Orissa - A Tribal Adventure Tour

Orissa is rightly known for its magnificent temples notably the Sun Temple at Konark and the Jagannath temple at Puri and for its carfare. However, Orissa is very much a rural state with over sixty tribal groups living in the hills to the south of the capital near the coastal plain, some of whom have remained untouched by modern civilization. This is a fascinating area to explore, giving an insight into a culture which is so different from the rest of India. Music and dance form an important part of tribal life and artistic skills are expressed through tattooing and painting their bodies, in their weaving and decorating their homes with wall paintings. You will be accompanied by a local guide on the tribal tour and please also notes that accommodation is limited and basic. It is important to plan an itinerary to coincide with some of the various market days and it should also be mentioned photography is prohibited in the villages of the Bonda and Khood tribes. Bhubaneshwar is connected by air to Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Nagpur.

For Booking Details! Click here

Day 01 : Delhi - Bhubaneshwar
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhubaneshwar the capital of Orissa. On arrive transfer by car to the hotel.

Day 02 : Bhubaneshwar
Today tour the city, which is noted for its magnificent temples, built in distinctive beehive shapes manly in the 7th to 12th centuries.

Day 03 : Bhubaneshwar - Puri
Today to Konark, noted for its temple dedicated to the Sun God Surya. Built in the shape of a huge chariot pulled by seven horses this temple is considered a masterpiece of design and construction. Later drive to Puri (60 kms. / 1½ hrs.).

Day 04 : Puri
Visit Puri to view the famous Jagannath temple (Non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple).

Day 05 : Puri - Taptapani
After breakfast drive south via Chilka Lake, Asia's largest saltwater lake, to Taptapani. Stay overnight at the rest house.

For Booking Details! Click here

Day 06 : Taptapani - Rayagada - Bissam Cuttack
Today derive to the area around Putta Singh to visit some Saoras villages. These major tribes have retained much of their original culture. Polygamy is common and children are given adult status from an early age. Continue to either the Hotel at Rayagada or the Christian Hospital Guesthouse at Bissam Cuttack.

Day 07 : Kuttiya Khond
Drive out to the countryside and visit some Kuttya Kondh and Rasul Kondh villages. The Kondhs are noted for their colourful ceremonies, until stopped by the British they used to practice human sacrifice, this is now replaced by animal sacrifice at the time of planting their crops to ensure a good harvest. Return for overnight at Rayagada or Bissam Cuttack.

Day 08 : Bissam Cuttak - Jeypore
Visit Chatikona to see the Dongariya Khond marker, which is held on Wednesdays. Stay at the hotel.

Day 09 : Jeypore
Drive out to visit the local Bonda and Godhaba marker, which is held on Thursdays. The Bondas, known as 'naked people' are of Tibetan-Burmese origin. They live in the hills coming in to the towns on market days. Women wear only a loincloth, long rows of beads and heavy metal neckbands.

For Booking Details! Click here

Day 10 : Jeypore - Rayagada
This morning visit the Gupteswar cave and some local Dhuruba villages. In the afternoon drive via Koraput to visit the tribal museum and continue to Rayagada to stay at the hotel Swagat.

Day 11 : Rayagada - Gopalpur-on-Sea
Drive down to Gopalpur-on -Sea.

Day 12 : Gopalpur-on-Sea
At leisure. The Oberoi Palm Beach is small relaxing character hotel with nice gardens, a bar and restaurant. No pool, but the hotel has a private beach.

Day 13 : Gopalpur - Bhubaneswar to Delhi
Early this morning transfer by car to Bhubaneswar for your return flight to Delhi.

For Booking Details! Click here