5 Senses Tours - Orientation

Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa - 8 AM- Our first destination is Dhauli. This is the venue of the ancient battle which was fought in 260 BC. Emperor Ashoka, the great Mauryan King won the battle but upon seeing the bloodbath had a change of heart. He became a propagator of peace and had a big role in the spread of Buddhism in India. We will get to see edicts of Ashoka embossed on rocks using the ancient Brahmi script and Prakrit language. The rock cut Elephant sculpture is one of the oldest in India.

Another highlight of Dhauli is the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. The current structure was built by an Indo-Japanese collaboration in 1972 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh.

Konark Sun Temple - We will drive to Konark to experience one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of India. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across heavens.

The most interesting aspect of the architecture lies in the wheels of the chariot. The twelve pairs of wheels located at the base of the temple are no ordinary wheels. They create a sundial and tell time!

Ramchandi Temple - We will visit Ramachandi temple besides the Bay of Bengal. The temple is surrounded by casurina plantations, and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi who is seen seated on a lotus.

Shree Jagannatha Temple Puri - 6PM- We arrive at beachside town of Puri. We will also see famous temple of Lord Jagannath, from outside as non-Hindus are not allowed inside. The temple is famous for its annual chariot festival. During the chariot festival, the three principal deities are pulled on gigantic chariot. In-fact this chariot festival is the origin for the English term Juggernaut!

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake - 630 AM- We drive for an hour to reach the magnificent Chilka lake. At Satapada we will take a boat ride on the lake. If we are lucky we can spot dolphins of Irrawady.

Raghurajpur Artist Village - The state of Odisha is very famous for its handicrafts. We will visit a village market at Raghurajpur. This village is home to the immensely talented Pattachitra painters whose traditional style goes back to the 5th century BC. The artists use gum and chalk and their canvas is the dried palm leaf.

Khandagiri Caves - Khandagiri caves are dwelling retreats or cells of ancient Jain ascetics. These were built in the second century BC during the reign of King Kharavela of the Kalinga Kingdom. At the top there is a 18th century Jain temple as well.

Rajarani Temple - Raja rani temple is a temple constructed in the 11th century from reddish and yellow sandstone. This material was called Rajarani in the local dialect and hence the temple got its name. The temple is famous for its unique sculptures of women. Women are in poses performing Odissi the traditional dance form as well as in every day life moments.

6 PM– End of Tour

• Scenic boating experience
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off
• Expert guidance by a professional
• Delightful breakfast included
• Comfortable overnight accommodation
• Travel in style in a private car

• Beverages
• Lunch and Dinner

The ‘Best of Odisha’ trip provides guests a comprehensive exploration of Odisha’s rich heritage in just 48 hours. The journey commences at Dhauli where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism and renounced warfare in 260 BC, thereby influencing the global call to Buddhism. The tour’s crowning moment is the visit to the spellbinding Sun Temple at Konark, famed for its amazing sundials designed in chariot wheel forms. At Puri, the grandeur of the renowned Lord Jagannath Temple, especially noted for its Chariot festival, awaits us. Other intriguing aspects of the tour include a boat trip on Lake Chilika for Dolphin sightings, a close encounter with the artists of the Pattachitra painting style, and a caving adventure in Khandagiri and Udayagiri.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.