Duration: 13 NIGHTS 14 DAYS
Places Covered: KOLKATA – BHUBANESWAR – SAMBHALPUR – BOUDH – BISSAM CUTTACK – JEYPORE- MALKANGIRI – RAYAGADA – TAPTAPANI – BHUBANESWAR - KOLKATA
DAY 1 ARRIVE KOLKATA
Upon arrival at Kolkata airport, our company representative will be there to greet you and facilitate your check-in at the pre-booked hotel located in the bustling heart of the city. After some relaxation to rejuvenate from your journey, you will embark on a guided tour focusing on the rich textile heritage of Kolkata. Explore the vibrant textile marketplaces nearby, immersing yourself in the colors and textures of the local fabrics. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the hotel and a restful overnight stay.
DAY 2 - KOLKATA SIGHTSEEING
Explore the vibrant tapestry of Kolkata with a full-day excursion to its iconic landmarks and textile hubs. Begin your journey with a visit to Fort William, a historic symbol of Kolkata's colonial past. Then, delve into the rich textile heritage at the Gurusaday Museum and Bara Bazar, the bustling heart of the city's textile trade. Marvel at the architectural marvel of Howrah Bridge and soak in the cultural diversity at Nakhoda Mosque and Parashnath Jain Temple. Pay your respects at Kalighat Kali Temple before concluding your day with a serene stroll through the Botanical Garden. Retreat to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.
DAY 3 - KOLKATA - BHUBANESWAR
After breakfast, embark on a journey to Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and set out to explore the city's renowned landmarks. Begin with a visit to the majestic Lingaraj Temple, followed by the intricately carved Rajarani Temple and the ancient Mukteswar Temple. Discover the vibrant hues of the Cactus Garden and Ekamra Kanan before venturing to the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri to marvel at their mesmerizing rock-cut caves. Conclude your day with a visit to Bhubaneswar's famed Tie and Dye Textile Industry, immersing yourself in its rich heritage. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.
DAY 4 - BHUBANESWAR – SAMBALPUR
After breakfast in Bhubaneswar, depart for Sambalpur, with a fascinating stop at Nuapatna en route. Here, immerse yourself in the rich tradition of handloom weaving in this quaint village, renowned for its tie and dye techniques passed down through generations. Continue your journey to Sambalpur, known as the hub of the textile industry in western Orissa. Check-in at your hotel upon arrival and delve into the vibrant world of Sambalpuri Sarees, celebrated globally for their intricate designs. Spend the afternoon exploring Gole Bazaar, where you'll find a stunning array of designer sarees. Later, discover the natural beauty of Sambalpur with visits to Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Hirakud Dam, and the ancient Huma Temple. Return to your hotel for a peaceful overnight stay.
DAY 5 - SAMBHALPUR - BOUDH
After a sumptuous breakfast, embark on a leisurely journey to Boudh, renowned for its exquisite Silk Bomkai Sarees, Cotton Tie and Dye Sarees, and Silk Tie and Dye Sarees. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Boudh market, where you can indulge in shopping for these magnificent saree collections. Explore the variety of designs and patterns, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region. After a delightful shopping experience, return to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay.
DAY 6: BOUDH - BISSAM CUTTACK
On the 6th day of your captivating textile tour, after a hearty breakfast, journey towards Bissam Cuttack. Along the way, make a stop at Phulbani and Kutia Kondh villages to immerse yourself in the rich artistic traditions of the region. Witness the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors that adorn the textiles created by local artisans. Continue your drive and upon reaching Bissam Cuttack, check into your hotel for a comfortable stay. Enjoy a delicious dinner and unwind for the night, ready for more adventures ahead.
DAY 7: BISSAM CUTTACK - JEYPORE
Today morning, embark on a journey to visit one of the renowned Dongeria Kondh villages. Immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the village as you interact with the locals and witness their way of life. Afterwards, trek down the hills alongside the tribal community to experience the bustling Wednesday weekly market at Chatikona. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Chatikona before continuing your journey to Jeypore. Upon arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and unwind after a day of exploration. Rest comfortably overnight at the hotel, ready for the adventures that await tomorrow.
DAY 8: JEYPORE
Explore the cultural richness of Jeypore, known for its abundant tribal population. Start your day with a mesmerizing dance performance by the Parajas tribe, immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of the region. As the commercial hub of Koraput district, Jeypore offers convenient access to various points of interest in the surrounding areas. After a day of cultural immersion, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, rejuvenating yourself for the adventures ahead.
DAY 9: JEYPORE - MALKANGIRI
Embark on your journey to Malkangiri in the morning, with a stop at the vibrant Friday weekly market at Maithili along the way. Experience the bustling atmosphere and vibrant culture of the market before continuing your drive to Malkangiri. Upon arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel and take some time to relax. Enjoy a delicious lunch before heading out to explore An Iralgundi, a Koya village known for its unique cultural heritage. In the evening, immerse yourself in the tribal traditions with a mesmerizing Bison head dance performance. Return to the hotel for dinner and a restful overnight stay, cherishing the memories of the day's cultural encounters.
DAY 10: MALKANGIRI - RAYAGADA
After breakfast in Malkangiri, check out and embark on a scenic drive to Mudulipada. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Bonda villages and indulge in a captivating textile tour, capturing the vibrant colors and intricate designs. Enjoy lunch at Khairput before continuing your journey to Rayagada. Take in the natural beauty of Rayagada and explore its textile offerings. Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner and unwind with an overnight stay, reminiscing about the day's cultural experiences and scenic landscapes.
DAY 11: RAYAGADA - TAPTAPANI
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Taptapani, soaking in the picturesque landscapes along the way. En route, visit the Langia Soura village and witness their vibrant war dance, immersing yourself in their rich cultural heritage. Upon reaching Taptapani, check in to your pre-booked hotel and unwind after the journey. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Taptapani and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Taptapani, where you can relax and rejuvenate amidst nature's beauty.
DAY 12: TAPTAPANI - BHUBANESWAR
After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing adventure to Chilika Lake, one of Asia's largest brackish water lagoons, renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Explore the tranquil waters and observe the diverse birdlife that inhabits the lake. Next, visit the enchanting Kalijai Temple situated in the middle of the lake, accessible by a scenic boat ride. Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and breathtaking views surrounding the temple. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch at Barkul before proceeding to Bhubaneswar. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and unwind. Enjoy dinner and relax for the night, reflecting on the day's memorable experiences.
DAY 13: BHUBANESWAR - KOLKATA
On this day, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bhubaneswar with a guided city tour. Visit the magnificent Brahmeswara Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and architectural grandeur. Explore the serene Bindu Sarovar, a sacred water tank surrounded by lush greenery. Pay a visit to the vibrant ISKCON Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and marvel at its spiritual ambiance. Delve into the fascinating world of Odisha's tribal culture at the Tribal Museum, which showcases the diverse traditions and customs of the region's indigenous communities.
After the tour, check out from your hotel and proceed to Bhubaneswar airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival in Kolkata, check in to your pre-booked hotel and unwind. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through the bustling local markets of Kolkata, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and sampling local delicacies. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay, reminiscing about the day's cultural discoveries.
DAY 14: KOLKATA DEPARTURE
After enjoying your breakfast, ensure you check out from the hotel on time. As your tour comes to an end, cherish the many memorable moments you've experienced along the way. Proceed to Kolkata airport, where you will catch your flight back home, carrying with you the memories of India's Off Beat Textile Tour. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and hope you had a wonderful journey during these 13 Nights and 14 Days. Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another unforgettable adventure.