Elating Orissa Tribal Tour

Welcome to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, where our representative will assist and escort you by air-conditioned car to the pre-booked hotel. During check-in, the room key and all required documents related to your tour will be arranged, followed by a detailed travel briefing and assistance with any queries concerning the tour and services. Kolkata, the Gateway to Eastern India, developed around the Hooghly River and grew from its early association with river trade and shipping. The city is also known for its cultural heritage, while nearby Bengal is associated with terracotta temples, classical music, the Bankura horse, Belur Math and Dakshineshwar Temple. The evening is free for visiting the local market, rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata, exploring the city's blend of historic and modern character. Visit the High Court Building, built in 1872, and St. Mary's, the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta. See Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 and crossed by approximately two million people every day, and the Botanical Gardens, described as the oldest and largest of their kind in India. Continue to Victoria Memorial, built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and conceived by Lord Curzon as a tribute to Queen Victoria and a depiction of her reign in India. The tour also covers St. Paul's Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kalighat Kali Temple, Birla Temple, Dalhousie Square and Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the airport to board the scheduled flight for Bhubaneshwar. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and, after refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of the city, known for its temple culture and architectural richness. Visit the Rajarani Temples, associated with Lord Brahma, followed by a drive to Atri, famous for its hot sulphur springs, traditionally associated with healing and rejuvenation. Continue to the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar, a popular tourist spot, and the State Museum, with collections of paintings and palm-leaf etchings. Bhubaneshwar, the capital of ancient Kalinga, is known as the Temple Town for its many temples built in the distinctive Orissan style. Overnight at the hotel.

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Jain caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, one of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut architecture in eastern India. See Hathi Gumpha (Elephant Cave) with its famous inscription of Kharavela, Rani Gumpha (Queen's Cave) with its upper and lower stories, courtyard and sculptural friezes depicting legends, historical scenes, religious functions and dancers, and Ganesha Gumpha, whose dwelling spaces and verandahs are reached from the courtyard. Also visit the Yogini Temple at Hirapur, about 15 km from Bhubaneshwar, one of only four Yogini Temples in India, known for its Yoginis carved from black chlorite. Hike around the village to witness Bell Metal workers at work, with the Ashokan Rock Cut Edicts also explored en route. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Puri. En route visit Dhauli, the battleground of the Kalinga War during the 3rd century BC, traditionally associated with Emperor Ashoka's transformation into Dharmashoka, and see the Dhauli Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagoda. Continue to Pipli, where you can photograph its colourful appliqué craft, followed by Raghurajpur, the heritage village famous for its master Pattachitra painters. Artisans here create traditional works on treated cloth, dried palm leaf and paper, while the village is surrounded by coconut, palm, mango, jackfruit and other tropical trees. Enjoy the organised Odissi Gotipua classical dance in Raghurajpur. Afterwards proceed to Puri and transfer to the hotel. The evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, take a city tour of Puri, one of India's four main Hindu pilgrimage centres and an important destination for devotees attending the Rath Yatra, or Car Festival. Visit the famous Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. Continue to Gundicha Temple, considered the home of Lord Krishna's aunt, and Adi Shankaracharya Mutt. Enjoy a stroll through the bustling temple bazaar and visit the main temple complex. Puri's coastal setting, with its golden sunshine, yellow sand, blue waves and white surf, forms an important part of the city's character. The rest of the evening is free for shopping or relaxing on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Konark. En route you can visit the Yoga Vidyalaya before proceeding to Konark. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and explore the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 13th-century architectural landmark dedicated to the Sun God. Designed as a celestial chariot, the temple features 12 pairs of wheels and seven horses, with sculptures covering many aspects of life and the famous erotic art of Konark. Visit the Sun Temple and take a soft walk at the Temple Museum. In the evening, visit Chandrabhaga Beach, situated 3 km east of the Sun Temple. Traditionally associated with the story of Shamba, son of Krishna, and his worship of the Sun God for a cure, the area remains associated with religious offerings and beach activities. Return to Konark for overnight stay.

This morning after breakfast, proceed to Gopalpur. En route visit the famous Chilika Lake and take a cruise in the lagoon using traditional boats made with logs. Chilika is Asia's largest brackish-water lake, spreading over approximately 1,100 sq kms, and is known for migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. Birdlife includes flamingos, teal, bar-headed geese, shovellers and white-bellied sea eagles, with winter bringing migratory populations from places as far as Siberia. Continue through typical Orissan villages and trek around for panoramic photographs. On arrival at Gopalpur, transfer to the hotel. This quiet beach city was once a busy seaport, and remnants of its commercial past can still be seen in the crumbling walls and pillars of the old jetty. The evening is free for relaxation or a walk around the beach city. Overnight at the hotel.

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Rayagada. En route visit the Silk City Berhampur and its large weavers' village to see the production of silk sarees. Continue to Taptapani, around 50 kms from Berhampur, where a bubbling hot sulphur spring lies deep in the forests and high on a hill. The rolling tribal-inhabited hills add to the setting. Afterwards hike around to explore the villages of the Saura and Malwa Kondh tribes. Continue to Rayagada, a district of forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and meadows inhabited by several tribal groups whose languages, economies and cultures reflect considerable diversity. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening free for individual activities. Overnight at Rayagada.

Today morning take an excursion to Dukum via Bisamkatak to visit the Desia Kondh tribal villages. Take a walk around the village and visit the Dukum Tribal Tuesday Weekly Market, which takes place on Tuesdays. Bisamkatak and Rayagada are known for tribal villages and traditional tribal craftsmanship, while the Kondhs live on the high slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills. Later visit the Dokra Crafts Village at Jhigidi to see traditional lost-wax brass work. The craft offers a close look at the metalworking traditions of the region and the skills passed through local artisan communities. Afterwards return to Rayagada for overnight stay.

After an early breakfast, visit the market to witness Dongariya and Desia Kondh people at the foothills of the Niyamagiri Hills. Walk down to Chatikona to experience its colourful Wednesday Weekly Market, where tribal communities gather in traditional costumes and jewellery. Observe the local barter system before returning to the hotel and continuing to Jeypore. En route visit the Muniaka and Bada Paroja tribal villages, visit homes and interact with members of the community to learn about their settlements and way of life. Jeypore is an ancient town surrounded by forests, hills of the Eastern Ghats and the Araku hills, and was historically the capital of the local king, known for its forts, palaces and temples. Overnight at Jeypore.

Today morning trek around the tribal villages of the PETA area, visiting Paroja, Desia and Gadaba communities. The day is free to explore the nearby tribal villages, interact with local people and roam around the market. Visit typical tribal villages including Bada Paroja, Mali and the Pottery Villages. The Paroja are a Dravidian-speaking tribal community found primarily in Koraput and Kalahandi, traditionally divided into Bada Paroja and Sana Paroja, with village communities organised through their own social and political systems. The distinctive appearance of Bonda women, particularly their bead necklaces, brass and silver necklaces, shaved heads decorated with Palmyra-leaf plaits and bead-and-clip caps, can be observed when they come to trade at local markets. Overnight in Jeypore.

After an early breakfast, check out and proceed to Kunduli to witness the largest Sana Paroja Friday Weekly Market. Afterwards drive to Koraput to visit the Jagannath Temple, built not only as an altar for worship but also as a multipurpose area associated with Jagannath consciousness and demonstrating its tribal character through free access to the shrine. Also visit the Tribal Museum, located behind the temple, displaying stone sculptures, metal images, metal objects, jewellery, terracotta, wooden objects, textiles and anthropological objects. After the visit drive to Jagdalpur. En route visit a Bhatra Tribe Village, the Nuagaon Village Market and Kotpad weaving villages. After entering Chhattisgarh, visit the market of the Gond tribe in the evening. Overnight in Jagdalpur.

Today morning after breakfast, visit Kanger Valley National Park, known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. Explore the Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves and Tiradgarh Waterfalls inside the park. Also visit Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dhara, a crocodile park and two of the park's picnic attractions. The park, spread across the scenic Kanger Valley and associated with the Kholaba River and Kanger River, is also home to a sizable tribal population and offers opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, researchers and anthropologists to explore Chhattisgarh's wildlife and tribal communities. After lunch drive to Chitrakoot to visit Chitrakoot Waterfall, one of the prominent waterfalls of Chhattisgarh. Continue into remote villages to explore tribal huts, sit with local communities and learn about their culture, and visit the Dhuruva tribal villages deep inside the forests. Take a short village trek before returning to Jagdalpur for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and visit the Bastar Palace of Jagdalpur, built by the rulers of Bastar State and formerly serving as the headquarters of the Bastar Kingdom. The palace is noted for its art and architectural work and is associated with legends of the heroism and chivalry of the Bastar rulers. Continue towards Kanker, en route visiting a Deerhorn Muria tribal village and participating in the village's GUTUL system, with an opportunity to dance with the community over a picnic lunch. Also explore the thick woods of Keshkal Ghat bordering Bastar. At Kanker, visit the Kanker Palace, built in the first quarter of the 20th century and set within a landscaped garden formerly known as Radhanivas Bagicha. It served as the residence of the political agent during the British period; its colonial architecture remains part of the complex, with one section occupied by the erstwhile royal family and the right wing developed to host guests. Continue to the Narayanpur Market to see the Hill Abujmaria and Maria Gond tribes, known for Bastar handicrafts including bell-metal figures, wood craft, wrought iron and bamboo artefacts. Witness the traditional cock fight at the market before driving to Kanker for overnight stay.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Raipur. En route visit Rajim, known for its cultural heritage and group of ancient temples. See the Shri Rajiv Lochan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and Kuleshvara Mahadeva Mandir, along with the popular black-stone statue of Lord Buddha in a meditative position beneath the Bodhi tree. Continue to Siripur, once the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin Kosala and an important Buddhist centre from the 6th to 10th century AD. It was visited by Hieun Tsang, the 7th-century Chinese pilgrim and scholar, and is believed to have been buried under mud and debris following a devastating earthquake in the 12th century. Excavations have revealed temple sites, brick structures, stone pillars, sculptures including Mahishasuramardini and Buddhist monasteries. After the visit continue to Raipur, check into the hotel and relax. Overnight at Raipur.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Raipur, beginning with the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, established in 1875 by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon and documenting major events in the town's history. Continue to the Mahakoshal Art Gallery, which displays artworks by local artists. Also visit the Doodhadhari Monastery and Temple, located in the southern part of Raipur on the banks of the ancient Maharajbandh River. The temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, was built in the mid-17th century by King Jaitsingh and contains beautiful murals. The monastery was named after Swami Balbhadra Das, who is said to have lived only on doodh, or milk. Burials of former Mahants can also be seen here. After sightseeing, the rest of the day is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, to board the scheduled flight for your hometown. The tour concludes here with happy memories.