14-day Tribal Heritage of Chhattisgarh & Odisha: A 14-Day Cultural Journey
14-day cultural and tribal heritage tour through Central India and Odisha offers a unique exploration of India’s tribal heritage, natural beauty, and historical marvels. Beginning in the bustling capital city of Delhi, the journey takes you to the vibrant and culturally rich tribal areas of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. From visiting ancient temples and palaces to immersing yourself in the traditions of indigenous tribes, each day is a curated experience. Highlights include the Baiga and Bonda tribes’ unique customs, visits to the awe-inspiring Chitrakote and Tirathgarh waterfalls, and an exploration of Odisha’s celebrated craft villages and sacred temples. This immersive journey is ideal for travelers seeking a deep connection with India’s rich tribal cultures, diverse landscapes, and heritage sites.
Day 01 (THURSDAY) Delhi – Raipur – Kawardha 120km – 3 hrs
In time transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Raipur . Upon arrival meet & assistance drive north wards to the former Princely State of Kawardha. An afternoon of familiarisation with Kawardha and nearby cultural sites, including the captivating Bhoramdeo Temple complex dedicated to lord shiva & overnight.Overnight in Kawardha Palace or Bhoramdeo Jungle retreat both places on full board.
Day 02 (Friday) Kawardha – Bhuoramdeo – 110km – 4hrs
After breakfast, you will meet the gentle and friendly Baiga people, the indigenous forest tribe. Packed launch later visit the weekly market of baiga people at teragaon in the afternoon (Baiga tribe is famous for the tattoo throughout their body) & overnight.
Day 03 (Saturday) Kawardha – Raipur – Kanker 250km – 6/7hrs
In the morning drive to Kanker via Raipur and visit Raipur’s Mahant Ghasidas Museum before leaving for the former princley State of Kanker. Upon arrival at Kanker Palace/Hotel Lake view, the Maharaja’s family will greet you and show you to your palatial rooms.
Day 04 (Sunday) Kanker – Kondagao – Jagdalpur – 170km- 4hrs
After your breakfast at the Palace, the Bastar tribal experience begins. You will encounter here the special nature of North Bastar with a visit to a colorful weekly market. It gives you a great oportunity to meet the local people. At Kondagaon discover some of Bastar’s finest handicrafts, and the people who make them. Lunch will be a picnic in the deep green sal forests. Experience Bastar’s unique ‘ghotul’ dormitory system completes an unforgettable day. Later drive to Jagdalpur. Overnight in Hotel Naman Bastar.
Day 05 (Monday) Jagdalpur 80km – 2hrs
After breakfast, drive to visit of city. Morning tour of historical Jagdalpur and the Anthropological Museum is completed by a sunset idyll at the Chitrakote waterfal, Bastar’s very own ‘Niagara’ on the Indravati River : you will also visit some of the local Bison – Horn Maria tribe, renowned for their spectacular ceremonical dancing. Evening back to Hotel.
Day 06 (Tuesday) Jagdalpur – Kanger Valley National Park – Jagdalpur – 70km
An early breakfast allows time for a visit to the rich forests of the Kanger Valley National Park , the enchanting Tirathgarh waterfall and the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite caves. Kanger retains the original intensity of the forests that once covered this whole region, and you will find also forest tribal people in their natural habitat. Afternoon visit a weekly market at Pakhnar of Dhuruwa and Maria Gond Tribe inside a remote forest. Evening back to Hotel.
Day 07 (Wednesday) Jagdalpur – Jeypore 70km- 2hrs
After breakfast drive to Jeypore enroute visiting Kotpad Tribal textile village. Check in at Hotel. Dinner and overnight hotel hello jeypore/ Sai Krishna.
Day 08 Thursday Jeypore – Onakudeli – Lamptaput – Jeypore 150km – 5hrs
After early breakfast proceed to Ankadelli – 70 km to witness the most traditional, 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 interesting waterfall, mountain & forest. Free time in the market. Afternoon proceed to Lamtaput area to explore another traditional tribal community the Gdabas interact & experience the true rural village life Late afternoon drive back to Jeypore.
Day 09 (Friday) Jeypore – Kunduli market- Rayagda -160km- 4hrs
After breakfast drive to Rayagada enroute visiting the largest weekly market of mali / rana & Paraja tribe & paroja tribal village Overnight at Rayagada, Hotel sai International.
Day 10 (Saturday) Rayagada – Chandragiri
After breakfast, start the journey towards the scenic coast of the Bay of Bengal. En route, visit the Chandragiri Tibetan settlement, known for its peaceful ambiance and vibrant Tibetan culture. Here, explore the colorful monasteries, interact with the friendly residents, and witness the unique Tibetan lifestyle. Complete the seance (prayer ceremony) at the monastery, a deeply spiritual experience that offers a glimpse into Tibetan traditions and Buddhist rituals. After the visit, proceed to your destination by the coast, taking in the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Day 11 Baliguda – Chilika – Puri 220km- 5hrs
Post breakfast drive to chilika ake the biggest brackish water lake , experience the bird life with koyak boat at mangalajodi & later drive to Olasing the silk weavers village , experience your good time with weaver’s family later drive to puri & overnight.
Day 12 Puri- Konark- Puri 120km -3hrs
Morning drive to Konark the world heritage site where you will see fine specimen of kalingan school of architecture at sun temple & also temple is famous for a it’s intricate erotica sculpture and later drive to Nayakpatna the folk painting village where you will experience the palm leaf paintings. Afternoon have view of Jagannath temple from roof terrace. Overnight hotel.
Optional : You can experience the traditional acrobatic dance form popularly known as Gotipua in village atmosphere which can be arranged with pre intimation.
Day 13 – Puri – Bhubaneshwar 80km- 2hrs
Early morning proceed to fisherman village to see the fishing activities on sea shore of Bay of Bengal & later drive to Bhubaneswar enroute visiting pipili famous for the appliqué work, 64 yogini temple at Hirapur ( tantric temple in the rural ambience) & dhauli ashokan rock edict. Overnight Bhubaneswar.
Day 14 – Bhubaneshwar & Departure transfer
Breakfast at hotel. Visit the ancient temple architecture with sand stone on the old part of the city includes parsurameswar/ mukteswar/ lingaraj/ bindusagar tank/ rajarani temple later visit the khandagiri & udaygiri caves. Later transfer to airport to connect the flight for onward destinations.
Your tour through the heartlands of Central India and Odisha ends in Bhubaneswar, where you’ll be left with unforgettable memories of tribal encounters, spiritual visits, and natural wonders. Each day has woven together a narrative of India’s past and present, enriched by local customs, traditional arts, and breathtaking scenery. The experiences of meeting indigenous communities, witnessing their markets, and admiring their crafts have offered a rare glimpse into their way of life. This journey not only deepens your understanding of India’s cultural diversity but also celebrates its profound heritage. As you depart, may the stories, faces, and sights stay with you as cherished memories of this extraordinary voyage.
