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India’s Undiscovered East

Kolkata and Odisha’s tribal cultures

10
Nights
Duration
$
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Starts From
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This tour adds a new dimension to India for those who already know and appreciate her fascinating aspects or for those inspired to get to know a part of India that remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Get your feet on the ground in dreamy Kolkata, then set off with your host to journey through the villages and rural settings of Odisha (also known as Orissa) to experience the rich mix of cultures and traditions of indigenous communities. Kolkata is also one of the friendliest cities in India; you’ll find people ready to chat over chai and the city buzzes with creativity. Stay in comfortable accommodation throughout including a stay by the sea and a community owned eco-property deep in the heart of Odisha. You’ll return with wonderful stories to tell of your connection to the nuances of this undisturbed part of India.
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Kolkata
Meet in Kolkata
2
Kolkata
The landscape of urban revival in the heart of the city
3
Kolkata
Making gods: the survival of traditional crafts
4
Bhubaneswar
The city of 500 Temples
5
Puri
Konak’s grand Sun Temple
6
Puri
Spiritual traditions in the holy city of Puri
7
Gopalpur
Seaside experiences at Gopalpur
8
Rayagada
Tribal markets and Adivasi communities
9
Lamtaput
Village life at Lamtaput
10
Lamtaput
Experience communities and markets
11
Visakhapatanam
Departure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY
1
Meet in Kolkata
Kolkata
,
India
Perhaps no other city overwhelms a visitor as Kolkata does - vibrant, alive, and friendly; a city with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The former capital and Raj-era ‘Jewel of the East’ is an intriguing blend of colonial-era architecture mixed with a growing hipster culture. Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be met on arrival at the airport by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
India’s Undiscovered East - 1
DAY
2
Urban Revival
Kolkata
,
India
Experience the energy of the city as we explore Kolkata today. Begin in the city’s centre on the Maidan, the vast expanse of green park flanked by the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral, the banks of the Hooghly River and For William. At the historic Botanical Gardens, see the splendid Giant Water Lily pads and the 250-year-old banyan tree. Take an architectural walking tour to learn about the urban revival spearheaded by authors and culturalist to maintain the unique character of Bengali buildings and neighbourhoods.
India’s Undiscovered East - 2
DAY
3
Making Gods
Kolkata
,
India
Head out early to the vast Flower Market below the Howrah Bridge to be dazzled by the colours and scents – a photographer’s must-see! Catch a local ferry to Kumartuli neighbourhood. Here is this labyrinth of lanes is where India’s gods and goddesses come to life. Workshops here produce huge numbers of pottery statues for festivities across the country; giant god statues, life-size tigers, and smaller icons for home use all intricately painted and decorated. Kolkata is home to some of the finest weaving in India, to art events with important shows and major galleries, and to great literature. We’ll take all this in as we explore more of the cultural revival of the city today.
India’s Undiscovered East - 3
DAY
4
The City of 500 Temples
Bhubaneswar
,
India
This morning fly to Bhubaneswar, the lively 2000-year-old capital of Odisha. Visit the most impressive of the over 500 fine medieval temples here tracing the arrival and evolution of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Stroll around Bindusagar Lake and the old city’s holy centre; fantastic photo opportunities!
India’s Undiscovered East - 4
DAY
5
The grand Sun Temple
Puri
,
India
On the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, visit the fascinating Dhauli Peace Pagoda built by Japanese monks in 1972 and incorporating ancient Buddhist reliefs dating from 261BC. Stop to see the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves built over two hills riddled with rock-cut shelters and decorated temples. Travel on, traversing rural villages to the breathtakingly beautiful 13th C Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God at Konak, set on the windswept sand dunes on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. Shaped like a giant chariot, the vast temple complex is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings. Arrive in the late afternoon to the coastal temple town of Puri, one of India’s four holy spots.
India’s Undiscovered East - 5
DAY
6
Abode of the gods
Puri
,
India
Puri is one of India’s most revered Hindu sites and a hub for spiritual activities. Religious life revolves around the Lord Jagannath temple, one of India’s four holy dhams (abodes of the gods). While only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, we can get views from the roof of the Raghunandan Library nearby. Meet with a priest here to learn about this spiritual tradition that combines Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist elements with a strong tribal connection. Then visit the village of Raghurajpur, situated amidst groves of coconut, palm, mango and jack fruit. Master Pattachitra painters maintain an art form dating from the 5th C. Here we’ll also see a performance of Gotipua classical dance, said to be the oldest surviving dance form in India. This evening delve into the traditional local market on the oceanfront.
India’s Undiscovered East - 6
DAY
7
Gopalpur on Sea: Conservation in action
Gopalpur
,
India
This morning’s drive takes us first to the village of Mangalazodi where a village leader will meet us to introduce the wetland area that is home to vast numbers of migratory and endemic birds. Get out on the water with an expert birder and hear how the community has turned poachers into conservationists. Enjoy a delicious lunch with lots of fish, prawns, and local delicacies. Stay this evening at Gopalpur on Sea, a port long abandoned by the British with a smattering of gently deteriorating old buildings, a crumbed jetty, and a lovely clean beach perfect for an evening or morning stroll.
India’s Undiscovered East - 7
DAY
8
Tribal Markets (Wednesday for Bisamcuttak market)
Rayagada
,
India
Today we head deeper inland to meet Adivasi communities, following along country roads, past teak plantations and forested hills, into tribal territory. Adivasi literally means ‘original inhabitants’ and refers to the indigenous population of India. Making up about a quarter of Orissa’s population, they comprise over 50 diverse ethnicities. We’ll spend time in tribal villages and at the colourfull tribal Haat (market) at Bisamcuttak. Your local host will help you adjust to different social environments, providing that important bridge to deeper understanding. They’ll make it easy for you to go with the flow, learn appropriate communication tools, and take your behavioural cues from the locals so you make most of your experience.
India’s Undiscovered East - 8
DAY
9
Adivasi communities
Lamtaput
,
India
Stay for two nights in guesthouse set up to promote what the visionary owner calls the ‘three Es’: education, environment, an empowerment. Explore the area with your local hosts who will share their life experiences and the efforts they are making to revitalize this area. Visit tribal villages around the Koraput area stopping in at the Tribal Museum and the Jagannath Temple with many colourful statues of the deity.
India’s Undiscovered East - 9
DAY
10
Adivasi markets
Lamtaput
,
India
Delve into the markets at Onukudelli, Kunduli or Similiguda where tribespeople and local traders buy and sell food and handmade goods. This is a rare opportunity to interact with members of the Bonda and other tribal communities.
India’s Undiscovered East - 10
DAY
11
Departure
Visakhapatanam
,
India
Enjoy the scenery of forested hills and lush valleys on the drive to the port city of Viskapatanam where we are transferred to the airport.
India’s Undiscovered East - 11

What's Included:

Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing asper the group itinerary

Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels listed or similar

Flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar

Meals as indicated in the itinerary: all breakfasts, dinners in Kolkata, all meals in Odisha

All transportation by air conditioned private coach

Complimentary bottled water at hotels and on excursions

Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides

All activities

All entrance fees

Taxes and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotels, restaurants

Fully escorted by your Worldwide Quest leader

What’s not included:

Airfare from your home to join the tour

Visa fees (obtained prior to departure, US$82 for India)

Meals other than those mentioned above

Beverages with meals

Fuel surcharges, if applicable

Travel insurance

Excess baggage charges

Items of a personal nature

Additional arrangements required due to any emergency orother situation

Any item not mentioned in “Tour Cost Includes”

+ SHOW DETAILED ITINERARY

Accommodation

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

Known to Mark Twain as the “Jewel of the East” this has been one of the top hotels in Kolkata for nearly 165 years. After a meticulous seven-year refurbishment, the 215-room hotel showcases a distinctive blend of Victorian, Edwardian and Contemporary architecture and décor with rooms reflecting these different styles, all with the full array of modern facilities.

Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar

Mayfair Lagoon Bhubaneswar

A comfortable hotel in a quiet location in the centre of town. The 99 rooms include opulent lagoon side villas to family friendly suites and cottages to comfortable well-appointed club rooms. The six restaurants, full-service spa and outdoor pool are set across 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Mayfair Waves Puri

Mayfair Waves Puri

A serene beach in the hallowed pilgrimage town of Puri is the site of the lovely sea beach facing boutique luxury resort hotel Mayfair Waves, Puri. The soothing sounds of the sea ushers you into the calmative environs of this sea facing hotel. Apart from in room dining, guests have the option of enjoying lavish buffets at the swanky multi-cuisine restaurant “Samudra” or having cocktails and snacks at the pool side bar “The Shacks.”

On The Ground

Sandeep Singh

Sandeep Singh

Dynamic travel designer who continually develops unique ways to educate and entertain each and every tour group. Adept at delivering exceptional customer service and turning each tour opportunity into an unforgettable experience. Personally, Sandeep is a fashionable trendy gentleman who’s impossible to miss with his colorful turbans. Commencing his career within hotels, Sandeep understands the importance in providing exemplary, consistent service.

Stories

Tales and travelogues from our guests and our team travelling the world, forming new bonds and giving back to the society.

Getting a closer look at a colourful country and its vibrant culture
A well-curated tour across India that combines the best of the North and the South - people, places and heritage.
Story by Wayne Radziminski
Exploring a country of warm people and welcoming smiles
India has something new to offer, no matter how many time you visit it
Story by Lynette Husum
Travelling back in time lost in the beauty of South-east Asia
Flitting across Vietnam and Cambodia, reminiscing the past and revelling in the present
Story by Wayne Radziminski
My new friend at the Pushkar Camel Fair, India
Pushkar Experience
Story by Ruth Brodie
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This trip has fixed departure dates. Above mentioned dates are tentative and subject to change.