Kolkata to Cochin Discover Eastern Cost & Temples Overland Tour
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Product Code : AGORA321
The "Kolkata to Cochin Discover Eastern Coast & Temples Overland Tour" offers a captivating journey through India’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Begin with Kolkata's vibrant city life and its iconic landmarks before heading to Balasore's unique beach phenomenon and Bhitarkanika’s mangrove wonders. Explore the historical and spiritual richness of Odisha’s temples and the coastal charm of Puri, followed by relaxation in Gopalpur and exploration of Andhra Pradesh's sacred sites. Travel through Tamil Nadu’s architectural marvels, including the grand temples of Thanjavur and Madurai. Conclude with the serene beaches of Kovalam and a picturesque houseboat cruise in Alleppey. This comprehensive tour seamlessly blends historical exploration with stunning coastal beauty, offering an enriching experience of Eastern India.
Day 1: Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and check into your hotel. Spend the day at leisure, exploring the vibrant city on your own. Take time to get acquainted with the local culture and ambiance.
Day 2: Kolkata
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, embark on a city tour of Kolkata.
Visit the Victoria Memorial, an architectural masterpiece constructed from white marble, surrounded by expansive gardens. The memorial is a tribute to Queen Victoria and houses a museum with exhibits on Kolkata’s history.
Explore St. Paul's Cathedral, known for its neo-Gothic design and serene ambiance. The cathedral features intricate stained glass windows and an impressive spire.
Cross the historic Howrah Bridge, a bustling engineering marvel connecting Kolkata with Howrah. Its iconic structure offers a unique view of the Hooghly River.
Head to the Indian Museum, the oldest and largest museum in India. It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, including ancient sculptures, fossils, and manuscripts.
Visit the Kalighat Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is known for its vibrant rituals and significant spiritual ambiance.
In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Ganges River, exploring the ghats and witnessing local life by the riverside.
Day 3: Kolkata - Balasore (250km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before departing for Balasore.
Enroute, stop at Chandipur Beach, renowned for its unique tidal phenomenon where the sea recedes dramatically during low tide. This rare occurrence unveils vast stretches of sandy beach, perfect for a tranquil stroll and experiencing nature’s marvel.
Continue your journey to Balasore. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and unwind. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, perhaps exploring the local area or relaxing at your accommodation.
Day 4: Balasore - Bhitarkanika (165km)
After breakfast, drive to Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its diverse mangrove ecosystems and rich wildlife.
On arrival, check into your jungle lodge, offering a comfortable stay amidst nature.
Take a boat ride through the park’s intricate mangrove waterways. This excursion provides an immersive experience into the park's biodiversity, where you may spot saltwater crocodiles basking in the sun, a variety of bird species flitting through the mangroves, and other fascinating wildlife. The serene surroundings and the lush greenery make this boat ride a peaceful retreat into nature.
Day 5: Bhitarkanika
Begin your day with breakfast at the lodge, then head out for a morning nature walk within Bhitarkanika National Park. The walk provides opportunities to observe the park’s flora and fauna up close, including rare and endemic species in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit nearby temples and villages. Engage with local communities, experiencing their traditional lifestyles and customs. This interaction offers insights into the region's cultural heritage and enhances your understanding of the local way of life.
Day 6: Bhitarkanika - Bhubaneswar (200km)
After breakfast, drive to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, known for its historical temples and architectural splendors.
On arrival, check into your hotel and refresh.
Visit the Lingaraj Temple, a major Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its grand architecture and detailed carvings are reflective of Kalinga architecture and offer a deep insight into the region’s religious practices.
Explore Mukteswara Temple, known for its exquisite sculptures and elegant design, representing classic Kalinga architecture. Its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere make it a significant spiritual site.
Conclude with a visit to Rajarani Temple, noted for its beautiful sandstone carvings and tranquil environment. The temple’s historical significance and architectural beauty add to the richness of your cultural exploration.
Day 7: Bhubaneswar - Puri (75km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Puri, a city famed for its religious significance and coastal beauty.
On arrival, check into your hotel and settle in.
Visit Jagannath Temple, an iconic pilgrimage site known for its elaborate Rath Yatra festival and its grand architecture. The temple's significance in Hindu mythology and its intricate carvings are highlights of this visit.
Relax at Puri Beach, where you can enjoy the scenic beauty, take a leisurely stroll, or simply relax by the shore.
Visit the Sun Temple in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its stunning stone carvings and its representation of the chariot of the Sun God. The temple’s grandeur and intricate details make it a must-see landmark.
Day 8: Puri
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Puri.
Visit Gundicha Temple, associated with the Jagannath deity and significant for its role in the annual Rath Yatra festival. The temple's historical importance and vibrant rituals are noteworthy.
Explore Loknath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its peaceful environment and spiritual significance.
Head to Chilika Lake, a large brackish lagoon known for its diverse bird species and picturesque views. The lake offers a unique ecosystem to explore and is a haven for bird watchers.
In the evening, if the Puri Beach Festival is happening, enjoy the vibrant cultural performances, local crafts, and festivities that celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.
Day 9: Puri - Gopalpur (135km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Gopalpur, a coastal town known for its serene beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
On arrival, check into your hotel and unwind.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring Gopalpur’s pristine beach, enjoying its calming ambiance, and discovering the town’s local charm.
Day 10: Gopalpur - Srikakulam (170km)
After breakfast, drive to Srikakulam, a town with rich cultural and historical heritage.
Upon arrival, check into your hotel and refresh.
Visit Srikurmam Temple, a significant Hindu temple with unique architecture and religious importance. The temple’s intricate carvings and historical significance make it a notable landmark.
Explore Arasavalli Temple, dedicated to the Sun God. Its detailed carvings and spiritual ambiance reflect the region’s architectural excellence and religious traditions.
Day 11: Srikakulam - Araku Valley (145km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Araku Valley, a picturesque hill station renowned for its scenic beauty and tribal culture.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Visit Borra Caves, known for their stunning limestone formations and prehistoric significance. The caves’ impressive stalactites and stalagmites offer a fascinating glimpse into natural geological processes.
Explore Ananthagiri Hills, known for their lush greenery and breathtaking views. The hills provide a serene environment and opportunities for nature walks and relaxation.
Visit the Tribal Museum, which showcases the culture and heritage of local tribal communities through exhibits and artifacts, providing insights into their traditional lifestyles.
Day 12: Araku Valley - Vizag (120km)
After breakfast, drive to Vizag, a coastal city with a mix of natural beauty and historical sites.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Visit Kailasagiri Hilltop Park, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline, along with large statues of Shiva and Parvati. The park is a popular spot for relaxation and sightseeing.
Relax at Ramakrishna Beach, enjoying its golden sands and scenic beauty. The beach is an ideal place for a leisurely walk or to unwind by the sea.
Explore the Submarine Museum, where you can tour a decommissioned submarine and learn about naval history and underwater exploration.
Day 13: Vizag - Kakinada (155km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Kakinada, a coastal city with rich natural and cultural attractions.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Visit Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its mangrove forests and diverse bird species. The sanctuary provides a unique ecosystem to explore and offers opportunities for wildlife observation.
Explore Uppada Beach, celebrated for its serene environment and picturesque setting, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the coastal landscape.
Day 14: Kakinada - Machilipatnam (255km)
After breakfast, drive to Machilipatnam, a historic port city with cultural and historical sites.
On arrival, check into your hotel.
Visit Manginapudi Beach, known for its golden sands and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely day by the sea.
Explore Venugopala Swamy Temple, with its beautiful architecture and religious significance. The temple offers a serene environment for reflection and worship.
Visit the Buddhist Stupa, an ancient structure reflecting the region’s Buddhist heritage and historical importance. The stupa provides insights into the region’s historical and spiritual past.
Day 15: Machilipatnam - Nellore (300km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before driving to Nellore, a city known for its temples and historical significance.
Check into your hotel upon arrival.
Visit Ranganatha Temple, a major Hindu temple with intricate carvings and religious importance. The temple’s architecture and spiritual ambiance make it a significant site.
Explore Sri Vedagiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, another important shrine known for its divine ambiance and architectural beauty. The temple is a notable landmark in the region’s spiritual landscape.
Day 16: Nellore - Chennai (275km)
After breakfast, drive to Chennai, a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture.
Enroute, visit Venkatagiri Fort, an ancient fortification offering historical insights and architectural beauty.
Explore Sri Kalahasthi Temple, a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and spiritual significance.
Check into your hotel in Chennai and spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the city at your own pace.
Day 17: Chennai - Mahabalipuram (120km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before visiting the Government Museum in Chennai, which houses a vast collection of art, archaeology, and natural history exhibits.
Explore Fort St. George, a historic fortification with a museum displaying colonial artifacts and the legacy of British rule in India.
Drive to Mahabalipuram and check into your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and preparing for the next day’s explorations.
Day 18: Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (120km)
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mahabalipuram. Explore the Shore Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture situated by the sea.
Discover Pancha Rathas, a complex of rock-cut temples named after the Pandavas, featuring intricate carvings and unique architectural styles.
Admire the famous stone chariot, a remarkable monolithic sculpture representing a chariot drawn by horses.
Drive to Pondicherry and check into your hotel.
Day 19: Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjavur (180km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before visiting Matrimandir at Auroville, an iconic spiritual center known for its golden dome and serene environment.
Explore Aurobindo Ashram, a renowned spiritual community founded by Sri Aurobindo, and discover its tranquil atmosphere and philosophical teachings.
Stroll through the French Quarter in Pondicherry, characterized by its colonial architecture, charming streets, and vibrant culture.
Drive to Thanjavur, visiting Chidambaram, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Darasuram enroute. Each site features significant temples with unique architectural styles and historical importance.
Check into your hotel in Thanjavur.
Day 20: Thanjavur - Trichy (60km)
After breakfast, visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its grandeur and intricate sculptures.
Explore Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, housing rare manuscripts and historical texts.
Drive to Trichy and check into your hotel.
Day 21: Trichy - Madurai (135km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before visiting Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy, a major Hindu temple known for its vast complex and intricate carvings.
Explore Rock Fort Temple, perched atop a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into its historical and religious significance.
Drive to Madurai and check into your hotel.
Day 22: Madurai - Rameshwaram (170km)
After breakfast, visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, famous for its colorful gopurams and intricate carvings. The temple is a vital pilgrimage site and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
Explore Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, an impressive 17th-century palace with ornate arches and sprawling courtyards, reflecting the grandeur of the Nayak dynasty.
Drive to Rameshwaram and check into your hotel.
Day 23: Rameshwaram - Kanyakumari (320km)
Start with breakfast at the hotel before visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram, known for its sacred corridors and numerous holy wells.
Explore Agni Theertham, a revered beach where pilgrims take ritual baths to cleanse themselves spiritually.
Drive to Kanyakumari and check into your hotel.
Day 24: Kanyakumari - Kovalam (80km)
After breakfast, visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, a spiritual monument dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, located on a rocky island with stunning views of the surrounding sea.
Explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue, a towering sculpture dedicated to the Tamil poet and philosopher, offering insights into Tamil culture and philosophy.
Drive to Kovalam and check into your hotel.
Day 25: Kovalam
After breakfast, spend the day at leisure. Explore nearby beaches such as Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Samudra Beach, each offering unique experiences and serene environments.
Day 26: Kovalam
Start with breakfast at the hotel before visiting Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum, known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
Explore Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, showcasing royal artifacts and traditional art forms from the region’s history.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the coastal beauty and relaxation in Kovalam.
Day 27: Kovalam - Alleppey (160km)
After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and check into a houseboat for an overnight cruise on the backwaters. Enjoy the scenic beauty, local cuisine, and the tranquil environment of the backwaters, drifting through lush greenery and small waterways.
Day 28: Alleppey - Cochin (60km)
Start with breakfast aboard the houseboat before disembarking and driving to Cochin.
Check into your hotel and explore Fort Kochi, known for its historic charm, colonial architecture, and Chinese fishing nets. The area offers a blend of cultural and historical experiences, reflecting Cochin’s rich maritime heritage.
Day 29: Cochin - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure, concluding your journey with cherished memories of the eastern coast and its diverse cultural and natural wonders.
- Assistance on arrival at airport.
- 28 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
- Daily breakfast at hotels.
- Boat safari in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
- English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
- Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
- Bottled drinking water in car.
- Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 28 nights accommodation
Kolkata x 2 night
3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency
4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency
5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern
Balasore x 1 nights
3*/ 4* / 5* - Hotel Swarnachuda/ Panthnivas Panchalingeswar
Bhitarkanika x 2 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Nature Camp Bhitarkanika Retreat/ Estuarine Village Resort Bhitarkanika
Bhubaneswar x 1 night
3* - Kalinga Ashok/ The HHI
4* - Fortune Park Sishmo/ Mayfair Convention
5* - Mayfair Lagoon/ Trident Hotel
Puri x 2 nights
3* - Toshali Sands/ Blue Lily Beach Resort
4* - The Hans Coco Palms/ The Chariot Resort & spa
5* - Mayfair Waves
Gopalpur x 1 night
3* & 4* - Palm Resort/ Panthnivas Gopalpur
5* - Mayfair Palm Beach Resort
Srikakulam x 1 night
APTDC Haritha Beach Resort Baruva/ Hotel Grand
Araku Valley x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Haritha Valley Resort Araku/ Haritha Hill Resort
Vizag x 1 night
3* - Best Western Ramachandra Hotel/ Keys Select Visakhapatnam - By Lemon Tree Hotels
4* - The Park Hotel/ Fairfield by Marriott
5* - The Gateway Hotel Beach Road/ The Bheemli Resort Managed By AccorHotels
Kakinada x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Paradigm Sarovar Portico/ Royal Park Hotel
Machilipatnam x 1 night
3* / 4* & 5* - Hotel SS Grand INN/ RK Good Times
Nellore x 1 night
Minerva Grand/Bergamont Hotels
Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace
Mahabalipuram x 1 night
3* - INDeco Hotels/ Mamalla Beach Resort
4* - Ideal Beach Resort/ Confluence The Banquet & Resort
5* - Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay/ Fisherman's Cove
Pondicherry x 1 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa
Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers
4* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort
5* - Svatma
Trichy x 1 night
3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
4 & 5* - Sangam Hotels
Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Rameshwaram x 1 night
3* & 4*- Daiwik Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place Rameswaram
Kayakumari x 1 night
3* - Sea Shore/ Hotel Seaface
4* & 5* - Anantya Resorts/ Annai Resorts and Spa
Kovalam x 3 nights
3* - Harmonia Beach Resort/ Sagara Beach Resort
4* - Estuary Island Resort/Uday Samudra Leisure Beach Hotel
5* - Vivanta by Taj - Green Cove/ The Leela Kovalam Beach
Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)
Cochin x 1 nights
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien
- Any flight fare.
- Camera charges at monuments if any.
- Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
- Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
- Gratuities and optional activities.
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions.