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Welcome to Incredible India! A journey into mysticism through the land of the unexpected.

Bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by an endless stretch of golden beaches, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, misty mountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. Modern India is home alike to the tribal with his anachronistic lifestyle and to the sophisticated urban jet-setter. It is a land where temple elephants exist amicably with the microchip. Its ancient monuments are the backdrop for the world’s largest democracy.

The timeless mystery and beauty of India can be experienced only by visiting this ancient Land. There’s just one thing you’ll need to travel through 5000 years of culture and tradition- A comfortable pair of shoes.

Orissa With Vivada

Day 01: Arrive Calcutta

Arrive Calcutta . Assistance on arrival will be provided and transfer to Hotel. Dakshineshware Temple
Kolkata represents one of the four metropolitan cities of India. The city makes up the capital of the eastern state of India, West Bengal. The city, formerly designated as Calcutta, sway's rich cultural and demographic resources. The popularity of Kolkata, as one of the premier cities in India, reached its heights in the pre independence era. The city in a short span, about 400 years, has evolved into one of the major commercial areas and a great learning centre in the sub continent. Kolkata city is situated on the west banks of Hooghly River, in the state of West Bengal. The city forms the eastern fringes of the state and lies close to the neighboring country, Bangladesh. The sea, Bay of Bengal, is not far from the place and is about 60 miles away. The approximate distance from other important cities of India are: Delhi - 1461 kms, Mumbai - 1987 kms, Chennai - 1676 kms, Hyderabad - 1576 kms, Jaipur 1472 kms, Agra - 1258 kms.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Calcutta

Morning after breakfast full day city tour of Calcutta starts with the visit of Jain Temple, Kali Temple, Kali Temple, Victoria Memorial, Drive past through Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square, Fort Williams, Secretariat buildings, and old court house street
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Calcutta – Bagdogra – Darjeeling

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight 9W 617 at 1220 / 1320 hrs for Bagdogra. On arrival transfer to Darjeeling. Balance day for independent activities. Overnight.

Day 04: Darjeeling

It is situated at an altitude of 7000ft and is a tourist paradise. One can spend a few days here marvelling at the tea gardens with the Darjeelingbackdrop of the Khanchendzonga range or the many lovely sites in and around this town with a lot of character.

Tiger Hill excursion

Early morning tour starting at 3.30am, gives one a once in a life time opportunity to view one of nature’s most thrilling sights-the sunrise view over the Himalayan panorama. Later you will visit the Ghoom Yiga Choling monastery and the Batasia Loop and War Memorial.

Back to hotel for Breakfast. Later sight seeing tour of Darjeeling visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – one of the premier schools of mountaineering in the world with a museum; the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (famous for its snow leopard breeding programme), the Natural History Museum, Darjeeling Peace Pagoda, Dhirdham temple and the Darjeeling-Rangit valley passenger ropeway. On a second circuit for half a day you will cover either a tea garden or a visit to Rock Garden, a wonderful picnic site for the family.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Darjeeling – Gangtok

Morning after breakfast leave Darjeeling for Gangtok. On arrival check in hotel.Namgyal Institute of Tibetology-Gangtok

Gangtok: The State capital and the most popular town in Gangtok. It is located at an altitude of 5,800ft (1547 M) and is a modern and vibrant city with great views of the Khangchendzonga range. By staying at Gangtok for 3-4 nights one can visit Tsongu Lake, Rumtek and Rangka Monasteries, the local points as well as undertake the 3-4 day tour to North Sikkim.

Later sightseeing tour of of Gantok visiting :

Research Institute of Tibetology - a world renowned institute for Buddhist studies with rare books and documents on Buddhism; Purba Chorten-a towering Buddhist monument in the form of a stupa; Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI)- Established in 1957 for the purpose of promoting the manufacture and sale of local handicrafts, carpets and furniture; Enchey Monastery - Built in 1901 in the form of a Chinese Pagoda, it is located high above town and follows the Nyingma pa Order of Buddhism; and the Flower Show.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Gangtok

Rumtek MonasteryMorning after breakfast visiting

Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre (Monastery): 23 kms from Gangtok, it is reached after a pleasant drive, the last part of which is through paddy fields. It is the seat of the Kagyu order (one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects).

Balance day for independent activities.

 

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Gangtok – Bagdogra – Calcutta

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to Bagdogra airport to board flight 9W 618 at 1355 / 1455 hrs for Calcutta. On arrival transfer to hotel. Balance day for independent activities. Overnight.

Day 08: Vivada Cruise

Morning in time transfer to Millenium Jetty where you can board the Cruise.Vivada Cruiser ( Must be on Friday)Sunderbans Cruise
In the afternoon you will be taken to the Vivada Cruise vessel. Starting from the Strand Road Jetty (Millennium Park), the ship cruises along small and picturesque locales adjacent to Kolkata like Budge Budge, Falta, Raichak, Diamond Harbour and Kakdwip to anchor at Namkhana, known as the gateway to the Sunderbans, the largest delta, Mangrove Swamp and Estuarine National Park in the World and has one of the largest Tiger Reserves in the World. Guests can relax at Namkhana. Later this cruise enters the Sunderbans and passes through the narrow creek of Hatania-Doania River. Near Bhagabatpur, the cruiser will drop anchor for night. Guests will be taken to Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project Area to watch rare Olive Ridley turtles and crocodiles. Later, enjoy entertainment on board.

Overnight on board.

Day 09: Bonnie Camp – Netidhopani – Sajnekali – Bali

In the morning, the cruiser will eastward. Today, observe the lifestyle of the people of Sunderbans. Also visit Bonnie Camp, Netidhopani/ Dobanki, Sajnekhali. In Bonnie Eco-Tourism Camp, visit the tallest watchtower and enjoy cozy accommodation in case you want to stay back and explore further. Nethidopani has a 300-year-old temple where people of every caste and creed pray. En route, Dobanki is also offers splendid views. Sajnekhali Forest Rang is popular for relaxing walks and interpretation center.

In the evening before sunset vessel will anchor at Bali, a beautiful Sunderbans village. Guests will be shown the traditional dance drama of Sunderbans. After that a traditional Bengali dinner will be served.

Overnight on board.

Day 10: Lothian Island – Kalas Beach On its final day, the cruise starts its return journey to Kolkata.

Visit some exotic locales a small boat like Lothian Island, or Kalas in the backward journey. The Lothian Island is home to White-Bellied Sea-Eagle, Black-capped Kingfisher, Whimbrell, Tern and Curlew and offers an exciting walk, through the island. The Kalas Beach is a densely wooded island where the Matla River meets the Bay of Bengal.The cruiser will reach Kolkata at night.

Day 11: Kolkata - Bhubaneswar

On arrival transfer to hotel. Afternoon in time transfer to airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar . On arrival check in hotel. Overnight.

Day 12: Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri

KonarkMorning afterbreakfast leave bhubaneswar for Puri enroute visiting the Sun temple at Konark.

The Sun temple of Konark, also known as Black Pagoda, is the crowning glory of the temple architecture of ancient Orissa. Built in A.D. 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga king Narasimhadeva - I, centuries of myth and legend shroud its history. The design is the celestial chariot of the Sun God pulled by seven exquisitely carved ornamented horses, strained on twelve wheels on either side. The huge monolithic wheels represent time, unity, completeness, justice, perfection and movement and each wheel stands for a fortnight and each horse a day of the week. The walls of the temple contain superb carvings of divine, semi divine, human and animal figures amidst floral and geometric ornamentation. Although the main sanctum is in ruins, the 39 meter high audience hall , the dance hall and the ruined temple of Chhaya Devi are still there. Two horses and two monolithic elephants, exhibit the dynamism of the sculpture.

On arrival Puri check in hotel.

Afternoon City tour of Puri visiting different temples including Jaganath Temple ( Foreigners are not allowed to visit inside)

Situated on the eastern coast of Orissa, Puri is a splendid beach resort with golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Sit under an umbrella, sip coconut water, swim in the shallow sea or surf ride the huge waves or check out the fishing village of the Nolia community.
The Jagannath Temple dedicated to Krishna is one of the four dhams or holy places venerated by Hindus and mandatory pilgrimage for the devout. This temple complex was built during the 12th century A.D. by Anantavarman Chodaganga as a place to offer prayers to the God Vishnu. The main features of the temples are its sculpted figures from Hindu mythology and its tapering 65m high spire.

Day 13: Puri – Bhubaneswar

Morning after breakfast leave Puri for Bhubaneswar. On arrival check in hotel.

Afternoon city tour of Bhubaneswar visiting different temples

Mukteshwar temple, one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar, has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to theLingraja Temple one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. The splendid Torana of the temple, an ornamental arched gateway, is very much reminiscent of the influence of Buddhism in Orissa. Established in the year 950 AD, Mukteswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its major highlights consist of the exquisite carvings that depict ascetics in different meditative pose. On the eastern side of the temple, there is a large well.

It is said that, taking a dip in the holy well cures a person of infertility. Mukteshwar temple exudes magnificence and delicacy. It is a perfect blend of ancient and modern designing and this is what makes it simply outstanding. This architecture is one of the basic reasons why Mukteswar temple is also known as the ‘Gem of Orissa architecture’. It has undergone a dramatic makeover, but still retains its essence. The temple stands within an octagonal compound wall that is based on the lines of structures built in the bygone times. However, today, the wall has been reduced to nothing more than small fragments
Lingaraj temple is one of the most popular temples of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Lingaraja temple is approximately 54.8 metres high and enshrines a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of granite. The idol is 8 feet in diameter and is placed on a platform that is about 8 inches above ground. The deity is bathed everyday with water, milk and bhang (marijuana).

Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar is believed to date back to the later half of eleventh century. However, some people are of the belief that, some parts of the temple have been there since the sixth century. It is also said that the temple was constructed by Jajati Keshari, the SomaVanshi King. However, there are no historical records to authenticate the claim. The high walls of Lingaraja temple, that have been made by using solid red sandstones, lend it the look of a fortress, when viewed from outside.

Also visit Khandagiri & Udaygiri caves.

The main attraction of these caves consists of its stupendous carvings. Of all the caves in Udaygiri, the largest one is the Rani Gumpha or the Queen’s Cave. The cave of the queen is adorned with elaborate carvings. There is also an Elephant Cave or the Hathi Gumpha, where you can find the amazing statues of elephants installed on the gate. In the Khandagiri city, one can find a large number of caves and most of them have been occupied for meditative purposes.

Some of the popular caves in Khandagiri include Akshay Ganga, Gupta Ganga, Shyam Kund and Radha Kund. One of the most interesting caves is the 24-Tirthankaras Cave. It contains the carvings of the twenty-four Apostles of Jainism, on the monolithic stones. There is another fascinating cave known as the ‘Ganesh Cave’. Udaygiri & Khandagiri caves are one of the famous tourist attractions near the Bhubaneshwar city of India today.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Bhubaneswar - Delhi

Morning after breakfast in time transfer to airport to board flight IC 878 at 1440 / 1640 hrs for Delhi. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight

Day 15: Leave Delhi

In time transfer to Interneational airport to board flight for onward destination.

End of Programme / Services

 


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