Odisha Temple & Beach

On arrival at Bhubaneswar airport transfer to hotel.  Later visit Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar, Rajarani & Lingaraj temple (Only Hindu can enter sanctum).  Also Visit Dhauli, where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great renounced bloody warfare & embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. Visit Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. Also visit two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka`s detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness & fairness. Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves, largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa. These hills provide some solid examples of Jain & Buddhist art of the 2nd Century BC. There are monasteries, Chaitya & Stupas that represent a vibrant culture that flourished in these hills Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Full day excursion to visit Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri famous for Jain & Buddhist Monasteries. Lalitgiri, earliest Buddhist Complex dating back to the 1st century AD. The majestic ruins of the huge brick monastery, the remains of the chaitya hall, a number of votive Stupas & a renovated stone stupa at the apex of a small rugged sandstone hill dominate the rural greenery around. Next visit Ratnagiri, famous for many significant Buddhist sculptures scattered around in the hill range. The excavations have revealed the relation of this place with the Gupta Dynasty, dates back to 6th Century AD. The huge monastery showing that Buddhism spread through these areas in the later part, especially due to the influence of the great King Ashoka. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Puri, enroute visit Visit Pipili a town with an area of 6.4 Square Kms. The place is famous for Applique works which is a traditional craft of the local People. They prepares Chandua (colorful Arts on clothes), umbrella, cloth bags, purses, wall hangings, carpets, garments for ladies & other applique works which have a good market in India and abroad. During World famous RathaYatra, the chariots (Raths) are being decorated by colorful clothes made by the People of pipili. Next visit Raghurajpur village a home of around 500 Chitrakars (artists who are expert in Pattachitra painting). Each household has at least one Chitrakar who is highly skilled and immensely creative. Raghurajpur is famous for Pattachitra: paintings on a piece of cloth. There are many types of Pattachitra like Tassar cloth Pattachitra, Palm leaf Pattachitra etc. With evolution and innovation, now the Chitrakars have started painting exquisite Pattachitras on coconuts, betel nuts, clay pots & bottles. Further proceed to visit Konark Sun temple, Ramchandi temple & Chandrabhaga beach.  Arrive and check in at hotel. Evening visit lord Jagannath temple (only Hindu can enter temple sanctum). Overnight at hotel.