Tribes in India Tour

ORISSA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the tropical state of Orissa as you venture to tribal villages and ancient temples
Enjoy the delights of authentic village life including bustling local markets
February tour includes the Konark Dance Festival, held in the stunning seaside ruins of the Sun Temple
For the adventurous traveler who thrives "off-the-beaten-path" and is comfortable with rustic accommodations

The State of Orissa is a blend of art, architecture and ancient tribal cultures. Orissa has the third highest concentration of indigenous tribes in India and because of the remoteness of their villages, the tribes are untouched by modern times. Though economically challenged with a low rate of literacy, Orissa’s tribal groups have highly developed artistic skills as seen in their body paintings, ornaments, weaving and wall paintings. Music and dance also are an integral part of their ceremonies and seasonal festivals. This adventurous tour includes Chhattisgarh, a new frontier, where the largest concentration of the oldest tribes of India reside.

Orissa tribal woman

ITINERARY

Print Detailed Itinerary (PDF) February November

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.

Day 3-5: Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri
Visit the stunning temples of Bhubneswar, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa. Excursion to villages to see crafts and silver filligree work.

Visit the extraordinary Jaganath temple in Puri. In Konark, visit the Sun Temple, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13th century A.D. during the golden era of Orissan art. February Tour: attend the Konark Dance Festival.

Day 6: Chilka Lake - Gopalpur-on-Sea
A pleasant drive through scenic countryside and attractive villages. Private boat ride on Chilka Lake to view the abundant avian life and Kalijai Temple, abode of the deity of the lake. Gopalpur-on-Sea is an ancient sea port not often visited by tourists.

Day 7-9: Rayagada
Explore tribal villages of the Saoras and Kothgarah during their market days.

Day 10-11: Jeypore
Visit Dongariya Kondh villages and the fierce Bondas.

Day 12-13: Jagdalpur
Tour Royal Jagdalpur, the Palace grounds, Anthropological Museum, and a variety of wildlife and tribal excursions in South Bastar. Our host here is from a former ruling family of Bastar.

Day 14: Kankar
Visit Maria and Muria tribes during market days. Discover some of Bastar’s finest handicrafts, and the people who make them.

Day 15: Raipur - Calcutta - Home
Drive to Raipur for a flight to Calcutta and connect to your international flight home.