East India: Kolkata, Odisha and Puri

In short: this private 11-day journey explores East India, a region most visitors miss. You discover Kolkata’s colonial avenues and artistic soul, the temple city of Bhubaneswar, the craft village of Raghurajpur, the pilgrim town of Puri, the UNESCO Sun Temple of Konark and the birdlife of Chilika Lake, with your own car, driver and guides. It is best from October to March and starts from €1,490 per person.

The India of poets, painters and sun temples

Kolkata is unlike any other Indian city. Grand Victorian buildings stand beside busy markets, yellow taxis still rattle down the avenues, and the city is proud of its writers, film makers and endless conversations over tea. It is warm, cultured and wonderfully human.

To the south, Odisha is one of India’s best-kept secrets. Bhubaneswar has hundreds of carved stone temples, artists in Raghurajpur still paint palm-leaf manuscripts by hand, and the Sun Temple of Konark was designed as a giant stone chariot for the sun god, complete with twenty-four carved wheels.

You finish at Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, where fishing boats glide past flocks of migratory birds in winter. This journey suits travellers who have seen the classics, or who simply want India without the crowds.

A sample route, day by day

• Days 1–3, Kolkata: the Victoria Memorial, the flower market under Howrah Bridge at dawn, the idol makers of Kumartuli and a Bengali food walk.
• Days 4–5, Bhubaneswar: the Lingaraja and Mukteshwar temples and the ancient Jain caves of Udayagiri.
• Day 6, Raghurajpur: a heritage village where every house is an artist’s studio.
• Day 7, Puri: the great Jagannath Temple town and a long, quiet beach.
• Day 8, Konark: the Sun Temple in the soft afternoon light.
• Day 9, Chilika Lake: a boat trip among fishing villages, birds and, with luck, Irrawaddy dolphins.
• Days 10–11: back to Bhubaneswar, flight to Delhi or Kolkata and home.

Every day can change. Add the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, the tribal markets of southern Odisha, or continue to Darjeeling and the Northeast.

What to taste in Bengal and Odisha

Bengal is famous for fish curries with mustard, delicate sweets such as rasgulla and sandesh, and street snacks like kathi rolls and puchka. In Odisha, temple kitchens and coastal villages serve simple, delicious vegetarian and seafood dishes. We arrange food walks with local guides who know the best places.

Good to know

Topic	Details
Best time	October to March; Chilika’s birdlife peaks from December to February
Ideal for	Second-time visitors, culture and food lovers, curious travellers
Pace	Moderate, with short drives in Odisha
Price	Starting from €1,490 per person, two travelling together (what is included)
Combine with	Northeast India or Varanasi

Frequently asked questions

Is Kolkata worth visiting for tourists?

Yes. Kolkata has India’s finest colonial architecture, a rich literary and artistic life, famous food and very welcoming people. Two or three days with a good guide reveal a side of India few visitors see.

What is Odisha famous for?

Odisha is known for its ancient temples, especially in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark, its traditional crafts such as pattachitra painting, its classical Odissi dance, and Chilika Lake, a haven for migratory birds.

Can foreigners enter the Jagannath Temple in Puri?

No. Entry to the inner Jagannath Temple is reserved for Hindus. Visitors can see the temple from a nearby viewpoint and enjoy the lively streets around it, and your guide explains its traditions.

When is the best time to visit Odisha and Kolkata?

October to March is best, with pleasant temperatures. Chilika Lake is especially rich in birdlife from December to February, while April to June is hot and humid.

How many days do you need for Odisha?

Five to six days covers Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur, Puri, Konark and Chilika comfortably. Add two or three days for Kolkata, or more if you want to visit tribal villages in southern Odisha.

Can I combine East India with Darjeeling and the Northeast?

Yes. Kolkata is the natural gateway to Darjeeling, Sikkim and Assam, so East India and the Northeast combine perfectly into a two- or three-week journey.