Best of Eastern India

Arrive Kolkata, our representative will welcome you at the airport and will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Later in the evening you are free to explore the surrounding areas. Overnight Hotel

Late morning we start exploring the “City of joy” and visit Victoria Memorial Hall – one of the most fascinating landmarks of Kolkata built entirely of white marble representing a unique combination of classical European architecture and Mughal motifs. Next destination is St. Paul’s Cathedral – first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. Later we start exploring the heritage side of Kolkata. We reach Dalhousie Square and walk through the colonial part of Kolkata exploring the colonial buildings like Writers Buildings, Governor House, GPO Building, Town Hall, Lal Dighi, Job Charnock’s Mausoleum and other heritage buildings.  We visit the Missionaries of Charity – a holy place of pilgrimage and reverence established by Mother Teresa in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to mankind and to uplift the plagued humanity. We will end the tour with a visit to Kali Temple at Kalighat. Evening we will be transferred to Howrah railway station to catch the overnight train Puri Exp. (22:30 / 07:30hrs + 1) to Puri. (Meals: Breakfast)

Arrive at Puri in the morning at around 07:30hrs. You will be met on arrival at the railway station and later transfer to the hotel. (Hotel standard check – in time is 12:00hrs; early check – in is subject to availability). Puri is a historic coastal city renowned for its spiritual significance, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is home to the famous Jagannath Temple. Puri attracts visitors with its golden sandy beach, vibrant local markets, and delicious Odia cuisine. Late morning proceed for a visit to the famous Jagannath Temple – one of India’s most revered Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra and famous for its magnificent architecture and the annual Ratha Yatra. After exploring the temple we have rest of the day free to enjoy the golden sandy beaches and the sea and also explore the local market to experience the local cuisines. (Meals: Breakfast)

Today we will have a day visit to Konark. We will explore the beautiful Konark Sun Temple and its intricate carvings and architecture. The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha, dedicated to the Sun God. Designed in the shape of a grand stone chariot with intricately carved wheels and horses, it is celebrated for its remarkable architecture and artistic craftsmanship. On the way back to Puri we will make a short stop at Pipili – a small town in Odisha, famous for its vibrant appliqué handicrafts. Skilled artisans create colorful decorative items such as umbrellas, wall hangings, lampshades, bags, and canopies using traditional patchwork techniques. We return to Puri by late afternoon. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we drive south to Gopalpur-on-sea, en-route visiting Chilika Lake. Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a renowned biodiversity hotspot. It is famous for its migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins, and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for birdwatching, boating, and nature tourism. We will enjoy a short motor boat ride for around 2hrs to see the various migratory birds and a small island on the lake. We continue with our drive and upon arrival at Gopalpur-On-Sea we will check in to the hotel. Rest of the time is free to relax and enjoy the golden beaches. (Meals: Breakfast)

This day we will have an excursion to Taptapani. Taptapani excursion is about taking a bath in the hot water spring. Enjoy this fantastic spring with medicinal merits. A bath in the spring will surely rejuvenate your zeal and will stuff you with enough energy. Later we return to Gopalpur, evening at leisure on beaches of Gopalpur-On-Sea. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will head north towards Bhubaneshwar – the capital of Odisha, is known as the “Temple City of India” for its numerous ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. It blends historic architecture with modern development and serves as an important center for tourism, education, and commerce. Before reaching the city we will stop to explore the Udaygiri and Khandagiri caves. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves are ancient rock-cut caves near Bhubaneswar, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. Built as shelters for Jain monks, they are renowned for their intricate carvings, historical inscriptions, and significance as an important archaeological and religious site. After the visit we will drive to our hotel and will check in to the rooms. Rest of the day is free to explore the city on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

Early morning we will be transferred to the Bhubaneshwar railway station to board the day train Shatabdi Exp. (06:45 / 13:40hrs) to Kolkata. Upon arrival at Howrah, KVT representative will meet us at the railway station and transfer us to the hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast, at around 08:00hrs, you will be picked up from the hotel and drive to Gadkhali boat jetty (2.5 – 3.5 hrs drive). Upon arrival board motor launch and set sailing for around 2hrs to the lodge located in Sunderbans – a world heritage site, tiger reserve and biosphere reserve located in the Sunderban delta of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Afternoon guided village walk to get a feel of the place and people and their local life. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

Full day explore park by boat & foot. Set out on a motorized boat to explore the beautiful mangrove forest and wildlife at Sunderbans National Park, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger. Sail through the creeks and walk to the watchtowers to explore the sights & sounds of the untamed forest. The Sundarbans National Park is the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its rich biodiversity and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, it is also home to crocodiles, spotted deer, and a wide variety of birds, making it a unique destination for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

After breakfast proceed for a country boat ride through the surrounding narrow creeks. Return to the camp and after checking-out transfer by motorized launch to Gadkhali. Later drive to Kolkata, reach and check in to hotel. Rest of the time free to explore the local markets on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

Morning we will be transferred to the international airport for flight back to home country. (Meals: Breakfast)