Overview
‘Splendour of East with Varanasi’ is a well-designed itinerary which give you the chance to explore the major destinations of Eastern India such as Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Kolkata, Gangasagar and Baidyanath. During this tour you will also get the chance to get a holy dip in Gangasagar and Visit Baidyanath Dham is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Shiva. Apart from this you will also get the chance to explore Konark Sun Templewhich is located at the distance of about 35 kilometres from Puri . It is a World Heritage Site, which was built in the 13th century, now mostly in ruins. The collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum. This museum is managed by Archaeological Survey of India. You will also visit Baidyanath temple. During this tour you will also get an opportunity to explore the major attractions of Varanasi as well. The duration of the tour is 12 nights and 13 days.
Itinerary
Day 1: Bhubaneswar Sightseeing
On your arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport/Railway Station, meet our representative and transferred to the hotel. Popularly known as the "Temple City of India", this city is the Holy land of almost 500 temples. Bhubaneswar is the capital of Orissa. Check in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit the temples including Champakesvara Siva Temple, Aisanyesvara Siva Temple, Rajarani Temple, Bharati Matha, Vaital Deula, Gopal Tirtha Matha, Suka Temple, Ladu Baba Temple, etc. Return to your hotel, have your dinner and stay overnight.
Day 2: Bhubaneswar Sightseeing
Today after breakfast, proceed to visit the Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri, which are the Buddhists excavation sites, these three sites are called as Diamond Tringle. The existence of these sites dates back to 1st century A.D. At Lalitgiri, there is a complex of Buddhist huge sculptures, engraved Stupas, and monasteries. Ratnagiri, houses the various Buddhist sculptures, made with multi-coloured stones, are found here. Udaygiri, here is a large compound found with arranged veranda around a courtyard of 18 cells. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Bhubaneswar – Puri (By Road-63 Kilometres)
After having an early breakfast, proceed to visit Jain Cave, which is located on the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri. This cave was built in 2nd century BC - 1st century AD during the Chedi dynasty.
After visiting the Jain cave, drive to Puri. It is one of the most historical city of Orissa, which is located on the Bay of Bengal. It is also known as Jagannath Puri, which is named after the 11th-century Jagannath Temple. It is the holiest pilgrim site for Hindus, which comes under Char Dham. Apart from this this town is also offers the various historic antiquities, architectural grandeur and stunning beauty of the beaches.
On arrival at Puri, check in to your pre booked hotel. Rest day is free at leisure, you may explore surroundings along with the nearby markets and enjoy the mouth-watering street food. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Puri Sightseeing
After breakfast, proceed to Konark Sun Temple, which is located at the distance of about 35 kilometres from Puri . It is a World Heritage Site, which was built in the 13th century, now mostly in ruins. The collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum. This museum is managed by Archaeological Survey of India.
After visiting the sun temple, proceed to visit Jagannath temple. This is a very popular temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Also visit the sunny beach at Puri. This beach is considered as one of the finest in the world. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Puri – Bhubaneswar (By Road- 63 Kilometres) – Kolkata (By flight)
Today is the last day of the tour. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Bhubaneshwar airport to board flight to Kolkata.Upon arrival at Kolkata Airport, meet our representative, after welcome, proceed to the hotel. Check-in to your pre-reserved Hotel. Kolkata serves as a capital of West Bengal and is the third most populated metropolitan cities of India. Kolkata was the former capital of India during British era. Kolkata has always been famous for its artistic culture, traditions and literacy which has also made it a Cultural Capital of India. After freshen-up proceed for Kolkata sightseeing Tour with our Tour Representative to see the popular places such as Dakshineswar Temple, Indian Museum, Marble Palace and St. Paul’s Cathedral. At the end of the Tour, return to your Hotel and relax.
Evening free for Leisure
Overnight stay in Kolkata
Day 06: Kolkata Sightseeing
After Breakfast, proceed for Kolkata sightseeing tour with our Tour Representative to see the other popular places such as Victoria Memorial, Belur Math, Dalhousie Square, Vidyasagar Setu, Princep Ghat, Shovabazar Rajbari, Howrah Bridge and Park Street. Being one of the metropolitan cities of India, you will experience different cultures here but majority of the population is Bengali. The old tall buildings located on Dalhousie Street or the royal architecture such as Victoria Memorial loudly speaks of the rich cultural heritage of the State of West Bengal. At the end of the Tour, return to your Hotel and relax.
Evening free for Leisure
Overnight stay in Kolkata
Day 07: Kolkata - Gangasagar - Kolkata (By Road-110 Kilometres)Excursion Tour
After early breakfast start for full day excursion to Gangasagar, it is an island in the confluence of River Ganga and Bay of Bengal. It is popular for Kapil Muni Ashram which is considered to be a great religious significance. Evening return back to Kolkata. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 08: Kolkata– Deoghar (By train)
Morning After breakfast check out from hotel later Kalighat temple then transfer to the Railway Station to connect the train to Jasidih Junction. On arrival transfer to hotel. Later Visit Baidyanath temple. Overnight stay.
Day 09: Deoghar – Bodhgaya (By Road-245 kilometres)
Today after breakfast drive to Bodhgaya. Check into the hotel, one of the well-known Buddhist pilgrimage centres in India. drive further to Bodhgaya and on reaching here, check-in your pre-booked hotel. Rest day is free at leisure.
Overnight stay in Bodhgaya.
Day 10: Bodhgaya Sightseeing
Today after having breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Bodhgaya. Visit the renowned Mahabodhi Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the place where, Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. It is one of the holiest place for Buddhist.It comprises the sacred Bodhi tree, Vajrasana and six holy sites of enlightenment of Buddha. After a visit to this temple, you can explore some more attractions of the place, if time permits.
Later, return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Bodhgaya – Varanasi (By Road-275 Kilometres)
Today, once you have your breakfast, then drive to Varanasi. Upon arrival at Varanasi, proceed to Hotel, check in at you pre booked hotel.
Rest day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 12: Varanasi Sightseeing
Today you will enjoy an early morning boat ride in the holy water of river Ganga. Have breakfast and proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, Visit the Sarnath Complex, which holds the remains of the Buddhist monasteries and Stupas which was inhabited from 3 BCE to 12 CE. In the afternoon city tour of Varanasi covering - Alamgir Mosque or Beni Madhav Ka Darera, Dasaswamedh Ghat and The Bharat Mata Temple.
Evening we will visit the Ganga Aarti. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 13: Varanasi (Departure)
Today is the last day when you will get on time transfer to Varanasi airport to board the flight for onward journey. We hope you have enjoyed your trip and look forward to organizing your next tour with us.