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January Tour
Day 1-2: Meet in Calcutta
Enjoy early morning browsing at the lively flower market on the banks of the Hoogly River. Visit Dakshineshwar Temple, Kumartuli (potters village), Victoria Memorial and one of Mother Theresa's many homes for the underprivileged. Attend evening puja ceremony at Kalighat temple.
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Day 3: Semiliguda
Today we begin our journey into the villages of the state of Orissa (now called Odisha).
The tour is scheduled to arrive at each village during their weekly market days. Fly to to Vivag (Visakhapatnam) and drive to Semiliguda, a base for visiting nearby villages.
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Day 4: Onukudelli
Today we visit the home of the estimated 6,000 members of the fierce Bondas (naked people) of Tibetan-Burmese origin.
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Day 5: Jagdalpur
This morning we visit the Kunduli market and the Kotapada textile village on our way to Jagdalpur.
This evening tour the Palace of Bastar and the Anthropological Museum.
Based on availability, we may meet Mr. Harihara Bhanja Deo, uncle of the present Maharaja (king)
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Day 6-7: Tribal Villages
Visit Kondagaon village, a Dokra metal work village, SAATHI, an NGO dedicated to the crafts and terracotta work, a few Maria tribal villages and Kumhar villages (earthen pot makers). We also visit the rich forests of the Kanker Valley National Park.
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Day 8-10: Rayagada
We travel to Rayagada, a base for visiting nearby villages.
We visit Royal Jagdalpur, the Palace grounds, the Anthropological Museum, and a variety of local wildlife and tribal groups in South Bastar.
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Day 11-12: Chilka Lake - Gopalpur
A scenic drive through the country side and small villages. Enjoy a boat ride on Chilka Lake view the abundant avian life and Kalijai Temple, abode of the deity of the lake.
Second day continue to Bhubaneswar.
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Day 12- 13: Bhubaneswar
Visit the stunning temples of Bhubeneswar, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa.
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Day 14-15: Puri-Konark
We visit the colorful village of Pipli known for its applique embroidery and Konark, where we see the Sun Temple (UNESCO site) On Nov tour attend the Konark Dance Festival.
In Puri we visit the extraordinary Jaganath Temple and an excursion to nearby Ramchandi village, one of the largest fishing tribal villages.
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Day 16: Bhubaneswar- Calcutta - Home
Drive to Bhubaneswar for a flight to Calcutta (or Delhi, or Mumbai) and connect to your international flight home.
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November Tour with Konark Dance Festival
Day 1-2: Calcutta
Enjoy early morning browsing at the lively flower market on the banks of the Hoogly River. Visit Dakshineshwar Temple, Kumartuli (potters village), Victoria Memorial and one of Mother Theresa's many homes for the underprivileged. Attend evening puja ceremony at Kalighat temple.
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Bhubaneshwar
Day 3-4: Bhubaneshwar
One hour flight to Bhubaneswar. Visit all highlights of the city and surrounding villages.
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Puri & Konark Dance Festival (Nov tour)
Day 5-6: Puri & Konark
We visit the artisan village Raghurajpur (30 minutes) that specializes in pattrachitrs – the art of painting vivid colors on palm leaves. Continue to Puri & visit Shree Jagannath Temple.
Afterwards, we visit the new Sand Art Museum, http://sudamsandartmuseum.com/sandmuseum.php
Early evening visit Panda’s Akara (club house of local priests.
November tour: attend Konark Dance Festival and the Sand Festival.
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Chilka Lake – Gopalpur
Day 7: Chilka Lake – Gopalpur
We drive 1.5 hours through scenic countryside and attractive villages to Chilka Lake, in the heart of coastal Orissa. The pear-shaped lake spreads over 1,100 sq km and is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. It is dotted with small islands and has an impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant. Enjoy a private boat ride on the lake to view the avian life and Kalijai Temple.
Continue 1.5 hr drive to Gopalpur on Sea, an ancient seaport not often visited by tourists.
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Tribal Region of Odisha
Day 8-9: Rayagada
Drive to Raygada, en-route visiting Padmanavpur Textile village and Taptapani hot sulphur springs. If the time permits, visit Jirang Tibetan Monastery.
A full day excursion to the Kothgarh tribal area to their weekly market. On the return to Rayagada, visit the Jhingidi Craft Village (Dokra metal work) and a few road-side villages.
Third day, a full day excursion to visit the interesting weekly market of the Dongriya Kondh and experience another tribe of Kondh. This group was once known for the Maria sacrifice (sacrificing humans to insure good harvest).
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Day 10-11: Semilguda
En-route to Semilguda, we visit the interesting weekly market
Dongriya Kondh and experience another tribe of Kondh.
2nd day we drive to Onukudelli, the home of the estimated 6,000 members of the fierce Bondas (naked people) of Tibetan-Burmese origin. They live in the remote hills and remain isolated. The Bondas may only be seen when they come to trade at the local market. The Bonda women are identifiable by their bead necklaces, striking brass and silver necklets and their shaved heads decorated with plaits of palmyra leaves.
We will also visit the colorful Godabas, a Munda tribe.
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Chhattisgarh, Bastar District
Day 12-14: Jagdalpur
We first drive to the Kunduli Market en-route stop at a few Mali and Paraja villages. We’ll have plenty of time to meander the market and take photos.
Then continue to Jagdalpur is in the tribal district of Bastar.
2nd day visit Nayanar Village, known for Bison Horn Muria Gondhs. They are named for the head gear worn by the men during their spectacular dances. We will visit a few Gondh villages.
In the afternoon drive to Chitrakoot to visit the waterfall on the Indravati River (Baster’s own Niagara Falls). We will see more Gond villages and a few Konadah Paraja villages along the way.
3rd day, an excursion to Kondagaon village, a Dokra metal work village. Here you will visit SAATHI, an NGO dedicated to the crafts and terracotta work. You can see the artisans at work. You will also visit a few Maria tribal villages and Kumhar villages (earthen pot makers).
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Chhattisgarh, Capital city
Day 15: Raipur
We drive on a good road to Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh state in central India. It was part of the state of Madhya Pradesh before the state of Chattisgarh was formed on November 1, 2000.
At the mid-point, we stop for a home cooked lunch at Kanker Palace.
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Day 16: Depart
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Calcutta or to Mumbai or to Delhi.
NOTE: Calcutta is the closest city to Raipur, however we offer option to fly to Mumbai or Delhi if more convenient for your international departure.
