Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, has a rich and complex history. Kolkata is a multifaceted city that you will have the opportunity to explore over several days: former capital of the British Empire in India, capital of the rich Bengali culture...
Day 1: Arrival in Kolkata
Arrival in Kolkata, a driver will greet you at Kolkata International Airport and he will take you to your hotel. Settle in for 3 nights.
Day 2: Kolkata Tour
After breakfast, you start the tour of the city of Kolkata with the driver. Begin with the Kali temple at Kalighat. The temple is dedicated to Maa Kali, one of the Hindu goddesses particularly revered by the residents of Calcutta, but also by many pilgrims. Next to the temple, you could visit the Mother Teresa centre, called Nirmal Hridya ''Home of the pure heart'', run by the Missionaries of Charity. Then you can also visit the Mother House, where Mother Teresa lived.
Day 3: Visit to Kolkata 2nd day
Today we will take you on a tour of the Victoria Memorial built between 1906 and 1921, in honour of Queen Victoria, the Empress of India from 1876 to 1901, who never actually visited the country. In the afternoon, you will take a tour near the Howrah Bridge, majestic yet bustling with activity, and visit the flower market located underneath. In the evening, you will take a stroll on the Hooghly River which flows into the Ganges.
Day 4: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar by train
The morning is free to stroll around the city. Around noon, you will take the train to Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), where another driver will greet you at Bhubaneshwar station and take you to your hotel.
Day 5: Visit to Bhubaneshwar
Today, you will visit the Hindu temple Rajarani, dating from the 11th century. You will continue your visit with the elegant Mukteswar temple, often referred to as the "jewel of Odisha", admired for its refined sculptures and peaceful atmosphere. Next, visit the historic Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, ancient caves carved into the rock dating from the 2nd century. Evening free to visit Ekamra Haat (market).
Day 6: Bhubaneshwar - Konark - Puri
After breakfast, head towards the Sun Temple in Konark, an iconic site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and renowned for its architectural grandeur. En route, visit the peaceful Dhauli Shanti stupa, a major Buddhist monument associated with Emperor Ashoka and the historic Kalinga war. Then, head to Konark to explore the magnificent Sun Temple, designed as a colossal chariot dedicated to the Sun God, adorned with intricate sculptures and symbolic wheels.
Day 7: Visit to Puri and excursion to Mangala Jodi.
In the morning you will take an excursion to Raghurajpur, a charming artisan village renowned for its traditional Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings and its rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the village alleys, meet the local artisans and admire their finely crafted creations. Then you will take another excursion to MangalaJodi, a true hidden gem for nature lovers. Return to Puri in the late afternoon, you might take a walk around the Jagannath temple (the main temple is reserved for Hindus). The temple is dedicated to the god Jagannath in the form of Krishna. You will enjoy the spiritual atmosphere there.
