Overview
Journey deep into the culturally rich landscapes of southern Odisha, home to some of India’s most distinctive indigenous communities. From the ancient temples of Bhubaneswar to remote tribal villages, weekly haats, traditional crafts and vibrant cultural traditions, this journey offers an authentic insight into Odisha’s living heritage.
Meet communities such as the Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Bonda, Gadaba, Mali and Lanjia Saura, while travelling through forested hills, waterfalls and rural landscapes. The journey concludes along the coast at Gopalpur before returning to Bhubaneswar.
Highlight
- Explore the ancient temples of Bhubaneswar
- Experience traditional tribal villages and rural life
- Visit the famous Dongria Kondh weekly market at Chatikona
- Discover the colourful Bonda market at Onkadeli
- Meet Gadaba communities and experience their traditional culture
- Visit traditional Dokra metal-casting artisans
- Discover the unique art and traditions of the Lanjia Saura
- Admire the spectacular Duduma Waterfall
- Visit a Tibetan monastery near Jirang
- Relax by the coast at Gopalpur
Tour Plan
Your journey unfolds one day at a time through carefully planned destinations, meaningful cultural encounters, and seamless travel arrangements. While this itinerary provides a suggested route, every journey is fully customizable and can be tailored to match your interests, preferred pace, travel style, and schedule.
Arrive in Bhubaneswar, the historic capital of Odisha, and meet your representative for a transfer to the hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, begin your introduction to Odisha with a visit to some of Bhubaneswar’s magnificent ancient temples, including Lingaraj, Mukteshwar, Parsurameswar and Rajarani Temple. A visit to the Tribal Museum can also be arranged to provide an introduction to the diverse indigenous communities of Odisha.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive towards the forested highlands around Phulbani. The journey takes you through scenic rural landscapes and traditional villages.
En route, visit a Kondh village and gain an insight into the community’s traditional lifestyle, architecture, agricultural practices and customs. Continue to Phulbani and check in at your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, travel towards the remote areas inhabited by the Kutia Kondh, one of the indigenous communities of southern Odisha.
Spend time exploring the village and learning about traditional ways of life, including local agriculture, handicrafts and community traditions. Continue your journey through the picturesque Eastern Ghats towards Rayagada.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today, discover the cultural heritage of the Desia Kondh community. Visit a traditional village and learn about everyday life, agricultural practices and distinctive cultural traditions.
Continue to a village renowned for its Dokra metal craftsmanship, an ancient lost-wax casting technique practised by artisan communities in the region. Meet local craftspeople and observe the traditional process of creating their distinctive metalwork.
Return to Rayagada for the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
Early morning, drive towards Chatikona, home to one of Odisha’s most fascinating weekly tribal markets. The market brings together members of the Dongria Kondh community, who come from surrounding hill villages to trade agricultural produce and locally gathered products.
Continue towards Jeypore, visiting a Kuvi Kondh village en route. Later, meet members of the Mali community, traditionally associated with horticulture and agriculture.
Arrive in Jeypore and check in at your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today brings one of the cultural highlights of the journey. Travel to Onkadeli, known for its colourful weekly market and its association with the Bonda community.
Explore the vibrant market and observe traditional clothing, local produce and the lively atmosphere as communities from surrounding villages gather for their weekly exchange.
Continue to Duduma Waterfall, one of the spectacular natural attractions of the region. Later, visit a Gadaba villageand learn about the community’s distinctive traditions and way of life.
Subject to local arrangements and community permissions, experience a traditional Dhemsa dance performance, accompanied by local music and traditional attire.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive towards the Gunupur region to visit a Lanjia Saura village.
The Lanjia Saura are renowned for their distinctive Saura wall paintings, which depict aspects of their spiritual beliefs and everyday life. Discover their traditional agricultural practices, village architecture, clothing and artistic heritage.
Continue towards Jirang, home to a Tibetan Buddhist monastery set amid the hills. Explore the monastery and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing to the coastal town of Gopalpur.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bhubaneswar.
Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time to enjoy a final glimpse of Odisha or explore local markets before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.
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