Orissa Nature Tour, Bhitarkanika Tour, Odisha Ecotourism, Heritage Odisha, Kila Dalijoda, Chilika Lakem Camp, Natural Odisha : Grass Routes

Natural Odisha

9 Days • Bhubaneswar - Puri

Discover Odisha's greatest Natural wonders and unspoilt secrets. Meander majestic mangroves and wandering waterways. Step into jungles echoing the call of the wild, drift along perenial rivers, walk anicent tracks and meet communities that abide seasons of change aligned with the natural world. Discover the pure pleasures of nature; a sublime journey and quite simply and nature lover's delight!

ITINERARY:

Day 1 Arrive Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar; the lively capital of Odisha since the ancient ‘Kalinga’ empire boasts settlement stretching back 2000 years. Wander the ramshackle old city and unearth some of India’s oldest temples. Skirt the edge of an ancient water tank and through medieval gullies to observe the awesome Lingaraja Temple.

Days 2 - 3 Bhitarkanika National Park

Delve deep into the mysterious mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park; a unique ecosystem designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Glide through the extensive network of creeks and rivers. Gaze the diverse bird and wildlife and keep you hands out of the water, the saltwater crocodile bites!

Days 4 - 5 Dalijoda

Explore Odisha's ancient Buddhist ruins. A vast area dotted with the remains of major monasteries dating from the 5th CE. Enjoy a picnic lunch among votive stupas before continuing further to Dalijoda. Wedged between the mighty River Mahanadi (Odisha's largest river) and the thickly forested Kaplish Range. Early morning walk into the jungle meeting indigenous tribes enroute. Return for a rest before your afternoon visit to a Mahima temple revered by Odisha's homegrown sadhus.

Day 6 Chilika Lake

Unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Spot rare migratory birds & playful dolphins. Bask in the tropical sun, feast on fresh seafood and camp under the stars.

Days 7 - 8 Puri

Glide on serene sun kissed waters to return to the mainland via a traditional fishing village. Soak up the temple culture of Puri on a bicycle rickshaw tour of the old city. Circumambulate the awesome Jagannath temple and drop into an ancient palm leaf library for a specular view of the Grand Road. Behold the striking UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple at Konark. Conceived as a giant solar chariot, this is one of India's most sublime monuments. Meet village craftsmen skilled in the hereditary craft of traditional painting.

Day 9 Depart Puri

You are free to depart or stay on an enjoy the relaxed seaside atmosphere. We can provide Additional Accommodation and Departure Transfers for your convenience, please let us know at the time of booking.

INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation: Hotel (3 Nights), Heritage Homestay (4 Nights), Tented Camp (1 night).
Meals: All meals except lunch and diner in Bhubaneswar and Puri (where independent options are available). Please allow extra for additinal beverages and snaks along the way.
Transport: Private vehicle, motorised boats (Bhitarkanika & Chilika), pole boat (Chilika) cycle rickshaw and foot.
Activities: Bhubaneswar Heritage Walk, Bhitarkanika National Park Entry & Activities, Buddhist Ruins Entry, Mahima Temple, Chilika Lake Boat Cruise, Puri Old City Tour, UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple at Konark.
Support: Passionate Local Leader throughout
Arrival/Departure: Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha is well connected to the rest of India by Domestic Airlines and the Indian Railway network. Puri is only a 2 hour drive to the Airport at Bhubaneshwar. See the Travel Essentials for more information.