Tailor Made Holidays - Hidden India

HIGHLIGHTS

Begin in Calcutta, a city alive with colonial history, creative energy, and characterful stays
Stay with the royal family at Belgadia Palace, experiencing Odisha’s regal past
Witness the UNESCO-recognised Chhau Dance Festival, a vibrant folk tradition rarely seen by outsiders
Visit Similipal’s lush forests and waterfalls
Cruise through the mangroves of Bhitarkanika National Park, spotting abundant birdlife and wildlife
Unwind beside Chilika Lake, India’s largest lagoon
Stay at elegant Rambha Palace, a colonial gem offering lakeside serenity
Visit ancient temples and cave complexes near Bhubaneshwar or the sacred Jagannath Temple at Puri

HIGHLIGHTS

Begin in Calcutta, a city alive with colonial history, creative energy, and characterful stays
Stay with the royal family at Belgadia Palace, experiencing Odisha’s regal past
Witness the UNESCO-recognised Chhau Dance Festival, a vibrant folk tradition rarely seen by outsiders
Visit Similipal’s lush forests and waterfalls
Cruise through the mangroves of Bhitarkanika National Park, spotting abundant birdlife and wildlife
Unwind beside Chilika Lake, India’s largest lagoon
Stay at elegant Rambha Palace, a colonial gem offering lakeside serenity
Visit ancient temples and cave complexes near Bhubaneshwar or the sacred Jagannath Temple at Puri

When To Go

The best time to visit Odisha is during the cool winter months - October to March. November, December and January are especially great, when the weather is warm and dry. But keep in mind that each season has its own delights, like in June/July when Odisha's biggest festival takes place - Rath Yatra.

How to Get There & Around

Odisha remains refreshingly under the radar, and getting there is part of the adventure. The easiest international gateway is Calcutta, which connects well with major Middle Eastern hubs. From Calcutta, it’s around a five- to six-hour drive into northern Odisha, or a short domestic flight to Bhubaneshwar Airport.

Best For

This itinerary is perfect for those who have travelled around the usual wonders of India and are looking for a more intimate and cultural exploration of the country's lesser-known regions.

Day 1-3

Calcutta

Your journey around rural eastern India begins in Calcutta, India’s third-largest city, with an alluring mixture of regal facades and ramshackle streets, where invigorating sounds, sights, and aromas tickle the senses. Locally regarded as an artistic and cultural capital, there’s much to experience in India’s “City of Joy.” Start by strolling the streets and shopping at the Malik Ghat Flower Market to experience the heady scent of 1,000 ochre roses. Then, continue on to the Marble Palace, home of 19th-century philanthropist Raja Rajendra Mullick, where you can discover a neoclassical mansion, artwork by Titian and Rubens, and the garden’s zoo. Later, watch a sunset at the riverside Prinsep Ghat, take a boat ride to glide along the river, and, finally, lose yourself in the many incredible restaurants.

Stay

Glenburn Penthouse

Located in the heart of Calcutta and housed in an elegant colonial-style building, the Glenburn Penthouse occupies a prime location with sweeping views of the Victoria Memorial. The hotel exudes charm, led by a dedicated owner, and offers a unique synthesis of luxury and heritage, highlighted by a curated collection of antique Bengal colonial furniture and artworks. Each of the nine spacious suites features antique four-poster beds and an abundance of natural light, fostering a serene and welcoming atmosphere. Relax on the rooftop terrace with its infinity pool and panoramic vistas, and experience menus that fuse colonial, Bengali, Anglo-Indian, and Calcutta street food influences, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients.

Day 4-5

Belgadia

Leave Calcutta behind and head to Belgadia Palace, especially if your visit aligns with the Chhau Dance Festival. This lively event is a rare chance to witness a UNESCO-recognised folk tradition that blends martial arts, drama, and vibrant, hand-crafted masks. When the festival isn’t on, pop into one of the local villages to see some of the young villagers dancing in the same energetic Chhau style, learning moves passed down through generations.

Belgadia Palace is also more than just a festival destination; it’s also a window into Odisha’s rich culture and natural beauty. Step into the world of Dokra artisans, where you can watch age-old techniques transform metal into intricate sculptures. The historic Haripur Garh Fort invites you to wander through atmospheric ruins dating back to the 14th century, while the nearby haat (bazaar) pulses with local life and trade traditions. For a wilder adventure, explore Similipal Elephant & Tiger Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere, where dense forests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife promise a memorable escape.

Stay

Belgadia Palace

Built in the 1800s, the Victorian-style Belgadia Palace is owned and run by the Royal family of Mayurbhanj, who welcome guests personally upon arrival. The palace features Georgian interiors and splendid rooms, which once hosted foreign dignitaries and guests of the Royal family. Today, these signature rooms evoke a sense of elegance, comfort, and historical connection. For quiet afternoons, explore seven acres of mango orchards, unwind on the outdoor patio or in the gardens, and enjoy home-cooked, authentic Odisha cuisine in the lavish dining hall.

Day 6-7

Bhitarkanika National Park

The next part of your journey takes you aboard the Antara Catamaran for a unique wildlife experience in Bhitarkanika National Park. As you glide along the waterways, India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, you’re surrounded by abundant birdlife (320 species to be exact) and glimpses of saltwater crocodiles. The atmosphere is refreshingly untouristy, with hardly any other boats in sight. On land, there are a couple of memorable excursions as well: one to a crocodile conservation project, where numbers, nearly wiped out in the 1970s, have now rebounded impressively, and another walk into the heart of the national park, where you might come across a snake that has just eaten a goat.

Stay

Antara Catamarans

The Antara Catamaran features two luxurious suites equipped with modern amenities, a comfortable lounge, and a dining area perfect for intimate moments. Contemporary furniture, handloom textiles, and a sun deck offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and wildlife. Attentive service includes all meals delivered onboard, natural spa-quality bath products, and the guidance of an expert naturalist for those eager to learn about this unique location.

Day 8-12

Chilika Lake

The final part of your journey will take you south to Chilika Lake, where you’ll stay at Rambha Palace. Spanning over 1,100 square kilometres, Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, fed by about 52 rivers and rivulets. As a biodiversity hotspot, it supports hundreds of fish species and shelters migratory birds that travel from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. Board a boat to cross the lake, passing local fishermen and floating islands along the way, and visit Kalijai Island, renowned for its temple and steeped in local legend. The surrounding region also offers several fascinating temple sites, including the partially ruined Buddhist complex at Lalitgiri, the ancient cave temple complexes near Bhubaneswar, and the revered Jagannath Temple at Puri – one of India’s major pilgrimage destinations.

Stay

Rambha Palace

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Chilika Lake, Rambha Palace has stood for over two centuries as the former residence of the King of Khallikote. Here, regal heritage seamlessly intertwines with modern luxury, creating an inviting haven for guests. The hotel’s stately courtyards and elegant alleyways open onto lush gardens, where vibrant birdlife thrives just beyond your window. Inside, opulent suites provide every comfort, each thoughtfully appointed with plush furnishings. The dining experience is equally remarkable, with expert chefs crafting dishes inspired by both local orchards and the freshest seafood. Guests are invited to savour a diverse selection of cuisines in the very dining room where generations of royalty once gathered, ensuring each meal is both memorable and unique.