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Kite Festival,
Jaipur , Jodhpur

15 January 2015

On January 14 every year, we celebrate Makar Sankranti. It is the only Indian festival celebrated on a fixed calendric day of the solar calendar. Since many years, the cities- Jodhpur and Jaipur have been hosting Kite Festival on Makar Sankranti with great fervor. The main attribute of the festival is the show of ‘diversity’ in all aspects. Kites all shapes and sizes are seen in the sky and the main competition is to cut the strings of nearby kite flyers and bring it down. For this purpose people intend to make their strings and sharp as possible, to give a tough fight to its opponent flyer. The special kite strings are coated with the mixture of glass and glue called as ‘manjha’. Bright and colourful kites in striking shapes and unusual designs, some never seen before, would dot the sunny sky of Rajasthan on 14 January

>> Au Coeur du Rajasthan

Rann Utsav,
Gujarat

1 December 2014 - 3 March 2015

Organized by the Department of Tourism of Gujarat during the full moon in winter, Kutch festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans of the region. A carnival of colors, folk music, dances, shows and processions enveloping the arid lands of Kutch. Tents are made available to tourists to fully enjoy these magical moments to the desert. It rocks!

>> Discovery of Gujarat

Nagaur Festival,
Rajasthan

26 - 29 January 2015

Nagaur festival is after Pushkar, the second largest festival of Rajasthan. Turbaned Rajasthanis come from throughout the region to the great cattle fair. They value their horses, donkeys, bulls and camels, which are the subject of an incredible grooming: real hair sculptures, graphic designs for dyeing, ceremonial harness. As in Pushkar, the villagers wear the most colorful clothes: turbans for men, skirts and saris and veils for women.

>> Royal Rajasthan

Festival of Holi,
India

6 March 2015

Holi, sometimes called the festival of colors, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the spring. Celebrated throughout India for two days, Holi is a time for children and adults to use water spray and powder of all colors. The night of the first day of the festival, a fire is lit to remind the cremation of Holika. The second day, dressed in white, people enjoy around with color pigments and pounce on each other in a highly charged atmosphere. Come mingle with the crowd! An experience not to be missed.

>> Rajasthan, Land of Princes

Ganesh Chaturthi,
Maharashtra

August 29, 2014

Ganesh Chaturthi is an Indian festival in which Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, son of Shiva and the god of wisdom, is revered. This festival is particularly popular in the state of Maharashtra. Plaster statues of all sizes will be honored and carried in procession for three days with music percussion, then immersed the last day we built. In Mumbai, they all converge towards Chowpatty Beach. Traditional dances and songs accompany the ceremony.

>> The Heart of India

Teej festival in Jaipur, Rajasthan

July 30-31, 2014

Festival dedicated to the Goddess Parvati, commemorating her union with Shiva, Teej is also celebrating the arrival of the monsoon as expected after a hot summer. A procession consisting of thousands of devotees started the Royal Palace and the old city of winds Jaipur for two consecutive days. The festival offers a unique opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the artisans of the region. A carnival of colors, folk music, dancing and entertainment.

>> Rajasthan, Land of Princes

Testimonials

First travel experience with Aryavrit Travels and to my faith, very pleasantly surprised. We found the agency on the Lonely Planet website and has much more to us. The first telephone contact we have confidence. Beautiful listen to ...

Monic R,

Here we are back in Luxembourg after our trip to Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi. We wanted to share with you our impressions about the organization of our trip and the quality of your professionalism. Since our arrival in Delhi until we left 18 days...

Agnès D

We have just completed a tour in India and Nepal with Aryavrit Travels. Back in France, we wanted to express their gratitude for this wonderful trip. Regulars tours in groups (often too many), we did not find in our usual tour operators fairly com...

Jean-Luc B

Wonderful trip to Rajasthan in March. Circuit balanced and varied between villages and beautiful countryside cities. All thanks to Aryavrit Travels. This agency has allowed us to realize a dream. The hotels were perfect, we were fortunate to be up...

Karine G

I did a 15 day tour in Rajasthan. National parks to see the tiger, really beautiful to see this animal in freedom, Corbett, Ranthambore, Barathpur back riding elephant to Amber, picturesque train journey. Group of 17 people and perfect organizatio...

Jean B

They hardly missed anything for total satisfaction, just a bit noisy hotel in Varanasi. But this is India and its horns. Agency: at the top. Tips before starting on site and very caring throughout our stay and always available. A big tip of the ha...

Linda M.

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Kolkata and Odisha - 14 days | 13 nights

Highlights of the programme :

Kolkata, the ancient capital of the British Indian Empire
The temples of Bhubaneswar
Puri and the magnificent Chilka Lake
Tribal ethnic markets

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Itinerary
Hotels
Activities

ITINERARY

Day 01 Kolkata

Arrive at Kolkata International Airport. Welcome on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Kolkata

Founded by the British in 1690, Kolkata was initially a great British economic center in the Ganges delta before becoming the capital of the Raj, the British Indian Empire in 1857. Replaced by New Delhi in 1911, it became the capital of the Bengal and West Bengal after independence and partition in 1947. Today, too often synonymous with poverty, Calcutta is actually a dynamic city, a colorful metropolis whose economic weight continues to assert itself. It is a city looking to the future. Day dedicated to the city tour starting with the British Raj, the headquarters of the British administration. The Victoria Memorial houses a collection of artifacts from the Victorian era and also deals with the history of Bengal. Walk through the esplanade of BBD Bagh and Fort William, the Writers Building, Town Hall, the Maidan, former imperial parade fields. Visit St Paul's Cathedral in the Gothic style with stained glass windows are renowned. Then visit the temple of Kalighat, goddess of destruction and evil. The Botanical Garden is also worth visiting, this is where tea grown today in Assam and Darjeeling was developed first. Under the Howrah Bridge is the picturesque flower market with its stalls covered with colorful garlands for the offerings in the temples. Continue to the neighborhood Kumartuli, where potters specialize in the manufacture of large statues of deities, mainly goddess Durga. Finally, located in the district of Badha Bazar, the wholesale market of spices is a curiosity in which to stroll. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Kolkata - Chandernagor - Kolkata

Excursion to the old European trading that preceded the British city of Calcutta. A Srirampur once Serampore, Danish trading post founded in 1755 and sold to England in 1845, remains a beautiful church. Then, Chandannagar, the city of the Moon, a former French colony from 1698 to 1950, surrendered to India three years before Pondicherry. The city, which retains a nostalgic atmosphere, has a small cemetery, the Saint Joseph of Cluny Sisters Convent, the oldest institute in the region, and several churches, including the Sacred Heart church. The former residence of French governors, a beautifully restored building, houses a museum dedicated to the history of the city during the French presence and a library with 18,000 books. Quick tour of Chinsura, Dutch counter that was ceded to the British in 1825 in exchange for Sumatra. A Bandel (Bandelaui), a church and a monastery in 1599 remind us that this town was a Portuguese trading. Back in Kolkata. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Kolkata - Bhubaneswar

Morning transfer to airport and flight to Kolkata Bhubaneswar. Overlooking the lush rice fields of Mahanadi delta, Bhubaneswar, the heart of medieval India, offers a striking contrast with the architectural heritage of its period of greatness there over a thousand years. Visiting Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, known as the city of Temples of India. Indeed, at present, more than 500 temples remain accessible on the thousands that city had in its heyday, temples built between the 8th and 13th centuries. Most distributed around the sacred lake of Bindusagar which, according to legend, would have sheltered more than 7000 temples. Visit some temples including the temples of Mukteshwar, Brahmeshwar, Parsurameshwar and Lingraj temple visible only from the outside. Then, towards the cave sanctuaries Udaygiri and Khandagiri located in the hills a few kilometers from the city. These Jain caves, bas-reliefs, are among the oldest in India and have been carved in the 1st century BC. AD during the reign of the first king of Orissa. Back to Bhubaneswar. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Pipli - Konarak - Puri

Morning departure to Puri. Along the way, stop at Dhauli, a famous battle during the Kalinga War in the 3rd century BC. AD It was on this site that found the decrees of Ashoka, carved in the rock, dating from about 260 BC. AD Emperor, disgusted by these murderous and bloody battles, became a peace ambassador. These writings extolling the virtues of peace and non-violence and charge its directors to rule with gentleness and justice. Visit the Peace Pagoda, Buddhist style, called Shanti Stupa. Pursuit to the artisanal Pipli village, famous for its colorful fabrics enriched mirror inlays. Then, drive to Konarak, a small town that is part of the Golden Triangle of Odisha. It is in this triangle is concentrated most of the heritage of all the state enrolled in Unesco. Konarak is famous for its Sun Temple built in the 13th century and designed as a celestial chariot dedicated to Lord Surya with twelve pairs of wheels and drawn by seven beautiful horses, each wheel functioning as a sundial. These temples are covered with sculptures without detriment to the overall effect. Continue to Puri. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 Puri

The seaside town of Puri is one of the four holy cities of Vishnuism and one of the biggest pilgrimage centers in India. Here is venerated the avatar of Vishnu, Krishna, in the great Jagannath temple from the 12th century which dominates the skyline. It rises in a real city of 75 temples maintained by about one-third of the population of the city. The long sandy beaches are another attraction of Puri. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the place is a plus for those who want to combine pilgrimage and relaxation. At dawn, it is nice to follow the beach to the fishing village where dozens of boats take to the water and cross the bar with some difficulty. In the afternoon, visit the village of Raghurajpu known for its school of naive painting art: paintings and prints on palm leaves, wood carvings. Then the village of Sakshigopal and his temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 Puri – Lac Chilka - Puri

In the morning, towards the Chilka Lake along pleasant rice landscapes, coconut groves and marshes. This is actually a former lagoon separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand. The lake, a mixture of brackish water, freshwater and saltwater water spans over 1,100 square kilometers, its size varying with the seasons. Dotted with islands, that fish lake is a haven for many species of aquatic and migratory birds. Great place with four different ecosystems depending on the time and salinity of the water, the lake feeds more than 150,000 families living in 132 villages scattered around the perimeter and in the islands. Boat ride where one is likely to cross river dolphins, endangered species. Back to Puri. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08 Puri – Rayagada

Rayagada towards the heart of the tribal region of Odisha. On the way, stop at Berhampur to visit silk weaving workshops. Then visit the village of the tribe Saora, one of the oldest tribes of India, known for ritual symbols on the interior walls of their mud house. These paintings are the equivalent of our family photos and depict the happy event and pay tribute to their fallen. They are also used to drive the disease and promote fertility. Rayagada is located in a region where nature is honored. Unexplored and wild land, forests, valleys and waterfalls provide a spectacular sight. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Rayagada - Majhiguda - Rayagada

Morning drive to Majhiguda and its weekly market (Tuesday) frequented by ethnic Kuttya Kondh and Desia Kondh. The women of the tribe Kuttya tattoo flower face in order to be recognized by their after death and to be differentiated from other tribes. While the women of the tribe Desia Kondh have geometric figures. These tribes live in the fruit harvest in the jungle and the products they cultivate. Kondh tribe is the largest tribe in southern Odisha divided itself into groups such as Dongariya Kondh Kuttya Kondh Rasul Kondh Desia Kondh, the remaining groups living mainly around the Kondhmal District. Back to Rayagada. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Rayagada - Chatikona - Jeypore

Road to Jeypore. During the Dayney, stop on the large weekly market Chatikona (Wednesday) meeting place Dongariya Kondh tribe, one of the oldest tribes in Odisha. This group was formerly known for the practice of human sacrifice to the goddess Earth that allowed them to increase the wealth of the village. They descend from the hills where they live to sell the products of their harvest and their hunting. Also present on the market, Desia Kondh tribe. Continue to Jeypore and discovery of local handicrafts in various villages along the way, including Gaudaguda, Punjapai and Janiguda where one works with wood and wicker. Jeypore, the largest city in the region, is surrounded by hills that form a sort of horseshoe. It is famous for its ancient palaces that once housed great dynasties but also for its ancient temples. It is now southern business district of Odisha. Night Hotel.

Day 11 Jeypore - Onakudelli - Jeypore

Early morning departure for the weekly market Onakudelli (Thursday) attended by the tribe of Bondas, Tibeto-Burman origin, one of the most fascinating. The Bondas, naked men are described as the most primitive, the coarser and are famous for their obstinacy. The women wear a piece of cloth around the waist and wear on their chest long rows of colored beads and heavy metal clamps down to the navel. Men are always armed with knives and poison arrows. After the market arrest in Gadhaba, one of the oldest ethnic groups in China before returning to Jeypore. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12 Jeypore - Gupteswar - Jeypore

Excursion to the caves of Gupteswar. The hills of south of the city give way to a large plateau where the rice fields alternate with cashew plantations (cashew nuts). The landscape changes again and the town is surrounded by dense forest that heralds the arrival in Gupteswar. The temple of the same name, is not a classic but a cave temple, according to mythology, would have served as a refuge to the god Rama during his exile. A priest sitting at the back of the dimly lit cave receives the offerings of the faithful and reigns collected and silent atmosphere. Back to Jeypore late afternoon. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13 Jeypore - Vishakhapatnam

Drive to Visakhapatnam, a coastal port named Jewel of the East Coast. Located along the waterfront of the Gulf of Bengal, it is also the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Navy. The city also boasts a beautiful long beach. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 Vishakhapatnam – Kolkata

Morning transfer to the airport and flight to Vishakhapatnam Kolkata airport for return flight.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative, subject to availability. The choice of accommodation category belongs to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Fairlawn Hotel - Kolkata

A somewhat legendary address in Kolkata near the Indian Museum. Old friendly building that makes you feel a bit at home. A place in a bit British atmosphere.

Swosti Premium - Bhubaneswar

Very spacious and well maintained. Fast and efficient service. Friendly staff. Very good restaurant. Place to recommend. A good quality / price ratio.

Mayfair Heritage - Puri

A beautiful hotel with great views quiet. Spacious rooms, some with terraces, manicured lawns, dense vegetation. Very nice pool and private beach guarded by the hotel staff. Efficient and discreet service. Excellent place to rest.

Holiday Resorts - Rayagada

Holiday Resorts

Hello Jeypore - Jeypore

Small well maintained structure. Spacious and comfortable rooms. Swimming Pool.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of "pranayama" (breathing), "asanas" (positions) and 'dhyana' (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Bollywood

Nothing like a visit to the studios of Bollywood to understand why so many Indians dream of living the Bollywood dream. An experience not to be missed on your visit to Mumbai to discover the amazing vitality of Indian cinema.

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Motorcycle ride

Wander through India or Nepal aboard the legendary Royal Enfield. This breakaway motorcycle delight lovers of nature and you will discover the diversity of landscapes.