Explore Tribal Odisha which covers: Bhubaneswar, Rayagada, Chatikona, Jaypore, Bataguda, Konark and Puri for 11 Nights 12 Days.
By taking tribal tour in Odisha, you can meet across various indigenous and primitive colorful tribes and get an opportunity to interact and learn their way of living, culture and traditions.
Arrive at Bhubaneswar airport. Transfer and check in at hotel.
With more than 600 temples and its magnificent 3000 years ancient inheritance, Bhubaneswar, the capital of Orissa is the embodiment of the perfect blend of fantasy and realism. The city is known as Temple city of India.
Visit KHANDAGIRI, UDAIGIRI CAVES, DHAULI ROCK EDICTS, PIPLI ARTISAN VILLAGE, RAMCHANDI TEMPLE and CHANDRABHAGA BEACH.
Later, we will leave for sightseeing of the city and visit great temples of Lord Shiva: Lingaraj Temple and Parusuremeshwara Temple.
LINGARAJ TEMPLE is one of the largest temples in Bhubaneswar and is an outstanding example of Orissa temple architecture. Built in 7th century by Yayati Kesari, temple has two famous Nata and Bhog temples which are the later additions to the temple. You will also explore inscriptions on the walls of the temple dating back to Kalinga King Anangabhima III dynasty from the 13th century.
The PARASURAMESWARA TEMPLE at Bhubaneshwar is the oldest, dating back to the middle of the 8th century and intricately built. The temple typifies the stage of Saiva Pasupata Sect, illustrated by the frequent representation of Lakulisa. Windows of the temple are adorned beautifully with motif of highly adorned chaitya window filled animal, human and divine figures.
Overnight stay at hotel
In the morning leave for full day excursion to LALITGIRI, RATNAGIRI and UDAYGIRI.
These are the diamond triangle of Orissa which are rich in Buddhist heritage. A visit to these Buddhist sites will take you to attractive temples, stupas and monuments located in the ambience of tranquility and concentrated spiritual activities. Beautifully nestled in the green hills and lush fields within the calm surroundings are the imposing Buddhist monastery complex of the country.
LALITGIRI is the earliest Buddhist Complex dating back to 1st century AD. It became evident with the help of recent excavations that it was a great centre of Buddhism. The ruins of the huge brick monastery and chaitya hall along with renovated stone stupa at the peak of a small rugged sandstone hill dominate the rural greenery around the complex.
RATNAGIRI was an important centre of Mahayana form of Buddhism. This became a vital centre of Tantric Buddhism during 8th and 9th century. According to Pag Sam Jon Zang, a Tibetan source, Ratnagiri played an important role in the emergence of Kalachakratantra during the 10th century A.D.
UDAYGIRI caves are about 135 feet high. The major attraction of these caves is awesome carvings. The largest cave in the complex is Rani Gumpha which means Queen’s Cave. There is also an Elephant Cave called Hathi Gumpha, where you will find astonishing statues of elephants.
Return to hotel for overnight stay.
In the morning drive to Puri.
A place of sacredness and natural beauty is one of the four main Hindu pilgrimage centers of India. The city is well known for its golden beaches and Jagannath temple.
Situated at the distance of 8 kms from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli boasts of one of the major edicts of Ashoka which is engraved on a mass of a rock. You will find inscriptions in ancient Brahmi script. The top of the edict is sculpted with impressive elephant head, which reflects the dream of his mother. it is among the earliest rock structures in India. Pipli is famous all round the world for its exquisite handicrafts which involves embroidering and stitching of small pieces of colored cloth with traditional designs. The usual appliqué patchwork items are Garden Umbrellas, Wallets, Wall Hanging, lampshades, Pouches & Bags.
Then visit KONARK, famous for SUN TEMPLE (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The splendid Sun Temple at Konark is the zenith of Odisha temple architecture, and one of the most spectacular testimonials of religious architecture in the world. Constructed by the King Narasimhadeva in 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a huge chariot with seven horses and 24 wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.
Continue drive to Puri for overnight stay at hotel.
In the morning visit famous JAGANNATH TEMPLE and GUNDICHA TEMPLE
The sanctified city of PURI is renowned all over the world for the splendid temple of Jagannath, the Lord of the World. This 65 metre high temple built in the 12th century AD stands impressively in the center of the city and governs the landscape. One can also see within the temple surroundings a congregation of other smaller temples including Asta Sambhu and Asta Chandi and Goddess Vishnu. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. This restriction has been in practice for nearly 500 years and hence it is not an easy take to change this tradition.
Afternoon visit RAGHURAJPUR ARTISAN VILLAGE and evening is free for you to relax on the PURI BEACH. Overnight stay at hotel
Drive to Gopalpur. Enroute stop and visit CHILIKA LAKE.
It is the Asia’s largest brackish water lake and is heaven for migratory birds. It is among incredible sights of the country and should not be missed while on the tour to Orissa. Located beautifully in a dramatic landscape, this largest brackish water lake in Asia is a jewel in Orissa crown. It is the paradise for bird lovers as watching the pods of dolphins is a feast for your eyes. Also visit SATPADA ISLAND – a major attraction for spotted Irrawaddy dolphins and Sea Mouth – the Island where Chilka Lake meets the Bay of Bengal.
In the afternoon drive to GOPALPUR ON SEA.
Tranquil Surroundings and loads of fun and frolic awaits you at one of the most pristine beaches of Orissa namely Gopalpur on Sea. This buzzing seaport can be a real retreat to the sea worshippers.
Despite the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, that are a witness to a past glory of commercial activity; the beach offers peaceful ambience conducive to introspection and conviviality. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Drive to BATAGUDA, a territory of Gondha tribal group.
Arrive and check in at Eco cottage. Later we will go on for soft walk to visit Maliah Kondha villages. Maliah Kondh is one of the groups of Kondha tribe who are concentrated in hill tracts of Eastern Ghats and were infamous for human sacrifice. You will see women with face tattoos such as whiskers of tiger.
Also visit sacrifice pillar. Interact with Kondha people in the village; see their totemistic culture with aesthetic houses. Overnight stay at hotel
Early morning drive to base Belghar hills to visit Kutia Kondha tribal villages.
The community members of Kutia Kondh tribe believe that hills are sacred and their survival is dependent on the uprightness of this eco system. They live like kings and lead life of virtually free human beings. Kutia kondhas are one of the micro sections of kondhas who live on Belghar hills. The tribal are docile and believe in shamanism. The women have small tattoos on faces and wear many ornaments specially waist belts.
Later visit Kotgarh weekly market on the way to Rayagadha. In this market, local tribal people gather to buy and sell their goods. Overnight stay at hotel in Rayagadha
The morning drive will take you to CHHATIKONA WEEKLY MARKET.
It is a colorful and one of the most interesting and a famous tribal market held on every Wednesday. Handicrafts produced by Dongariya and Desai kondh are brought here for sale. Alongside piles of chillies and dried fish, there are bronze animal sculptures made locally using the lost wax method. The surroundings also offer a great photographic view.
After visit to market, drive to Jeypore, en-route visit Kuvi kondha villages. Kuvi Kondh tribes are the tribes who live in Koraput and Kahalandi districts.
JEYPORE is a popular tourist destination and a visit to Jeypore is guaranteed to be a thought-provoking experience for lover and avid follower of history. Nature has showered its bounty on the undivided Jeypore with untrammelled joy.
This beautiful destination is located in meadows, forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and darting springs. This land of abundance is home to Orissa’s vast tribal population. A real paradise for the nature-lover, Jeypore offers an additional benefit to the visitor of first hand meeting with its ancient civilization. Overnight stay at hotel in Jeypore
After breakfast visit the home of 6000 members of fierce Bondas of Tibetan Burmese origin. They live in the remote hills and keep themselves isolated. They grow rice by shifting cultivation and keep domesticated cows and goats. They can only be seen when they come to trade at the local weekly market. The Bonda women are noticeable by their bead necklaces, striking brass and silver necklace and their shaved heads decorated with colorful beads.
Also visit the colorful Godabas, who speak Gutab a Dravidic language group. The Gadabas are one of the very primitive and colorful tribe.
Return to Jeypore hotel for overnight stay.
Drive to Kunduli which is 65 km from Jeypore, via Sunabeda, to visit tribal villages of Paroja and Mali.
The weekly market there is among the biggest and most colourful in the region. Parojas are the hill cultivators who are found in the agency tracts of Koraput. They are renowned tribes of Orissa and are divided into various categories. Men usually wear loin cloths, napkins and women wear coarse and cheap sarees. Overnight stay at hotel in Jeypore
After breakfast drive to GUPTESWAR TO VISIT DHRUBA TRIBAL VILLAGE.
They are one of the oldest tribes of Orissa and found in Koraput. The income of the family members goes to the headman and it is the head man’s duty to fulfill the needs of the family members. Both nuclear and joint families are found among the Dhurubas.
Continue drive to Vishakhapatnam.
Bearing the sobriquet “The Jewel of the East Coast”, the port town of Visakhapatnam is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and is an important port. The city was also called Vizag. The other nicknames that the city has are “The city of destiny” and “Goa of the east”. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
In the morning visit SIMANCHALAN TEMPLE near Vishakhapatnam which is most important Vaishnavite temple in south India.
Simhachalam, also known as Simhadri, is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha. It is believed that the hill top is a holy adobe of Varaha Narasimha Swami. The temple was constructed in 1098 by Kuloththunga, the famous Chola king. The sanctum of the temple has Kalyana Mandapam, which is supported by 16 pillars that are located within the temple. Each pillar is beautifully adorned with images of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Later transfer to airport to catch a flight for onward destination.
