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Temples & Tribels

Temples & Tribels

A temple is a building or structure reserved for religious or spiritual rituals and activities. It is typically used for such buildings belonging to all faiths where a more specific term such as church, mosque or synagogue is not generally used in English. The faith or religion is not the only reason for the different kind of structures of the temples that we can see. Regional influences also have an impact on the structures of temples for example, Jain temples in the northern part of India are different from the Jain temples in South India.
India has the largest population of tribal population of tribal people in the world. Each of the tribal groups have distinct cultural patterns and hence the tribal people play a key role in construction of the cultural heritage of India and occupy a major part in the history of India.

Travel Route

Delhi – Khajuraho –Varanasi–Bhubaneshwar –Puri – Gopalpur – Rayagada – Simliguda – Vishakapatnam – Kolkata

Tour Highlights

  • A contrast of Old & New part of the capital city New Delhi is a photographer’s delight
  • Visit Sikh Temple and enjoy a meal to experience their  community kitchen which runs 24 hrs at the temple to feed all
  • Visit an architectural marvel of Eastern and Western group of Khajuraho temples famous for its erotic sculptures.
  • At Sarnath , Buddhagave his first sermon to the five monks was his first sermon
  • Cruise down the River Ganges to experience the daily rituals of the holy city of Varanasi
  • Inspiring Aarti ceremony at the ghats of  Ganges
  • Visit Hindu temples in Varanasi and Kolkata
  • Architectural marvel of Konarak Sun Temple
  • Visit  the villages of Ethnic communities – the craftsman , farmers, Brahmins ,Fishermen and many more
  • Weekly markets of the different tribes .
  • Try your hand in weaving when you visit the  weavers village
  • A  visit to Tribal Museum
  • Architectural marvel of Konarak Sun Temple

Day 01-Arrive  Delhi 

Welcome to Delhi, a city that brings together its historic architecture and modern culture. You are met at the airport and escorted to your hotel by a private transfer.

Overnight at hotel

Day 02-Delhi       

Morning visit New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells. New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.

After city tour visiting Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan built in the year 1656 AD with the help of 5,000 craftsmen.

Evening visit Sikh Temple where you can see the sight of community kitchen which runs 24 hrs at the temple to feed all .

Overnight at hotel

Day 03-Delhi  / Khajuraho  by flight  

Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Khajuraho

Khajuraho is a fascinating village with a quaint rural ambience and a rich cultural heritage. The fascinating temples of Khajuraho, India’s unique gift of love to the world represent the expression of a highly matured civilization. Khajuraho temples were constructed between 950 and 1050 A.D. during the reign of Chandela Empire. Khajuraho derives its name from the Khajur tree (the date palm tree) which can be found in abundance in the area. These temples are considered the “high point” of Indian architectural genius in the medieval period. Originally there were 85 temples, of which only 22 still exist. The amazingly short span of 100 years, from 950 AD – 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.

Evening sightseeing of The Eastern Group of temples include the Ghantai Temple, Vamana Temple dedicated to the “Vamana” or dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Javari Temple. There are also three Jain Temples with beautiful carvings and non-erotic sculptures

Overnight at hotel.

Day 04-Khajuraho  / Varanasi  by flight

Early morning sightseeing of Western group of Temple the most important temple being the Kandariya Mahadeo Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the largest and most typical of the Khajuraho temples. Visit the Chaunsat Yogini Jain Temple-dedicated to the 64 “Yoginis” or attendants of Goddess Kali. This temple stands apart from the rest. Also see the Chitragupta or Bharatji Temple with a lovely sculpture of Lord Vishnu in his 11-headed form. The sculptures that adorn the temples depicts gods, Goddesses and amorous couples.

Take a flight to Varanasi.

Varanasi, the ‘eternal city’, and Hinduism’s most important city, located on the banks of the sacred River Ganges, has been the center of learning & civilization for over two thousand years.

Afternoon, you will proceed for an excursion to Sarnath, a major Buddhist center in the world. After achieving enlightenment at Bodhgaya, Buddha, the ‘Awakened One’, delivered his first sermon here. It was the sixth century then, when he also set in motion the wheel of law, the Dharmachakra. This dwelling place of the rishis, it was also known as ‘Rishipatana’ (the place of the Rishis or sages). Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park where he initiated his first five disciples into Buddhist monkshood. Buddhism found its roots in Sarnath, the birthplace of this way of life.

Overnight at hotel

Day  05-Varanasi 

Early morning transfer to the river Ghats for the boat ride on the sacred river Ganges to see the cremation Ghats and witness the living traditions of one of the world’s oldest and most important religions. For you to appreciate this remarkable city, we’ll transfer you to the banks of the River Ganges before the sun rises. Board a boat with your guide and proceed to the middle of the river, where at sunrise the sight unfolds before you.

Later visit the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to Mother India, which, instead of  gods and goddesses, houses a relief map of India carved out of marble.  Durga (Goddess of Power) Temple. Emperor Aurangazeb’s Mosque built in the 17th century on the site of a Hindu Temple. The rear of the mosque reveals specimens of the ancient temple art of India. The Sacred Bull, the Well of Knowledge, Vishwanath Temple (Golden Temple) erected by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in 1776.  The shikharas of the temple are gold plated. The sanctum is for Hindus but ceremonies can be seen from the entrance. Visit Banaras Hindu University, a great seat of learning.  It started as a centre of education in Sanskrit, Indian art, culture and music.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 06-Varanasi / Bhubaneshwar by train

Morning transfer to railway station to board train for Bhubaneshwar .

Bhubaneshwar: Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa, is also popularly known as the “Temple City of India”. Being the seat of Tribhubaneswar or ‘Lord Lingaraj’, Bhubaneswar is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Bhubaneswar is the place where temple building activities of Orissan style flowered from its very inception to its fullest culmination extending over a period of over one thousand years.

Overnight at hotel

Day 07-Bhubaneshwar                                                          

Morning  city tour of Bhubaneshwar.  Temple City of India. Among the finest of its 600 temples is the Lingaraj Temple of Shiva built in the 11th century, it is also the biggest in Bhubaneswar -Non Hindus are not allowed inside Lingaraj temple and to be visited from outside platform . Bindusagar Lake lying to the north of the Lingaraja Temple, is one of the popular tourist attractions of Bhubaneswar. Infect, the lake has been gaining more and more popularity amongst the tourists as a picnic spot. It is one of the most popular temples of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have been carved on the spire. Mukteshwar Temple, is one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar and has been constructed in the style that is quite similar to the one used in the Kalinga School of Temple Architecture. Rajarani Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Orissa. It is made from the wonderful red and gold sandstone, which is locally known as Rajarani and this is what gives the temple its name of ‘Raja Rani’.

Afternoon visit Tribal Museum and proceed for excursion to Udaigiri & Khandigiri.

Visit of Caves- Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was evidently quite a patron of the arts, and probably had much to do with the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves. Also see tribal museum (closed on Monday)

Overnight at hotel

Day 08-Bhubaneshwar / Konarak /Puri by road(120  kms/ 03 hrs  Approx)

Morning drive to Puri enroute visit Konark Sun Temple.

Konark: Konark houses a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived from the words Kona – Corner and Arka – Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra.

This temple built in 1278 CE by the Ganga  King Narasimha Deva  is one of the grandest temples of India and was referred to as the Black Pagoda. The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring. Legend has it that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Krishna’s wifes, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be relieved of the curse by worshipping the sun God on the sea coast north east of Puri. Accordingly Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra and discovered an image of Surya seated on the lotus, worshipped him and was relieved of his curse.

Overnight at hotel

Day 09-Puri /Chilka Lake /Gopalpur by road  (200 kms/ 04 ½ hrs Approx)       

Morning drive to Chilika lake at Barkul ( the largest brackish water lake ). At Chilika take the boat cruise to explore the birds island & Nalabana island. Proceed to Gopalpur .

Overnight at hotel

Day 10-Gopalpur /Taptapani /Saura Tribal –Rayagada by road (270 kms / 07  hrs Approx) 

Morning drive to Rayagada enroute visit Taptapani the hot sulpheric spring & Saura tribal villages .

Overnight at hotel.

Day 11-Rayagada –Bisamkatak – Rayagada                            

Drive to Dukum ( near  Bisamkatak ) to visit weekly market of Desia kondh ( weekly market commence on Tuesday only ) . Later visit to Dokra crafts village at Jhigidi. Return to Rayagada.

Overnight at hotel

Day 12-Rayagada / Simliguda   by road  (150kms / 2 ½ hrs  Approx ) 

Morning drive to Chatikona to visit the colourful market of the Dongria Kondh.  The men of Dongria Kondh be recognized by the long hair.  The women are richly decorated with heavy ear and nose rings, necklaces and hairpins. After visiting Chatikona drive to Similiguda on the way visiting Bada Paraja groups’ villages.

Overnight at hotel

Day 13-Simliguda 

This morning visit the market of Bondas in Onukadeli . The Bonda are the most primitive tribe in Orissa. People from Boand strain speak their own language and live in the inaccessible mountain regions. Bartering is an integral part of their daily lives . The men and women of this tribe are dressed very sparse. The women have shaved their heads . Then visit the village Lamptaput . In this village, the people belong to Gadaba strain. The women wear colorful dresses . If time allows  visit to Gupteswar. Here, people belonging to the tribe of Dhurubas . This strain is one of the oldest in Orissa. The people of this tribe are strongly built and have wide noses and curly hair

Overnight at hotel

Day 14-Simliguda – Kunduli – Vishakapatnam by road ( 160 kmS/ 4 hrs Approx )

After breakfast, drive to Kunduli and visit the weekly market of Paraja tribes ( weekly market commence on Friday only ) . It is the biggest market of the tribal area. Proceed to Vishakhaptnam.

Overnight  at Hotel

Day 15-Vishakapatnam / Kolkata (By flight)

Morning take  a  flight for Kolkata

Kolkata is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal. Located on the east bank of the Hooghly river,  it is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India, while the Port of Kolkata is India’s oldest operating port as well as its sole major riverine port.

Afternoon sightseeing of Kolkata . Discover the power of the early British Rule (Raj) and today the “City of Joy” Visit the Jain Temple in the north-east of the city. It was built in 1867 and dedicated to Shtalnathji the 10th of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras. The temple is an ornate mass of mirrors, stones and glass mosaic. Open between 06 to 11:30 hrs and 15:00 to 19:00 hrs daily. Drive past BBD Bagh the centre of power during the British Raj, St John’s Church, dating from 1787, Raj Bhawan the old British Government house now the Governor’s residence, High Court, Government buildings, Eden Gardens (where the Kolkata Cricket matches are held ) and the Race Course. Visit the Victoria Memorial, it’s Museum, Indian Museum. Museums closed on Mondays. Victoria Memorial, possibly the most awesome reminder of the Raj to be found in India. This huge white marble museum houses a vast collection of memorablia from the days of the British empire. Visit the Kali Temple.

Overnight at hotel

Day 16-Leave Kolkata