Odisha Tour – Tribal Regions of India Tour

Villages, Culture and Crafts of Tribal Odisha

Tour the State of Odisha, located in the far eastern region of India.

Experience ancient tribal cultures.

Odisha has the third highest concentration of indigenous tribes in India. Because of the remoteness of their villages, the tribes are untouched by modern times.

Join our Odisha tour and explore this exotic tropical state.

Even though economically challenged and with a low rate of literacy, the tribal groups have highly developed artistic skills. See the artistry in their body paintings, ornaments, weaving and wall paintings.

Be entranced by tribal music and dance. These are an integral part of their ceremonies and seasonal festivals.

Go where few travelers have gone.

Venture into remote tribal villages on market days. Attend tribal festivals. Experience traditional tribal music and dance performances.

The itineraries of the January and November tours are the same however the sequence is diffrernt to allow us to participate in local events.

This tour is suited for the experienced traveler. Those who seek an off-the-beaten path journey, will be rewarded on this tour.

ODISHA (ORISSA) TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Explore tribal villages.
  • Enjoy the delights of authentic village life including bustling local markets.
  • Visit the stunning seaside ruins of the Sun Temple.
  • Attend Adivasi Mela Tribal Fair in January.
  • Attend Konark Dance Festival and International Sand Art Festival in November.
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Bonda woman, Jeypore, Odisha Tour

  • 1
    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.

  • 2
    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.

  • 3
    Day 4: Onukudelli

    Today we visit the home of the estimated 6,000 members of the fierce Bondas (naked people) of Tibetan-Burmese origin.

  • 4
    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)

  • 5
    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.

  • 6
    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.

  • 7
    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.

  • 8
    Day 12- 13: Bhubaneswar

    Visit the stunning temples of Bhubeneswar, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa.

  • 9
    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.

  • 10
    Day 16: Bhubaneswar- Calcutta - Home

    Drive to Bhubaneswar for a flight to Calcutta (or Delhi, or Mumbai) and connect to your international flight home.

  • 11
    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.

  • 12
    Bhubaneshwar
    Day 3-4: Bhubaneshwar

    One hour flight to Bhubaneswar. Visit all highlights of the city and surrounding villages.

  • 13
    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.

  • 14
    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.

  • 15
    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).

  • 16
    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.

  • 17
    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).

  • 18
    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.

  • 19
    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.

  • Trip Length

    16-day trip begins and ends in Calcutta (or Delhi or Mumbai)

  • Dates

    November 27-Dec 12, 2023
    with Konark Dance Festival and Sand Art Festival

    January 16-31, 2024
    with Adivasi Mela Tribal Festival

  • Land Cost

    Nov 2023: $4285 per person based on min 4 people, Single room supplement: $1240
    Jan 2024: TBA
    Special discount: Two Single Room Supplements offered, on first come basis with min 6 people.

  • Accommodations

    4 star and heritage hotels

  • Group Size

    4-12 guests

  • Included Meals

    Daily breakfast, 14 lunches, 9 dinners

  • Duration

    16 Days

  • Reading List

    Suggested Reading - India General
    International Travel News Review (ITN):
    Orissa Tour Review 2018
    Orissa Tour Review 2011
    Orissa Tour Review 2008
    SF Chronicle Article Review:
    Orissa Tour Review 2003

  • Extend Your Trip

    TRIBES AND TEXTILES OF GUJARAT
    Follows Odisha Tour 10 Days
    LEARN MORE >

Calcutta, West Bengal, India

Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India

Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Jeypore, Odisha, India

Rayagada, Odisha, India

Onukudelli, Odisha, India

Konark, Odisha, India

Konark, Odisha, India

Bhubaneswar

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