Duration : 12 Nights
/ 13 Days
Places To See :
Bhubaneshwar - Ratna Giri - Baliguda - Belghar - Kothagargh - Rayagada -
Jeypore - Ankadeli - Lamptaput - Kunduli - Nandapur - Laxmipur - Taptaoani -
Chilka - Puru)
Orissa, the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal, has seen some of
the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many temples and monuments,
and has been able to preserve much of it, in an environment natural to its
wonder and attractions. It was in Orissa, that Buddhism found some of its
strongest exposure, and cult following. However, it was Hindu art that
dominated the landscape, eventually, and resulted in the profusion of temple
traditions, that have endured till now.
Heavily forested, and
isolated, Orissa was once famous for its majestic battle elephants. But life
in Orissa revolved around temples, and that the Oriyas lived lives free of
strife, is evident from the fact that the state has few forts or fortified
palaces to its credit, indicative of centuries of peace and harmony.
Although known throughout the ancient world as a formidable maritime
empire with trading routes stretching to Bali, Sumatra and Java, the history
of Orissa, then called Kalinga, is a little hazy until the demise of the
Kalinga dynasty in 260 BC. Ashoka, the Mauryan Emperor, in a bloody battle,
conquered Kalinga. Shocked at the carnage Ashoka foreswore violence and
converted to Buddhism. Around the 1st century BC, under the rule of the
Chedis, Buddhism declined and Jainism was restored as the faith of the
people. Monastery caves were created and Udayagiri and Khandagiri became
important Jain centres. By the 7th century AD Hinduism had, in turn
supplanted Jainism and under the Kesari and Ganga kings, trades and commerce
flourished. Countless temples from that classical period stand today. The
Oriyas defied the Muslim rulers until the region fell to the Mughals in the
16th century. Since then the Afghans, Marathas and the British successively
ruled Orissa. Orissa is predominantly rural, with fertile green coastal
plains rising to the hills of the Eastern Ghats. The State is mineral rich
and is a big exporter of iron ore. The Oriyas, 25% of who are ADIVASIS
(indigenous tribes) are very friendly and hospitable and the atmosphere of
the State is generally relaxed.
Most of the state's attractions
are close to each other, and convenient access is provided out of the state
capital, Bhubaneswar. The capital itself is an intriguing amalgam of the old
and the new, an emerging modern Indian city, that is steeped in the roots of
the traditions of its glorious past, without being overwhelmed by it.
TRIBES : Welcome to the tribal
land of Orissa - The southwestern part of Orissa contains the largest
concentration of tribal people in the sub continent. There are more than 62
tribal communities in Orissa. They have retained their tradition in-spite of
the onslaught of the modern civilization. Visit to some of the tribal
villages and participate in their dance and festival. Discover the original
man-nature proximity trekking amid the deep gorges and rivers or during a
ritual tribal dance on a full moon night. The soft mist, the local-brew and
a campfire make a heady mixture indeed. This is an adventure that offers
unique experience, which the visitor fondly remembers for years to come.
The antiquity of Orissa is endorsed by her ancient people - They continue to
inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas of the deep
forests and hilly interiors. Steeped in the mystery that surrounds their
ancient ways, the Orissan tribal continue to be a source of deep interest
not only for anthropologists and sociologists but also for numerous tourists
who flock to Orissa in search of the exotic mystique of this relatively
unexplored state. The tribal economy is by and large based on activities
around the jungles. Hunting and fishing continue to be the main source of
livelihood though some of the larger tribes such as Santals, Mundas, and
Gonds have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saura, and
Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya tribals are
cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple artisans involved in
basket weaving and tool making. The Santal, Munda and other tribes have now
also become involved in the mining and industrial belt of Orissa. Though
their economy is shaky, the Orissan tribal enjoy a rich and varied cultural
heritage, the most powerful instance of this being in their music and dance,
which are as colorful as they are rhythmical. The cycle of life offers
numerous reasons to celebrate and is done so with vigor and grace - either
in the privacy of family home or as a community activity. The changing
seasons, religious customs, and the traditional rhythms of superstitious
belief are strong incentives for creating a string of festivals to augment
their importance to the tribal.
The Paraja tribe is primarily located in the Kalahandi and Koraput regions
of Orissa. The language is "Parji". They worship numerous gods and
goddesses who live in the hills and forests. They love dance and music
during weddings.
The "Soura" tribe is one of the most
ancient and they are known for being marathon walkers, expert hunters and
climbers. Personal hygiene is of intense importance to them.
The
"Bondos" are fiercely independents and aggressive, and continue to
practice the barter system of exchanging produce from their fields for their
daily needs. Bondo women prefer to marry younger men because they can have
someone who will earn for them in their old age.
The Kutias are
the primitive section of the Kondh tribal community. Kutias were also quite
famous till the recent years for their unique tradition of 'Maria'(human)
sacrifice. Dongria Kondhs, also a primitive section of the Kondh community
are expert horticulturists and maintain a quite distinct cultural heritage.
TOUR OPTIONS :
The arrival into India could be Delhi or Chennai or Calcutta
and we could organize either a Golden Triangle Tour of Delhi/Agra/Jaipur or
Calcutta or Chennai in the beginning or end of the Orissa tour.
Bhubaneshwar is the starting point to travel into the tribal belt of Orissa.
The tour is visiting the various tribal villages like Baliguda, Rayagada,
Jeypore, Taptapani where we see the primitive Kutia Kondh Tribe, the
Dingaria Kondh Tribe, Bonda Tribe Sanaparoja and Mali Tribes. The tour is
meeting and mixing with these tribes and learning their life-style. The stay
during the tribal tour is in lodges and in basic guesthouses. One should not
expect any luxury.
Day 1 : Bhubaneshwar Transfer to the airport for flight
to Bhubaneswar. Reach and transfer to hotel. Proceed for half-day tour of
the city. Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day
2 : Bhubaneshwar / Ratna Giri / Bhubaneshwar Full day
excursion to Ratnagiri after breakfast.
Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day 3 : Bhubaneshwar / Baliguda
Drive to Baliguda after breakfast.
Baliguda is in the district of
Phulbani, through the beautiful countryside road full with small mountains
of Sal forest, one of the entry point to the tribal highland of Orrisa.
En-route visit typical Orissa villages.
Arrive at the hotel in the
evening.
Overnight at Baliguda.
Day
4 : Baliguda Today after breakfast you will make a visit the
different Villages & Desai Kondh.
Overnight at Baliguda.
Day 5 : Baliguda / Belghar / Kothagargh
/ Rayagada After breakfast
you will depart to Belghar
area visit of a few Huttiya Kondha Tribal Villages & Weekly Market at
Kothagarh.
Proceed to explore the villages of the primitive Kutia kondh
Tribes, once famous for the human sacrifice. Living in the mountain / forest
cores are friendly tribal community. You can take small/ long trek as you
wish.
Lunch on the way.
Drive down to Rayaguda. Arrive in
the evening.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day
6 : Rayagada / Jeypore Morning proceed to Chatikona (40 km)
to witness the Interesting & colourful weekly market of the Dongaria
kondh tribes.
This day this interesting ornamental Tribes come down from their mountain
will known as Niayamgiri hill range. This is an unique opportunity to
witness them before they come and mix with other community in the market, so
we will take you 2/3 km from the market near the Niyamgiri hill, so to watch
& enjoy these community coming down with different kinds of fruits,
animal etc.
Free time in the market.
Overnight at Jeypore.
Day 7 : Jeypore / Ankadeli /
Lamptaput / Jeypore After early breakfast proceed to
Ankadelli - 70 km to witness the most primitive, interesting & unique
tribal weekly market of the Bonda tribes. The place is the border of the
neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh, divided by river Machkund, with
interest waterfall, mountain & forest.
You will be taken
inside for about 2/3km walk to witness the Bonda man & woman coming down
from the forest side. It is being considered that at present Bondas are the
most primitive tribe of India or otherwise known as the Nakate tribes of the
mountain. Bonda women with their silver & brass rings around the neck,
hundred of necklaces on the body, shaved hair a small cloth wrapped down to
cover half of the private areas are out of any history book. In the other
side the Bonda men with their bow & arrow with country made liquor. A
fascinating one to watch. Photography in the market is restricted, so you
can take photo on this time.
Free time in the market. Afternoon
proceed to Lamtaput area to explore another primitive tribal community the
Gdabas - you can watch the most colorful tribal dance call DEMSA.
Late afternoon drive back to Jeypour.
Overnight at Jeypore.
Day 8 : Jeypore / Kunduli /
Nandapur / Jeypore Breakfast.
Morning proceed to
witness the biggest tribal weekly market of Sanaparoja & Mali tribes in
Kunduli 65 km away via Sunabeda. It is a very colorful market.
Later drive down to Nandapur to visit village of Sanaparoja tribes. Visit
village khilus. Saana Padar, Bda Padar with small trekking and later later
drive down to Jeypour.
You can also morning proceed to Gupteswar
70 km to visit the villages of very interesting dhuruba tribe. Visit and
walk through villages of Ramanguda, Dogariguda, Silpader, Talur etc. There
is an interesting tribe where the males like to put ornaments living in the
border of Madhya Pradesh. Visit the Cave temple of lord Shiva in the hidden
mountain famous among the tribes.
Later drive down to Nuagaon to
witness the beautiful tribal weekly market of Sana Paroja and then back to
hotel at evening.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day
9 : Jeypore / Laxmipur / Rayagada Breakfast.
Visit Dhuruba Tribe, Laxmipur, of the Bondas Region. Also Visit Jagannath
Temple & Tribal Museum at Koraput (The Jagannath Temple is a new temple
built on 1972. Here Non Hindus are allowed inside the Temples and all
activities are similar to Jagnnath Temple of Puri). Lunch on the way.
Overnight at Rayagada.
Day
10 : Rayagada / Taptaoani / Chilka Breakfast. Proceed to
Chilka.
Visit Taptapani on your way.
Overnight at
Chilka.
Day 11 : Chilka /
Puri Drive to Puri after breakfast.
Reach Puri
and relax in the beach.
Overnight at Puri.
Day
12 : Puri Proceed for a tour of Puri after breakfast
covering Jagnnath Temple and Konnark (The Sun Temple).
Overnight at Puri.
Day 13 :
Puri / Bhubaneshwar Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer
to Bhubaneshwar Airport to board flight to Delhi or onward Destination.
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