Orissa itinerary question

genegenie68

I've been doing lots of research for this part of my trip and have been trying really hard to keep myself from posting an itinerary question thread but I need some advice from the Orissa experts on IM and can hold off no longer.

I arrive in India on Dec 13, will spend a few days in Kolkata to recover, a few days in the Sunderbans and then will make my way to Orissa. I have to be in Delhi on Dec 22nd so my dates are fixed. I decided to go to Orissa primarily to go to Chilika Lake and Nalaban to see the birds. I love looking at birds and am very excited about this part but will also be in the Sunderbans for a few days before I arrive at Chilika and will see lots of birds there I'm sure. Not that I ever get tired of looking at birds and because it's migratory season there will be many many species to see. However, I would like a little balance in my trip. (After Orissa I'm doing a three week tour of Rajasthan with Agra and Varanasi at the end.) I know there are lots of cool temples to see in Orissa but my main objective is to get in some good birding and see the Sun Temple in Konark. My confusion is over how best to fit all of this in.

My current itinerary is this:

Plan A
Dec 19 - arrive Balugan on overnight train from Kolkata, overnight at Barkul, Chilika Lake during the day

Dec 20 - more Chilika and overnight at Barkul

Dec 21 - taxi to Bhubaneshwar, check-in at hotel, taxi to Konark to see Sun Temple and back to Bhubaneshwar for the night

Dec 22 - fly to Delhi


Alternatively, I was considering this option:

Plan B
Dec 19 - overnight train to Bhubaneshwar, leave luggage at station, taxi to Konark to see the Sun Temple, taxi back to Bhubaneshwar (maybe some stops on the way), pick up luggage, taxi to Barkul, overnight Barkul

Dec 20 - Chilika Lake

Dec 21 - Chilika Lake in the morning, afternoon bus or taxi to Bhubaneshwar check-in at hotel

Dec 22 - fly to Delhi

I'm leaning towards Plan B because it means going to the Sun Temple on a Friday morning rather than on a Sunday afternoon. Does that reasoning make any sense at all? I already have my reservations at Panthanivas Barkul.

If you're still reading this and have any feedback on the feasibility of either plan I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks!

gg

vonkla

I think option B is better but I have another idea for the first day.
Why don't you take the luggage with you in the taxi to Konark. After visiting the temple you can go directly to Barkul.

We visited this region in Feb. 2007 and stayed one night in Panthanivas. As far as I remember it was a fine hotel. For the birds we were to late so I guess your timing is better.
We did this as part of an organized tour with a driver. From Barkul we drove by a wonderful country road around the north side of the lake to Puri. From there it is not far to Konark.
For more details see our travel diary.

__________________
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See our travel journals Mumbai-Dehli in three months; From Kochi to Delhi

genegenie68

Thanks for the information, Vonkla. Very helpful. My primary concern is that I might be trying to cover too much distance in one day. From what you say it sounds like I should be able to do Bhubaneshwar-Konark-Barkul in one day with a stop at the Sun Temple. That's good to know. What would I do with my luggage if I took it with me? Should I consider hiring a car for the entire day? Would it be safe to leave my backpack in the car while at the temple? Is there somewhere else in Konark where I could leave it? So many questions, I know.

Perhaps I erred on the side of including too much information because I know there are several other Orissa experts out there on IM. If anyone else has any feedback I would love to hear it. Thanks!
gg

vonkla

[quote=genegenie68;606001 What would I do with my luggage if I took it with me? Should I consider hiring a car for the entire day? Would it be safe to leave my backpack in the car while at the temple? Is there somewhere else in Konark where I could leave it? gg[/QUOTE]

I think it is better to hire a car for the whole day. Prices are based on the kilometers you cover, and of course also for the drive back of your driver.
It will be safe to leave your backpack in the car while visiting Konark, besides I cannot recall that there was another place to store it.

kuldelhi

I think Vinkla is right..u must keep ur baggage with u....

best of luck.....