08 Days of Bespoke Cultural Tour of North East India

Arrive at Kolkata International airport. Meet our representative who will assist you for transfers to your hotel.

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site. On arrival check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.

Overnight at Kolkata

After breakfast, We will also be visiting the Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday) The delightful marble building of Victoria Memorial exhibits some of the finest collections of paintings from the colonial era. From images of famous people to paintings of Indian princes and rulers, the collection displays a range of collection.

Later, we will also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, known as the first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural delight. St. Paul‘s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at transept.

Visit Kalighat Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Sthals of India, is one of the most visited Kali temples in India. The spot is where the toes of Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra Taandav naach.

Indian Museum, Kolkata (Closed on Monday):- The ninth oldest museum of the world and largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the old city of Kolkata. The foundation stone of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it exhibits some of the finest collection of historical importance ranging from contemporary paintings and a sacred relic of Buddha to Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.

Visit Mother House (Closed on Thursday) :- The Mother House in Kolkata is the Missionaries of Charity’s main House. It is a holy place of pilgrimage and reverence to the selfless Mother. The blessed Mother Teresa founded the house in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to mankind. She dedicated her entire life to help the plagued humanity. She loved the unwanted and showed the society the path to salvation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kolkata

This morning, following breakfast, we will proceed on a special tour of Kolkata that will highlight the cultural mix of this city that is lovingly known as “City Of Joy”.

We will start our tour with a visit to the Dalhousie Square where we will witness various colonial buildings including the General Post Office from where once the British ruled India. The red building reminds us of a time of colonial days. We will then visit the Memorial of Job Charnock situated in St. John’s Church where you will have an insight into the life & times of this Englishman. Job Charnock was well known as the founder of Kolkata.

Our next visit would be to the Flower Market, under the Howrah Bridge; this is eastern India's largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and people sitting on the ground. Howrah Bridge: Built over river Hooghly the bridge is considered to be a marvelous engineering work by the British. The Howrah Bridge is amongst the busiest hanging bridge in the World. It took nearly about 7 long years to construct the Howrah Bridge. The bridge of Howrah was completed in 1943.

The Pareshnath Jain temple of Kolkata is one of the most worshiped temples of the Jains in Kolkata. The temple is known not only for its beauty but also for its spiritual atmosphere that attracts a lot of faithful devotees. Along with the interiors, the temple complex is also very scenic with a beautiful garden decorated with blocks of glass and silver European-styled statues. The garden is surrounded with a huge variety of flowers. There are also many fountains that look brilliant.

Later, we will travel to the North part of the city and visit Kumartuli. This unique artist village going back 400 years. This is perhaps the oldest of its craft village in the world. With more than a thousand artists, Kumartuli is a heritage industry. Marble Palace: Located in the northern part houses an old art gallery owned by the Mallick family of Chorbagan. Built in 1855 with Italian marbles by one of Bengal's richest landlord Raja Rajendra Mallick Bahadur, this art gallery is an example of the earliest effort at collecting art by a private individual. Photography not allowed inside. Guests have to remove shoes to enter main building. Closed on Monday, Thursday & National Holidays.

We will then visit the College Street Book Market, Kolkatans are well-known for their passion for books and this area is a treasure for the book lovers of the city - you can find of them every day spending hours reading new books or bargaining for buying an old book. Some of the Kolkata‘s most famous academic institutions like Kolkata University, Presidency College, Kolkata Medical College and Sanskrit College are also located in this street. Closed on Sunday & National Holidays.

Our next stop is at the Indian Coffee house and get engaged in an informal chat with university students. Also known as "Albert Hall", this is the most favourite gathering place for the writers, thinkers, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about any issue is the most favourite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical and legendary coffee house you can find hundreds of Kolkatan's discussing about their favorite issue over a cup of coffee.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kolkata

After breakfast, check out from hotel and get transferred to Kolkata airport and fly to Bhubaneshwar.

Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India, once known for its architecture and grand temples, is presently a thriving center for commerce and business. Bhubaneshwar is an ancient city replete with beautiful historic temples. The name of the city literally means Lord of the Universe, rightly reflected in the number of temples here and the religious fervor of its locals. This is now a bustling city where the history is beautifully intertwined with its modern and progressive present. On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Bhubaneshwar

After breakfast, proceed for Bhubaneshwar sightseeing with your guide-

Visit Parsurameswar Temple- Constructed in 650 A.D. this temple is a unique specimen of Oriyan style of architecture.

The most special feature of this temple is the presence of one thousand lingas in the north-west corner of the complex. It has marvelous architectural artwork.

See 07th Century temple Lingaraj Temple – dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The edifice of the temple is a great example of the Odissi style of architecture and has intricately designed stone vaults covering the main sanctum of the temple. A small temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati is located in the northwest corner of the courtyard as well. However, entry is restricted to the followers of the Hindu faith only.

Visit to 10th Century Temple Mukteswar Temple- Mukteswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a 10th century temple and presents a quintessential example of the longevity of the Kalinga style of architecture. The Temple is the finest example of a perfect blend between sculpting and architecture. Various sculptures of ascetics forming different meditating poses can be found all around the temple.

Visit to a popular 11th-century Hindu temple –Rajarani Temple- situated in the capital of Orissa was earlier known as Indreswara Temple. This temple has no presiding deity at present and it is famous as a temple having no deity. However, the figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati carved on the walls strongly indicate that the temple has certain associations with Shaivism.

The Brahmeshwara Temple is yet another relic of the brilliance of Oriyan style of architecture. Built in the 11th century, this temple is surrounded by four smaller shrines.

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Nandankanan Zoological Park (Closed on Mondays and all govt. holidays) A unique zoo set inside a forest, Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960. It is a fascinating sanctuary built to ensure that the flora and fauna thrive in a protected region in their natural habitat.Enjoy a Tiger and Lion safari at this park.

Also visit the Botanical Garden in Nandankanan Zoological Park – established in the year 1963. One would be definitely impressed by the nature’s symphony and the exquisite touch of the wilderness here.

Later visit Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts (closed on Monday) – Museum of Tribal Arts & Artefacts has a splendid collection that introduces one to the 62 tribes of Odisha. The collection consists of traditional tribal costumes, jewelry, accessories, weapons and gears, farming equipment, etc.

Visit Khandagiri & Udaigiri Jain caves (oldest rock cut caves, the caves are reminiscent of influence of Buddhism and Jainism in Odisha (Orissa) – Also known as Cuttack caves, Khandagiri Caves are artificial caves located in the state of Orissa which date back to 2nd century.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Bhubaneshwar

After breakfast check out from hotel and travel to Puri by air conditioned car.

Known as the resting place of Lord Shiva, Puri in the state of Orissa is situated alongside the coast of Bay of Bengal. This town is home to one of the most sacred temples in Hindu mythology, the Jagannath Temple. The majestic history and heritage of Puri dates back to the 3rd century B. C. Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar complete the Golden Triangle of Orissa, with their religious significance and cultural heritage being the centers of tourism in this state.

On arrival check in to hotel.

Later meet your guide and proceed to visit Sri Jagannath Puri Temple – built in the 11th century by King Indradyumna.

This glorious temple is the abode of Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu. Apart from the main shrine that rises high, many minor temples within the complex will make you feel like you have entered God's home itself. The architectural splendor of this temple is influenced by the Kalinga Dynasty.

Afternoon go for excursion visit to Chilika Lake – largest internal salt water lake in Asia.

Chilika Lake is a paradise on earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pear-shaped lake is dotted with a few small islands and has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. The Chilika Lake also houses the most accommodating ecosystems in the world, which means that a wide assortment of flora and fauna can be spotted here. The lake offers a flamboyant display of a myriad of avian charms in all diverse hues and colours, ranging from the white-bellied sea eagles to flamingos, and from golden plovers to sandpiper.

Drive back to Puri hotel for overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Puri

After breakfast, go for day excursion to Konark

Enroute stop and visit Raghurajpur heritage village, and see arts and crafts of Orissa.

Konark, in the state of Orissa is renowned world over for the Sun Temple which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Annual dance festival and its beautiful sandy beaches. Konark's Sun Temple is an architectural marvel and is one of the most beautiful monuments of India.

Visit the Sun Temple- Dedicated to Lord Surya, this 13th century temple is an architectural marvel and the quintessential example of Oriyan form of architecture. It is believed that the temple was constructed by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Also visit ASI Museum is situated outside the Sun Temple and houses some unique artifacts which reflect the essence of Oriyan art form. The museum has 250 different kinds of antiques recovered from the Sun Temple.

Later drive back to Puri and spend a leisure time on the Puri beach, enjoy the peaceful and calm surroundings with the entrancing time at the beach while sunset.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Puri

After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Bhubaneshwar airport and fly to Kolkata International airport to board onward flight to your native place. (Reach International airport before 3 hours)

Tour Ends With Sweet Memories…!!!