|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ancient Orissa Day 1 - Arrive Bhubaneswar Orissa, a lively capital since the ancient ‘Kalinga’ empire, boasts settlements stretching back 2000 years. Explore animated medieval temples and broad tree-lined avenues to unearth the spirit behind this beautiful city.
The arrival and evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism during different periods of Orissa’s long spiritual journey is exemplified by the city structures. The religions are reflected through Bhubaneswar’s impressive skyline, the towering spire of the Lingaraja temple, the magnificent Japanese built Peace Pagoda of Dhauli hills, and the remarkable temple of Mahavir Jina on Khandagiri hills.
Day 2 - Puri Marvel at India’s most ambitiously-conceived and intricately-carved ancient temples. Visit Bhubaneswar’s most spectacular temples of Mukteshwar, Parsurameswar and Vaital Deul. Each temple is distinctive in form and flavor and represents progressive periods, architectural breakthroughs and excellence in craftsmanship. Behold the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sun Temple at Konark. Conceived as a giant chariot, this is one of India’s most sublime monuments. Examine the intricate carving, blush at the erotic imagery, and wonder at the flawless execution.
Traverse rural villages to reach the coastal temple town of Puri.
Day 3 - Puri Venture into a unique heritage village where traditional art & craft continues as it has for centuries. Meet village craftsmen skilled in the hereditary craft of traditional painting. Learn the secret behind ancient techniques stoically preserved by patience and perseverance. Admire the deft hand and vibrant color of masterpieces. Soak up the traditional temple culture of Puri, one of India’s Char Dham’s (four holy spots of India). Wander through medieval by-lanes in the old city, stroll along the beach, and pick up local souvenirs at the lively night market.
Ancient Orissa Logistics Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and obtain your own visa in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit.
Recommended vaccinations are Typhoid, TB, Polio, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. India is a malarial area and you should take appropriate precautions. Consult your doctor or vaccination center for up-to-date information. Travel Insurance A comprehensive travel insurance policy is compulsory to join this trip. Travellers are required to show possession of such at the Group Meeting. Please let us know if you’d like recommendations for travel insurance. Additional Accommodation Additional accommodation before or after your journey is available on request. We associate with premier properties to suit all budgets. Notify us your requirements at the time of booking and we’ll get back to you with a quote. Airport Transfers Airport transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles are available on request. Please provide flight details at the time of booking or at least 2 weeks prior to departure. Recommended packing list:
Ancient Orissa Day 9 - Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Drive through the rolling Eastern Ghats to the picturesque port city of Visakhapatnam. Surrounded inland by shrine-crested hills and on the coast by a natural harbor, ‘Vizag’ as it’s more commonly known, is a delightful spot.
Rub shoulders with pilgrims at the 11th century Simachalam temple, and sip coconut juice on the beach.
Day 10 - Departure There are no activities planned for today. You are free to depart at any time for your onward journey.
Ancient Orissa Day 7 - Chandoori Sai After a scenic drive through the rolling hills patchworked by fields, we arrive at Chandoori Sai. Located next to a village, this comfortable retreat serves as a wonderful place to unwind. Chandoori Sai is a luxury guest house in Goudaguda, a pottery producing village, a couple of kilometres from Kakiriguma in the Koraput district of Orissa, India.
The Chandoori Sai guesthouse has introduced a unique form of luxury eco-tourism to the world that gives you a taste of a time long past and a glimpse of village life not much changed since time before. The is to let you, the guest, experience and participate in the relaxed rural life in the heart of the tribal district of Orissa, while indirectly bringing much needed attention and opportunities to these indigenous people (Adivasi) and their habitats.
Stepping out to explore the surrounding village, we meet the local Paroja and Kondh indigenous communities. One of the most remarkable features of this village is the ‘Kumbh Sai’ -- or potters’ street -- where entire families are engaged in crafting terracotta pots for domestic use. Try your hand at the potter’s wheel!
Take an early morning walk alongside the village potters to the local weekly tribal market, which includes an eclectic gathering of indigenous communities from the surrounding hills. This market is as much the economic mainstay of the tribal communities as it is a social gathering. Mingle among the different ethnic groups, and select delicious fresh local produce for tonight’s diner.
The local weekly market, known as a ‘haat’ is a melting pot of indigenous cultures, where independent tribes gather and trade local produce once a week. A healthy balance maintained between co-dependency and individual identity is most apparent during these occasions.
Ancient Orissa Day 4 - Rambha via Chilika Lake Unwind on the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Spot rare migratory birds play among their nests on the northern wetlands. Meet a rare community of ex-poachers turned local conservationists.
Take in the hilltop panorama of Chilika’s vast waters stretching to the sea. This is a great spot to view the Indian sunset!
Day 5 - Muniguda Today we enter tribal territory and meet an active local social development organization.
We will meet the Dongria Kondh, Paroja and Kondh tribes and witness a way of life relatively unchanged through the centuries. Adivasis, or literally “original inhabitants,” are the indigenous population of India. Nestled in the remote hills of the Eastern Ghats they constitute 25% of Orissa’s population – the most populous Adivasi region of all India. They compromise 62 diverse ethnicities and although co-dependent, fiercely guard their own distinct traditions.
Our NGO partner is New Hope, an organization that brings fresh opportunities to some of India’s most marginalized communities. Working in Orissa since 1985, New Hope fights leprosy, poverty, and illiteracy, among other challenges. Reaching over 400 remote tribal villages in Orissa, New Hope provides medical assistance, education, finance and agricultural support.
Day 6 - Muniguda Today we join social development efforts focused at the local tribal communities to provide fair trade at local markets and assist cultivation practices for a more balance diet and ecology. We’ll be meeting the villages at ‘People-to-People’ meeting places and assisting in vocational training in the community kitchen gardens.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
