Olive ridley turtles come to Orissa every year in numbers to lay eggs at Rushikulya, Gahirmatha beach. An olive ridley tour ensures that you are present in one of these location on a peaceful night to see this incredible phenomenon taking place.
Bhubaneshwar city is the capital of Orissa and named famously as ‘city of temples’ exploring the Ancient Temples and Jain trails in India highlighting religious life of the city.
The city named as ‘Tribhubaneswar’ or ‘Lord of three worlds’ or ‘Lord Lingaraj’ is a Hindu pilgrimage centre. The city has a history of hundreds of temples emphasizing the landscape of Old Town, which once boasted of more than 2000 temples. The first Orissan ruler of first century, King Kharavela carved and tunneled the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills to establish a multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks.
Places of interest here are temples including Lingaraj, Parsurameswar, Mukteswar and Rajarani temple. Visit Nandankanan Zoo famous for white tiger and botanical garden.
Bhubaneshwar is well-connected through Road, Rail and Air. The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar well linked from many major places of India.
Superfast trains connect Bhubaneshwar to major cities of India and the station is at the centre of city.
It is easily accessible to rest of India by the National Highways.
Dhauli is just 30 minute drive to south of Bhubaneshwar on Daya River that is an Origin of Buddhism and explores rock-cut architecture in India. It has major edicts of Ashoka engraved on mass of rocks and Ashoka embraced Buddhism here. A significant symbol of love and peace is the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli Hills.
On the way to Dhauli visit Hirapur to explore tantric culture and a place of 64 Yogini shrine dating back to the 9th century AD giving a glimpse of the religious and their practices to obtain siddhi powers, supernatural-abilities. The Yoginis have been carved out of fine-grained grey chlorite with a gentle smile.
Pipli is a centre for applique work representing the Oriya culture.
Proceed to Puri which is one among the golden triangle tour of Orissa. Rest and relax at the Golden beach of Puri.
The popular 13th century Sun temple of Konark is half-an-hour journey from Puri and the massive chariot hoisting the Sun God across the heavens is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Annual Dance Festival of Konark is a very popular fiesta that showcases performers in the field of classical dances. There is also a Craft and Handicraft Exhibition reflecting the artistry of localities.
Visit the Artisan Village at Raghurajpur where the craft work involves making of miniature paintings, palm-leaf engravings, stone carvings, wooden toys and tusser paintings. It is an example of stellar craftsmanship.
Back to Puri, famous for Jagannath Temple of 12th century dedicated to ‘The Lord of the Universe’, located along the Bay of Bengal. Yogis and devotees here seek for forgiveness and blessings.
The Rath Yatra, a chariot of the divine siblings, Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra is the most famous festival here attracting millions of visitors.
After breakfast make an excursion to Satapada which is a part of chilika lake. Here you can see the very rare Irrrawady dolphin . Enjoy a boat ride with the dolphins and explore the beautiful virgin islands where the sea meets the lake. Return back to bhubaneswar.
After breakfast drive towards rushikulya beach , the mass nesting site of olive ridley turtles. Patience is the key of this tour. We have to wait at Rushikulya Beach. Normally turtles in large number arrive at the beach when it is dark , or early hours of sunrise. Drive to Gopalpur on sea.
Full day relax at Gopalpur on sea.
On this day we take you on a small boat ride at Mangalajodi on hand made boats. Mangalajodi are the backwaters of Chilika lake and also a home to 1000 migratory birds. Return back to bhubaneswar on time for departure.