Devotional Puri and Gangasagar Tour

Some journeys are about seeing. This is about immersing yourself in the allure of ancient rivers, the rhythm of temple bells and the majesty of places where millions have stood before you. This 6 night/7day trail through Odisha and West Bengal is for the seeker who wants to experience these two cities at their best.

It starts in Puri with a visit to the majestic Jagannath Temple and three deities carved out of wood who have been drawing pilgrims for over a millennium. The Golden Sea Beach is a more laid back place where one can shop for prasad and souvenirs while soaking up the local color. There is also a day trip to Chilika Lake with it red crabs, bird life and Irrawaddy dolphins which can be seen around the shallow lagoon that sets the stage for Asia's largest brackish water lake.

The trail then leads to Konark and Bhubaneswar through a region that offers a fascinating mix of the Sun temple with its chariot wheels made of stone, the craftwork of Pipili village, the Dhauli Shanti Stupa where Emperor Asoka underwent his transformation as well as a forest of temples including the towering Lingaraj. This is followed by an overnight drive to the city of Kolkata with its colonial buildings and temples that have stood the test of time.

But the highlight of the trip is Gangasagar, the confluence of the Ganga and the sea that can only be reached by road and ferry and is considered one of the holiest of Hindu pilgrimage sites where millions take a dip to wash away their sins. A visit to the Kapil Muni Temple Ashram completes this spiritual sojourn before returning to Kolkata.