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A Week of Heritage and Wildlife in Eastern India: Hyderabad to Bhuvaneshwar, Puri, Gangasagar, Sundarban, and Kolkata

Friday, December 29: Arrival in Hyderabad

Start your cultural immersion in the capital city of Telangana by visiting the iconic Charminar. Explore the bustling markets around it and savor the famous Hyderabadi Biryani for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the historic Golconda Fort to witness its magnificent architecture and hear tales of its glorious past. Wrap up the day by indulging in an evening light and sound show at the fort.

  • Charminar: Entrance fee INR 25, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Golconda Fort: Entrance fee INR 25, Time spent: 3 hours
Saturday, December 30: Bhuvaneshwar's Temple Trail

Embark on a spiritual journey by visiting the famous temples in Bhuvaneshwar, known as the "Temple City of India." Start with the ancient Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and marvel at its architectural grandeur. Explore other significant temples like Mukteshwar Temple and Rajarani Temple, adorned with intricate sculptures. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Bindu Sagar, a sacred water tank surrounded by numerous temples.

  • Lingaraj Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Mukteshwar Temple: Entrance fee INR 15, Time spent: 1 hour
  • Rajarani Temple: Entrance fee INR 5, Time spent: 1 hour
Sunday, December 31: Serenity in Puri

Start the day by visiting the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Witness the mystical rituals and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath. Afterward, head to the stunning Puri Beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. In the evening, explore the bustling markets near the temple and indulge in delicious local street food.

  • Jagannath Temple: Free entry, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Puri Beach: Free entry, Time spent: 3 hours
Monday, January 1: Wildlife Excursion to Gangasagar

Embark on an adventurous jungle safari in the Gangasagar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse wildlife. Take a boat ride through the dense mangrove forests and spot animals such as deer, crocodiles, and various bird species. Enjoy a picnic amidst nature and spend the day exploring this hidden gem. Return to Kolkata in the evening.

  • Gangasagar Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee INR 50, Time spent: 6 hours
Tuesday, January 2: Cruising Through Sundarban

Board a boat from Kolkata and cruise through the breathtaking Sundarban National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the mangrove forests and catch glimpses of the endangered Royal Bengal Tigers. Visit Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts. Enjoy a delicious Bengali lunch during the cruise and immerse yourself in the tranquility of this unique ecosystem.

  • Cruise to Sundarban: Package cost starts at INR 3,000, Time spent: Full day
  • Sajnekhali Wildlife Sanctuary: Entrance fee INR 15, Time spent: 2 hours
Wednesday, January 3: Cultural Extravaganza in Kolkata

Experience the vibrant cultural scene of Kolkata by starting the day with a visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial, a magnificent marble structure commemorating Queen Victoria. Explore the Indian Museum, one of the oldest museums in Asia, to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Howrah Bridge and soak in the bustling atmosphere of this bustling city.

  • Victoria Memorial: Entrance fee INR 30, Time spent: 2 hours
  • Indian Museum: Entrance fee INR 20, Time spent: 3 hours
  • Howrah Bridge: Free entry, Time spent: 1 hour
Thursday, January 4: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Explore the hidden gems and local favorites in Kolkata by visiting Kumartuli, the famous artisan village known for its skilled idol makers. Immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere and observe how beautiful clay idols are crafted. Don't miss a visit to College Street, renowned for its bookstores and literary heritage. End your trip on a sweet note by savoring traditional Bengali sweets like Rasgulla and Sandesh.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the serene Chandipur Beach near Puri. It's known for its unique tidal phenomenon where the sea recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, allowing visitors to walk on the seabed. Another local favorite is the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, where you can spot migratory birds and enjoy boat rides.

Check out hotel and flight prices here.

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