BEST OF WILDLIFE & BUDDHIST TOURS

Day 01: Bhubaneswar Rly. Station / Airport – Bhirtarkanika National Park (150 kms / 4 hrs)

Meet & Greet on arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport / Railway Station & transfer to Bhitarkanika National Park, lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani Rivers in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha, is the second largest viable mangrove eco-system of India. The huge area of mangrove forests and wetland is intersected by a network of creeks with Bay of Bengal on the East. This is one of best spots for wildlife and nature lovers. It is a heaven for bird watchers, ornithologists, wildlife and nature photographers.  On arrival check-in at resort. Overnight stay will be at Bhitarkanika (Dangmal/Gupti/Khola).

Note: With its rich history, lush mangrove forests, and diversified ecosystems, Bhitarkanika indeed offers a captivating experience for travel enthusiasts. However, it’s important to be aware of the limited options, services, and tourist facilities available here. During travel and stay, you may not find the same level of comfort and convenience here always as you would in more urban or touristy areas.

Day 02: Bhirtarkanika National Park

After early delicious home style breakfast transfer to Khola forest Gate and board on countryside boat for Mangrove Forest Safari. Enjoy bending creeks, watch out for birds, particularly different varieties of Kingfishers, Egrets, Bramhani Kites, Eagles etc. Get down at Bagagahana Bird Sanctuary. Climb the watch Tower to look for Pelicans and different types of Storks. Later visit Bhitarkanika Forest Block to check out Old Temple, Lotus Pond and Hunting Tower of past rulers. Climb the Tower and you might be able to spot Wild Boar, Jungle cat, Spotted Deer and birds also. After that visit Dangmal Crocodile Breeding and Research centre and notice different crocodiles. Visit Interpretation cum Museum and then return back to resort for lunch. After lunch, enjoy the surrounding nature’s beauty and paddy field. Late afternoon, visit the local Jagannath temple to participate in the Aarti Darshan. Overnight stay will be at Bhitarkanika (Dangmal / Gupti / Khola).

Day 03: Bhitarkanika National Park – Bhubaneswar via Lalitgiri-Ratnagiri-Udaigiri (250 kms / 8 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Bhubaneswar. En-route visit through Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri Buddhist circuit, popularly known as Diamond triangle of Odisha. Ratnagiri is a large-scale excavation having unearthed Buddhist shrines, large monasteries, a big stupa and a number of votive stupas. Lalitgiri is the oldest Buddhist complex of the state and one of the earliest Buddhist establishments of the world. Udayagiri is known for its bell-shaped Stupa signifying Vajrajana form of Buddhism. It is located in the basin of a U-shaped hill. Must visit the museum at Ratnagiri & Lalitgiri. Evening arrive and check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Bhubaneswar.

Day 04: Bhubaneswar Sightseeing – Puri (125 Kms. / 8 Hrs.)

After breakfast check out from hotel for Puri with all your bags and baggage and visit to Lingaraj temple (the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar where Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple premises), Khandagiri & Udaigiri Jain caves, Nandan Kanan Zoological Park (Closed on Monday).  Later visit to Dhauli Buddhist shanti stupa, Pipli applique village market, on arrival at Puri check-in to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at Puri.

Day 05: Puri – Konark Sightseeing (36 Kms. / 1 Hrs. one-way drive)

In the morning visit The Shree Jagannath Temple which is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, in Puri. Later drive to the famous Sun Temple at Konark, a world heritage site managed by UNESCO which attracts around one lakh devotee’s every day. Also visit the famous Chandrabhaga Beach and enjoy the marvelous view. In the evening, you can enjoy long stretch of golden beach at Puri, shallow enough to walk a long distancewith superb surf. Evening free for shopping at Sea side where you can get some unique ornaments & showpieces made of Shell. Overnight stay will be at Puri.

Day 06: Puri – Chilika (Barkul) (120 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

During morning relax in the beach of Puri. After breakfast proceed to Chilika, en-route visit Raghurajpur the heritage craft village. On arrive check-in at hotel. After fresh up visit Chilika Lagoon at Barkul. Enjoy the motor boat ride (at own cost) in the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia and explore Nalabana bird’s sanctuary (popular for migratory birds), Kalijai Island and temple. Return to the hotel and rest of evening for leisure. Overnight stay will be at Chilika.

Note:Chilika, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest coastal lagoon in this planet is brimming with unmistakable charm. However, accommodation facilities are relatively limited in this place. It means one should not compare these properties with the luxurious city hotels.

Day 07: Chilika (Barkul) – Gopalpur (82 Kms. / 3 Hrs.)

After breakfast check out from hotel and proceed to Gopalpur. It is a sleepy hamlet that betrays no traces of its glorious past. The ruins of an old port speak of a time that won Gopalpur its prominent place in Odisha’s history. En-route visit Maa Taratarini Mandir (the legendary temple on the hillock). On arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay will be at Gopalpur.

Note:Flanked with coconut and casuarina groves Gopalpur is a perfect outing for a languorous weekend. However, it’s worth noting that, this region is equipped with very limited options, facilities & basic amenities. And, if you are a vegetarian, you should be mentally prepared for the limited food options.

INDEX

Day 08: Excursion trip to Chandragiri and Taptapani (120 Kms. / 3 Hrs. one way)

After breakfast drive to Chandragiri, a Tibetan refugee colony known as Mini Tibet, situated in between the lush green forest – a unique Destination for the Buddhist. We can visit Jirang Monastery one of the largest Buddhist Monastery in Southeast Asia. Later Proceed to Taptapani the hot sulphur water spring. On the way back to Gopalpur visit Padmanavpur cotton Sari weaving village. Evening free for independent activities. Overnight stay will be at Gopalpur.

Day 09: Gopalpur – Bhubaneswar Rly. Station / Airport (165 Kms. / 5 Hrs.)

After breakfast Check-out from hotel and take the departure transfers to Bhubaneswar Railway Station / Airport for your onward journey.

Note: It is advisable to take departure flight/train on afternoon for the above itinerary.