festival of faith
8 Days • Kolkata - Puri • €720*
A riot of colour, spectacle and sweat; the festival of faith is one of India’s most electrifying festivals. Bigger than Pushkar Fair and second only to the Kumbh Mela, the extraordinary festival of faith exemplifies the true spirit of India. Attracting thousands of pilgrims every year the elaborate procession continues a tradition that dates beyond centuries. Infused with ritual, devotion and fervour close to mayhem, the festival of faith is a unique experience for the spirited traveller!
itinerary:
Days 1 - 2 Kolkata
Vibrant and quirky Kolkata bustles with life. Explore the city's proud colonial heritage by tram. Wander through traditional Bengali markets and take in the city view from Hoogly Bridge.
Days 3 – 5 Puri
Discover the traditional temple culture of Puri. Meet the skilled craftsmen preparing for the festivities. Taste the mounting anticipation and watch the massive chariots take shape in the town square. Experience life in a rural village. Watch temple dancers practise and traditional painters render vivid colours. Delight in UNESCO World Heritage listed Sun Temple of Konark and thrive among pilgrims at the festival of faith. Lose yourself in the feast of excitement, colour, clamour and chaos!
festival facts
Known in India as the Rath Yatra or more literally festival of chariots, this festival attracts millions of pilgrims. The huge procession marks the annual holidays of patron gods Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra & sister Subhadra. Massive chariots are built for the occasion and physically hauled through the town by thousands of devotees. It happens once a year in Puri, Orissa on the east coast of India.
Days 6 - 7 Chilika Lake
Unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake. Spot rare birds & playful dolphins. Bask in the tropical sun, feast on fresh seafood and camp under the stars.
Day 8 Depart Puri
You are free to depart or stay on and enjoy the relaxed ambience. We can book Additional Accommodation and a transfer to the airport for you, please let us know at the time of booking.
fast facts:
Support: Passionate Local Leader throughout
Activities: Kolkata Sightseeing, Puri Old City by Cycle Rickshaw, UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple Entry, Heritage Painting Village (Raghurajpur) Visit, Rath Yatra Viewing Post, Chilika Lake Camping, Temple Dancing (Gotipua) Village Visit.
Accommodation: Simple hotel/guesthouse (5 nights), tent camping (1 night), overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Transport: Tram, private transport, overnight sleeper train, cycle rickshaws, slow boat, local public bus.
Meals: 1 Dinner, I Breakfast, 1 Lunch. Please allow approx. €10 per day for additional meals.
Arrival/Departure: Kolkata has an International Airport and Puri is only a 2 hour drive to the Domestic Airport at Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa. Kolkata and Puri are both well connected to the rest of India by domestic airlines and the Indian Railway network. See the Travel Essentials for more information.
Tipping: An essential way of life in India, we will provide you appropriate guidelines.
Grass Routes | Orissa Tour | Tribal Tour | Puri | Responsible Travel | Sustainable Travel
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