Tribal Tour in Orissa and Chhattisgarh
Trip Info
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Trip Overview
Bhubaneshwar - Puri - Gopalpur - Taptapani - Rayagada - Jeypore - Jagdalpur - Kanker - Bhoramdeo - Raipur - Delhi
What can you do What else can India offer to Indian lovers who already know the famous sights in the north and south of the country, who have already visited one or two parts of India away from the main tourist attractions, but whose passion for India is still not satisfied? Who would like to return after every trip to the land of temples, unique landscapes, fascinating people and lavishly bright colors? This travel program to the original tribal areas of East India is aimed at "advanced" India travelers, even India enthusiasts. From the huge country, which is more like a continent, we have only selected a small area, but we want to travel it carefully and intensively. Hidden in the jungles, which are no longer quite so seamless, live some tribes who have been bypassed by the developments in the 20th and 21st centuries, but who still live according to their old traditions. The isolated location of this region, especially the province of Bastar in the state of Chhattisgarh, favours the conditions for preserving old traditions due to its isolation. We meet people who proudly preserve the old rites in terms of lifestyle, clothing, religious practice and language. We are not always allowed to take photographs and of course we treat them with respect and feel honoured to be able to visit these people. In other towns and villages, we are already experiencing societies in transition - also thanks to development aid projects by the Indian government - which are gradually adapting their lives to modernity.
Trip Highlights
- A very special trip away from the main tourist destinations in the original and authentic east of India - with a cultural focus
- We take 18 days to travel intensively through just a small part of India, the largely unknown states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh
- On our trip we seek as much contact as possible with traditional tribes, learn about their customs, traditions, crafts and markets
- But also discover the wonders of Indian temple architecture, which is often reflected in colorful buildings
- Our recommendation for advanced India enthusiasts and connoisseurs who want to delve deeper into the cultural origins of India
Itinerary
Arrival in Delhi, meet & greet by our representative and transfer to your prebooked hotel. In the afternoon we visit the Old Delhi as Chadini Chowk local marekt, Jama Masjid, Red Fort (out side) & Rajghat. Overnight at Delhi
Meal: No meal included today (depend on your arrival time)
Transfer to the airport and flight to Bhubaneshwar, capital of the state of Odisha. Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar airport received by our staff and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon we visit the unique temple complexes: Lingaraja (external visit), Parashurameshwar and Mukteshwar.
Meals: Breakfast, & dinner included
In the morning we visit the caves of Udayagiri and Kandhagiri with their Jain temples. On our way to Puri (85km, approx. 2 hours) we come to Pipli, known for its colorful applique work, see the stupa in Dhauli and the handicraft village of Raghurajpur.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
In the morning, a trip to Konarak and a visit to the Sun Temple in the chariot of the sun god Surya. In the afternoon, we visit Puri, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. In the center is the Jaganath Temple, the "White Pagoda", which we can only admire from the outside (Non Hindu are not allowed inside the temple or temple area).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
We drive through untouched nature with traditional villages to Chilika Lake. Here we have the opportunity to take a boat trip on the lake, a paradise for bird lovers. Then on to Gopalpur-on-Sea (190km, approx. 3-4 hours).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
After an early breakfast commence out journey to Taptapani. First, we visit the silk weaving village of Behrampur and Kumuti. We then continue to Taptapani with its hot sulphur springs. Today, we meet the first tribesmen in some Saura villages. (100km, approx. 3 hours)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
This morning we visit the Tibetan settlement in Chandragiri and the Padmasambhava University. Then we continue to Ryagada (160km, approx. 4 hours). The afternoon is at our leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
We are in the tribal area of the Kondh. This tribe consists of three subcategories, the Desia Kondh, Kutia Kondh and Dongria Kondh. The Kondh have retained their ancient customs and traditions to this day, they are small in stature, the women's faces are covered with tattoos. Today we see villages of the Kutia Kondh and the weekly market in Kotagada.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
Visit to the colorful Dongria Kondh market in Chatikona. The men of this tribe wear long hair, the women are richly adorned with ear and nose rings and necklaces. In the afternoon we continue to Semliguda (200km, approx. 4-5 hours), passing tribal villages of the Desia Kondh on the way.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
Visit to the Bonda market in Onukudelli. The Bonda, who live in inaccessible mountain regions, are the most original and interesting tribe in Odisha. They speak their own language, trade in barter, wear only scant clothing and the women have shaved heads. On the way back we see villages of the Bhumiya and Gadaba tribes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
Breakfast at hotel later first we visit the market in Kunduli, where we meet members of the Paroja and Mari tribes. We then continue to the Paroja villages with their pottery workshops. In the afternoon we drive to Jagdalpur (215km, approx. 4-5 hours), the main town of the Bastar district, the heartland of the fascinating tribal culture of Chhattisgarh.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
A day's stay in Jagdalpur, we discover villages of the Gond tribe with their weekly market in Nagerner. In the late afternoon we drive to the Chitrakoote waterfall.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
Continue to Kanker (165km, approx. 3-4 hours). On the way in Kondagaon we see a special technique for making brass figures. Arrival in Kanker in the late afternoon. There are several Muria tribal villages in the area. We spend the night in the idyllic KANKER PALACE or, alternatively, as the palace only has a few rooms, we camp in a tent on the palace grounds.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
Visit to the Bhoramdeo temple from the 7th to 11th century, which is often compared to the temples of Khajuraho with its abundance of religious and erotic sculptures. Then a longer stage to Bhoramdeo (310 km, approx. 6-7 hours).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
We spend a day in Bhoramdeo and visit the Baiga temples, among others. Later a short hike to the villages of the Gonds and Malhar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner included
After breakfast we set off towards Raipur airport (135km, approx. 3-4 hours). Here in the afternoon, we fly back to Delhi and are transferred to our hotel.
Meals: Only breakfast included
After a relax breakfast commence full day Delhi Sightseeing, explore at Akashar Dham Temple (Closed on Monday) Lotus Temple (Closed on Monday),
Trip Cost Includes
- Transport (Ac Vehicle as per group size)
- Traditional welcome on arrival at Delhi & Bhubaneswar
- English speaking assistance 24 x 7
- All in-out transfer, sector drive, temple, monuments & triable market visit
- All toll tax parking fuel and driver’s allowance
- One time entrance fee (Monuments & temples)
- An English or other language speaking tour guide for entire trip (Please note for triable market visit local guide is mandatory)
- All meal onward Bhubaneswar to Bhoramdeo only
- Boat ride at Chilika Lake
- Domestic flight (Delhi – Bubaneswar & Raipur – Delhi in Economy class)
- Mineral water (1lt) per day per guest
Trip Cost Excludes
- Any personal expenses
- Any International airfare or visa fee
- Any Camera or movie camera charges
- Any fee for taking photos of tribes people
- Any major meal in Delhi
- Any excursion
- Anything else that is not mentioned in the “Price Includes” section.
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