Bhubaneswar city tour & Konark Sun Temple in private car with guide

Itinerary

1. 1

   8 AM- Our first destination is Dhauli. This is the venue of the ancient battle which was fought in 260 BC. Emperor Ashoka, the great Mauryan King won the battle but upon seeing the bloodbath had a change of heart. He became a propagator of peace and had a big role in the spread of Buddhism in India. We will get to see edicts of Ashoka embossed on rocks using the ancient Brahmi script and Prakrit language.nnThe rock cut Elephant sculpture is one of the oldest in India.

   45 min Admission included
2. 2

   Another highlight of Dhauli is the Shanti Stupa or Peace Pagoda. The current structure was built by an Indo-Japanese collaboration in 1972 by the Japan Buddha Sangh and the Kalinga Nippon Buddha Sangh.

   45 min Admission included
3. 3

   We will drive to Konark to experience one of the greatest architectural masterpieces of India. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across heavens. The Sun temple was known as u2018The Black Pagodau2019 among early European sailors to the East.nnThe most interesting aspect of the architecture lies in the wheels of the chariot. The twelve pairs of wheels located at the base of the temple are no ordinary wheels. They create a sundial and tell time!

   1 hour Admission included
4. 4

   Khandagiri & Udayagiri caves are dwelling retreats or cells of ancient Jain ascetics. These were built in the second century BC during the reign of King Kharavela of the Kalinga Kingdom. At the top there is a 18th century Jain temple as well.

   1 hour Admission included
5. 5

   Raja rani temple is a temple constructed in the 11th century from reddish and yellow sandstone. This material was called Rajarani in the local dialect and hence the temple got its name. The temple is famous for its unique sculptures of women. Women are in poses performing Odissi the traditional dance form as well as in every day life moments.nn630 PMu2013 End of Tour

   1 hour Admission included