art & culture

7 Days  •  Bhubaneshwar - Bhubaneshwar  •  €490*

Unlock ancient art and craft traditions. Meet the people behind the products and discover what it means to paint mythology, dance legends and weave symbolic stories. Behold the irrepressible man-made marvels of ancient India’s earliest temples at Konark. Stroll around the sea swept temple town of Puri, limber up with god’s own children, tie timeless threads and take part in a traditional temple ritual. Spend the night on an island in the middle of Orissa’s almighty River Mahanadi. Punt its waters and chase its flow. Explore medieval by-lanes and heritage villages. Sample succulent local cuisine and learn secret recipes. Delight in the diversity of cultural expression. Discover the source of a community’s culture and celebrate the ancient, living traditions that miraculously continue to thrive.

itinerary:

Day 1  Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar, the lively capital of Orissa since the ancient ‘Kalinga’ empire boasts settlement stretching back 2000 years. Explore animated medieval temples and broad tree lined avenues to unearth the spirit behind the city.

Days 2 - 3  Puri

Watch skilled craftsmen stitch appliqué in a village that has done just that for centuries. Marvel at the irrepressible UNESCO World Heritage site at Konark. Conceived as a giant solar chariot, and executed to perfection, this is one of India’s most sublime monuments. Soak up the traditional temple culture of Puri, saunter medieval by-lanes, sample the local take on cheesecake and stroll through the evening beach market. Meet a lineage of traditional painters and learn to mix organic colours. Join villagers crack betel nuts and behold the elastic moves of traditional temple dancers on the brink of extinction.

Day 4  Dhavaleswar

Meet the weavers skilled in the famous ‘Bandh’ design. Amble their village and absorb how craft is woven seamlessly into daily life. Admire timeless techniques and visit the weaver’s co-operative society. Be enchanted by the majestic evening rituals of Dhavaleswar temple and spend the night on an island in the middle of Orissa’s biggest most revered River Mahanadi.

Day 5  Kantilo 

Chasing the flow of the almighty river we pass some of the most picturesque countryside in Orissa. Wander medieval streets home to silver and goldsmiths. Scramble up a hilltop temple and ring the ancient bell. Take in the sunset overlooking nearby hamlets and camp on the riverbed.

Day 6  Bhubaneshwar

Admire craftsmen using ancient techniques and braving primitive tools to fashion brass and bell metalware. See traditional vessels, utensils, even gods & goddesses take form. Drop into a weaver’s co-operative society and stroll through a market dedicated to traditional handicrafts.

Day 7  Depart Bhubaneshwar

You are free to depart or stay on and enjoy the relaxed ambience. We can book Additional Accommodation and a transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to the airport for you, please let us know at the time of booking.

fast facts:

Support: Passionate Local Leader throughout
Activities: UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple Entry, Puri Old City by Cycle Rickshaw, Heritage Painting Village (Raghurajpur) Visit, Temple Dance Village (Gotipua) Visit, Weaving Village (Nuapatna) Vists, 2 Weavers Co-operative Visits, 2 Temple Rituals, Kantilo Camp & Old City Orientation.
Accommodation: Hotel/guesthouse (3 nights), Tourist Bungalow/dormitory (1 night), Tent Camp (1 night).
Transport: Private transport, local ferry, pole boat, cycle rickshaws and foot.
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners. Please allow approx. €10 per day for additional meals.
Arrival/Departure: Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa is well connected to the rest of India by Domestic Airlines and the Indian Railway network. See the Travel Essentials for more information.
Tipping: An essential way of life in India, we will provide you appropriate guidelines.