Odisha Heritage Journey

Duration08 Nights / 09 Days

DestinationIndia

Best TimeOctober – March

FromOn Request

Tour Overview

Royal palaces, wildlife, living traditions and sacred heritage. Stay in historic palaces, cruise through mangrove forests, explore UNESCO heritage sites and meet the artisans and communities of one of India's most fascinating and lesser-explored states.

Route: Kolkata – Belgadia – Aul – Dhenkanal – Konark – Puri – Bhubaneswar

Tour Highlights

Palace stays at Belgadia, Aul, Dhenkanal and Puri
Jeep safari in Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Mangrove boat cruise in Bhitarkanika
Irrawaddy dolphins on Chilika Lagoon
Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO)

Detailed Itinerary

Day01

Kolkata – Belgadia Palace (250 km / approx. 6 hrs)

On arrival at Kolkata International Airport, drive to the beautifully restored Belgadia Palace in the Mayurbhanj region of northern Odisha. Enjoy royal hospitality and a traditional tribal dance performance at the palace.

Day02

Simlipal National Park (70 km each way / approx. 2.5 hrs)

Jeep safari through Simlipal, one of India's largest tiger reserves, covering nearly 2,750 sq km of forests, grasslands and waterfalls. Look for elephants, spotted deer, peacocks and diverse birdlife, with a chance of the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Return to Belgadia Palace for the evening.

Day03

Belgadia – Aul Palace (100 km / approx. 2 hrs)

Drive through the countryside, exploring authentic Odishan villages largely untouched by modern tourism, to the charming Aul Palace. Royal lunch at the palace and optional kayaking on nearby waterways, subject to water levels.

Day04

Bhitarkanika – Dhenkanal Palace (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)

Boat excursion through the mangrove creeks of Bhitarkanika National Park to spot saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer and migratory birds. Visit the ancient Buddhist site of Lalitgiri, then continue to Dhenkanal Palace.

Day05

Artisans & Traditions of Dhenkanal

Meet the Dhokra metal-craft artisans of Sadeibareni and the Ikat and tie-and-dye weavers of Nuapatna, one of Odisha's most celebrated weaving villages. In the evening, visit Joranda, the spiritual centre of the Mahima faith, to watch the monks at their daily prayers.

Day06

Dhenkanal – Konark – Puri (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)

Guided exploration of the 13th-century Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's greatest architectural masterpieces. Stop at Chandrabhaga Beach, then continue to Puri and check in to Mahodadhi Palace.

Day07

Chilika Lagoon (100 km / approx. 5 hrs)

Full-day excursion to Chilika, Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon. Cruise in search of Irrawaddy dolphins and watch the birdlife and local fishing communities, then explore the spiritual atmosphere and bustling streets of Puri.

Day08

Puri – Bhubaneswar (65 km)

Visit the Pattachitra artists of Raghurajpur Heritage Village, the appliqué crafts of Pipli and the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, site of the Kalinga War. In Bhubaneswar, optional sightseeing includes the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, the Kalabhoomi Museum of Art & Craft and the ancient temples of the "City of Temples".

Day09

Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Bhubaneswar Airport for your onward journey.