Tribes of Odisha & Chhattisgarh – Edition 2024 & 2025

Rise to a delightful breakfast in the open garden. Today, embark on a catamaran boat ride to a nearby village renowned for its exquisite pottery making. Capture the magic of clay coming alive!

In the afternoon, delve into Puri’s heart- the cremation ground, an ancient pond, and the very streets that whisper tales of times gone by. Visit a gurukul, a traditional school. Gain insights into its educational legacy!

Witness the captivating Gotipua dance, a vibrant cultural gem!

In the evening, unwind with a rejuvenating full-body herbal oil massage by a skilled traditional royal barber (at an additional cost).

Savor a delectable clay pot chicken dish prepared by your chef using authentic Odia methods. If you’re curious, learn the traditional cuisine firsthand!

Call it a day at your village retreat.

Journey today takes you to the breathtaking Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lake. Glide across the glistening water on a catamaran boat, keeping your eyes peeled for the diverse bird life that calls this sanctuary home.

In the afternoon, venture into the heart of Odisha as you visit a secluded village inhabited by the Kondh tribe in the Kandhamal district nestled within the Dasapalla ghat region. Gain insights into their rich cultural heritage and unique way of life. Don't forget to document the beauty of their traditions!

By nightfall, you will arrive in Phulbani and call it a day.

On your Day 4 of the tribal tour of Odisha rise with the sun for an invigorating hike into the Baliguda jungle. Your destination is a remote village inhabited by the Kutiya Kond tribe, known for their distinctive facial tattoos. Learn their way of life and capture their unique beauty through your lens. We promise that this immersive experience will be the highlight of your journey!

In the afternoon, continue your exploration as you travel to Rayagada, your base for the night.

Make an early start today to witness the vibrancy of the Dongariya Kond tribe at their weekly market held near the foothills of the Niyamgiri hills. Capture the essence of this market- beautiful tribal women adorned in traditional attire, carrying seasonal fruits on their heads.

After a few enriching hours, continue your journey towards Jeypore. Along the way, delve into the world of the Kuvi Kondh tribe, residing in the Kumbhikota jungle range. Observe their customs and lifestyle and immortalize them through your lens too!

The afternoon brings you to Podagarh, where the Paraja tribe hosts their bustling weekly market. Delight in the sights and sounds of this vibrant crowd. Finally, reach your hotel in Jeypore for the night, your head brimming with memories of the day’s colorful tapestry.

Today on our tribal village tour of Odisha, we head to Onkadelly, where the Bonda tribe comes alive at their weekly market. Witness the vibrant scene- colorful attires, heady local brews carried atop heads, and the hum of bartering. Capture this unique cultural exchange through your lens.

In the afternoon, embark on a guided hike, led by a local tribal guide (often the chief's son), into the heart of Boro Gandhava village. Witness their way of life firsthand- traditional houses, sacred spaces, and a glimpse into their belief system. If time permits, experience a captivating tribal dance performance and vibrant display of their cultural heritage (at an additional cost).

By nightfall, you will be back in Jeypore.

On day 7 of our Odisha tribal village tour, we journey into the Eastern Ghats to meet the vibrant Dhuruba Tribe. Learn their unique way of life up close, and if time permits, explore a nearby cave temple and a sacred river ghat.

In the afternoon, cross the border into Chhattisgarh, checking into a comfortable hotel in Jagdalpur.

Your tribal village tour of Odisha ends, but new tribal encounters await in Chhattisgarh!

Gear up for an exciting journey into the Gidam jungle zone, where a hidden gem awaits: the Dandami Maria tribe. Witness their vibrant culture and, if you would like, partake in an eclectic Bison Horn group dance, a celebration of their stark heritage (at an extra cost). Oh, don't forget to immortalize these cherishable moments on your camera.

In the afternoon, the wonders of nature take center stage as you visit the majestic Chitrakoot waterfall, often known as India’s Niagara. The power and beauty of this cascading marvel add a refreshing contrast to your tribal tour.

In a comfortable accommodation in Kondagaon, we call it a night.

On day 9 of your tribal village tour of Chhattisgarh, we delve deep into the Keshkal jungle to meet the Deer Horn Muria tribe. Behold their unique culture, particularly their spectacular group dances where the chief wears a distinctive deer horn headdress.

The mesmerizing spectacle and the vibrant attire are definitely photo-worthy!

As the evening falls, arrive in Keshkal and get ready for your next Chhattisgarh tribal tour experience!

We start the day by exploring the prehistoric rock art site at Charma, a glimpse into the lives of ancient inhabitants.

In the afternoon, explore the rich heritage of Siripur, visiting the Mahavihar, Lakhanath Brick Temple, and Surang Tolla- remnants of ancient Buddhist and Hindu monasteries. If there is time, witness the mesmerizing river aarti ceremony on the Mahanadi River as dusk falls.

Overnight in Shivrinarayan.

Day 11 of your tribal village tour of Chhattisgarh takes you to meet yet another unique community- the Ramnami. In their secluded village within Raigarh, witness a fascinating tradition- their bodies are adorned with the sacred inscription “Ram Ram,” a testament to their devotion. This dwindling community holds a special place in the region’s cultural tapestry. Interacting with them is a rare privilege!

Immortalize their stories and the intricate body art to create a lasting record of this remarkable tradition for future generations.

As evening approaches, settle in for a night in Sambalpur, your heart filled with the richness of the tribal heritage and the enduring legacy of the Ramnami.

This morning, we explore the spiritual heart of Odisha as we journey to Joranda. Here, you will encounter the Mahima Sadhus, a unique monastic order. Behold their serene monastery and observe their sunset worship ritual, where the supreme sadhus wear only tree bark. Witness their dedication and the flickering flames of their holy fire, set to bring peace and harmony.

In the afternoon, the journey takes a regal turn as you arrive in Dhenkanal, a former princely state steeped in tradition. Check in to a royal heritage palace, a tangible reminder of Dhenkanal’s sumptuous history.

As evening sets in, savor a delectable royal dinner served within the palace’s very own dining hall, capping off a day of spiritual exploration and royalty.

After breakfast, explore a textile village and witness the age-old art of “Ikat” weaving. In Bhubaneswar, embark on a heritage walk, visiting ancient temples to uncover the artistic and architectural evolution of the city.

Spend your last night of the tribal village tour of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in Bhubaneswar.

Savor a final breakfast before heading to the Bhubaneswar Airport for departure.

Your tribal village tour of Odisha and Chhattisgarh comes to an end. We hope it satiates your wanderlust and leaves a treasure trove of memories!

1. Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable accommodation for 13 nights with 13 delicious breakfasts included, ensuring a refreshing start to each day of your journey.
2. Transportation: Traverse the region with ease and comfort, with experienced drivers, well-maintained taxis, and all transportation-related expenses covered, including fuel, tolls, parking fees, and insurance. Night halts are arranged for your convenience, ensuring seamless travel throughout your exploration.
3. Interstate Travel: Experience smooth border crossings with all necessary permits and taxes for travel between Odisha and Chhattisgarh included in your package, eliminating any logistical hassles.
4. Guided Tours: Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the region with the assistance of an English-speaking guide, available from your arrival until Day 12, providing insightful commentary and ensuring a deeper understanding of each destination.

Experiential Activities:

• Catamaran Boating: Embark on a serene catamaran boating experience on the river Bhargavi on Day 2, accompanied by a skilled boatman and traditional musician, adding a touch of local charm to your journey.
• Tribal Group Dance: Witness the vibrant energy of a tribal group dance during your exploration of Chhattisgarh's tribal areas, a captivating performance lasting 40 minutes, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural richness.
• Gotipua Dance: Delight in a classic Gotipua - Odishi dance performance at a gurukul or in Chandanpur on Day 2, accompanied by traditional musicians, promising 40 minutes of cultural immersion and artistic excellence.

Special Dining Experiences:

• Nightly Dinners: Indulge in two nights of special dinners at Chandanpur on Day 1 and Day 2, featuring mouthwatering local delicacies prepared with authentic flavors, providing a culinary journey to remember.
• Special Lunch: Enjoy a classic special lunch at Chandanpur on Day 2, offering a delicious break amidst your exploration, showcasing the region's diverse culinary heritage.

Special Permissions: Gain access to isolated tribal villages of Odisha and Chhattisgarh with special permissions arranged according to your travel dates, allowing for authentic encounters with indigenous communities and a deeper cultural understanding.

Additional Amenities:

• Stay hydrated throughout your journey with one bottle of mineral water provided per person per day, ensuring your comfort and well-being.
• Government-approved service tax (GST) is included, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations.

• Meals Not Mentioned In the Itinerary
•  Any expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone bills, laundry etc.
•  Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
•  Insurance and medical-claim.
•  Expenses incurred during the emergency situation or evacuation.
•  Any airfares, International or Domestic.
•  Any unspecified, optional and suggested activities.
•  Any Cost Arising Due To Natural Calamities Like Landslides, Roadblocks, Etc
•  Any Increase in Taxes or Fuel Leading To an Increase in Surface Transport
•  Any thing, which is not mentioned in the list of inclusions.