Odisha: Lakes, Forts & Temples

Example Itinerary

Overview

Experience the grandeur of heritage properties, the tranquillity of rural life and the allure of ancient temples and Buddhist relics. Witness the dedication of artisans keeping age-old crafts alive, spot aquatic wildlife and relax by the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Starting with the colonial splendour of the former British capital in Kolkata journey into the villages of Bawali and Baripada to enjoy birding walks and village visits exploring the traditional crafts and industries. Venture out ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

How Tailor-Made Works

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Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.

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Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.

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At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.

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Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.

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Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.

Example Itinerary

This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.

Day 1 Kolkata: Arrival

Arrive into Kolkata today and transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a boat trip on the Hooghly River, viewing the city from the water in the last of the day light gives you a chance to observe the rituals performed by locals along the banks.

The Taj Bengal

Day 2 Kolkata: City Tour

Head out on foot today on a walking tour of the city, once the capital of British India, it is unsurprising that a number of colonial buildings remain. Take in Dalhousie Square along with the Victoria Memorial and St Paul Cathedral. Visit a local restaurant today to get your first insight into typical Bengali cuisine. The city’s busy streets are typical of a hectic Indian city and you can visit the Kali Ghat Temple to get a glimpse into local religious beliefs and practices.

The Taj Bengal Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Kolkata – Bawali: Historic Village

Leaving the city behind head to Bawali, this area of the Sunderbans was transformed hundreds of years ago into a thriving village, home to temples and a grand heritage property where you will stay tonight. Explore the estate learning how the zamindar or landlords of centuries gone by lived before heading out into the village to explore the temples and learn of rural village life.

Rajbari Bawali Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Bawali – Baripada: Palace Stay

Journey into Odisha and the village of Baripada where you will stay at the Belgadia Palace, another historic building rich in heritage. The property is synonymous with arts and crafts and this afternoon you can take a walk through the ruins of the nearby 14th century Haripurgarh Fort.

Belgadia Palace Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Baripada: Birding & Traditional Industries

Early this morning enjoy a walk around the property with a guide to help you spot some of the many bird species that make the park their home, woodpeckers, kingfishers and orioles can often be seen amongst others. After head into the village to see the local craft of Sabai, in which furniture and crafts are made from grass and dokra, a 4000 year old technique of lost-wax metal casting.

Belgadia Palace Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Baripada – Dalijoda: Rural Cycle Ride

Heading further south, a morning’s drive will bring you to the village of Dalijoda where you will stay in a former royal hunting lodge, now lovingly restored and run as a family homestay. This afternoon you may like to head out on bicycles for a guided cycle of the surrounding villages. These traffic free roads are the ideal location to stretch your legs and experience rural life without a car. This evening enjoy a delicious meal of traditional cuisine with the family.

Kila Dalijoda Breakfast

Day 7 Dalijoda: Buddhist History

Enter into the world of Buddhist history today with a visit to the sites of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri. Some of the most important Buddhist sites in the state, explore the various monasteries, stupas and museums housing the historic artifacts. Ratnagiri in particular is known for its intricate stone carvings, many of the walls are still adorned with carved figures and you can explore the collection of votive stupas.

Kila Dalijoda Breakfast

Day 8 Dalijoda – Puri: Tantric Shrine & Craft Village

Continuing your journey today visit the Chausath Yogini Temple at Hirapur, this small, circular tantric shrine dates to the 9th century with idols representing 64 demi-goddesses who fought a demon, 56 of the idols still remain. Also nearby visit the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur, set amidst fruit groves and orchards, there are 120 houses where artists have their workshops of pattachitra painting and crafting traditional masks, stone idols, papier mache, sculptures and wooden toys. Arriving in seaside Puri later this afternoon take an evening visit to the Jagganath Temple.

Mayfair Heritage Puri Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Puri: Bay of Bengal Beach

Today is at leisure for you to take a moment to rest and relax at the hotel or on the beach on the Bay of Bengal. Later in the afternoon visit Konark and the 13th century Sun Temple, now standing at over 30m high, the temple resembles a chariot complete with carved stone wheels and various icons. It is possible to stay for the sound and light show depicting the temple’s history before returning to your hotel.

Mayfair Heritage Puri Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Puri – Chilika Lake: Coastal Lagoon Cruise

Transfer to Chilika Lake and board a private boat for a cruise on this vast brackish lagoon. Designated an important wetland, the lake is home to an array of bird and animal life including dugongs, dolphins and turtles. The lake is dotted with islands and villages and the locals make their living from fishing the waters. As you cruise across the lake keep an eye out for wildlife and learn about life on the lake. After disembarking transfer to Rambha Palace, a 200 year old palace on the shores of the lake.

Rambha Palace Breakfast

Day 11 Chilika Lake: Lakeside Retreat

Spend today as you wish, set out in a boat to see dolphins and flamingoes on the lake, visit nearby temples or relax in the hotel, enjoy the pool and take a treatment in the spa whilst enjoying meals from the excellent team of chefs.

Breakfast

Day 12 Chilika Lake – Bhubaneswar: City of Temples

Your final destination is Bhubaneswar, en route to the city today stop at the caves of Udaygiri and Khandagiri, both home to carvings from the 2nd century for Jain monks over 2000 years ago. The capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar was once home to thousands of temples, though not all remaining there are still plenty to visit and you may do a little temple hopping this afternoon taking in these beautiful stone carved structures.

Trident Breakfast

Day 13 Bhubaneswar: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Breakfast

EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

13 days from £3,750

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers, unless otherwise stated.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 9910 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

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.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

Making a Difference

Community Tourism

People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.

Conservation and Climate Action

As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.

Wild Frontiers Foundation

The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Shalmali

Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258

India rewards the traveller with its rich variety of unforgettable experiences, diversity of culture, stunning wealth of architecture, varied landscapes, delicious cuisines, fine textiles and crafts, colourful festivals, and wild places teeming with wildlife.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN INDIA

Check out our group tours in India

As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to India. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.

View Group Tours in India