- Duration 12 Days/ 11 Nights
- Price 0 INR
Route: Kolkata - Sundarbans - Similipal Nature Retreat - Bhitarkanika National Park - Chilika Lake - Bhubaneswar.
Arrive in Kolkata, the cultural capital of India. After check-in, spend the day exploring landmarks such as Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Temple, and Indian Museum. Walk along the Hooghly River in the evening or enjoy Bengali cuisine at a heritage restaurant. Overnight in Kolkata.
After an early breakfast, drive to Gosaba/Jetty Point, followed by a scenic boat ride into the heart of the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive at your forest lodge or eco-resort and enjoy an orientation walk around a local village. In the evening, witness a folk dance performance or attend a nature talk on the Sundarbans ecosystem. Overnight in Sundarbans.
Spend the day cruising through the dense mangrove creeks aboard a motorized boat safari, exploring the core zones of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. Spot wildlife such as Royal Bengal Tigers (with luck), saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards, mudskippers, and countless migratory birds. Visit Sudhanyakhali and Dobanki Watchtowers, and enjoy packed meals on board. Overnight in Sundarbans.
After a relaxed breakfast, check out and cruise back to the jetty. From there, drive back to Kolkata, reaching by late afternoon. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps visiting Kumartuli, the potters’ district, or enjoying a short walk at Prinsep Ghat. Overnight in Kolkata.
After an early breakfast, depart Kolkata and drive towards the Similipal Biosphere Reserve in northern Odisha. The journey takes you through rural landscapes, forests, and tribal settlements. By afternoon, arrive at your nature retreat or eco-lodge near the forest buffer zone. Settle into the peaceful surroundings of this lesser-known gem, home to tigers, elephants, giant squirrels, and over 230 bird species. If time allows, take a short walk around the lodge or visit a nearby tribal hamlet. Overnight in Similipal.
Spend the day exploring the core and buffer zones of Similipal National Park, a biodiversity hotspot nestled in the Eastern Ghats. Visit the stunning Barehipani Falls (India’s second-highest) and Joranda Falls, both surrounded by dense sal forests. Enjoy a safari drive (subject to forest department permission) to spot wildlife like gaurs, sambars, barking deer, and perhaps a leopard or tiger. Stop at Chahala Watch Tower for panoramic views. Later, return to the retreat for a cultural evening or stargazing in this remote wilderness. Overnight in Similipal.
After an early breakfast, begin a long but rewarding journey to Bhitarkanika, one of India’s finest mangrove ecosystems. Drive through the plains of Odisha via Cuttack, stopping for lunch or tea at a local eatery. Arrive at either the Gupti or Khola entry points, where you’ll board a short boat ride through tidal creeks or walk through village paths to reach your forest lodge or eco-resort near the park boundary. As evening sets in, enjoy the natural sounds of the delta and prepare for the thrilling river safari the next day. Overnight stay near Bhitarkanika.
Spend the full day exploring the creeks and estuaries of Bhitarkanika by boat. The park is home to giant saltwater crocodiles, spotted deer, water monitors, and a variety of bird species such as kingfishers, egrets, and open-billed storks. Visit Dangmal Crocodile Breeding Centre and old hunting towers built by kings. Take nature walks in the mangrove forests. Overnight in Bhitarkanika.
After breakfast, drive to Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Depending on the season and interest, you can stay at Satapada (for dolphin spotting) or Barkul/Mangalajodi (for birdwatching). Arrive and check in to your lakeside resort or OTDC guesthouse. Enjoy sunset views over the lake. Overnight at Chilika.
Start your day with a boat ride across the tranquil waters of Chilika Lake. At Satapada, spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, while Mangalajodi offers a birdwatcher's paradise with thousands of migratory and resident birds, especially in winter (Nov–Feb). Visit Kalijai Temple or relax by the lakeside. Overnight at Chilika.
Drive to Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. On the way, visit Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village known for Pattachitra painting. In Bhubaneswar, explore Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswar Temple, and Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves, ancient Jain rock-cut shelters. Overnight in Bhubaneswar.
Use this day based on your travel schedule. You can explore Nandankanan Zoological Park, known for its white tigers and natural forest setting, or visit the Odisha State Tribal Museum for an insight into the region’s rich tribal culture. Later, transfer to the airport or railway station for departure.
