TRIBAL TOUR OF ORISSA
Orissa, India
Day 1: ARRIVAL DELHI
Upon arrival at Delhi international airport, you will be met by our representative who will assist you with the arrival transfer and check in formalities at the hotel.
Day 2: DELHI CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed for Full day sightseeing tour of Delhi explore the Qutub complex which houses India's biggest single tower Qutab Minar and the 4th century rust free Iron Pillar; drive past the Mughal citadel named Lal Qila (Red Fort); and Lutyens Delhi with its tree lined boulevards leading to the British Viceroy's Palace (Rashtrapati Bhavan) now the official residence of the President of India, the secretariat, India gate and Parliament House. Also visit the grand Jama Masjid and Humayun's Tomb– the only monument ever built by a queen in memory of her beloved king husband ,which was an inspiration for several other monuments, such as the incomparable Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 3: DELHI- BHUBNESHWAR (Flight)
After breakfast transfer to Delhi airport to board flight for Bhubneshwar:
Departure: Delhi At: 1210 Hrs By: 6E 261
Arrival: Bhubneshwar At: 1420 Hrs
Upon arrival in Bhubneshwar, transfer to the hotel for check in. Later proceed for sightseeing tour of the city. You will be visiting Bindu Sagar Lake: Bindu Sagar, also known as the Bindu Sarovara and Ocean Drop (Bindu means drop) Tank, is considered as a very sacred located near the famous temples in
Bhubaneswar. A large number of temples surround this tank and it is believed that this sacred lake contains drops of water from every holy rivers, pools and tanks in India.
Lingaraj Temple: an ancient temple built dating back to 7th century, is a majestic monument of Oriyan architectural style and craftsmanship. The temple, a massive structure of 147 feet high, is enclosed by fortified walls and is surrounded by many ancient small shrines. It is believed that the construction of the temple took place a long period during the rule of three dynasties. This beautifully and elaborately carved lofty tower is a special attraction of the temple. The Unique feature and identity of the temple is the main deity, a Swayambhu Linga, a merge of Half Vishnu and Half Shiva. The temple encloses a Shivling placed in a pancha-ratha sanctum, a hall for offering and other two halls used for dancing and other activities related to the temple. The annual chariot festival conducted during the month of April is a major draw.
Mukteshwara Temple (if time permits): a 10th century old monument, a real specimen of ancient and modern Kalinga School of architecture, blended perfectly in construction. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its beautiful carvings and exquisite sculptural works. The complicated carvings in the temple walls and halls show a mixture of artistic styles of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist. The temple is credited with a richly adorned stone arch at the entrance; an architectural marvel in the ancient past. The temple is a massive structure of 35 ft high and is a marvel in sandstone. The temple walls are decorated with legendary stories from the Panchatantra and sculptural designs of many animals including elephants, lions and monkeys.
Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: SAME DAY TRIP TO UDAYAGIRI, LALITAGIRI & RATNAGIRI
After breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to the caves of Udaigiri, Lalitagiri and Ratnagiri. These caves boast of some great Buddhist monasteries, Stupas, motifs, return back to hotel for overnight stay
Udayagiri: A sprawling Buddhist complex has been excavated from Udayagiri. The vestiges of the complex include brick monasteries, brick stupas, various sculptures and ancient inscriptions, which are
truly worth seeing and experiencing. The largest Buddhist Complex in Udayagiri has gained its significance after the recent excavations, which exposed that the complex was formerly known as Madhavapura Mahavihara. The whole area was set up at the backdrop of a large hill and the place is now acquired the status of the earliest Buddhists establishments in the world.
Ratnagiri: is a famous Buddhist centre located in the magnificent ambience of Birupa river valley in the Cuttack district of Orissa. Ratnagiri is a beautiful hill and is one among the Diamond Triangle - Lalitgiri and Udayagiri being toe other two. It contains valuable collections of Buddhist antiques. Recent excavation held here revealed that, Ratnagiri was a prime centre of Buddhism from the first half of sixth century AD. Initially, Ratnagiri was a prominent Mahayana sect Buddhist centre, later in the 8th – 9th century it became a focal point of Vajrayana Buddhism. Two large monasteries, Buddhist sculptures, inscribed stone slabs and molded terracotta plaques were unearthed from here.
Lalitgiri: This majestic hill serves as a backdrop to an outstanding Buddhist complex of the first century. The excavations done here reveal that Lalitgiri was a great centre of Buddhist attraction in ancient times. Brick pagodas, sculptured stone portals, esoteric Buddhist images, huge Bodhisattva statues and votive stupas are among the excavated items. Most of the sculptures bear short inscriptions on them. Apart from this, sacred relics were also obtained from the site. The ancient university at Lalitgiri, though in ruins, is noted for its beautiful doorways and sanctum with a colossal Buddha figure. Other highlights in the site include a small monastery, stone temple and a large stupa.
Return back to the hotel in Bhubneshwar for overnight stay.
Day 5: BHUBNESHWAR- BALIGUDA (Surface)
After breakfast you will be driven towards Baliguda (approx 310 Kms/ 7 Hrs). Enroute visit the road side common village, semi tribal villages and tribal villages.
Baliguda is in the district of Phulbani, through the beautiful countryside road full with small mountains of Sal forest, one of the entry points to the tribal highland of Orissa. Baliguda is supposed to be one of the three forest divisions located in the district of Phulbani. The region comprises of a range of plateaus covering the core crests of the Eastern Ghats. The forests, being mixed deciduous, primarily have a rich
growth of Sal trees. The place takes pride in its natural panoramic view – lush green woods, cluster of hills, tranquil surroundings with a rich endowment of flora and fauna and above all, the tribal societies dwelling in this area. The uniqueness of the state is truly retained by its tribal population. They continue to lead a rustic lifestyle in the lap of nature. These tribal societies embrace the section of people who understand the meaning of living together and join hands to work together to achieve any shared interest to cater to the benefits of their society. The tribal groups although have undertaken various forms of odd jobs at present, yet their basic livelihood depend on hunting and cultivation. In the past eras, the tribal land areas were never surveyed and they did not lead a settled life. The tribal people carried out shifting cultivation, taking into consideration that they were the possessors of the natural resources like the river water, forest trees and the lush green lands. This practice of self cultivation still continues till date.
Upon arrival transfer, check in, Dinner and at the hotel and overnight stay in Baliguda.
Day 6: BALIGUDA- RAYAGADA (Surface)
Morning after early breakfast you will be driven to Belghar area (220 kms / 5 hours) Enroute visit a few villages and towns Kuttiya Kondh and Rasul Kondh (this tribe is the largest tribal group in Orissa who lives in the hilly Phulbani). They are divided into 4 sub-tribes. Desia Kondh: farmers, Kuttiya Kondh. Rasul Kondh. Dongariya Kondh. Visit the weekly market Kothgarh. (operates only on Tuesday).
After completing the visits continue your drive to Rayagada, upon arrival transfer, check in, Dinner and overnight at Rayagada.
Day 7: RAYAGADA- CHATIKONA- JEYPORE (Surface)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Jeypore (260 kms / 6 hours) Enroute visiting Chatikona an important center where people gather Dongariya Kondh living in the hills Niyamgiri. These ethnic Kondh became famous in the 19th century were discovered when their rituals of human sacrifice! They sacrifice buffaloes now to ensure good harvests. Also visit weekly market (operates only on Wednesday). Continue your drive to Jeypore, upon arrival transfer, check in, dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Jeypore.
Day 8: JEYPORE- ONUKUDELLI- JEYPORE (Surface)
Early morning you will be driven towards the market Onakudelli (operates only on Thursday). Visit of Bonda and Gadhab and their tribes on the market. Lunch at a local restaurant, afterwards you will be driven back to Jeypore en route visiting some tribal villages.
Rest of the day is free at leisure, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 9: JEYPORE- GUPTESWAR- JEYPORE (Surface)
Morning after breakfast proceed for a full day excursion to Gupteswar (approx 60 Kms/ 2 hrs drive), In Gupteswar visit the caves and few Dhuraba Tribal village. After completing the sightseeing you will be driven back to Jeypore.
Dinner and overnight at hotel
Day 10: JEYPORE- TAPTAPANI (Surface)
Morning after breakfast you will be driven to Taptapani (300 kms / 7 hours) Enroute visiting Jagannath Temple and Tribal Museum at Koraput.
Upon arrival transfer and check in at hotel, dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 11: TAPTAPANI- PURI (Surface)
After breakfast, visit the Tibetan village at Chandragiri, later you will be driven to Puri Enroute boat ride in Chilka Lake, Asia`s largest salt water lake (350kms / 8 hours).
Upon arrival in Puri, transfer and check in at hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: PURI- KONARK- PURI (Surface)
Morning after breakfast drive to Konark (40 kms / 1 hour) to visit the Sun temple and fisher man`s village. Afternoon sightseeing in Puri including Jagannath temple local market, Gundicha Mandir and artisan`s village in Raghurajpur (patta painting, palm leaf writing etc).
Return back to Puri for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: PURI
Breakfast at the hotel
Full day at leisure for shopping, independent activities and to enjoy the beaches of Puri
Overnight at hotel
Day 14: PURI- BHUBNESHWAR- DELHI
Morning after breakfast you will be driven towards Bhubaneshwar airport (65-70 Kms/ 2 hrs) to connect flight to Delhi
Departure: Bhubneshwar At: 1450 Hrs By: 6E 262
Arrival: Delhi At: 1655 Hrs
Upon arrival in Delhi transfer and check in at the hotel, Evening free and overnight at the hotel
Day 15: DELHI- DEPARTURE
In time transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination
**END OF TOUR**