| East India: Orissa Odyssey |
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15 Days Kolkata - Visakhapatnam Join festive weekly markets where indigenous cultures converge; interact with peoples imbued with centuries of independent traditions. Traverse rustic countryside and tap into the simple pleasures of village life in timeless rural India.
itineraryDays 1 - 2 Arrive Kolkata The intellectual and cultural capital of India, vibrant and quirky Kolkata bursts with life; explore the cities proud colonial heritage by tram, drop into esteemed art galleries, wander through traditional Bengali markets and take in the breathtaking view from Kolkata’s famous Hoogly Bridge. Days 3 - 4 Bhitarkanika National Park Jump on the train heading south through vast tracts of pastoral plains and palm-fringed paddies. Delve deep into Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park; a unique ecosystem designated a Gliding through an extensive network of creeks and rivers keep your eyes peeled for diverse bird and wildlife, most notably the elusive saltwater crocodile! Days 5 - 7 Puri Soak up the traditional cultures of Puri, wander through the old city, stroll along the beach and pick up local souvenirs at the lively night market. Behold the famous UNESCO World Heritage site at Konark. Conceived as a giant solar chariot, this is one of India’s most sublime monuments. Traverse lush countryside and experience life in a charming rural village. Meet village craftsmen skilled in the hereditary craft of traditional painting. Savour home cooked cuisine and delight in an extraordinary traditional dance performance. Day 8 Chilika Lake Unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and another Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Spot rare migratory birds & playful dolphins. Stroll through fishing villages, bask in the tropical sun and feast on fresh seafood. Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Bay of Bengal and camp under the stars. Day 9 Baliguda Bumble along country roads, pass teak plantations and forested hillocks alongside idyllic villages and local markets. Today we enter tribal territory! Day 10 Rayagada Walk through dense forest and indigenous villages. Discover tribal traditions from our affable hosts; the Kutia Kondh community. Join the everyday banter and learn the significance of their revered facial tattoos. Try your hand at the potter’s spinning wheel and drop into the local weekly market. Days 11 - 12 Jeypore & Lamtaput Roll through the hilly regions of the Eastern Ghats. Rub shoulders with the largest weekly gathering of indigenous peoples, the vibrant Chatikona market. Join Dongria Kondh girls with their countless hairpins, earrings and nose rings fawn over fancy items. Let the most extraordinary and ordinary confound you at Onukadeli; the weekly market of India’s most primitive indigenous peoples. Be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of beads adorning traditional Bonda tribeswomen. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a waterfall and follow the footsteps of the Gaddava and Paroja tribes. Camp near their village, join in the evening revelry and dance the Dhemsa long into night! Days 13 - 14 Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Check out the diverse wares at Kunduli weekly market; everything from cattle to dried fish and terracotta pots. Not to mention the swarm of onlookers! Behold home brewed alcohol measured and juggled into bottles. Pass forested hills & lush valleys separating Orissa and Andhra Pradesh to the port city of Visakhapatnam. Visit the hilltop 11th century Simachalam temple, explore the city and chill out at the beach. Day 15 Depart Visakhapatnam (Vizag) You are free to depart or stay on and enjoy the relaxed ambience. We can book Additional Accommodation and a Transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to the airport or train station for you, please let us know at the time of booking. END OF TOUR fast factsSupport: Passionate Local Leader throughout Meals: 4 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 4 Dinners. Please allow approx. €10 per day for additional meals. |
An epic adventure through timeless India; stretching from the bustle of India’s renown cultural capital Kolkata, through vast tracts of pastoral plains and palm-fringed paddies, to dense mangroves and tranquil boat rides twisting though the tangled mangrove forest of Bhitarkanika National Park. From natural wonders to the irrepressible man-made marvels of ancient India’s earliest temples at Bhubaneshwar and Konark to the sea swept coastal town of Puri, one of India’s Char Dhams (four holy hotspots of Hinduism). Cruise along Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest salt lake lagoon and camp under a starlit sky