Diamond Triangle Of Odisha

Tour Plans

Arrival and Hotel Check-in:

  • Arrive at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
  • Transfer to your pre-booked hotel and complete the check-in process. Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant:

  • Head out for lunch at a local restaurant to sample traditional Odia cuisine.
  • Try popular dishes like Dalma (lentils with vegetables), Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), and Chhena Poda (baked cheese dessert).

Visit Lingaraj Temple:

  • Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Lingaraj Temple, a prominent and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Explore the temple’s intricate Kalinga architecture and experience its spiritual ambiance.

Explore Mukteswara Temple:

  • Next, visit the Mukteswara Temple, known for its exquisite carvings and beautiful torana (arched gateway).
  • Spend time admiring the temple’s detailed sculptures and learning about its historical significance.

Evening at Bindusagar Lake:

  • Conclude your day with a relaxing visit to Bindusagar Lake, located near the Lingaraj Temple.
  • Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, take in the serene atmosphere, and watch the sunset reflecting on the water.

Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves:

  • Start your day with a visit to the Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, ancient Jain rock-cut shelters that offer a fascinating glimpse into Odisha’s history.
  • Explore the intricate carvings, inscriptions, and enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop.

Nandankanan Zoological Park:

  • Head to Nandankanan Zoological Park, known for its white tigers and diverse wildlife.
  • Enjoy a safari ride, visit the reptile park, and explore the botanical garden. If time permits, take a boat ride on Kanjia Lake.

Odisha State Museum:

  • Visit the Odisha State Museum to delve into the rich cultural heritage and history of Odisha.
  • The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, coins, tools, manuscripts, and traditional musical instruments.

Explore Rajarani Temple:

  • Spend your afternoon visiting the Rajarani Temple, known for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures.
  • This 11th-century temple, often referred to as the ‘Love Temple,’ is renowned for its erotic carvings and is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

Evening at Ekamra Haat:

  • Conclude your day with a visit to Ekamra Haat, a vibrant craft village and market in Bhubaneswar.
  • Shop for traditional handicrafts, handloom textiles, and souvenirs while enjoying local food and cultural performances. This is an excellent place to experience the local culture and craftsmanship.

Morning Visit to Dhauli Shanti Stupa:

  • Start your day with a visit to the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, a peace pagoda built on the site of the historic Kalinga War.
  • Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and learn about Emperor Ashoka’s transformation to Buddhism after the Kalinga War.

Explore Lingaraj Temple:

  • Head back to the city to visit the Lingaraj Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Marvel at the exquisite Kalinga architecture and intricate carvings that adorn this spiritual landmark.

Visit the Odisha Crafts Museum (Kala Bhoomi):

  • Spend time at the Odisha Crafts Museum, known as Kala Bhoomi, which showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Odisha.
  • Explore the various galleries displaying terracotta, stone and wood carvings, metal crafts, and handloom textiles, and learn about the artisans’ skills and techniques.

Afternoon at Nandankanan Zoological Park:

  • Visit the renowned Nandankanan Zoological Park, famous for its white tigers and diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Enjoy a safari ride, visit the reptile park, and explore the botanical garden. If time permits, take a boat ride on Kanjia Lake.

Evening at Pathani Samanta Planetarium:

  • Conclude your day with a visit to the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, a great place for astronomy enthusiasts.
  • Attend a sky show or a presentation on space and astronomy, and enjoy the interactive exhibits that make learning about the universe fun and engaging.

Departure to Diamond Triangle:

  • Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depart from Bhubaneswar and head towards the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, which includes the Buddhist sites of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri, located approximately 100 kilometers from Bhubaneswar.

Visit to Ratnagiri:

  • Begin your exploration at Ratnagiri, known for its significant Buddhist ruins, including stupas, monasteries, and sculptures.
  • Visit the Ratnagiri Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and relics unearthed from the site.

Explore Udayagiri:

  • Proceed to Udayagiri, another important Buddhist site, renowned for its ancient monasteries and stupas.
  • Spend time exploring the ruins and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop.

Discover Lalitgiri:

  • Head to Lalitgiri, the oldest Buddhist complex among the three sites, dating back to the 1st century CE.
  • Visit the excavated ruins of the monasteries, stupas, and the museum that displays a collection of relics, including a significant relic casket believed to contain the bones of the Buddha.

Return to Bhubaneswar:

  • After a day of exploring the rich Buddhist heritage of the Diamond Triangle, return to Bhubaneswar in the late afternoon.
  • Spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the day’s experiences, or explore the city’s local markets for some last-minute shopping and dining.

Departure to Buddhist Hills:

  • Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depart for the Buddhist Hills, focusing on the famous Dhauli Hills, located around 8 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. This site is historically significant due to Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War.

Explore Dhauli Shanti Stupa:

  • Visit the Dhauli Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), which was built to commemorate Ashoka’s embrace of Buddhism.
  • Admire the beautiful structure and enjoy the panoramic views of the Daya River and surrounding landscapes. Learn about the historical events through the inscriptions and carvings at the site.

Visit the Edicts of Ashoka:

  • Near the Dhauli Shanti Stupa, explore the rock edicts of Ashoka, which are inscriptions carved into the rock by Emperor Ashoka.
  • These edicts provide insights into Ashoka’s policies and his dedication to Buddhism and non-violence after the Kalinga War.

Explore Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves:

  • Head to the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Caves, located around 20 kilometers from Dhauli.
  • These ancient Jain rock-cut shelters are rich in historical and religious significance, featuring intricate carvings, inscriptions, and panoramic views from the hilltops.

Return to Bhubaneswar:

  • After a full day of exploring the Buddhist Hills and ancient caves, return to Bhubaneswar in the late afternoon.
  • Spend your evening at leisure, perhaps visiting a local market or enjoying a traditional Odia dinner at a local restaurant. Reflect on the spiritual and historical experiences of the day.

Accommodation:

  • Comfortable hotel stays in Bhubaneswar and Puri with options ranging from budget to luxury.
  • Daily breakfast included at all hotels to ensure a good start to your day.

Transportation:

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable driver to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Guided Sightseeing:

  • Guided tours of major attractions including Jagannath Temple, Konark Sun Temple, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, Dhauli Shanti Stupa, and the Buddhist sites of the Diamond Triangle.
  • Boat ride on Chilika Lake, including a visit to Kalijai Island and opportunities for bird watching and spotting Irrawaddy dolphins.

Meals:

  • Daily breakfast at the hotel.
  • Special seafood lunch at a local restaurant near Chilika Lake.

Entry Fees and Taxes:

  • All entry fees to monuments, parks, and temples as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Applicable taxes, parking charges, and tolls to ensure a hassle-free experience.