This visit was part of our third private tour with 5 Senses (first tour, So. India for a month; second No. India for 5.5 weeks; third East and South India, one month). You might have guessed that we are very happy with the company. All three tours were fantastic, this one no exception. Konark is an amazing site and well-worth visiting; plus we enjoyed the city of Bhubaneswar--especially it's extensive wall murals showing great civic pride, its many temples, and its folk arts museum. The museum at Konark itself is very well done and offers an interesting, if a bit fantastical, free film. The Vivanta in Bhubaneswar was one of the best hotels of our tour. A highlight of the visit was being able to attend a dance festival one evening in Dhauli, under the Peace Pagoda. Our 5 Senses guide--who had been a local tourism official before he retired--was able to get us tickets and front row, VIP seats, for free, and at short notice (same day). We felt like royalty! The primary strength of 5 Senses is its people. The owner, Mr. Narayanan, is a great travel planning partner (he’ll work with you to craft exactly the trip you want) and he is super-responsive during trips if any problems arise. I am confident that Narayanan will fix it if it needs fixing—he has helped us several times in that way, and he has done it quickly. The state-based “cultural ambassadors” he has recruited (the guides who accompany you for days, across multiple sites) are excellent and soon become friends. For this month-long tour, I’d particularly like to call out Kannan (Tamil Nadu) and Mohan, and Chandra Shekar (Karnataka). If you are touring other parts of the country, we highly recommend Balwinder (Punjab and Rajasthan) and Vivek and Ram Sewak (Varanasi, Khajuraho and environs). It is basically a fool’s errand to try to price shop local tour operators—there are too many variables, including the type of accommodation, the quality of guides and the quality of transport (both of which can’t be assessed ahead of time). That said, over the course of the three tours, we feel that 5 Senses has been very good value for money. And I can say for certain that you would pay three times as much for the same Smithsonian or Nat Geo or other corporate tour, plus you’d be on a bus with many other folks and stuck with the group schedule. With 5 Senses you’re in your own car deciding where and when you want to go, where you want to eat, and when you want to take it easy. My advice to friends looking for a private tour in India is “don’t bother contacting other companies, just talk to 5 Senses. You won’t regret it.”

We had a wonderful trip visiting the ancient templesites of Bhubaneswar: Mukteshwara, Parasurameswara, Rajarani, Lingaraj and some more. In awe we admired the intricate reliëfs and images. Visiting Jagannath temple in Puri was a sensation, albeit we were not allowed to enter. We did a highly spiritual circumambulation of the monument, experiencing the deep tradition of puja to lord Jagannath. We also made a rainy daytour to Singhanath temple at Badamba. It is located on a small island connected to a bridge inde Mahanadi river. A beautiful and lively templesite! One of the highlights was the Suntemple of Konarak, a heavenly chariot in stone. A visit to the excentric Chausath Yogini tantric circular site was very special too. The caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, a crowded site, gave a nice impression of ornamentals cave art. A lazy walk through Raghurajpur to see the pattachitra decorative folk art was a welcome change to our ancient archaeological tour. With the wish to dive into natural reserve we visited the wetlands of Mangalajodi with its magical assembly of colourful waterbirds. The whole trip we were carefully driven around by our driver Dhrupa and helpfully and friendly guided by our guide Hrudananda Nayak. He shared a lot of general and specific knowledge about the places we visited. All well organised by Narayan of 5 Senses Tours. A Great Experience!!

The tour was excellent - Great Insights and super entertaining! Lunch was delicious as well and we always felt well taken care of - would do it again in a heartbeat.

i visited to Puri jagannatha Temple during November 2024.The temple is very beautiful. But the very crowded. The q management is very bad. The good religious place is misused by the some brokers. Totally worth place to visit. The place is good connectivity. Must visit place.

This was a brilliant walking tour. Mr Satya was really friendly, interesting, and knowledgeable. He clearly has a passion for the temples and their history. As well as beautiful temples, l saw so much more as well: pilgims lodgings, markets, streets of Bhubaneswar and more. Mr Satya knows the area extremely well - he grew up here - and is a wealth of knowledge about Bhubaneswar and India. I saw parts of the city l would never have discovered by myself. Apparently the morning tour has more activity going on, but l loved the cool and the evening light. Definitely take this tour!

I booked a last minute tour and the company was very responsive and accommodating. Satya (guide) was very passionate and knowledgeable about Odisha’s history and temples and was always eager to answer any questions. Great tour!

Puri, a coastal city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is a gem that seamlessly blends spiritual richness with natural beauty. Known primarily for the iconic Jagannath Temple, Puri is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. Spiritual and Cultural Significance The Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture and an epic centre of spiritual fervour. The annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) is a grand spectacle, drawing visitors from around the world. The festival's vibrant colors, traditional music, and immense chariots being pulled through the streets create an atmosphere of divine celebration. The temple's surroundings are bustling with activity, with countless shops selling religious artifacts, local handicrafts, and street food. The traditional art forms, such as Pattachitra (scroll painting) and applique work, reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Natural Beauty Puri's coastline is adorned with golden sandy beaches that stretch endlessly, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Bengal. The Puri Beach is a perfect spot for leisurely walks, sunbathing, and enjoying the rhythmic waves. The beach also hosts the annual Puri Beach Festival, showcasing sand art, cultural performances, and delicious seafood. Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, is a short drive from Puri. A boat ride on this serene lake, home to a variety of migratory birds, is an enchanting experience. The lake's picturesque islands, such as Kalijai and Nalabana, add to its allure. Cuisine Puri's culinary scene is a delightful blend of traditional Odia cuisine and coastal flavors. The Mahaprasad (holy food) served at the Jagannath Temple is a must-try, offering a taste of divinity with dishes like Khechudi (rice and lentils), Dalma (lentils with vegetables), and various sweets. Seafood lovers will find Puri to be a paradise, with an array of fresh fish, prawns, and crabs cooked in aromatic spices. The local street food, including Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice), Chhena Poda (baked cheese dessert), and the famous Puri Khaja (flaky sweet pastry), is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Hospitality and Accommodation Puri offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. The hospitality of the locals is heartwarming, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and comfortable. Many hotels and resorts provide stunning views of the sea, adding to the overall experience. Connectivity and Accessibility Puri is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 60 kilometers away. Regular trains and buses make commuting to Puri convenient. Within the city, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are readily available for local transport. Puri is a destination that offers a perfect blend of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you are seeking divine blessings, cultural enrichment, or a peaceful beach holiday, Puri has something to offer. Its timeless charm and warm hospitality make it a destination worth visiting and cherishing. For anyone planning a trip to India, Puri should undoubtedly be on your itinerary.

Awesome experience, Good food and nice hospitality. Special mention to Raghunath at Restaurant. We are vegetarians and still the food quality, variety, service all are to great extent. Overall an fantabulous experience @ Sterling Puri

It was a devotional trip, clubbed with a small vacation. Took blessings of Jagannath Prabhu and visited other temples of Puri. Enjoyed seren beaches in the evening

I had used the services of five senses to organise 3 day trip in Odisha. The itinerary was very thoughtfully conceived, and the execution was impeccable. My parents enjoyed themselves, and had high praise for the guide and driver. Many thanks to the five senses tours

Our guide Hrudananda was with us all day long to visit the most important Temples in Bhubaneshwar and nearby. All were really interesting and Konark Sun Temple (UNESCO Heritage site) was marvelous. Also, cave temples were different from other temples visited in India. The detailed explanations of our preparared guide helped us to understand much more than If we were alone. The driver was very kind and waited for us with patience. We also got some nice pictures taken by the guide both from our and his phone. He was also really helpful in sharing his wifi access when we need ed it. In summary, a tour to be done If you are in Odisha and want to pick up the best of the area in just one full day.

Great guide, very knowledgeable. Interesting sites, the sun temple being the highlight. Driver also excellent.

My guide was really knowledgeable and I learned a great deal about what to look for on and around the local temples. He was kind to me when I was getting hot and needed to stop. On the drive to the tempke areas he told me about the city - how it was growing and other important sites. A terrific experience!

Planning, execution and customer service was meticulous and excellent. Guide was courteous and well-informed. Enjoyed trip and marveled at the architectural beauty of Bhubaneshwar.

The temple is so beautiful I love this place and odisha also I want visit there next time also love it