Golden Triangle Tour Bhubaneshwar Konark Puri

DAY 01   : ARRIVE DELHI : Welcome in India . Garlanding at airport .On arrival transfer to hotel. Rest of day is free for personal activities. Overnight  at  hotel –

DAY 02  : DELHI: After breakfast city tour of old Delhi and New delhi .Humayun's Tomb -Built by the wife of Humayun, Hajji Begum in the mid 16th century, this red sand stone structure is considered to be the predecessor of Taj Mahal. The structure is one of the best example of Mughal Architecture. Humayun's wife is also buried in the red and white Jantar Mantar - Few minutes walk from Connaught Place is is a strange collection of solomon coloured structures. These were built by Maharaja Jai Singh and is actually an observatory. Though not as large as its compatriot in Jaipur Jantar Mantar at Delhi also an attraction for the tourists. The astonishing part of these observatories is that they can calculate many astronomical movements very accurately. Red Fort - Built in Red Sand stone this imposing fort is 3 kms in perimeter with the height of the wall varying from 18 to 30 meters at places. When the Red fort was being built Yamuna used to flow on its one sides and there were deep moats on the other. Today Yamuna flows almost a kilometer away from the fort and the moats have dried up. In the evening the Delhi Tourism organises a light and sound show which narrates the history of Delhi in context of the Red Fort. The Lahore gate, the main entrance, has some emotions and sentiments attached with the Indian independence as the Tricolor flutters on the top of this gate. On 15th August the Indian Prime minister addresses the nation from here. As soon one enters in the fort from the Lahore gate .The Dewan-i-Am or the place of public hearing had a wall paneled with marble in laid with precious stone which were removed during the mutiny of 1857. The Dewan-i-Khas or the place for special hearing was the area where the emperor used to hold meetings with his ministers. Rashtrapati Bhawan: The president's mansion is situated on Raisina Hill in the center of Delhi, overlooking the green lawns around India Gate. This elegant building, is truly worth seeing, for its architectural beauty and historic significance. The beautiful Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhawan, which are open to the public in spring, are an added attraction. Parliament House: Located in Central Delhi, this elegant building with its wide pillared walkways and large halls, is worth a visit, to see the corridors of power where India's lawmakers and statesmen decide the future of India. Raj Ghat : The memories of Mahatma Gandhi.India Gate: Situated on Rajpath, in the center of Delhi, this 42-meter high arch, was designed by Edwin Lutyens, in memory of the Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the first World War. Their names can be seen inscribed on the arch. The Amar Jawan Jyoti, an eternal flame, burns in memory of the unknown soldier, beneath the shelter of the arch, which is surrounded by green lawns, fountains and water bodies - an evergreen picnic zone in the heart of central Delhi.. Birla Mandir Laxmi Narayan Temple: It was built by the industrialist Raja Baldev Birla in 1938. The temple is an important prayer centre and contains idols of several deities. Interestingly, Mahatma Gandhi, who inaugurated the temple, was also a regular visitor to it. Bahai Temple: This aesthetically designed monument, commonly known as the Lotus Temple, because the white marble structure is built to in the shape of a lotus, set amidst, lakes and green lawns. It is a serene house of meditation, within which there are no idols and total silence prevails, so all can meditate in complete peace. Overnight at hotel – 

DAY 03: DELHI/ BHUBANESWAR (BY AIR) : Transfer to airport to board flight for Bhubaneswar. On arrival transfer to hotel . Afternoon visit Lingraja Temple, Vaital Mandir and Bindusagar. Lingraja Temple, The 11th century Ling raja Temple at Bhubaneswar represents the traditional  Orissan type of temple in its full maturity. The 147 ft high temple dominated the city landscape. Legend has it that Shiva once told Parvati that he likes Bhubaneshwar more than Benaras. Puzzled Parvati went to inspect the city, as a  cowherdess. There two demons (Kritti and Vasa) proposed her for marriage. The temple compound has three compartments, one each for Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya. The main temple of Lingaraja has beautiful pillars carvings. The temple complex is a combination of four structures on an east-west axial alignment namely the Bhogamandapa (the dining hall), the Natamandapa (the dancing hall), the Jagamohana (the audience hall) and the Deula (the hall enshrining Shiva). Of these, the Natamandapa and Bhojamandapa were constructed in around 14th century. Vaital  Mandir : It is dedicated to Godess Kali(Chamunda) in the dingy interior although her necklace of skulls and the corps on which she sits are usually hidden beneath her temple robes. Bindu Sagar,  (Ocean Drop Tank), just north of the Lingaraj Mandir, is said to contain water from every holy stream and  pool. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04 : IN BHUBANESWAR: In morning after breakfast visit to Mukteswara Temple 
The 10th century 'Mukteswara' temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance, is regarded a gem of Orissan architecture on account of its exquisite wall carvings and lavish sculptures. These adornment include celestial beings, armed processions, and amorous figures.The front of temple features a beautiful arched epistyle clearly showing a Buddhist influence. Tales from the Panchatantra, written by the Orissan Pandit, Vishnu Sharma, occupy pride of place here. 
RajaRaniTemple: The 11th century 'Raja Rani' temple is an architectural delight. It can be said to be the best example of the traditional Orrisan temple designing. Raja Rani is a 'love temple', covered with demurely erotic carvings of women and couples. Set in picturesque surroundings, the temple is famous for its sculptural embellishments as well as for its unusual design of tower and the absence of a deity. The temple is surrounded by Well maintained gardens. 
 
The Parasurameswara Temple, The 7th century Shiva Temple, 'Parasurameswara' temple is a classical example of ancient art of temple designing in India. It is a cluster of about 20 small temples. This temple is the best preserved of all Bhubaneswar's ancient temples. The wall embellishments feature amorous couples, lions, crouching elephants, birds, human figures and floral designs. After-noon visit to  Tribal research Centre and Udaigiri &  Khandagiri: The twin hills of Kumargiri are known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri. The ancient caves of Udaigiri and Khandgiri are considered consecrate as this was the place where Lord Mahavira addressed the people of the area. On these hills are archaeologically significant 113 caves, which are nearly 2300 years old. These rock-cut caves were built for the Jain monks around 1st - 2nd century B.C. The Khandgiri hill is about 40 meters high and the Udaygiri hill is about 35 meters high. At the apex of Khandagiri hill stands the 19th century "Parsvanath" temple. An idol of Bhagawan Adishvar in the Padmasana posture is the main attraction of this temple. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05: BHUBANESWAR/ DHAULI/ NANDANKANA ZOO/ BHUBANESWAR(Drive:25kms/30minuts) : Dhauli hill is on the bank of the river Daya, about 8 kms south of Bhubaneshwar. In the year 272 B.C., the Kalinga-Nippon-Buddha Sangha established a peace pagoda (Shanti Stupa) at Dhauli along with the construction of a monastery called Saddharma. "Ashoka the Great" transformed totally and changed his mind in favour of spiritual conquests. Looking down on the plains bearing witness to the gruesome war waged on Kalinga by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, stand the rock edicts of Dhauli. It was here that Emperor Ashoka, full of remorse renounced his bloodthirsty campaign and embraced Buddhism. The edicts are a living testimony to the King's change of heart, where he urges his administrators to rule the land with justice and compassion. The edicts are so remarkable that they have been excellently preserved, despite the fact that they date back to the 3rd century BC. A sculpted elephant, the universal symbol of Lord Buddha, tops the rock edicts. The moment one enters near this place, one realizes that it is here after the battle Ashoka was transformed to Ashoka - The Compassionate who championed the cause of Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa or the peace pagoda, built through the Indo-Japanese collaboration, is located on the opposite hill. It has an interesting background that goes … As per Japanese belief, there is a prophecy handed to history about 7 to 7 ½ centuries ago by Mahatma Nichiren Imaha Bhikshu. He prophesied that the chief priest of Nipponzan Myohoji Fuji Guruji would come to India in 1930 from Mt. Minobu, the original holy place of the Nichiren sect. He came and got the Shanti Stupa built, which was inaugurated on November 8, 1972. It is a round structure with a dome on top, with mushroom-like structures on top, raising their umbrella heads as if speaking to God. The stupa is decorated with ‘speaking’ stone panels. Prominent amongst them being – the reclining Buddha, an elephant procession, the bodhi tree, footprints of Buddha bearing the chakra (wheel), a sleeping beauty fanned by female attendants, procession on horse back, and Emperor Ashoka renouncing war by offering his sword to Lord Buddha at Dhaulagiri Hill. Each is a sensitive portrayal of an event ranking outstanding Buddhist tradition. Nandankanan literally means the 'Garden of Pleasure' or 'Garden of Gods'. It is in Chandaka forest, 25-kms from Bhubaneswar and is famed for its white tiger population. It houses a variety of mammals, reptiles and various species of birds. The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers and gharial crocodiles. Picturesquely carved out of the Chandaka forest, Nandankanan is a Biological Park where animals are kept in their natural habitat, where a centrally located lake divides the Zoo from the Botanical Gardens. Tigers, Lions, Clouded Leopards, Black Panthers, European Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Gharials, Rosy Pelican, Grey Pelican, Indian Python, King Cobra, etc. are among the attractions. The exotic Botanical Garden on the other side of the zoo preserves varieties of indigenous plants.Overnight at hotel

DAY 06: BHUBANESWAR /PURI(DRIVE:60KMS/01HRS) : In  morning  drive to Puri .Enroute visit  Konark . The Sun Temple is located in Konark, which is very close to the holy city of Puri. Konark derives its name from Konarka, the presiding deity of the Sun Temple. A distinctive feet of Kalinga architecture, it depicts the grace, joy and the rhythm of life. An architectural grandeur, the temple is covered with marvelously designed sculptures in all sizes. Although the Sun temple has lost its main sanctuary, but the remaining structure and the relics around testify the boundless creativity of Orissan artists and their contribution to the treasury of Indian Architecture. The entire temple has been designed in the form of a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, taking him across the heaven. It has 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and exquisite carvings. Seven horses drag the chariot. Two lions guard the entrance. The temple has faultless proportions of the dimensions and is amongst the best temples in India. The Sun temple belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples. In shape, the temple didn't differ majorly from other temples of Orissa. The main sanctum (229 ft. high) got constructed along with the audience hall (128 ft. high). The main sanctum which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off. The Audience Hall has though survived in its entirely, but other two- the Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall) and the Bhoga Mandap (Dining Hall) have been destroyed very much by the temper of time. The Temple compound measures 857 ft. by 540 ft. The Temple aligns on the east-west direction. The temple is located in natural surroundings, abounding with casuarina plantations and other types of trees, which grow on sandy soil. On arrival Puri  check-in at hotel .Afternoon  visit to  Jagnnath Temple: Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India, is one of the four 'Dhamas' of the Hindu religion. The city is home to the world-famous Jagganath temple. The temple enshrines Krishna-Jagannath in the form of a wooden image along with shrines of Balabhadra and Subhadra (brother and sister of Krishna respectively).It is dedicated to Jagannath ,the lord of the Universe, who is  an incarnation of  Vishnu .Tourist can see the image  of Jagannath his brother Balbhadra and sister  Subhadra. The world famous Rath Yatra is related to the Jagannath temple and occurs annually in June-July. During this festival, the three deities are taken from the temple and placed in large decorated chariots which are then drawn along the Grand Road to the Gundecha temple, a few kilometers away. After they have stayed in that temple for seven days, the deities again ride the chariots back to their home temple.Overnight at hotel  

DAY 07: PURI/GOPALPUR(DRIVE:242kms/06hrs):) The visitors, is a lovely laid-back village on sea-shore, carrying an altogether different attitude from the temple towns of Orissa. Gopalpur got its name from an 18th century temple dedicated to Krishna (Gopala). Once a prominent trading sea-port, during the British Raj, Gopalpur has transformed into a quiet and relaxed place. The crumbling walls and pillars of the harbor, are a witness to its past glory of commercial activity. It has been growing into one of India’s prettiest beach resorts. 

DAY 08: IN GOPALPUR: DAY IS FREE AT LEISURE.OVERNIGHT AT HOTEL 

DAY 09: GOPALPUR/BHUBANESWAR(DRIVE180kms/04hrs) & Bhubaneswar/KOLKATA( BY AIR) :  In morning drive to Bhubaneswar to board flight for KOLKATA.On arrival transfer to hotel .Overnight at hotel  

DAY 10: IN KOLKATA: The place where Rabindranath Tagore was born and breathed last. The entire area breathes with the tagore legacy and is replete with Taore's relics. A university viz Rabindra Bharati university has been established in house that offers courses in performing arts. It has emerged as one of the prestigious places for acquiring such a degree. National Library: The largest library in India, is located at Belvedere House in Alipore. The earstwhile Imperial Library houses around 1800000 books and documents in all languages. Octerlony Monument (Sahid Minar): It was built to commemorate the winning of the Nepalese war (1812-1814) and the exploits of the leader - Sir David Octerlony who won the . The 48 meter ( 218 steps ) high monument near Chowranghee has been renamed as 'Sahid Minar'. Climb to the to get a view of the downtown Calcutta. Science City: Located in the east side near Dhapa. It is a science museum with whole lot of attractions. The space Odyssey, Dynamotion, Life Science Corners, Science Park, Toy Train and Ropeway are some of the other added attractions. Space Time Rocket takes you to the cavity of an erupting volcano or back to the days of pyramids. Dakshineswar Temple: For people with religious belief there are famous temples at Kalighat, Dakineshwar where one can offer there prayers to Goddess Kali. Dakshineswar Temple, standing on the bank of the Ganges near Bally bridge. It has a revered temple of goddess Kali & 12 temples of God Shiva. Each stone here is imbued with the memories of the greatest spiritual figure of modern India – Sri Ramakrishna and Sarada Debi. Belur Math: Headquarter of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram , it was founded by Swami Vivekananda. The architecture is a fusion of the church-mosque-temple, signifying the message of brotherhood of all religions. Get a picturesque view of Ramakrishna temple. The Ramakrishna mission runs among other things, an art college, an industrial school and charitable dispensary. Kalighat Kali Temple: The renowned Hindu pilgrimage is situated at Kalighat beside Tolly's Nullah. Legend has it that When Lord Shiva began his deadly dance of destruction, Lord Vishnu stopped him with his celestial disc. In the process , the woman that Lord Shiva carried on his shoulders was cut into millions of pieces and the tongue fell on Kalighat. Missionaries of Charity (Nirmal Hriday): The modern day mother of the poor , the weak and the helpless had a home at the Mother Teresa's center for the dying and destitute. You can visit this institution to get a glimpse of love for the poor in action. St. John's Church: Near B.B.D. Bag on Hastings Street is 200 years old. Built in Greek sculpture. 174 feet high it lies Close to the place, where Job Charnok, the founder of Calcutta lies buried. Botanical Gardens, Shibpur founded in 1786 at Shibpur, Howrah, the botanical garden lies on the bank of river Hooghly. It stretches to 270 acres and has around 50,000 different kinds of plants, trees, herbs. The oldest banyan tree is more 250 years old. Zoo Gardens, Alipore: Comprising area of 16 hector, this zoo has largest collection of animals. Its a children's delight and a must see if you have children in your touring party. Eden Gardens: The largest "temple" for India's first passion in sports -cricket , it was 1835, laid out by Mrs. Eden, sister of Lord Auckland. The cricket stadium accommodates more than 85000 roaring fans and nice garden with a Burmese pagoda and a band stand are a real pleasure. Fort William: The fort occupies five square kilometers and has six gates. Situated on the bank of river Hooghly ,it was named after King William III . It still houses the offices of the Eastern Command . Overnight at hotel  

DAY 11: LEAVE  KOLKATA: Transfer to airport to board flight  for onwards destination.

---- Click here for Booking ----