Tour Duration: 12 Nights/13 Days
Destinations Covered: Bhubaneswar - Ratnagiri - Baliguda - Belghar - Kothagarh - Rayagada - Chatikona - Jeypore - Ankadeli - Lamptaput - Kunduli - Nandapur - Laxmipur - Taptapani - Chilka - Puri
Day1: Arrival at Bhubaneswar
You'll be warmly greeted by our representative as you reach the airport, who'll escort you to the next airport to board the flight to Bhubaneswar. Upon reaching Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar, our guide will transfer you to the hotel pre-booked by you. After freshening and relaxing for a while, you'll proceed for a half-day guided tour of the city. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 2: Bhubaneswar - Ratnagiri - Bhubaneswar
After breakfast, you'll head for a full day excursion to the the archaic town of Ratnagiri. The town is believed to have been established under the reign of King Narsimha Baladitya of the Gupta Dynasty in the first half of the 6th century. Archeological sites, which include stupas and temples, uncovered through large-scale excavation some 50 years ago, are the main attractions here. Return back to Bhubaneswar in the evening for a sumptuous supper and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Bhubaneswar - Baliguda
Start your day with a flavorsome breakfast. Thereafter, journey through the beautiful countryside road beautified with small mountains of Sal forest to reach Baliguda, one of the three forest divisions located in the district of Phulbani. En-route to Baliguda, you'll be visiting some typical Orissa villages. By sunset, you'll be in Baliguda. Check-in to the hotel and relax overnight.
Day 4: Baliguda
Your day four of the tour begins with a full-day guided excursion to the remote villages of Baliguda, and Desai Kondh. The panoramic views of the lush green woods, rich in flora and fauna, serene surroundings, and tribal population living in the region, are worth admiring and capturing on your lens. Return back to Baliguda in the evening and call it a day at the hotel.
Day 5: Baliguda - Belghar - Kothagargh - Rayagada
Indulge in a luxurious breakfast as a number of places are lined up on day five. Soon after your morning meal, you'll depart for Belghar, inhabited primarily by aboriginal tribal people of India. Once popular for human sacrifice, you'll pay a visit to some of their villages. From here, you'll proceed to the weekly market at Kothagarh. To explore the adventurous side of you, a trek along the mountain or forest regions can be given a try. Your journey continues as you travel further to the district of Rayagada which was under the Kalinga Empire, during the reign of Asoka the Great. With a small halt on the way, you'll be served lunch. You'll reach your destination in the evening, after which you'll check-in to the hotel and spend the night here, post delectable dinner.
Day 6: Rayagada - Chatikona - Jeypore
After a quick and healthy breakfast at the hotel, get set ready to embark a 40 km journey to the village of Chatikona to view the interesting and colorful weekly market organized by the Dongria Kondh tribes, one of the most primitive people living on the high slopes of Niyamagiri Hills. A not-to-be-missed once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to mingle with them and other tribal communities! What's more, just a few minutes ride from the market will land you at the foothills, offering spectacular views of the tribes climbing down with different animals, fruits, etc to sell in the market. The evening is free to be spent the way you want to. Thereafter, you'll be heading towards Jeypore for an overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 7: Jeypore - Ankadeli - Lamptaput - Jeypore
After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll proceed to Ankadeli, about 70 km from Jeypore, to become a witness to the exciting and unique tribal weekly market arranged by the Bonda tribes, also known as the Nakate tribes, considered to be the most primitive tribes of India. The fascinating sights of Bonda men and women coming down from the forests can be seen at about half-kilometer's walk from the market. Bonda women, with silver and brass rings on the neck and hundreds of necklaces on their body, and Bonda men, carrying country-made liquor and bow and arrow, are straight out of any history book. Since photography is prohibited in the market, you can click some shots here. Till noon, you are free to explore the market, after which you'll proceed to witness another primitive tribal community of Orissa, called Gdabas and their colorful tribal dance - Demsa. Drive back to Jeypore in late afternoon, with lunch served en-route. Spend the night at the hotel in Jeypore.
Day 8: Jeypore - Kunduli - Nandapur - Jeypore
Post breakfast, you'll be driven to Kunduli to check out the colorful and biggest tribal weekly market organized by the Sanaparoja and Mali tribes. The village of Sanaparoja tribes in Nandapur is the next destination, followed by the villages of Khilus, Saana Padar, and Bda Padar. Refresh yourself with a small trek on the way. As an alternate, you can journey to Gupteswar, about 70 km, to view the villages of Ramanguda, Dogariguda, Silpader, and Talur. An excursion to the Cave Temple of Lord Shiva in the hidden mountain, famous among the tribes, will give you a sigh of relief. Head back to Jeypore for an overnight stay.
Day 9: Jeypore - Laxmipur - Rayagada
After a delectable breakfast, a visit to the Dhuruba tribe in Laxmipur, of the Bondas region is planned for you. The Jagannath Temple and Tribal Museum at Koratpur are the major attractions of the day. Even though the temple is built recently, it permits non-Hindus inside the premises and all activities performed are similar to the prestigious Jagannath Temple of Puri. From here, proceed to Rayagada, with lunch on the way, and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Rayagada - Taptapani - Chilka
On day ten of the tour, you'll proceed to Chilka Lake, post breakfast. The lake, also called Chilika Lake, is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon. Not just a haven for millions of birds, the lake is among few of the places in India where one can view the adorable dolphins. But before you reach this awe-inspiring place, a halt will be made at Taptapani, famous for its hot water springs and retaining the tribal heritage. The surrounding areas are home to the Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Bonda, and Mali tribes. Spend the night at a hotel along the fascinating Chilka Lake.
Day 11: Chilka - Puri
Complete your morning meal to be transported to Puri, a holy pilgrimage spot in India, situated about 60 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. As you arrive in Puri, you'll be escorted to the hotel by our representative. Freshen up to be guided to the nearby beach. The rest of the day is at your disposal. Laze around on the white sands, indulge in water activities, or plunge into the pristine waters, the choice is yours. Return back to the hotel in the evening. You can either unwind in the cozy and comfy hotel room or stroll around the nearby streets. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 12: Puri
A complete day tour of Puri is organized after breakfast. The major places of interest will be the historic and world renowned Jagannath Temple, built in the 11th century, and the 12th century beautiful Konark Sun Temple. A fine example of Orissan architecture of the Ganga Dynasty, the Konark Sun Temple is considered as one of the seven wonders of India. You'll be driven back to the hotel in the evening. If time permits, you can complete your last minute shopping and packing. Overnight stay will at the hotel in Puri.
Day 13: Puri - Bhubaneswar
On the final morning of the tour, you'll be escorted to Biju Patnaik Airport. Complete your immigration formalities before you board the flight for onward travel.
