Odisha & Chhattisgarh Tribal Tour

On arrival at Bhubaneswar airport transfer to the hotel. Later if time permits half day sightseeing of famous city temples including Rajarani, Parsurameswar, Mukteswar (Gem of Orissan architecture), Brahmeswar & Lingaraj (the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar). Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Morning visit to Nandankanan Zoo (closed on Monday), famous for its white tiger safari and lush botanical gardens. Later visit the Tribal Research Institute Museum (closed on Monday) to understand the lifestyles of 62 tribal communities of Odisha, followed by the ancient rock-cut Khandagiri & Udayagiri Jain caves. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.

Morning visit to Khandagiri & Udayagiri Jain caves (oldest rock cut caves). Then drive to Puri enroute visiting Dhauli the peace pagoda, Pipili the applique craft village & Raghurajpur heritage artisan village. On arrival at Puri check in to the hotel. Relax on the golden beach of Puri. Overnight stay at Puri.

Morning visit to Jagannath Temple (sanctum entrance for practicing Hindus; vantage views for non-Hindus). Then drive to Konark to visit the 13th-century Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enroute visit Ramchandi temple, Chandrabhaga beach & fishermen village. Return back to Puri. Evening visit the bustling beach market. Overnight stay at Puri.

Morning drive to Chilika lake at Barkul (Asia's largest brackish water lagoon). Take a motor boat cruise to explore Bird's Island and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary. Then proceed south to the tranquil coastal colonial town of Gopalpur-on-Sea and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Gopalpur.

Morning drive to Rayagada enroute visiting Taptapani natural hot sulphuric water spring and authentic Saura tribal hamlets known for their distinctive Idital wall paintings. On arrival at Rayagada check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Rayagada.

After breakfast drive down to Chatikona to witness the colourful weekly haat of the Dongria Kondh tribe (market commences on Wednesday only). This primitive tribe dwells on the high slopes of the Niyamgiri Hills. Then visit Minapai bamboo craft artisan village. Later drive to Jeypore. Overnight stay at hotel in Jeypore.

After breakfast, drive into the remote Bonda hills to Ankadelli to visit the renowned Bonda tribe weekly market (commences on Thursday only). Marvel at the unique attire, bead neckpieces, brass collars, and age-old barter traditions of Bonda women. Return back to Jeypore. Overnight stay at hotel in Jeypore.

After breakfast, drive to Kunduli to visit the bustling weekly market of the Paraja and Mali tribes (commences on Friday only) — the largest tribal bazaar in the region. Visit the Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath Temple & Tribal Museum at Koraput. Post lunch drive towards Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), enroute stopping at Kotapad tribal vegetable-dye weaving village. Overnight stay at Jagdalpur.

Morning excursion to Kanger Valley National Park, famous for dense Sal forests, limestone stalactite caves, and Tirathgarh Waterfalls. Afterwards visit Mardoom to witness the vibrant tribal weekly haat of the Maria & Muria tribes. Drive back to Jagdalpur. Overnight stay at Jagdalpur.

Morning visit to Kondagaon, an internationally acclaimed craft cluster specializing in wrought iron (Loha Shilpa) and Dhokra bell-metal casting. Visit the Narayanpur Sunday tribal market to observe local culture and traditional rooster sports. Proceed to the historic princely town of Kanker and check into the hotel / Kanker Palace. Overnight stay at Kanker.

Morning drive towards Raipur enroute visiting Champaner & Rajim (the Prayag of Chhattisgarh on the Mahanadi). Proceed to Sirpur, an extraordinary archaeological site with 5th to 12th-century Buddhist monasteries, Lakshmana temple, and Shiva viharas. Continue to Raipur. Overnight stay at Raipur.

Morning transfer to Swami Vivekananda Airport at Raipur to board your flight for onward journey with unforgettable memories of indigenous tribal cultures.