Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata, a powerful mix of East and West, challenges even the most worldly travelers to understand it.  The British fashioned it after grand European capitals, but today it remains one of the poorest and most overpopulated regions of India. A city of sharp contradictions, Kolkata has struggled to come to terms with its colonial legacy in order to find its own identity. It thrives amid seemingly insurmountable economic, social, and political problems. On a guided tour, you explore both sides of this complex city – British-inspired St Paul’s Cathedral, mid- 1800s, and 500-year-old Kalighat temple, from which Kalighata (anglicized to Calcutta) takes its name.  The Indian Museum, built in 1875, ranks among the best in Asia.  Victoria Memorial, a potent symbol of the British Raj, is a blend of classical European architecture with Mughal influences.  The botanical gardens, founded in 1786, are home to a 200-year-old Banyan tree, believed to be the largest in the world.  From the late Mother Teresa’s institution to the Kolkata racetrack, to the Governor’s House, this city is compelling. The Oberoi Grand

Day 2:  Kolkata / Bhubaneshwar
Stroll the bazaars of Kolkata!  Colorful shops and stores of every description burst into the lanes.  Hoards of shoppers argue and bargain – all in a high state animation.  From Lal Bazaar to Rabindra Sarani, you pass through an Islamic world of women in burqas and men sipping strong coffee.  Then, you reach Bowbazar, home to the city’s jewelers.  Each shop has an astrologer to help you find the most auspicious stone for your stars.  This afternoon, fly to Bhubaneshwar.  Remainder of the day is free.  Hotel Trident (B)

Day 3:  Bhubaneshwar / Udaygiri & Khandgiri / Bhubaneshwar
Investigate Bhubaneswar’s distinctive temples: Rajarani Temple, 1100 A.D, noted for its sensual female figures; Parashurameshwara Temple, dating from 650 A.D., one of the best examples of Orissa-style temple architecture; and Lingaraja Temple, described as "the truest fusion of dream and reality."  This temple is one of the finest examples of a purely Hindu temple in India.  Travel on to Udaygiri and Khandgiri to see two of India’s most important archeological sites. Udaygiri’s 15 caves, including Hathigumpha (elephant cave), house a 117-line inscription on the walls about King Kharvela, who ruled Orissa from 168 A.D. to 153 A.D.  Khandgiri’s hilltop caves reveal the Jain influence. Hotel Trident (B)

Day 4:  Bhubaneshwar / Pipli / Konark / Puri / Bhubaneshwar
Enjoy the drive to Pipli, a small village famous throughout India for it brightly colored appliqué crafts. Continue to Konark to see its 13th century Sun Temple, in the shape of the sun god’s chariot, has sculptures detailing every aspect of human life. Konark’s beautiful beach is a hub of communal activity. Puri, on the eastern coast, is an important Hindu pilgrimage center. Here you see Jaggarnath Temple, one of four pilgrimage sites of Hindu religion, built during the 12th century.  Return to your hotel. Hotel Trident (B)

Day 5: Bhubaneshwar / Depart
Morning at leisure before you fly to Kolkata, and onward. (B)

12/08