Elating Orissa Tribal Tour

01 Day: Arrival Kolkata

Welcome to the mesmerizing land of India. As per your scheduled flight, our representative will assist and escort you by a/c car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room key and check-in is organized. You will be briefed about the tour and services. All documents will be handed over to you with traveling brief and interaction for any query in terms of tour and services. Evening is free for visiting local market and rest and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural style of Bengal.

02 Day: Kolkata

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Kolkata, Kolkata is a city of joy, where the heritage hunters can discover a blend of old and new. The political capital of British India has now become one of the largest metropolises of the world. Visit the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people every day; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kalighat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Day: Kolkata – Bhubaneshwar (By Air):

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Bhubaneshwar. on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment, take a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneshwar city famous for its temple culture and its architectural richness amaze visitors to the city, visit the Rajarani temples - dedicated to Lord Brahma. After visit drive to Atri famous for its hot sulphur springs. Besides having healing powers the hot water of the Atri spring is famous for rejuvenating ones body and soul. Then visit the Shrine of Lord Hatakeswar which is also a popular tourist spot. Followed by visit to the State Museum House to see some of finest collections of paintings and palm leaf etchings. Overnight at the hotel.

Bhubaneswar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubaneswar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or “Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Besides being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubaneswar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubaneswar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.

04 Day: Bhubaneshwar

After a leisure breakfast, visit Jain Caves; Khandagiri and Udaya giri. Hathi Gumpha ('Elephant Cave') with its famous inscription of Kharavela. The famous Rani Gumpha ('Queen's Cave'), on Udaygiri, has upper and lower stories, a spacious courtyard, and elaborate sculptural friezes. The carvings show popular legends, historical scenes, and religious functions, as well as many dancers. The style seems quite well-developed, and of a singular grace and liveliness. The Ganesha Gumpha, which is reached by a walkway from the lower storey of the Rani Gumpha, is isolated, and perhaps for this reason, better preserved. Its two dwelling-spaces with verandah in front are reached by a short staircase from the courtyard. Also visit the Yogini Temple, situated about 15 km from Bhubaneswar at Hirapur. One of the four Yogini Temples in India, it has beautiful Yoginis carved from black chlorite- a great study for the connoisseurs of art and architecture. Also hike around to witness BELL METAL workers in the village. Enroute can be explored the Ashokan Rock Cut Edicts. After sightseeing return back to the hotel for overnight stay

Khandagiri and Udaygiri: Just 7 kms west of Bhubaneswar are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, the next major Odishan historical monument after Ashoka's rock-cut edict. The rocks of the Khandagiri and Udaygiri hills were carved and tunneled, to create this multi- storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. They were the work of the first known Odishan ruler, King Kharavela, and probably begun in the first century BC. As you approach the site, Khandagiri, with its 15 caves will be on the left. Udaygiri will be on the right. All of the caves are small, and follow the natural configurations of the 'living rock'. The sculpture throughout exhibits a strong, lively folk element, which has been executed with a sure and confident hand. Already, the spaces are filled with animal, human, and divine personages and decorative details, showing at an early stage the love of the Odishan artist for richly elaborated scenes.

05 Day: Bhubaneswar – Dhauli – Pipli – Raghurajpur – Puri (70 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Puri, enroute you will visit, Dhauli -The battleground of Kalinga war during 3rd century BC, which transformed Emperor Ashoka into Dharmashoka, visit the Dhauli Stupa, also known as the Peace Pagda. Also visit Pipli, get the colourful photographs of Appliqué craft, the heritage village Raghurajpur; famous for its master Pattachitra painters. The village is inhabited by artisans producing sheer poetry on pieces of treated cloth, dried palm leaf or paper. Situated on the southern bank of river Bhargavi and surrounded by coconut, palm, mango, jackfruit groves and other tropical trees, Raghurajpur has an idyllic setting. Enjoy the organised Oddissi Gotipua classical dance in Raghurajpur. After visit proceed to Puri. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Puri: Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centers in India, millions of devotees flock to this holy place every year to participate in the Rath Yatra or "Car festival". This annual ritual spreads over the entire summer and monsoon seasons making the most fruitful period to visit Puri.

06 Day: Puri

After breakfast take a city tour of Puri. Golden sunshine, miles of yellow sand, blue waves and white surf. Under an umbrella, sipping green coconut water. This city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centres in India. Visit to the famous Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna), Lord of the Universe, Gundicha temple - considered to be the home of the aunt of Lord Krishna, Adi Sankracharya Mutt, enjoy a stroll through the temple bustling bazaar and visit the main temple complex. Rest of the evening is free for shopping or for relaxing on beach. Overnight at the hotel.

07 Day: Puri – Konark (35 kms: 1 hr) – Chandrabhaga beach – Konark:

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Konark. Enroute you can visit the Yoga Vidyalaya and proceed to Konark. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Explore Konark - world heritage site -The temple chariot of the Sun God on the sands of Bay of Bengal is a 13th century architectural marvel. It is designed as a celestial chariot of Sun God, complete with twelve pairs of wheel and seven horses. This legendary temple has sculptures of great beauty covering all aspects of life. It is most famous for its erotic art. Visit the Sun Temple and take a soft walk at the Temple Museum. In the evening, visit Chandrabhaga situated 3 Kms east of the famous Sun temple of Konark; this is considered a place of natural cure for lepers. Mythological 'Shamba' (Krishna's Son) the cured laper worshipped the Sun God for cure on the river mouth of Chandrabhaga, the river dried. It is reduced to a drybed or a narrow trickle and has been an ideal place for religious activity. Naturally the place is away from human vegetation. Ever swept by sweet breeze and washed by untiding waves is best suited for offerings and also divine romance. Enjoy the beach activities and return back to Konark for overnight stay.

Konark: Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stands to the West it. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. The Sun Temple standing in solitary splendor is the relic of a great past.

08 Day: Konark – Chilika – Gopalpur (205 kms: 5 hrs)

This morning after breakfast you will proceed to Gopalpur, enroute visit the famous Chilika lake-take a cruise with the old traditional boats made with logs in the lagoon. Chilika is the largest brackish water lake in the Asia spreading over 1100 sq kms and famous for its migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. It attracts a large number of migratory birds, like the flamingo, teal, bar headed goose, shoveller and white - bellied sea eagle. For bird-lovers, Chilika is best visited in winter when the migratory populations wing in from places as far as Siberia. Enroute visit the typical Orissan villages and trek around to get the panoramic photo. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation. You can take a walk around this pleasant beach city. Overnight at the hotel.

Gopalpur: One of the most pristine beaches of Orissa, this quiet beach is a splendid retreat for sea-worshippers, located about 16 km from Berhampur. Once a humming seaport, Gopalpur offers its visitors a slice of serenity in environs that are conducive to introspection and conviviality. You can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, witness to its past glory of commercial activity. Now, plans are on to revitalise the port again and make it fit for modern ships. The pleasures of the Blue Beach and the Blue Bay with her backwaters continue to lure the water babies… Gopalpur is a surfer’s delight and is excellent for saling too.

09 Day: Gopalpur – Taptapani – Berhampur – Rayagada (250 kms: 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Rayagada, enroute visit Silk city Berhampur, visit the big weavers village to see the work on silk produced sarees. Also visit hot Sulpheric spring at Taptapani. Around 50 kms from Berhampur, the bubbling hot spring of Taptapani lies deep in the forests and high on a hill. The beauty of the rolling tribal inhabited hills is an added bonus. Afterwards hike around to explore the Saura and Malwa Kondh tribe villages. After visit proceed for Rayagada, on arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for individual activities. Overnight stay at Rayagada.

Rayagada is a district of meadows, forests, waterfalls and terraced valleys, peopled by many primitive tribal groups. The scenic beauty and heritage on the land is an unexplored paradise. n the third century B.C, during the reign of Ashoka the Great, it was under Kalinga empire (ancient Orissa). The pattern of people living in the district show unity in diversity of races, languages, and culture. The Scheduled Tribes living in the district possess dissimilar economics ranging from food gathering to settled cultivation. Their languages/dialects, societies and culture show inter-societal and -cultural variations because of the ethnic mosaic.

Bisamkatak and Rayagada are tribal villages and famous for tribal craftsmanship. The Kondhs were once famous in for their Human Sacrifices. The now simple and hospitable Kondhs folks live in the high slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills

10 Day: Rayagada – Bisamkatak – Dukum (55 kms: 2 hrs one way) – Rayagada

Today morning take an excursion to Dukum, Bisamkatak to visit the Desia kondh tribal villages. Take a walk around the village and also visit the Dukum Tribal Tuesday Weekly market that commence on Tuesdays. Later visit to Dokra crafts village, to see lost wax brass works at Jhigidi. Return back to Rayagada for overnight stay.

11 Day: Rayagada – Jeypore (135 kms: 3 hrs)

After an early morning breakfast visit market to witness the Dongariya and Desia Kondh people at the Niyamagiri foot hill. Walk down to the Chatikona to view the Chatikona Wednesday colourful weekly market (tribal). It will be interesting to watch women in their colourful costumes and jewellers. Not only that, you can glance at their barter system, after visit of market return to hotel and drive down back to Rayagada and then drive to Jeypore. Enroute visit Muniaka and bada Paroja tribal villages, visit the homes and interact with the people of this tribe to know about their settlements. Proceed to Jeypore for overnight stay.

Jeypore is an ancient town with a niche in the history of Orissa. Surrounded by forests with mostly Sal (Dalbergia Latifolia) and teak (Tectona Gr andis) trees, it is encompassed by hills of the Eastern Ghats and the more famous Araku hills on three sides like a horse shoe with the western side opening up to Chattisgarh in central India. The town was the capital of the local king in the olden times and is known for its ancient forts, palaces and temples. Today it is the business hub for the district and South Orissa.

The Paroja is a small tribe primarily residing in Koraput and Kalahandi Districts of Orissa (Eastern India). The Paroja appear to be related to the Gond and have many features in common with neighbouring tribes such as the Khond and the Gadaba. The Paroja speak a Dravidian language called Parji. Broadly divided into two sections, the Bada Paroja and the Sana Paroja. The Paroja have exogamous totemic clans. The family is the smallest social unit in Paroja society and is patrilineal and patriarchal. The Paroja village is an organized socio-political system, which functions as an independent autonomous unit. This unit has its own set of functionaries who are in charge of internal and external village affairs. Although traditionally they relied on shift cultivation, today the Parojas depend on wet cultivation. The Paroja follow a polytheistic religion as well as worship their ancestors.

12 Day: Jeypore:

Today morning trek around in the tribal villages of PETA area visiting Paroja, Desia and Gadaba. Your day is free to explore the nearby tribal villages. Interact with the people and roam around in the market. Also visit the typical tribal villages like Bada paroja, mali and Pottery villages. Overnight in Jeypore.

Bondas live in the remote hills and keep themselves isolated. They are normally seen when they come to trade at the local market. The Bonda women are noticeable by their bead necklaces, striking brass and silver neckles and their shaved heads decorated with plaits of Palmyra leaves & beautiful Cap made with beads & Clips.

13 Day: Jeypore – Kunduli – Koraput – Jagdalpur (90 kms: 2 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out and proceed for Kunduli to witness the largest Sana Paroja Friday Weekly Market. Afterwards drive to Koraput to visit the Jagannath Temple, not only built as an altar for worship, but also as a multipurpose area for Jagannath consciousness. Everybody has free access to this shrine, which virtually demonstrates the very concept of Jagannath consciousness having tribal bias. Also visit the Tribal Museum, located behind the Jagannath Temple. This Tribal Museum displays a collection of stone sculptures, metal images, metal objects, jewellery, terracotta, wooden objects, textiles and anthropological objects. After visit drive to Jagdalpur. Enroute visit Bhatra tribe Villageand the Nuagaon village market. Also take a stopover at Kotpad weaving villages. Then enter the state of Chhattisgarh and in the evening visit the market of Gond tribe. Overnight in Jagdalpur.

Jagdalpur is well known for its greenery, filled with lush green mountains, deep valleys, dense forests, streams, waterfalls, caves, natural parks, magnificent monuments, rich natural resources, magic herbs, exuberant festivity and blissful solitude, Bastar, the very name spells magic, conjures up images of the royal past and the tribes. The history of Jagdalpur (Bastar) takes us as deep into the past as Valmiki's Ramayana. It was the famous Dandakaranya through which Lord Rama is supposed to have passed. Scholars have also identified Valmiki's ashram here.

14 Day: Jagdalpur – Kanger Valley National Park (40 kms: 1 hr)

Today morning after breakfast, visit Kanker Valley National Park, popular for it s scenic beauty and bio-diversity, visit the Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves and Tiratgarh Waterfalls inside the park.Kanger Dhara and Bhaimsa Dhara (a Crocodil e Park) are the two beautiful and exotic picnic resorts in the Park. The Park also has a sizable tribal population and can be an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, researchers, anthropologists and for anyone who wants to discover the very best of Chhattisgarh wildlife and unique tribes of the region. After lunch drive to Chitrakoot to visit the Chitrakoot Waterfall, the largest in India. It will be the remote village drive and explore the different tribal hut and sit with them in their village to talk and know their culture, visit the Dhuruva tribal villages which are deep inside the forests. Take a short trek in the villages and return back to Jagdalpur for overnight stay.

Kanger Valley National Park: Located amidst the 34 km long and scenic Kanger Valley, a Biosphere Reserve, Kanger Valley National Park is one of the most beautiful and picturesque national parks of India. The beautiful park is located on the banks of Kholaba River at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur (headquarter of Bastar). Spread over an area of approximately 200 sq km comprising mainly of hilly terrain, the Park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows throughout its length.

The Chitrakoot is a waterfall located near Jagdalpur, in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This river is a tributary of the Godavari River. Chitrakoot waterfall is the largest waterfall in India. The height of the falls is 100 feet. The breadth of the waterfall varies as the water level in the river changes drastically. However during a monsoon, the river flow touc hes both the banks of the river, and is filled with silt. During monsoon the waterfall turns wild and violent In contrast, during summer the water carries no silt and looks different. The area around the falls is largely forested.

15 Day: Jagdalpur – Bastar – Kondagaon/Narayanpur – Kanker (180 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and visit the Bastar Palace of Jagdalpur which has historic significance. Built by the rulers of Bastar State and was the headquarters of the Bastar Kingdom. The palace is an example of rich art and architectural work and is associated with many legends of heroism and chivalry of these kings. Then drive to Kanker. Enroute visit the Deerhorn Muria tribal village and participate their GUTUL system in their village. Have dance with them with picnic lunch. Also visit to thick woods of Keshkal Ghat bordering Bastar. The major attraction is the Kanker Palace, built in the first quarter of the 20th Century and set in a beautifully la ndscaped garden; it was earlier known as Radhanivas Bagicha. It served as the residence of the political agent during the British period. With its colonial architecture, part of the palace is home to the erstwhile royal family and the right wing has been developed to host Guests. Afterwards visit the market at Narayanpur of Hill Abuhjmaria and Maria Gond tribe, famous for finest Bastar handicraft like bell metal figures, wood craft, wrought iron and bamboo artifacts. Witness cock fight at the market. After visit Narayanpur, drive to Kanker for overnight stay.

Kanker is situated in the eastern uplands and dense tropical forestlands of Chhattisgarh state. It serves as the district headquarters and is known for sites of natural beauty and archaeological significance. The relatively undiscovered fascinating city of Kanke r remains unspoilt which continues to be mesmerized by its tribal and ancient cultures.

Abhujmaria: Known variously as Abudjamadis, Abujmariya and Hill Maria, these tribes are found in the geographically inaccessible areas of Abujhmar Mountains and Kutrumar Hills in the Bastar district. They survive by farming, hunting, and eating the fruits of the forests. They hunt with spears, and bows and arrows, and eat the game that is killed. Wild buffalo, boar, deer, and tigers live in the dense forests of the region. The people vow to protect the tiger, which is highly honored, feared, and respected. A strong sense of community exists between them. Liberty, equality, and brotherhood are highly valued principles.

The Muria are a sub-group of the Gond tribe. The Muria, unlike the typically nomadic Gond, live in permanent villages. They survive mainly by farming, hunting, and eating the fruits of the forest. The Muria are generally very poor and live in bamboo, mud, and thatched roof houses. They are convinced that the forest is the dwelling place of the gods and ancestral spirits. They believe that these spirits use wild animals to warn the tribe about future events. The Muria regularly pray to the ancestral spirits for protection and blessings.

16 Day: Kanker – Rajim – Siripur – Raipur (Approx. 250 kms: 5 – 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Raipur, enroute visit Rajim, its rich cultural heritage and the beautiful ancient temples, visit the Shri Rajiv Lochan Mandir, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Kuleshvara Mahadeva Mandir, and the statue of Lord Buddha in the meditative position under the Bodhi tree carved out of black stone is also popular in the city. Afterwards visit Siripur, once the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin (south) Kosala. It was an important centre of Buddhist from the 6th the 10th century A.D. and was visited by Hieun Tsang, the 7th Century Chinese Pilgrimist and Scholar. It is believed that a devastating earthquake buries the ancient town under mud and debris in the 12th century. After visit continue drive to Raipur. On arrival, check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free for relaxation. Overnight at Kawardha.

Rajim: Situated on the right bank of the river Mahanadi was one of the important urban centres in the Mahakoshal region. It is famous for its fine group of temples. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Rajivalochana Temple. The twelve pillars of the temple have tall single figures sculptured on the face like Durga with eight arms, the Ganga and Yamuna and exquisitely carved incarnation of Vishnu, Rama, Varaha (boar) and Narasimha (Man-cum-Lion) etc.

Sirpur or Shripur the city of wealth has been mentioned in ancient epigraphic records and dates back to a periods ranging from between the Fifth and the Eighth century A.D. It was then the capital of the Sarbhapuriya and Somvanshi Kings of Dakshin Kosala or Chhattigarh. It was an important centre of Buddhist from the 6th the 10th century A.D. and was visited by Hieun Tsang, the 7th Century Chinese Pilgrimist and Scholar. Excavations in and around the village have yielded scores of temple sites constructed of bricks, stone pillars and sculptures such as the Shiva Temple of Panchayatan style and the beautiful sculpture of Mahishasuramardini.Two Buddhist monasteries have also been found.

Raipur was founded by the Kalchuri King Ram Chandra of Raipur last quarter of the 14th century AD. Now, Raipur is the Headquarters of the District and Division of the same name centrally located in the newly formed State Chhattisgarh.

17 Day: Raipur

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, established in 1875 by Raja Mahant Ghasidas of Rajnandgaon. The museum records the major events in the town’s history. Mahakoshal Art Gallery displays art works of the locals. Also visit the Doodhadhari Monastery and temple. The monastery and the temple is located in the southern part of Raipur city on the banks of an ancient river called Maharajbandh. This ancient temple dedicate to Lord Rama, was built in the mid of 17th century by King Jaitsingh. The temple has beautiful murals. The monastery was named after Swami Balbhadra Das who only had ‘Doodh’ (milk) as his food. Burials of the former Mahants can also be seen here. After visit, rest of your day is free for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

18 Day: Raipur – Delhi (By Air) Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to the domestic airport to board the scheduled flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to the International airport to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.