Trails of Tribe Tour of Odisha (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Nestled along Eastern Ghats, within nature's beauty and bounty, most populous out of 62 colourful communities of Odisha live with their interesting rituals, festivals & culture which attract many tourists from abroad as well as Indian tourists to visit their land. Trails of Tribe tour of Odisha allows the visitors to interact with the different communities of South Odisha.

Day 1: Bhubaneswar to Puri via Dhauli, Pipli & Konark (Saturday)

Insight Holidays welcomes you for your most romantic holidays in Odisha. Meet and greet by our representative at the airport who will introduce you to the driver and brief the itinerary. Begin your tour by driving to Puri. Enroute visit Dhauli Peace Pagoda, famous for the Ashokan rock edicts dating back to 2nd century B.C. Visit Parasurameswar Temple (7th Century AD.), Mukteswar Temple (10th Century AD.), Rajarani Temple (11th Century AD.) and Lingaraj Temple (11th Century AD.). Visit Pipli - the colourful appliqué village where you can see colourful Odishan handicrafts. Later proceed to the famous Sun Temple at Konark, built in the 13th century in honour of the Sun God. Its exquisite carvings, life-size statues of lions and elephants, colossal figures of warriors on horses, and scenes of battle all testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art and architecture. On arrival at Puri, check into the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay at Puri.

Day 2: Puri

This morning visit the Lord Jagannath Temple built in the 15th century AD, crowned with Vishnu's wheel and flag dominating the landscape at Puri. The temple with its elaborate carvings and mouldings is a fine example of Odisha architecture. Visit various temples & maths in and around Puri. Afternoon free to visit the long stretch of golden beach, shallow enough to walk out a long distance, with superb surf. Later visit Raghurajpur, a Heritage Craft village known for Pattachitra palm leaf engravings and traditional Odissi & Gotipua dance performances. Overnight stay at Puri.

Day 3: Puri – Chilika – Gopalpur

Morning post breakfast drive to Gopalpur-on-Sea. Enroute visit Barkul at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lake spread across 1200 sqkm, studded with small islands and home to unique aquatic flora and fauna. Sail the lake to explore the migratory birds and natural beauty. Later drive to Gopalpur On Sea, offering a secluded environment with sun, surf and sand. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Gopalpur.

Day 4: Gopalpur – Rayagada

Morning post breakfast drive to Rayagada, a land of meadows, forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys and colourful tribes. The district is an unexplored paradise with unique tribal cultures and dialects. Enroute visit some villages of Kumuti, Saora & Kondh tribes. Later visit weekly tribal markets of Majhiguda or Gumma. Overnight stay at Rayagada.

Day 5: Rayagada – Chatikona – Koraput – Lamtaput (Wednesday)

Morning drive to Chatikona to witness the colourful weekly market of the Dongria Kondh tribes, one of the most primitive tribes living on the slopes of Niyamagiri Hills. Later proceed to Lamtaput enroute visiting Paroja tribal villages. Check in at Desia Eco Resort. Evening enjoy campfire with colourful tribal dance experience “Dhemsa”. Overnight at Desia.

Day 6: Lamtaput – Onukadelli – Jeypore

After breakfast drive to Onukadelli to witness the unique and primitive weekly market of the Bonda tribes, considered among the most primitive tribes of India. Bonda women are distinctive with silver & brass rings, layered bead necklaces, shaved heads and minimal clothing. Men carry bows, arrows and local liquor. Photography is restricted inside the market. Later drive back to Jeypore. Overnight stay at Jeypore.

Day 7: Jeypore – Kunduli – Visakhapatnam

After early breakfast visit Kunduli, the largest tribal market where you can see Sana Paraja & Mali tribes. Later transfer to Visakhapatnam airport for your onward journey with sweet memories of Odisha. Please recheck passport & airline ticket printouts in your hand baggage. Hope you got an insight into the heartland of India and wish you to return again to explore incredible India with us.