Embark on a mesmerizing Tribal Tour through the heartland of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, where ancient traditions, untouched landscapes, and vibrant tribal cultures come alive. This specially curated 16-day itinerary offers an immersive experience into the lives of India’s most distinctive tribal communities—including the Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Bonda, Desia Kondh, Paraja, Maria, and Muria tribes.
Travel through serene hill stations, sacred temples, bustling weekly tribal markets, and remote forested villages. Witness colorful traditions, distinctive attire, intricate craftsmanship, and spiritual rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries. From the architectural marvels of Bhubaneswar to the secluded tribal heartlands of Rayagada, Jeypore, and Jagdalpur, this tour promises not only cultural exploration but also a deep human connection with some of the oldest indigenous groups in India.
Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, photographer, anthropologist, or an intrepid traveler, this journey into tribal Odisha and Chhattisgarh is a rare window into a world where time stands still.
Day 1 : Arrival at Bhubaneswar On arrival at Bhubaneswar AIRPORT transfer to the hotel. Later if time permit half day sightseeing of famous city temples including Rajarani, Parsurameswar, Mukteswar ( Gem of Orissan architecture ), Brahmeswar & Lingaraj ( it is the biggest temple in Bhubaneswar). Overnight at Bhubaneswar.
Day 2 : Bhubaneswar-Joronda Monastry- Weaving village- Dhenkanal.
During morning drive to Joronda monastery to see half naked Anam Sadhus and their austere life and evening prayer. Also visit jwellery village. Overnight stay at King’s Palace near Joronda called Dhenkanal.
Day 3 : Lalitgiri-Uaygiri – Bhubaneswar
uring morning visit the bell metal work and weaving villages near Dhenkanal and afternoon visit Budhist ruins of Lalitgiri/udaygiri and Ratnagiri. Overnight stay at Bhubaneswar.
Day 4 Bhubaneswar to Chilika lake bird sanctuary- Lake During morning drive to Manglajodi Chilika lake to see the bird sanctuary where a lots of birds from Siberaia, Baltic sea, Caspian Lake and Russia come to this place for their winter sojourn. After few hours of boating overnight stay in Lake or Gopalpur on sea.
Day 5 :Gopalpur – Taptapani – Saura Tribe – Budhist Monastry – Taptapani
Morning drive to Gopalpur on sea Rayagada enroute visit Taptapani the hot sulpheric spring & Saura Tribal Villages and Budhist Monastry . Overnight at Taptapani hill station
Day 6 Taptapani -Baliguda During morning drive to Baligude area to visit Kutia Kondh tribes (tattoo faced) in their village. Overnight stay at Baliguda
Day 7 : : Baliguda
During morning visit Belghar area to meet different tribal villages of Kutia Kondh tribes and Overnight stay at Baliguda.
Day 8:Baliguda –Bissam Cuttack -Rayagada –
Morning drive to Bissam cuttack area to visit the tribal villages of Desia Kondh tribes. Overnight stay at Rayagada.
Day 9 Rayagada – Chatikonka – rayagada
After breakfast drive down to chatikona area to watch the interesting colourful weekly market of Dongriya Kondh Tribes ( weekly market commence on Tuesday ). This tribe is one of the most primitive tribe of the Kondhs and they live in the high slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills. Then drive to Jeypore for overnight stay.
Day 10 : Jeypore – Ankadelli – Jeypore
After breakfast, drive to Ankadelli to visit the famous Bonda tribes ( weekly market commence on Thursday only ), who comes once every week for their weekly market. It is a unique opportunity to see such a colourful concentration of typical tribals at one place. Most interesting is to watch the Bonda woman in their colourful Jewellaries and marketing commodities.Then drive back to Jeypore. Overnight at hotel in Jeypore.
Day 11 : Jeypore – Kunduli – Jagdalpur
After breakfast, drive to Kunduli to visit the weekly market of Paraja tribes ( weekly market commence on Friday only ). It is the biggest market of the tribal area. Then visit Jagannath Temple & tribal meusem at Koraput. Lunch at Jeypore. Then drive to Jagdalpur and enroute visit the Kotapada (a weaving village). Overnight at Jagdalpur.
Day 12: Jagdalpur
Morning visit to Kanger Valley National Park. Then drive to Mardoom to see the tribal market of Maria & Muria tribes. Drive back to Jagdalpur. Overnight at Jagdalpur.
Day 13: Jagdalpur – Kanker
Morning visit to Kondagaon ( Rot iron craft centre ). Then visit to Narayanpur Sunday market also see cockfight. Then proceed to Kanker and check in to the hotel. Overnight stay at Kanker.
Day 14 : Kanker – Sirpur – Raipur
Morning drive to Sirpur enroute visit Champaner & Rajim. Then visit Sirpur Buddhist site and proceed to Raipur
Day 15 Drive to Shibrinarayan to meet the Ramnami Samaj and overnight stay at Raipur.
Day 16 Drop Raipur airport for your next destination.
The Kutia Kondh tribe is one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Odisha, primarily residing in the Kandhamal district. They speak a dialect of Kui, which belongs to the Dravidian language family. Traditionally animists, the Kutia Kondhs deeply revere nature and worship various deities, especially Darani Penu (the Earth Goddess). One of their unique religious practices includes the Meriah sacrifice, where buffaloes are offered to ensure fertility and the well-being of the community. Their traditional livelihood revolves around shifting cultivation, also known as podu, though many have now taken up settled farming. They live in remote forest villages in simple, thatched bamboo and mud houses. Kutia Kondh women are known for wearing nose rings and beaded jewelry, reflecting their distinctive cultural identity. Socially, the community is organized into clans, with strong communal bonds and village councils that settle disputes. Rich in folklore, music, and traditional dances like Dhemsa, the Kutia Kondh maintain vibrant oral traditions. However, they face several challenges, including poverty, limited access to healthcare and education, and threats to their traditional lifestyle due to deforestation and modern developmental pressures.
The Desia Kondh tribe is a major sub-group of the Kondh tribal community, predominantly found in the Koraput, Rayagada, and Kalahandi districts of Odisha. Unlike their PVTG counterparts like the Kutia or Dongria Kondhs, the Desia Kondhs are relatively more integrated with mainstream society. They speak Desia, a dialect that blends Odia with tribal linguistic elements, and are known for their adaptability to settled agriculture. Traditionally, they were also involved in podu (shifting) cultivation, but now many have taken to wetland farming, growing rice, millets, and seasonal vegetables. The Desia Kondhs are animists by tradition, worshipping natural elements and village deities, but many have also adopted Hindu customs and deities over time, leading to a syncretic religious culture.
Their houses are usually built with mud walls and thatched or tiled roofs, clustered in village settlements. Socially, they follow a clan-based system with strong community ties and observe various rituals, festivals, and life-cycle ceremonies. The tribe is known for its colorful folk dances and music, which are integral to their festivals like Magha Parab, Chaitra Parab, and Nuakhai. Women play an active role in both the household and agricultural work, and they adorn themselves with traditional jewelry, colorful attire, and tattoos. Despite better assimilation compared to some other tribal groups, the Desia Kondhs still face challenges related to land rights, education, and healthcare access, especially in remote areas.
The Bonda tribe is one of the most ancient and unique tribal communities of India, classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They primarily inhabit the Bonda Hills in the Malkangiri district of southern Odisha. The Bondas are believed to be descendants of the early Austroasiatic settlers and have retained much of their distinct culture, language, and traditions over centuries. They speak the Remo language, which belongs to the Munda branch of the Austroasiatic language family.
The Bonda people live in isolated hilltop villages, practicing shifting cultivation (podu) and collecting forest produce. Their society is organized into clans and follows a strict age-old social structure. Bonda women are particularly distinctive in appearance — they crop their hair short, wear a thick stack of neck beads (Khagla), metal rings, and strings of aluminum necklaces, and wrap their bodies in a small piece of cloth called a ringa. Men traditionally carry bows and arrows and wear loincloths. The Bonda community is matriarchal in nature, and women are active participants in economic and social life.
They follow animistic beliefs, worshipping nature and ancestral spirits, although some Hindu practices have influenced them in recent times. The tribe is known for its rich oral traditions, songs, and dances performed during festivals like Patkhanda Yatra and Chait Parab. Despite their unique identity, the Bonda people face challenges such as extreme poverty, lack of education and healthcare, and the pressures of cultural erosion due to increasing exposure to the outside world.
This 16-day journey through Odisha and Chhattisgarh offers more than just a tour—it is a deep cultural immersion into the lives of India’s most ancient and resilient tribal communities. As you travel across serene landscapes, attend vibrant weekly markets, witness traditional craftsmanship, and interact with tribes like the Bonda, Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Desia Kondh, Paraja, and Maria/Muria, you gain a rare glimpse into a world untouched by modernity.
Each day brings a unique discovery—whether it’s the spiritual chants of monks, the colorful attire of tribal women, or the untouched beauty of remote forests. This unforgettable experience not only enriches your understanding of India’s diverse heritage but also leaves you with lasting memories of human connection, cultural wisdom, and natural beauty.
We hope this journey inspires greater appreciation, respect, and empathy for indigenous cultures and their vital role in our global cultural fabric.