's true beauty. As well as the villages and markets, where one can buy handicrafts directly from the people who make them – and some fabulous heritage properties at which you will stay – there are still stretches of virgin forests that take you back in time.
 
 
Highlights:
  • Victoria Memorial & Indian Museum.
  • Stone carved temples of Bhubaneshwar.
  • Kandagiri & Udaygiri caves.
  • Sun Temple.
  • Local tribal weekly market in Chhattisgarh.
  • Tribal dance.
 
 
Detailed Itinerary :
Day 01: Arrival Kolkata

Welcomed by an India Travel Centre representative at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. Relax and unwind. Kolkata is a city of glaring contrasts. A curious blend of the old and the new, it represents a mix of the East and the West; a graft of a European city on an Asian landscape giving it charm and excitement as well as chaos and confusion. Founded 300 years ago by the East India Company, this was the capital of British India until 1911. Today, you can see elegant but crumbling relics of the Raj, covered in moss and mildew. It is still the creative capital of India, producing fine art, music and drama and drawing the best performers and their fans. While here you must visit the Victoria Memorial, Calcutta's most imposing monument, opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921 and often called the "Taj Mahal" of the British Raj. Other fascinating sights include St. Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum, with one of the best collections of Indian art in the whole of the subcontinent. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle for Transfer only)



Day 02: Kolkata – Bhubaneshwar (by Flight)

After breakfast we will visit the Victoria Memorial (closed on Mondays), St. Paul's Cathedral and the excellent India Museum (closed on Mondays), housing one of the world's finest collections of Indian art. We will also visit the South Park Street Cemetery. The graves and memorials here form a repository of British imperial history. People who lived within the Raj from 1767 on are buried here, and in the records of their lives you can see the trials and triumphs of the building of an empire. Kolkata will surprise you with its warmth and hospitality; it's a must for anyone who wants to get to grips with India. In the late afternoon we will drive down to airport to catch a flight to Bhubaneshwar and on arrival there check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle for Transfers & Sightseeing)



Day 03: Bhubaneshwar

After breakfast we will visit world famous temples and caves of Bhubaneshwar. Called the 'Cathedral City', Bhubaneshwar was once the capital of an ancient kingdom. Today this bustling centre for commerce and religious activity is Orissa's modern capital. The temples have stood testimony to the area's history, which spans 25 centuries. The Lingaraj, the Parsurameswar, the Mukteshwar and the Rajarani temples are unique not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures which enhance their presence. Though the Lingaraj is closed to non-Hindus, it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside. The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, 8 km from Bhubaneswar, served as the site of an ancient Jain monastery which was carved into cave like chambers in the face of the hill. Overnight at the Hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 04: Bhubaneshwar – Puri (60 kms/1 ½ hrs)

After breakfast drive to Puri en-route visit Konark. Konark houses a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance. Puri, the name itself attracts the attention of all those who are aware of its importance. Jagannath temple, a massive temple structure made in the style of Kalinga architecture, one of the four sacred dhams of the Hindu religion. The magnificent Jagannath temple is dedicated to the Lord of the Universe (Jag-universe/ Nath-lord). It was built in the 12th century and is considered as one of the tallest (65 m) temples in India. Though the Jagannath temple is closed to non-Hindus it can be viewed from the viewing platform constructed alongside. Evening at leisure on beach. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 05: Puri – Gopalpur (200 kms/4 hrs)

After breakfast we will check-out and drive to Gopalpur, and on arrival there check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. One of the most pristine beaches of Orissa, this small beach is a splendid retreat for sea worshippers. Once a humming seaport, Gopalpur offers its visitors a slice of serenity in environs that are conducive to introspection and conviviality. Gopalpur is a bewitching seaside resort and there can be no better option than to enjoy the sun, the sea, and the sand. Walk around the beach, collect seashells and first-sized pearl-white conch shells, and wallow in the peace and calm that will engulf you. You can also shop for curios and souvenirs at the local markets. The favourites of course are items created from seashells. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 06: Gopalpur – Rayagada (230 kms/4 ½ hrs)

After breakfast we will drive to Rayagada, and on arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 07: Rayagada – Jeypore (250 kms/5 hrs)

After breakfast we will visit the Dongariya Kondh weekly market that occurs every Wednesday. On return we will check-out after lunch and proceed to Jeypore, visiting the Paraja villages en-route. The Parajas are mostly found in the Koraput district and have a number of totem-based sects like Bagh-tiger, Bokda-goat, Netam-Dog and Pandki-Dove. Harming or eating the totem animal is forbidden. Instead such animals should be respected. On arrival at Jeypore, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 08: Jeypore – Jagdalpur (90 kms/2 hrs)

After breakfast we will drive to Jagdalpur, visiting the Kotpad weavers on the way. On arrival at Jagdalpur, check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon go on an excursion to the Chitrakote waterfall. In the evening enjoy a tribal dance performance at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 09: Jagdalpur – Kanker (118 kms/2 ½ hrs)

After breakfast we will drive to Kanker, visiting the Narayanpur weekly market (Sunday only) on the way. At Kondagaon and Narayanpur you will discover some of the finest handicrafts fo Bastar District of the state of Chhattisgarh and have the opportunity to interact with the people who make them. We will have a picnic lunch in the forest. An early evening dance by youthful members of Bastar's 'Gond tribe' will complete the day. Dinner will be at the Royal Palace of Kanker, which is a small but magnificent abode situated in the beautiful, green surroundings of Kanker. Still the residential home of the Maharajadhiraj Udai Pratap Deo whose royal lineage can be traced back to the 12 century AD, a part of the Palace has been opened up as a hotel. Over drinks and dinner, you can enjoy the company of the royal family – providing they are around – along with a performance of the traditional music and dance of the region. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal).



Day 10: Kanker – Bhoramdeo (280 kms/5 hrs)

After breakfast we will drive to Bhoramdeo, and on arrival check in at the hotel. We will visit the Bhoramdeo Temple in the evening. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle for Transfer)



Day 11: Bhoramdeo

After breakfast we will visit the Baiga villages near Chilpi and in the evening enjoy their music & dance performances at the courtyard of the hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 12: Bhoramdeo – Kawardha (30 kms/30 mins)

After breakfast you will be driven to Kawardha. The Kawardha Palace which is run personally by Yuvraj Yogeshwar Raj Singh and Yuvrani Kirti Singh in the home stay tradition. The Palace is an inspiring monument of the past created with Italian marble and set in 11 acres of private gardens. The magic of Kawardha lies in its tranquillity, beauty and isolation from India's well trodden paths, hidden in the Maikal hills in central India. The area also has fascinating settlements of Baiga tribes. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle at Disposal)



Day 13: Kawardha – Raipur (150 kms/4 hrs) – Delhi

You will have a leisurely morning. After lunch we'll drive you to the Raipur airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival there we'll transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. (Vehicle for Transfer)



Day 14: Delhi – Departure
Departure: Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (Vehicle for Transfer)

 
 
Accommodation:
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Prices:
Prices from £ 2143 per person
 
Tour Inclusions & Exclusions:
 
Prices are per person based on 2 people occupying 1 double/twin room. Prices may vary based on local market fluctuations. For single supplements please contact India Travel Centre. Price Includes: B&B at all hotels except where cited on the itinerary, chauffeur driven AC car, all entrance fees, guide charges, assisted airport transfers. Price Excludes: International Flights & Internal Flights - Please contact India Travel Centre for booking flights.
 
 
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