Welcome to Odisha
An off-the-beaten-track favourite for more adventurous types, Odisha (Orissa) rewards those who make the effort with an intricate patchwork of history, fascinating tribal culture and natural beauty, along with an old-fashioned sprinkling of sun and sand.
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Om Leisure Half-day temples-monuments trip of Bhubaneswar city in Odisha
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Jain Caves: One of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, the caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) command a unique position in the field of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain, about six km west of Bhubaneswar, separated by a highway. Lingaraja Shiva Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, the capital of the East Indian state of Odisha. The temple is the most prominent landmark of Bhubaneswar city and one of the major tourist attractions of the state.Mukteswar Temple: It is a 10th-century Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. The stylistic development the Mukteswar marks the culmination of all earlier developments and it is one of the prominent tourist attractions of Bhubaneswar city.
The Bhubaneswar Experience
You will be picked up by your guide and separate driver at your local hotel in Bhubaneswar in the morning around 09:00. You will be taken by a private, air-conditioned vehicle to the first destination which is the Lingaraja Temple. The temple is one of the most sacred and religious sites in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple so you will be allowed to admire the temple's impressive structure from the outside, which is almost fully viewable. This temple is also the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar and its structure is so ancient that a lot of myths and legends are shared by the locals about its conception.After viewing the famous Lingaraja Temple, you will continue with your guide and driver to your next stop, the Mukteshwar Temple. Located at a hilltop, this temple was built in the 10th Century and is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The unique structure offers a mix between modern and ancient. At this temple you will see the extraordinary carvings with intricate details, stunning interior, and impressive structural design.The next place to visit is the ancient Parsurama Temple, believed to have been built during the 12th and 13th century. This temple is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Parusarama. Lord Parusama was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and known in the ancient scripts as a warrior. The temple is an important location for many people to come and worship their ancestors and offer prayers.After visiting the Parsurama Temple you will continue to the Rajarani Temple. This temple is believed to have been constructed between the 11th to 12th century and has many similar details to the famous Khajuraho Temples, due to its intricate details of erotic carvings. The name of the temple originates from the local sandstone which was used to build the temple. Inside the temple are many beautiful sculptures depicting different ancient legends such as guards, Varuna, and scenes from Shiva's marriage.After visiting the temples, you will be taken to the hills on the edges of the city to see Khandagiri and Udaygiri caves. These famous caves were carved by Jain monks during 2nd century BCE. There are more than 30 caves on this location with all unique details of sculptures and myths. One of the caves, the Snake Cave, got its name from the two serpents clinging to the arch of the entrance of this cave. Inside the cave are carvings telling the story of a boy chasing wild animals.The last stop of the trip is at the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artifacts which offers an unique experience to get to know the Orissan tribal culture. The museum is showcasing the ancient tribal clothing, artifacts, jewelry, hunting weapons, and many other things. This will be a delightful visit to finish off the tour. After the museum visit you will return to your hotel and conclude the tour.
Bhubaneshwar Temple Tour with Private Transfer
You will be picked up from your hotel and you will start the tour with a visit to Mukteshwar Temple. It is one of the most prominent temples of Bhubaneswar. It was built in the 10th century and is considered to be the gem of Orrisan Architecture. This Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. Rajarani Temple is also among the renowned temples in Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to have been known originally as Indreswara. It is locally known as a "love temple" because of the erotic carvings of women and couples in the temple. Rajarani Temple is built in the pancharatha style on a raised platform with two structures: a central shrine called the vimana (sanctum) with a bada (curvilinear spire) over its roof rising to a height of 59 ft, and a viewing hall called jagamohana with a pyramid roof. The temple was constructed of red and yellow sandstone locally called "Rajarani". There are no images inside the sanctum. Hence, it is not associated with a specific sect of Hinduism but broadly classified as Saivite. Outside the temple are sculptures of the guardians of the 8 cardinal and ordinal directions. Brahmeshwara Temple built around 11th century, is another Siva-linga temple famous for its intricately carved sculptures inside and out. The Brahmeswara temple is somewhat similar to the much earlier Mukteswar Temple, including the carved interior of the Jagmohana. There are quite a number of innovations including the introduction of a great number of musicians and dancers on the exterior walls. For the first time in temple architectural history, iron beams are used. On the sandstone walls are symbolic decorations of godlike figures helping the believer in meditation. Parashurameswar Temple, built in 650 AD, is one of the oldest temples existing in Bhubaneshwar. A typical example of the Orissan style of temple architecture, the temple features pine spire curving up to a point over the sanctum and the pyramid-covered Jagamohana. This small and richly decorated shrine has sculptures of amorous couples, animals and floral designs. Siddheshwar Temple is a typical Orissan Temple with a very graceful figure of Lord Ganesh. You will be brought back to your hotel at the conclusion of your tour.
Explore the Historical Caves of the Khandagiri and Udayagiri Hills from Bhubaneswar with Private Transfer
You will be picked up and driven to the caves. The caves belong to the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters in Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hill). They command a unique position in rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise abruptly from the coastal plain, about six miles west of Bhubaneswar. You will visit this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Orissan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. Kharavela was a king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty, who is known for expansion of the Kalinga Empire and his installation of public improvements, such as canal systems. His queen was quite a patron of the arts, and probably was the driving force behind the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves. Udayagiri has 18 caves on its hill. The largest, Cave 1, is known as Rani Gumpha or Queen's Cave. It has fine wall friezes, recently restored pillars, and beautiful sculptures. On the lower story, you can see carved dwara palas (sentries) and side pillars crowned by animals. Above them are toranas (arches) with religious and royal couples standing with folded hands. Also see a female dancer with accompanying female musicians. In the main central wing, are themes indicating a victory march of a king. In the preserved Upper Story are six cells with two doorways each, flanked by two pilasters. Cave 2, Chota Hathi Gumpha, or Small Elephant Cave, has a carving of six elephants flanking its entrance. Cave 4, Alakapuri Gumpha, contain sculptures of a lion holding a prey, in its mouth, and pillars topped by pairs of winged animals, some human and some bird headed. Several additional caves will be shown on your tour. There are 15 caves on the Khandagiri hill. Cave 1 and 2, are known as Tatowa Gumpha or Parrot Caves, because of the figures of parrots carved on the arches of their doorways. Cave 3 is called the Ananta Gumpha or Snake Cave after the figures of twin serpents on the door arches. It is one of the most important caves on the Khandagiri hill on account of its unique motifs: figures of boys chasing animals including lions and bulls. On the back wall of the cell is carved a nandipada on a stepped pedestal flanked on either side by a set of three symbols, a triangular headed symbol, a srivatsa and a swastika, auspicious to the Jains. You will have the oppotunity to visit additional caves on this hill. The 18th century, Jain Temple, at the top of the hill dedicated to Rishabnath, was most probably built on the site of an earlier shrine. The temple enshrines some old tirthankars and affords a panoramic view across the plains. You will be driven back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Explore Lalitagiri And Ratnagiri From Bhubaneswar With Lunch
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Lalitagiri, which is about 50 miles distance from Bhubaneswar. The drive to Lalitagiri takes around an hour and a half.Dating back to the 1st century B.C., the complex at Lalitagiri is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist establishments in the world. The ruins show the remnants of a large stupa on a hill and four monasteries. Two stone caskets with relics of Lord Buddha were found in the stupa. One of the caskets is believed to contain the bones of the Buddha. A rainwater cistern made of bricks has also been excavated at this site. Artefacts dating back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. suggest that Tantric Buddhism was also practised here. There are huge stone statues of the Buddha in the standing position, a characteristic of the Gandhara School of Architecture. The artefacts unearthed from the various excavations at this site are now kept in a museum on the grounds of this complex.Next drive to Ratnagiri, half an hour drive away from Lalitagiri. Ratnagiri was the site of a major Buddhist monastery that flourished from the 5th to the 12th century A.D. A large Stupa, several shrines, monasteries and innumerable stone sculptures have been excavated here. Ratnagiri was a center for Tantric Buddhism.At the end of the tour enjoy lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant.After lunch you will be driven back to Bhubaneswar and dropped off at your hotel.
Explore Lalitagiri And Ratnagiri From Bhubaneswar
You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and driven to Lalitagiri, which is about 50 miles distance from Bhubaneswar. The drive to Lalitagiri takes around an hour and a half.Dating back to the 1st century B.C., the complex at Lalitagiri is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist establishments in the world. The ruins show the remnants of a large stupa on a hill and four monasteries. Two stone caskets with relics of Lord Buddha were found in the stupa. One of the caskets is believed to contain the bones of the Buddha. A rainwater cistern made of bricks has also been excavated at this site. Artefacts dating back to the 9th and 10th century A.D. suggest that Tantric Buddhism was also practised here. There are huge stone statues of the Buddha in the standing position, a characteristic of the Gandhara School of Architecture. The artefacts unearthed from the various excavations at this site are now kept in a museum on the grounds of this complex.Next drive to Ratnagiri, half an hour drive away from Lalitagiri. Ratnagiri was the site of a major Buddhist monastery that flourished from the 5th to the 12th century A.D. A large Stupa, several shrines, monasteries and innumerable stone sculptures have been excavated here. Ratnagiri was a center for Tantric Buddhism.At the end of the tour enjoy lunch (own expenses) at a local restaurant.After lunch you will be driven back to Bhubaneswar and dropped off at your hotel.