Classic East India: Sundarbans & Orissa
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Starting in the colourful backstreets of Kolkata, make your way to the largest mangrove eco-system in the world - the Sundarbans, which offers over 4,000 square kilometres of UNESCO World Heritage habitat. Here you will have the unique opportunity to cruise the peaceful backwater landscapes of the Sundarbans, home to the majestic Bengal Tiger, over 260 species of birds, 42 species of mammals and over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians. You will have an expert naturalist guide with you for ...
Starting in the colourful backstreets of Kolkata, make your way to the largest mangrove eco-system in the world - the Sundarbans, which offers over 4,000 square kilometres of UNESCO World Heritage habitat. Here you will have the unique opportunity to cruise the peaceful backwater landscapes of the Sundarbans, home to the majestic Bengal Tiger, over 260 species of birds, 42 species of mammals and over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians. You will have an expert naturalist guide with you for the journey as you explore a complex network of islands, mangroves, estuaries, and creeks by luxury boat. From here, continue to Orissa, who’s history spans over two millennia. Here you can see monasterial chambers carved into caves, stone elephants and temple shrines. A region truly rich in culture and history, you will visit some of India's most interesting temples including the 13th century Konark Sun Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the charming coastal and pilgrim town of Puri, before returning to Kolkata to make your journey home.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA
DAY 1: ARRIVE KOLKATA
The adventure begins in Kolkata (Calcutta), once the capital of British India and one of the largest and most vibrant cities in India. Home to one of the largest museums in Asia and a city with a proud tradition in cultural and political thinking, Kolkata is one of India's truly great cities, a rich mix of European culture, Bengali tradition and nationalistic fervour that still retains a touch of colonial elegance that harks back to its days as the showpiece city of the Raj. On arrival you will be met at the airport by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2: KOLKATA
DAY 2: KOLKATA
Enjoy a guided tour of Kolkata and discover one of the most culturally fascinating cities in India. Start early with a visit to the vibrant Mallick Ghat Flower Market, which offers a colourful, scent-filled overload near the banks of the River Howrah. Then make your way to see the clay model-makers’ haven of Kumartuli, where dramatic life-size idols are crafted out of river clay and straw, before continuing on to the impressive Parshwanath Temple (Jain temple) for a visual treat. Finally, explore the colonial side of the city, visiting the beautiful St John's Church and the fine architecture of B.B.D. Bagh's old buildings. End the afternoon on the banks of the river, where along with a specialist guide, you will climb aboard your boat to take a private gentle cruise down the Hooghly, a tributary of the Ganges River.
DAY 3: KOLKATA – SUNBARBANS CRUISE
DAY 3: KOLKATA – SUNBARBANS CRUISE
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the jetty to board the river cruise to the Sundarbans. Located in the heart of the Bay of Bengal where the two mighty rivers of the Ganges and Brahmaputra converge, the Sundarbans are the world’s largest Delta Mangrove Forest and home to the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. Covering an area roughly the size of Belgium, with two thirds lying in Bangladesh and a third in India, most of the region is designated as a national park, devoid of humans, making it a wild land of rivers, channels and islands of dense mangrove forest. As a UNESCO World Heritage protected biosphere reserve, the Sundarbans represent one of nature’s most pristine and fascinating environments, with an array of stunning flora and fauna, including estuarine crocodiles, over 260 species of birds, and of course the elusive Bengal Tiger. Travelling by boat with other explorers, you will journey deep into the heart of this incredible wilderness, navigating the network of islands and mud-flats, exploring just a small part of the 10,000 square kilometres of forest and freshwater swamps that cover this vast delta.
DAY 4: SUNDARBANS CRUISE
DAY 4: SUNDARBANS CRUISE
After breakfast today you will set off in a smaller local boat to visit Bhagabatpur Island, where you will have the opportunity to explore the hatchery and sanctuary for estuarine crocodiles. This island is also home to the endangered northern river terrapin known as the Batagur Baska, a species of riverine turtle.
DAY 5: SUNDARBANS CRUISE
DAY 5: SUNDARBANS CRUISE
Today you will rise to the sounds of the mangrove forest and its inhabitants as you cruise the narrow canals, spotting wildlife as you go. After an early breakfast on board, you will set off once again on your local boat and explore the narrow creeks of the mangrove forest as you reach the Dobanki watchtower in Sudhanyakhali where you can enjoy a canopy walk and discover the different birds and wildlife in this area, which is also home to a deer rehabilitation research centre.
DAY 6: SUNDARBANS CRUISE - KOLKATA - BHUBANESWAR
DAY 6: SUNDARBANS CRUISE - KOLKATA - BHUBANESWAR
Sail back to Kolkata today where you will catch a short flight to Bhubaneshwar. The main religious base and capital of the eastern state of Orissa, Bhubaneswar’s history spans over two millennia. Here you can see monasterial chambers carved into caves, natural sulphur springs, stone elephants and yogini shrines which are open to the sky. A city truly rich in culture and history.
DAY 7: BHUBANESWAR
DAY 7: BHUBANESWAR
Located on the edge of the Mahanadi Delta in Orissa, and despite its relatively modern appearance, Bhubaneswar can trace its ancestry back some 2,000 years, being home to some of India’s finest medieval temples. At its religious epoch the city boasted over 7,000 temples, though today that number has reduced to just over 500. After a relaxing breakfast you will have the opportunity to explore the impressive Hindu temples of Mukteshwar, Parasurameswara and Rajarani, as well as the Khandagiri Caves, before returning back to our hotel.
DAY 8: BHUBANESWAR - PURI
DAY 8: BHUBANESWAR - PURI
This morning you will be transferred to the coastal town of Puri, a journey of 1.5 hours. En route visit the heritage village of Nayakpatna and walk to Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village famous for its master Pattachitra painters - an art form which dates back to the 5th century along with bamboo, papier-mache and stone handicrafts. Situated in the eastern part of Orissa, Puri is one of the four holy dhams of Hinduism. Revered as the hallowed seat of Lord Jagannath, it lies besides the white beaches of the Bay of Bengal and draws pilgrims from all over India to its famous 12th century temple. Towering 65 metres high, the Temple of Jagannath is one of the country’s most sacred monuments and lies at the centre of the annual Ratha Yatra Festival that is held around July each year. Puri also boasts one of the best swimming beaches in India.
DAY 9: PURI
DAY 9: PURI
Today with your guide explore Konark, home to a stunning 13th century temple. One of India’s most popular ancient sites, the Sun Temple is a breath-taking monument standing on the windswept sand dunes of the Bay of Bengal. Fringed with palm and casuarina plantations, it’s a stunning masterpiece of the 13th century Kalingan style of art and one of the unrivalled technical marvels that the age has produced. You’ll then drive back to Puri, where you’ll visit the magnificent Jagannath Temple, one of the four holy dhams (abodes of the gods) and a living temple that is home to some 6,000 priests and temple servants. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple so if possible on the day you’ll view the chaotic proceedings from the roof of the nearby Raghunandan library, an ideal vantage point to take in the crowded streets and lively bazaars of the Grand Road.
DAY 10: PURI
DAY 10: PURI
Today visit the stunningly located Udayagiri caves to admire the pillar reliefs and the surrounding landscape.
DAY 11: PURI – KOLKATA
DAY 11: PURI – KOLKATA
Today you will be transferred to Bhubaneshwar airport for a short flight back to Kolkata where you can connect with your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata
The Oberoi Grand, a five star deluxe option, located in the commercial centre of Calcutta, creates a secluded haven of luxury that will give its guest a truly magnificent experience of Indian hospitality. From the elegant dccor of the rooms to the delicious cuisine from one of the many dining options throughout the hotel, one is spoilt for choice on how to spend their time relaxing. By far the most popular attraction is the Spa and Fitness centre, where guests can ease away the stress of their day of shopping and sightseeing by getting pampered with treatments based on Aromatherapy and Ayurveda techniques. It is a truly royal experience.
Mayfair Heritage Puri, Puri
The Mayfair Heritage is a stunning beach resort on the popular Puri beach on the Bay of Bengal. The weeping fig and almond trees are dotted around the hotel, accompanying the cobalt blue swimming pool and sandy beach, only a minutes' walk away. Choose to stay in a Room, Cottage or Suite, all well-appointed with room service, air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom. Guests are welcome to use facilities like spa and gym of MAYFAIR Waves which is conveniently located right across from it. There are multiple high quality restaurants including a rustic themed restaurant serving Puri and Bengali food, a beach facing poolside bar, a multi-cuisine restaurant with a striking ambiance and a cosy well stocked bar. Outside the resort, pay homage to Lord Jagannath during your stay as it is in proximity of Lord Jagannath Temple and other famous temples.
Antara Ganges Voyager, Kolkata
The Ganges Voyager ship is one of the first luxury river cruise ships in India. It is essentially a small spacious floating luxury boutique hotel, beautifully built with stylish interiors, giving the traveller exclusive access to explore the rivers and see remote rural landscapes. The ship has five different luxury suite categories, that are all beautifully decorated with the finest linen, textiles, antique furniture and hard wood floors. All the suites are spacious and come with large windows, the highest category suites come with large French balconies, four poster beds, a writing desk, spacious seating and a large bath in the bathrooms. All the suites offer modern luxury amenities and have a well-equipped en suite bathroom. On board the ship there is a charming dining room where all the meals are served and the chefs create a delicious range of fine local cuisine and international dishes using fresh ingredients. There is also a characterful bar where you can relax and enjoy a drink, both the restaurant and bar have large floor to ceiling windows that offer great views of the river and landscape beyond. On the roof of the ship is a spacious open air sundeck for those wanting to soak up some sun or enjoy the views from the covered seating lounge. There is a small gymnasium and a spa offering a small range of wellness treatments, and for early risers there are complementary sunrise yoga classes held on the sundeck.
Trident, Bhubaneswar
The Trident Bhubaneswar is a charming four star hotel and is currently the best option in Bhubaneswar. There are 57 deluxe rooms and 5 spacious suites all set amongst 14 acres of gardens and the rooms are well appointed and have views of the gardens or pool. The hotel has an intimate bar and two restaurants, and a large outdoor pool to enjoy when you are not sightseeing. You can relax at the wellness centre which has a range of wellness therapies, there is also a well-equipped fitness centre and swimming pool. The Trident is the ideal place to base yourself to explore the temples and beaches of Orissa.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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WILD MILES
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Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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