Diamond Triangle of Odisha Tour
Group | Individual | Regular | Heritage Tour
07 Days / 06 Nights
USD$ 805 Onwards
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Diamond Triangle of Orissa (Odisha) Tour
● Bhubaneswar ● Ratnagiri ● Lalitgiri ● Udayagiri ● Puri ● Konark ● Chilika
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Hotels
Destination Info
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India is the country of origin of Buddhism. Buddhist shrines are concentrated not only in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar but also in Odisha. A visit the Buddhist sites of Odisha will take you to exquisite temples, stupas, and monuments set in an ambience of serenity and intense spiritual activities. Hidden away in the green hills and lush fields amidst the serene surroundings of Mahanadi basin lie the remains of an imposing Buddhist monastery complex of the Vajrayan sect called Pashupagiri housed in Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri. These three Buddhist destinations form the Diamond Triangle of Odisha.
Day 01 Saturday: Arrival at Bhubaneswar
On arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport/Railway Station met by our representative & transfer to the hotel. Later if time permits, half day sightseeing of famous city temples, i.e. Lingaraj, Parsurameswar, Mukteswar ( known as the 'Gem of Orissan Architecture' ) & Rajarani Temple. Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day 2, Excursion to Diamond Triangle
After breakfast drive to the diamond triangle of Orissa - Ratnagiri ( has a rich concentration of Buddhist antiquities ), Lalitgiri ( oldest Buddhist center of Orissa ) & Udaigiri ( largest Buddhist complexes in Orissa ). Return to Bhubaneswar. Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day 3, Bhubaneswar - Dhauli - Pipli - Raghurajpur - Puri
Morning after breakfast drive to Puri enroute visit Dhauli ( the peace pagoda ), Pipli ( the appliqué work village ) & Raghurajpur ( artisan village-famous for Pattachitra, palm leaf engravings, stone/wooden carvings, tusser paintings etc. ). On arrival at Puri check in to the hotel. Later visit to Jagannath temple ( non hindus are not allowed ) / Relax on the golden beach of Puri. Overnight at Puri.
Day 4, Puri - Konark - Puri
Morning after breakfast drive to Konark to visit the Sun temple ( one of the world famous heritage site ). Enroute visit to Ramchandi temple & Chandrabhaga Beach. Return back to Puri. Evening visit to beach market. Overnight at Puri.
Day 5, Puri - Chilika - Puri
Morning drive to Chilika lake at Satpada ( largest brackish water lake of Asia ). Take the boat cruise to visit the Irrawaddy Dolphins & Rajhans Island . Return to Puri. Rest time relax on the golden beach. Overnight at Puri.
Day 6, Puri - Bhubaneswar
Morning drive back to Bhubaneswar enroute visit Hirapur 64 Yogini Temple. On arrival check in to the hotel. Then visit to tribal museum ( closed on Monday ), Khandagiri & Udaigiri Jain caves. Evening visit to Ekamra Haat. Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day 7, Departure from Bhubaneswar
Morning check out from the hotel and transfer to airport for onward journey.
DEPARTURE DATES
2017 April
3, 10, 17, 24, 31
2016 October
4, 11, 18, 25
2016 May
7, 14, 21,
2016 November
2, 9, 16, 23, 30
2016 June
5, 12, 19,
2016 December
6, 13, 20, 27
2016 July
2, 16, 23, 30
2017 January
4, 11, 18, 25
6, 13, 27
2017 February
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
2016 August
6, 13, 20, 27
2017 March
5, 12, 19, 26*
2016 September
*Dates in bold indicate important festival period and Dates in Red are for Charters/Group Bookings Only
TOUR COST per Cabin for 7 Nights Pride of South Golden Chariot Train Tour-Per Cabin
No of Persons
Per Cabin
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 1,82,,000/-
US$ 5530
Single
Two
` 3,08,000/-
US$ 8260
Double
Three
` 3,36,,000/-
US$10,500
Triple
TOUR COST Pride of South Golden Chariot Train Tour-Per person Per Night
No of Persons
Per Cabin
INR Tariff-
Only for Indian National
(Taxes Extra)
US$ Tariff-
For Foreign Passport Holders (Taxes Extra)
Occupancy
Type
One
` 26,000/-
US$ 790
Single
Two
` 44,000/-
US$ 1,180
Double
Three
` 48,000/-
US$1,500
Triple
Note:
Add Govt. Taxes Extra ,as applicable on date of journey
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year
Children between 5 and 12 years charged 50% of adult rate (Half fare)
Children below 5 years are complimentary(but no bed)
Option to book for MINIMUM Three nights part journey & pay accordingly
Train tour will operate ,subject to MINIMUM 20 Passengers OR
advance received will be refunded (with no further liability)
Validity: From April 1, 2016 to March 30, 2017 |
* Indicative price subject to change at the time of issue.
TOUR COST INCLUDES
● Accommodation On-board stay & travel in private A/C Deluxe Cabins with attached bathrooms
● Accommodation for Tuesday Night in Kabini Forest Lodge room.
● Daily Three Meals.
● Bed Tea
● Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle with driver for transfers,
● Group excursion & sightseeing.
● The entrance to places of tourist interest mentioned in the itinerary. (Single visit per site).
● Services of English speaking local guide.
● Entrance fees at monuments / parks / palaces and cultural programs.
● Bottled drinking water
● Boat ride & Jeep safari in Kabini forest.
● Cultural program in Bangalore & Mysore
TOUR COST DOES NOT INCLUDE
● International air fare.
● Visa fee and service charges if service provided for issuance of visas.
● Expense of personal nature like spa, business car facilities, drinks, and also food drinks not forming part of the group menus, room service or mini-bar consumption, laundry, medical expenses, telephone and internet services, camera or video camera fee at monuments, tips and other items.
● Personal Insurance is not included in the cost, hence any cost involving health which may include
any type of medical expense or medication and any cost derived due to illness would be charged extra. It is advised to take a personal travel insurance
● Cost of Optional or add-on tours unless mentioned otherwise.
● Airport taxes and airport departure tax normally included in the international tickets.
● Meals other than those mentioned as included in the itinerary.
● Services not mentioned in the 'The price includes' box.
VISA
● Travellers should carry a valid tourist visa for
● India
IMPORTANT NOTES
● The price provided is based on the prices and taxes existing at the time of calculation. Any increase in the airfare, in routing due to withdrawal of existing flights, taxes change if any would be advised at the time of booking.
● Any change in rate of exchange leading to an increase in the cost of the tour, which may come into effect prior to departure would be informed at the time of booking.
● Minimum reporting time in India for International flights in India is three hours and for internal flights is hour and a half.
● Child without bed - Is an individual under 12 years of age, sharing the room with 2 Full Paying adults and without a bed.
● Triple rooms do not exist in India, most hotels use roll away beds which is placed once you arrive at the hotel. The room size is the same as a Double Room.
● Once an air ticket is issued, any change of date or cancellation would attract a penalty charge levied by the airlines. Your sales officer will advise you the
amount at the time of making the date change.
● The tour will be operated, subject to a minimum of 06 full paying adult passengers. In the event that the group size is less than 06 adult passengers, you will be given an option of travelling as an individual tourist with private services. Additional supplement might apply. The Tour will be conducted on a seat-in-coach basis for group strength of 20- 25 persons, with the assistance of a local representative.
● Travel Insurance for the duration of the tour is not included in the tour price. However, any passengers who wish to take an insurance cover can request for it at an additional charges.
● The right to vary, amend or withdraw any particular itinerary, departure or excursion rests entirely with the company. Due to demand in particular airline in/ out points may change. Service, will however remain unchanged. Hotels / Flights / Airlines / Itinerary / Route subject to change without notice
HOTEL SELECTION
City
Luxury
Nights
Bhubaneswar
02
Puri
03
Bhubaneswar
01
LUXURY HOTELS [+]
River Kabini Forest Lodge, MysoreNamed after the River Kabini, the River Kabini Lodge beckons with the promise of elephants, gaur, deer and a rumour of tiger. Located on the southern fringes of the Nagarahole National Park, this former hunting lodge of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore was rated as One of the Top 5 Wildlife Resorts in the World by the British Tatler’s Travel Guide. A sprawling colonial estate in the heart of elephant country, the River Kabini Lodge echoes with the call of the wild.. ...read more<>
Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the "Temple City of India". Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or 'Lord Lingaraj', Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.
The new Bhubaneswar with its modern buildings and extensive infrastructure perfectly complements its historic surroundings. With facilities to cater to every type of visitor, Bhubaneswar makes an ideal tourist destination.
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri, true to its name it is indeed a gem. It is the most excavated of the sites and is spread over a hilltop offering grand view of the surrounding. Excavated in 1960s the site yielded two rectangular monasteries and a large stupa surrounded by smaller ones, dating back to the 6 – 12 century AD. Its strategic location protected it from invaders and provided seclusion to the monk.
Entering the complex head straight for the larger monastery approached through an intricately curved door frame, leading on to an open courtyard. On the far end of the courtyard is the inner sanctum housing a giant statue of Buddha, in bhumisparsha posture, flanked on either side by statues of Padmapani and Vajrapani. Entire courtyard is decorated with artifacts collected from the excavation. They include several Buddha heads of different size, several statues and floral & geometrical motifs.
Next to the main monastery lies another monastery, much smaller in size it lacks the beauty and grace of its larger counterpart. Unlike the larger one it’s inner sanctum in empty.
The highest point of the Ratnagiri sight is marked with a giant stupa, surrounded by smaller ones. Some of this smaller (votif) stupas are arranged in circles. The whole hill top contains several structural remains covering a large area.
The hill top also provides a grand view of the surrounding rural Orissa landscape.
Ratnagiri also houses a beautiful museum containing several artifacts recovered from the excavation of Ratnagiri.
Udaygiri
Udaygir, the hill of the rising sun, is the largest of the three archaeological sites of Ratnagiri, Udaygiri & Lalitgiri. Sadly it is the least excavated. Excavation at Udaygiri started in 1960s, and have been carried out in several phases, and continues to this day. The archeological findings are classified in two parts, namely Udaygiri I and Udaygiri II.
A Buddha statue welcomes one to the Udaygiri complex, a tree lined path leads to an open space decorated with Buddha statues and other religious artifacts, excavated from Udaygiri.
Next to the open space is a small step – well, with a long flight of stairs leading to the water bellow. Walking past the well we headed for Udaygiri II. Walk past the scattered ruins, head for the newly excavated monastery of Udaygiri II, housing a collosal Buddha.
Follow a dirt trail leading to the main stupa of Udaygiri, housing four Buddha statues in the four cardinal directions. Walk past the stupa visited the second monastery of Udaygiri, known as Udaygiri I, again housing a giant Buddha statue in a decorated inner sanctum, complete with several other religious statues.
Lalitgiri
A newly built Buddhist style gateway on the welcomes one to the Paradeep highway welcomes visitors to Lalitgiri. Lalitgiri is considered the holiest of the three sites of Diamond Triangle, as excavation yielded a casket containing a sacred bone relic, probably of Buddha himself.
The site contains four small monasteries, none matching the grace and beauty of its counterpart in Ratnagiri and Udaygiri. The inner sanctums are empty and are all of them are approached with beautiful lotus shaped staircase.
But the star attraction of Lalitgiri is the U – shaped Chaityagriha, surrounded by votif (small) stupa, which once housed the tooth relic.
A 45 step climb takes one to the giant circular stupa of Lalitgiri, which also doubles up as a great view point of lush green rural Orissa.
Puri
One of the four celebrated religious centers of India, Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath needs no introduction. According to tradition Puri was once a thickly wooded hill inhabited by the Sabaras (Pre-Aryan and Pre-Dravidian tribes of the Austric linguistic family). The sunny beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wonderful experience. It is one of the most popular sea-side resorts where visitors from any part of the globe can comfortably relax.
Konark
The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man', and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.
The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base. Until fairly recent times, in fact, the temple was close enough to the shore to be used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.
Built by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period and the following passages occur in a prayer to him in the Rig Veda, the earliest of sacred religious text:
"Aloft his beams now bring the good, Who knows all creatures that are born, That all may look upon the Sun. The seven bay mares that draw thy car, Bring thee to us, far-seeing good, O Surya of the gleaming hair. Athwart in darkness gazing up, to him the higher light, we now Have soared to Surya, the god Among gods, the highest light."
So the image of the sun god traversing the heavens in his divine chariot, drawn by seven horses, is an ancient one. It is an image, in fact, which came to India with the Aryans, and its original Babylonian and Iranian source is echoed in the boots that Surya images, alone among Indian deities, always wear.
The idea of building an entire temple in the shape of a chariot, however, is not an ancient one, and, indeed, was a breathtakingly creative concept. Equally breathtaking was the scale of the temple which even today, in its ruined state, makes one gasp at first sight. Construction of the huge edifice is said to have taken 12 years revenues of the kingdom.
The main tower, which is now collapsed, originally followed the same general form as the towers of the Lingaraja and Jagannath temples. Its height, however, exceeded both of them, soaring to 227 feet. The jagmohana (porch) structure itself exceeded 120 feet in height. Both tower and porch are built on high platforms, around which are the 24 giant stone wheels of the chariot. The wheels are exquisite, and in themselves provide eloquent testimony to the genius of Orissa's sculptural tradition.
At the base of the collapsed tower were three subsidiary shrines, which had steps leading to the Surya images. The third major component of the temple complex was the detached natamandira (hall of dance), which remains in front of the temple. Of the 22 subsidiary temples which once stood within the enclosure, two remain (to the west of the tower): the Vaishnava Temple and the Mayadevi Temple. At either side of the main temple are colossal figures of royal elephants and royal horses.
Just why this amazing structure was built here is a mystery. Konark was an important port from early times, and was known to the geographer Ptolemy in the second century AD. A popular legend explains that one son of the god Krishna, the vain and handsome Samba, once ridiculed a holy, although ugly, sage. The sage took his revenge by luring Samba to a pool where Krishna's consorts were bathing. While Samba stared, the sage slipped away and summoned Krishna to the site. Enraged by his son's seeming impropriety with his stepmothers, Krishna cursed the boy with leprosy. Later he realized that Samba had been tricked, but it was too late to withdraw the curse. Samba then travelled to the seashore, where he performed 12 years penance to Surya who, pleased with his devotion, cured him of the dreaded disease. In thanksgiving, Samba erected a temple at the spot.
In India, history and legend are often intextricably mixed. Scholars however feel that Narasimhadeva, the historical builder of the temple, probably erected the temple as a victory monument, after a successful campaign against Muslim invaders.
In any case, the temple which Narasimhadeva left us is a chronicle in stone of the religious, military, social, and domestic aspects of his thirteenth century royal world. Every inch of the remaining portions of the temple is covered with sculpture of an unsurpassed beauty and grace, in tableaux and freestanding pieces ranging from the monumental to the miniature. The subject matter is fascinating. Thousands of images include deities, celestial and human musicians, dancers, lovers, and myriad scenes of courtly life, ranging from hunts and military battles to the pleasures of courtly relaxation. These are interspersed with birds, animals (close to two thousand charming and lively elephants march around the base of the main temple alone), mythological creatures, and a wealth of intricate botanical and geometrical decorative designs.
The famous jewel-like quality of Orissan art is evident throughout, as is a very human perspective which makes the sculpture extremely accessible. The temple is famous for its erotic sculptures, which can be found primarily on the second level of the porch structure. The possible meaning of these images has been discussed elsewhere in this book. It will become immediately apparent upon viewing them that the frank nature of their content is combined with an overwhelming tenderness and lyrical movement. This same kindly and indulgent view of life extends to almost all the other sculptures at Konark, where the thousands of human, animal, and divine personages are shown engaged in the full range of the 'carnival of life' with an overwhelming sense of appealing realism.
The only images, in fact, which do not share this relaxed air of accessibility are the three main images of Surya on the northern, western, and southern facades of the temple tower. Carved in an almost metallic green chlorite stone (in contrast to the soft weathered khondalite of the rest of the structure), these huge images stand in a formal frontal position which is often used to portray divinities in a state of spiritual equilibrium. Although their dignity sets them apart from the rest of the sculptures, it is, nevertheless, a benevolent dignity, and one which does not include any trace of the aloof or the cold. Konark has been called one of the last Indian temples in which a living tradition was at work, the 'brightest flame of a dying lamp'. As we gaze at these superb images of Surya benevolently reigning over his exquisite stone world, we cannot help but feel that the passing of the tradition has been nothing short of tragic.
Close by is one of the most attractive beaches of the world - the Chandrabhaga beach.
IMPORTANT NOTES
HOTELS ...
MEALS ...
TRAVEL BY ROAD ...
AIRFARES AND TRAVELLING BY AIR ...
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE ...
First Class 40 Kgs.
Executive Class 35 Kgs.
Economy Class (Y,B,M & H) 20 Kgs.
Economy Class (K,Q,V,W,G,L,U,S,T,X, N & E) 15 Kgs.
Infants not entitled to a seat (All economy classes) Nil
INSURANCE ...
FESTIVALS ...
Local festivals may fall on the date of travel and it is possible that the visits to places of interest are modified by the local government or authorities for which we cannot be held responsible. The program would be amended accordingly so that none of the visits included are missed on an alternative provided.
ACTIVITIES ...
(Wildlife Safari/ Boat ride/ Desert & Rural Safari/ Bicycle & Rickshaw Ride/ Animal Rides)
Boats: To take part in any boat ride, you need to be of average mobility to be able to climb on and off all these boats unaided; able to disembark onto makeshift docks without handrails, or onto muddy and slippery riverbanks.
Canters: These are large, open trucks with wooden bench seats in the back and used for safaris on sharing basis in the national parks.
Elephant ride at Amber Fort (Jaipur): Elephant rides can either be taken to the fort or from the fort based on the directives received from the Rajasthan State Tourism Board and are booked on first come-first serve basis. As such for Elephant ride at Amber Fort, an early departure from the hotel is recommended. Also note Elephant ride to or from the Fort is subject to same being operational and may be stopped due to various reasons by Rajasthan State Tourism Board
Important: At all times, our Tour Managers, Local Guides, and Representatives will assist and brief guests about these activities but cannot guarantee the uninterrupted services during their stay in Indian Subcontinent. All guests must bear full responsibilities for such activities releasing Indior Tours, its associates, its directors, its agents of any claim. It would be in your interest to buy a suitable insurance to cover all risks associated with such travel.
SUGGESTED CLOTHING ...
POPULATION ...
In order not to encourage begging, we suggest that you should not distribute anything during your visits (candy, money, toys, pens etc.).Should you wish to made donations in cash or kind, please consult your guide who would provide you with the best advice.
We suggest that you spend your money to buy locally produced things made my local craftsmen and take them to the country of your origin and contribute to the local economy thus providing work to those in need.
PRICE AND OTHER CONDITION OF SALE ...
RECOMMENDED TIPS ...
(Indicative only because it is at the discretion of each / not to spare but only tickets ) :
CANCELLATION FEES ...