Puri Rath Yatra – the spectacular chariot festival celebrated for 8 days is held at the famous Jagannath Temple at Puri. Thousands of devotees flock to Puri during the occasion, as they believe that a glimpse of Lord Jagannath in his chariot gives salvation. Images of Lord Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe, his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra are taken out in a procession in three immense chariots. The main chariot is 14 meters high and 10 meters square with 16 wheels.
Jagannath Rath Yatra is a festival that celebrates the annual visit of the God to his birthplace. The Jagannath Temple at Puri, Orissa is the venue for all celebrations. Several lakh people converge at Puri for this festival. An atmosphere of almost hysterical devotion prevails on ths day and in earlier years; devotees were known to have thrown themselves under the wheels of the rath in the hope of obtaining instant salvation.
One of the most-awaited festivals in the Orissa state as well as in India, Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual event, which is celebrated in the month of June or July. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), his sister Goddess Subhadra and his elder brother Lord Balabhadra. It is also called Gundicha Yatra, Chariot Festival, Dasavatara and Navadina Yatra.
Day 01 Arrive Kolkata (By Flight)
Fly to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata you will be greeted and escorted by our Tour’s staff to your hotel. On arrival, check in the hotel. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon). Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 02 Kolkata
In the morning after breakfast visit the Famous Jain Temples of Kolkata, The flower Market of Kolkata, The Howard Bridge, The cantilevered bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is similar in size to the Sydney Harbour Bridge but carries a flow of traffic which Sydney could never dream of . It is the busiest bridge in the world. Later drive to the Kali ma temple located near the banks of the River Ganges at Kali Ghat. According to popular legend the Lord Shiva’s consort sati killed herself by burning herself as her parents humiliated Lord Shiva, Shiva reached too late and then he picked up her charred body and began the ‘tandav’ the dance of cosmic destruction. To prevent the destruction of the world Lord Vishnu chopped Sati’s charred body into 51 pieces that fell in different parts of the earth and a part fell on the banks of the Ganges and thus the name Kali Ghat and consequently the name Kolkata.
Also visit Victoria Memorial that is a huge white-marble structure and the most enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. Built by Lord Curzon in memory of the popular monarch, Queen Victoria, it is a wonderful example of the Western style of architecture. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of Raj. The manuscripts, paintings and sculptures here are outstanding. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 03 Kolkata – Bhubaneshwar (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board the flight to Bhubaneshwar. On arrival, transfer to the Hotel and check in. Bhubaneshwar, the ancient capital of the Kalinga empire, and now the capital of Orissa, It’s history goes back over 2000 years. “Bhubaneshwar” means the “abode of God” or “master of the universe” and it was also, once known as the ‘Cathedral of the East’, on account of the large number of shrines. At one time, the Bindu Sagar tank was bordered by over 7000 temples. Of these, 500 still survive, all built in the extravagant Oriya style. Later after some rest visit the Lingaraja Temple, a prime example of Indian architecture, in its most mature and fully developed state. The great Lingaraja soars above the city, and dominates the landscape. Proceed to Parasurameswara Temple, built in 650 AD, is one of the few oldest surviving temples in Bhubaneswar. Also visit Rajarani Temple, built in the 11th century, famous for its ornate deul, or compass, decorated with some of the most impressive Oriya temple architecture. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 04 Bhubaneshwar
After breakfast drive for the excursion to the caves of Udayagiri (hill of sunrise) and Kandagiri (broken hill). The twin hills of Kumargiri and Kumarigiri known as Khandagiri and Udaygiri contain varieties of rock cut caves, built mainly for the jain monks around 1st 2nd century B.C. The thirteen years lithic record of King Kharavela engraved in Hatigumpha (elephant cave) is a magnificent specimen of Pali records so far found in India.
Day 05 Bhubaneshwar – Puri (By Road) (62 Kms. / 02 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast drive to Puri enroute visit Konark, one of the most vivid architectural treasures of Hindu India and a World Heritage site. The Sun temple is the last phase of the temple architecture of the Kalinga dynasty (13 Century). Dedicated to the Sun God “Surya”, the temple is in the form of a chariot. It has 12 wheels, which denote the 12 months in a year and 7 horses denote the 7 days in a week. Later visit the Pipli Village. Pipli in Orissa is known for its applique work. Applique work forms a major part of the handicrafts of Orissa. The applique work is a piece of art that is done by cutting beautiful pattern on a piece of cloth. Beautiful patterns depicting flowers, animals, etc are made, which are then stitched beautifully on another piece of cloth. In Pipli, one can across rows of shops flaunting the applique work. The applique work in Pipli includes bed covers, letter cases, cushion covers, wall hangings, pillow covers, bed sheets, hand bags, canopies, garden umbrellas, etc. On arrival in Puri check in at the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 06 Puri
After breakfast drive for the excursion to Chilika Lake. Spread over an area of 1,100-sq-km, the glorious stretch of the Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lake. Home to thousands of colourful birds throughout the year, it is particularly noisy with the din of the raucous influx of migratory birds that descend on it from as far off as Siberia in winter. Later derive back to Puri and visit important temples like Gundicha, Lokanath, Sunaragauranga, Daria Mahabir and Tota Gopinatt. There are also a number of holy tanks like Narendra, Markandeya, Sweta Ganga and Indradyumna. There are many Monasteries locally known as Mathas also of touristic interest. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 07 Puri
After breakfast visit Jagannath Temple, an attraction for the Hindus. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the temple. From the terrace of a Library opposite the temple, you can have a view of the inner temple. Also witness the famous festival of Puri Rath Yatra – it is a chariot festival in which images of Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and his brother Balbhadra are taken out in procession in 03 chariots. The main chariot is 14 mts high, 10 mts wide with 16 wheels. The ropes of the chariots are pulled by million of devotees. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 08 Puri
Day is free to explore the beaches. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 09 Puri-Bhubaneshwar (62 Km/ 02 hrs)/Bhubaneshwar-CCU (By Flight)
After breakfast drive to Bhubaneshwar Airport to board the flight to Kolkata. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10 Depart Kolkata (By Flight)
On time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for onward journey.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Standard |
| Kolkata | 02 | Hyatt Regency |
| Bhubaneshwar | 02 | Trident Bhubaneshwar |
| Puri | 04 | Mayfair Beach Resort |
| Kolkata | 01 | Hyatt Regency |
– Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at airport / hotels by our office representative.
– 09 Nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Entrance fee to monuments as per itinerary.
– Kolkata – Bhubaneshwar – Kolkata economy class air ticket.
– 09 Nights hotel accommodation in sharing double / twin room.
– All transfers, sightseeing and excursions as per itinerary by private AC vehicle.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian Speaking Guide.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.