Konark Sun Temple,Sun Temple Konark Orissa,Temple of The Sun,Shri Jagannath Temple,Jagannath Temple Puri,Jagannath Temple Orissa,Lord Jagannatha Temple

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KONARK-PURI-CALCUTTA-KATHMANDU (8 Days)

VARANASI-BHUBANESHWAR-KONARK-PURI-CALCUTTA-KATHMANDU

Day 01 Varanasi - Bhubaneshwar
After breakfast, visit Sarnath - 5 miles out of Varanasi - one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, where Buddha preached his first Sermon in 590 B.C. Here you will witness the ruins of a once flourishing Buddhist monastery and then visit a fine Museum which houses an excellent collection of Buddhist art and sculptures found at the site.

Later transfer from hotel to the Railway Station for overnight train to Bhubaneshwar.

Leave: Varanasi at 1800 hrs by Express train

Day 02: Bhubaneshwar
Arrive: Bhubaneshwar at: 0700 hrs
Upon arrival the guest will ba met and transferred to hotel
Morning at leisure for own activities.
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon, visit the famous Lingaraj temple, Raja Rani temple, Mukteshwar temple and the Parsumeshwar temple - a living tribute to the dedicated art of that era which began in the 17th century. These temples are some of the finest archaeological monuments of India.

At sunset visit the Udaigiri Caves (10 kms west of Bhubaneshwar) dating to the 2nd century and which were believed to be occupied by Buddhist Monks. The most interesting are "Queen's cave" & the "Ganesh Gumpha".
Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Bhubaneshwar - Konark - Puri
After breakfast drive to Puri (56 kms / 1 ½ hours ) enroute visit Konark Temples
Konark - this sleepy town is home to one of India's most fabulous temples - the Sun temple of "Black Pagoda", so named because of the dark patina that covered it over the centuries. Legend shrouds the Sun Temple. Constructed in the thirteenth century by King Narasimha, probably as much as a monument to himself as to honour Surya, the sun god, it is an architectural and engineering wonder. Built in the shape of Surya's chariot, with 24 huge chariot wheels and pulled by seven straining horses, this is a breathtaking temple.

On arrival in Puri - check into the hotel
Lunch at the hotel
Afternoon city tour of Puri - it is a coastal town that contains one of Hinduism's holiest sites. In the ninth century, the seer Sankaracharya designated Puri as one of the four pilgrimages sites (dhams) for Hindus. As you enter this tropical town with its pastel-colored ashrams and dharmasalas (rest houses), a religious aura intensifies, practically pulling you to its famous Jagannath Temple. Here in the old quarter of Puri, open-air stalls sell religious souvenirs and trinkets. Jagannath built in the 15C and dedicated to Lord Krishna, is also the starting point for one of the most spectacular of India's temple fairs, Ratha Yatra, or the Chariot Festival.
Overnight at hotel

Day 04: Puri - Bhubaneshwar - Calcutta
Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to the Bhubaneshwar airport (56 kms) for flight to Bhubaneshwar/Calcutta (1430/1525 hrs)

Upon arrival met and transferred to hotel

Calcutta was the capital of British India upto 1911, and it is now the capital of West Bengal. Calcutta is one of the largest cities of the world, vibrant with culture in spite of the glaring poverty.

Afternoon, city tour of Calcutta which includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial. Resembling a cross between the Taj Mahal and St. Paul's Cathedral, London, it is Calcutta's most impressive landmark. Shortly after Queen Victoria's death, Lord Curzon proposed a memorial as a tribute and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India. The monument was called Victoria Memorial Hall. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral - one of the most important churches in India, the Cathedral, stands just to the east of the Victoria Memorial. It is notable for its striking murals and frescoes, impressive stained-glass windows, and coloured alter redoes including the great west window by Burne Jones.

Thereafter visit Mother Teresa's home - Sisters of charity. Over 50 years ago since the Bengal famine the redoubtable sister left the comfort and security of her teaching position in Calcutta to tend for the poor, the sick and the dying in the poverty-stricken area of the city. From these very modest beginnings she had through love, work and will-power, created an organization within the glowing confines of her own personality that commands respect everywhere in the world. She received universal recognition for her work and the Nobel Peace prize.

Also drive past the famous Howrah Bridge which is considered the busiest bridge in the world - built in 1943 is similar in size to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this one carries a daily stream of 57,000 vehicles and pedestrians too numerous to count.
Overnight at the hotel

Day 05: Calcutta - Kathmandu
Morning transfer to the International airport for flight to Calcutta/Kathmandu (1015/1145 hrs)

On arrival in Kathmandu the guests will be met and transferred to hotel.

The valley of Kathmandu - the capital city of Nepal, is a fertile green bowl set in the midst of the rolling foothills of the mighty Himalayas. The city is an oasis of art and is the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The lush green scenery against the backdrop of the mountains is truly paradise on earth.

After lunch at the hotel, the guests will proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Patan City.

Sightseeing of Kathmandu City. Visit the Durbar Square to see the amazing examples of Nepalese architecture in glimpses of the palace and pagodas. Also visit Ason Tole - a typical Nepalese market place.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 : Kathmandu
Morning sightseeing of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath.
Pashupatinath - A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The pagoda-style temple is greatly revered by all Hindu devotees. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple is a wonder with it's gilded roof, richly carved silver doors and enormous statue of Nandi {the holy cow associated with Lord Shiva}. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, however visitors may view the temple from the eastern side of the river.

Swayambhunath - The most ancient and enigmatic of all the Valley's holy shrines lies 2 kms West of Katmandu, across the Vishnumati river. The winding stone steps meander their way to the wooded hillock crowned by the golden spire, bearing the mystical eyes of Swayambhunath.

Afternoon visit Patan - Better known as the "city of grace and fine arts", where one can see the artisans crafting unbelievably intricate pieces from wood, stone etc. A real eye-opener for a visitor and an inside look at the flourishing art and culture scenario in Nepal.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Kathmandu - Delhi
Morning sightseeing of Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur - Literally translated means the "city of devotees", is a center of medieval art and architecture. This legendary city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. and is shaped like a conch shell. The narrow walkways inside the city are dotted with centres of art and craft. The Potter's city and the Nyatapala (5 stories pagoda temple) are fabulous.

Afternoon transfer to the International airport for flight Kathmandu/Delhi (1800/1915 hrs)

Upon arrival met and transferred to hotel where rooms will be available for wash & change
Dinner at the hotel
Later transfer to the International airport for onward flight

Day 08: Delhi - Abroad

Depart Delhi