6 Days & 5 Nights
The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidence of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Odisha (Orissa). Expressions of the soul find the way in the form of indigenous theatres namely 'Prahalad-Nataka' or the 'Dhanuyatra' here. Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic classical dance of the region evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers. Folk dances like 'Chhow' and 'Sambalpuri' along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja' leave every spirit truly elated. Then there are fairs like 'Bali Jatra' that comes as a reminder of an ancient maritime link with Bali. And to crown, it all is the universally-acclaimed 'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath which has become an absolute synonym to Orissan culture.
On arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport/Railway Station, meet by our representative and transfer to the hotel. If time permit visit to Odisha Dance Institute of Guru Gangadhar Pradhan. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Morning drive to Nuapatna the weaving village (weavers use the TIE & DYE patterns which is popularly known as IKAT. Nuapatna is famous for Khandua Silk and Ikat sarees) & Sadeibarini the Dhokra craft village (prepare the brass work through the lost-wax process). Proceed to Dhenkanal, check in to the Palace & Overnight stay.
Morning visit to Joranda temple (It is the Samadhi Peetha of Mahima Goswami, who spread the Mahima Dharma. The principles of the sect include doctrines of Jainism). Then drive back to Bhubaneswar. After lunch visit to Weavers Service Centre (where you can see the Dyeing laboratory, Design section, Weaving section, Printing section, Library & Documentation Section) & Boyanika (where you can see & purchase a large variety of handloom sarees, dress material & other home furnishings also). Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Morning drive to Puri en-route visit Pipli the appliqué village (The Craft involves embroidering and stitching of small pieces of colored cloth with flowers, animals, village scene and traditional designs on to a larger base cloth. The usual appliqué patchwork items are Garden Umbrellas, Wallets, Wall Hanging, lampshades, Pouches & Bags). Then visit Raghurajpur artisan village (the famous art forms are palm leaf engravings, stone and wood carvings, paper Mache toys, masks, wooden toys and cow dung toys etc.), Proceed to Puri & check in to the hotel. Rest time relax on the beach. Overnight stay at Puri.
Morning visit to Jagannath temple (non-Hindus are not allowed). Then visit the Sand Art institute of Sudarshan Pattnaik. After lunch drive to Konark to visit the Sun temple (famously known as black pagoda & it is one of the world heritage sites). Back to Puri & Overnight stay.
Morning drive back to Bhubaneswar and transfer to Airport/Railway station for onward journey.