Highlights of Orissa

With an ancient and unique cultural heritage and unparalleled ecological diversity, Orissa is one of India’s most captivating states. Surprising, then, that it’s also one of the least visited. Buck the trend with this spellbinding six-day tour taking you to the temples of Puri and the tranquil waters of lake Chilika!

The east Indian state of Orissa is among the least spoilt and most enigmatic in the subcontinent, boasting vast expanses of jungle and grasslands, an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and some of the oldest temples in India. There are mountains, lakes and mile upon mile of glorious coastline, not to mention the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar, with its 3,000 year history, and Puri, a beautiful and ancient coastal town. More intriguing though are the state’s tribal cultures with an extraordinary diversity of independent customs and rituals. Inhabiting Orissa's remote hills surviving today very much as they have for many millennia.

This six-day tour is an awesome introduction to the wonders of Orissa! Starting in Bhubaneshwar, home to countless medieval temples dotted along broad, tree-lined avenues, you’ll head cross-country to Puri, one of East India’s oldest cities. Explore the old city, take a stroll down the beach and meet traditional painters and craftsmen, then grab a bite to eat at one of the lively night markets! Your next port of call is Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where “the language of stone surpasses the language of man”. The tour closes with a well-earned chance to chill out on Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish lagoon and a haven for migratory birds and playful dolphins.

This is a lovely, laid-back little tour through some of India’s least spoilt country. There’s a nice mix of adventure and relaxation, and you’re guaranteed a whole host of new experiences, from riding in a bullock cart to watching the sun set on watching the sun set on a serene/tranquil lake. We’d recommend this to anyone with an interest in India and its history, especially those who haven’t been before and are looking for a ‘way in’. You’ll get most from this tour if you’re not afraid to try new things and even look silly in the process. And given that you’ll be doing a fair amount of socialising (with others travellers, villagers and so on), it helps if you’re pretty personable and outgoing.