✦ Tribal Expedition

Tribal Odyssey of Odisha & Chhattisgarh

Ancient Temples, Indigenous Cultures, Colourful Markets & Hidden Heritage

  • Odisha & Chhattisgarh
  • 14 Days / 13 Nights
  • Bhubaneswar → Raipur
  • Price on request
  • Write a review
View Day-by-Day Itinerary

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the tribal heartland of Eastern and Central India. This immersive expedition combines Odisha’s ancient temples, vibrant tribal cultures, weekly indigenous markets, heritage villages, sacred monuments, spectacular waterfalls, and the untouched landscapes of Chhattisgarh. Meet some of India’s most fascinating tribal communities, discover age-old traditions, and explore regions seldom visited by mainstream travellers.

Tour Highlights

  • Ancient temples of Bhubaneswar
  • UNESCO World Heritage Konark Sun Temple
  • Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village
  • Weekly tribal markets of Dukum, Chatikona, Onukadelli & Kunduli
  • Encounters with Dongria Kondh, Bonda, Gadaba, Desia Kondh, Mali & Paraja tribes
  • Dhokra metal craft traditions
  • Chitrakote Falls – “Niagara of India”
  • Stay at historic Kanker Palace
  • Bhoramdeo Temple & tribal communities
  • Exceptional photography opportunities
  • One of India’s most authentic tribal and cultural journeys

Ideal For

  • Tribal & Cultural Enthusiasts
  • Photographers
  • Anthropological Travellers
  • Heritage Explorers
  • Offbeat India Specialists
  • Adventure & Experiential Travellers
  • Repeat Visitors to India Seeking Unique Experiences
Duration14 Days / 13 Nights
Best TimeOctober – March
Start – EndBhubaneswar → Raipur
GroupPrivate · Any size

Inclusions

  • Handpicked hotel stays with daily breakfast
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur
  • Airport / railway station transfers
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary with local guide
  • All applicable taxes and parking
  • 24×7 on-trip support

Exclusions

  • Flights / train tickets (can be arranged)
  • Monument entry fees and camera charges
  • Meals other than those mentioned
  • Personal expenses, tips and insurance

The price depends on your travel dates, hotel category and group size. Your travel specialist will send a detailed quote. Drive distances and times are approximate.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

14 Days / 13 Nights · Bhubaneswar to Raipur

Overnight stays
  1. Bhubaneswar 2N
  2. Puri 1N
  3. Gopalpur-on-Sea 1N
  4. Rayagada 2N
  5. Jeypore 2N
  6. Jagdalpur 1N
  7. Kanker Palace 1N
  8. Bhoramdeo 2N
  9. Raipur 1N
  1. Rock-cut Jain caves of Udayagiri in Bhubaneswar
    Day 1

    Arrival in Bhubaneswar

    Upon arrival at Bhubaneswar Airport, transfer to your hotel.

    If time permits, enjoy an introduction to Odisha’s heritage with a visit to the ancient rock-cut caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, dating back over 2,000 years.

    Highlight Experience

    • Arrival in Odisha’s capital city
    • Explore ancient Jain cave complexes
    • Introduction to Odisha’s rich archaeological heritage

    Overnight Stay: Bhubaneswar

  2. Kalinga-style temple towers in Bhubaneswar, the City of Temples
    Day 2

    Temples & Cultural Heritage of Bhubaneswar

    Activities: Approx. 4 hrs

    Known as the “City of Temples,” Bhubaneswar is home to some of India’s finest examples of Kalinga architecture. Explore a remarkable collection of temples dating from the 7th to 11th centuries.

    Highlight Experience

    • Discover Odisha’s ancient temple architecture
    • Visit the Tribal Museum
    • Explore centuries of religious and artistic heritage
    • Experience the cultural heart of Odisha

    Overnight Stay: Bhubaneswar

  3. Carved stone chariot wheel of the Konark Sun Temple at sunset
    Day 3

    Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri

    Drive: 155 km · Approx. 8 hrs

    Drive towards the sacred coastal town of Puri while exploring some of Odisha’s most iconic landmarks.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the Dhauli Peace Pagoda, associated with Emperor Ashoka
    • Explore the unique 64 Yogini Temple
    • Discover Pipili, famous for its colourful appliqué handicrafts
    • Guided visit of the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple
    • Relax on the beaches of Puri

    Overnight Stay: Puri

  4. Hand-painted masks and crafts at Raghurajpur heritage crafts village
    Day 4

    Puri – Raghurajpur – Gopalpur-on-Sea

    Drive: Approx. 200 km · Approx. 7 hrs

    This morning, visit the artistic village of Raghurajpur before continuing south along the coast to the peaceful seaside town of Gopalpur.

    Highlight Experience

    • Meet traditional Pattachitra artists
    • Explore Eastern India’s only recognised Heritage Crafts Village
    • Interact with local artisans and craftsmen
    • Enjoy a relaxing evening by the Bay of Bengal

    Overnight Stay: Gopalpur-on-Sea

  5. Flower offerings in the sacred hot spring pool at Taptapani
    Day 5

    Gopalpur – Rayagada

    Drive: 230 km · Approx. 8 hrs

    Journey into the tribal heartland of southern Odisha, stopping along the way at natural and cultural attractions.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the sulphur-rich hot springs of Taptapani
    • Explore traditional Odishan villages
    • Enter the tribal belt of Southern Odisha
    • Scenic drive through forested landscapes

    Overnight Stay: Rayagada

  6. Tribal women trading sweet potatoes and vegetables at a weekly market in southern Odisha
    Day 6

    Desia Kondh Market & Dhokra Artisans

    Drive: Approx. 100 km · Approx. 6 hrs

    Experience one of the most authentic tribal markets in Odisha and discover indigenous handicraft traditions.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the weekly Desia Kondh tribal market (Tuesday only)
    • Observe rural trade and traditional lifestyles
    • Explore the Dhokra craft village of Jigidi
    • Meet skilled metal artisans practicing the ancient lost-wax technique

    Overnight Stay: Rayagada

  7. Dongria Kondh women in traditional shawls and hair clips at a weekly market
    Day 7

    Rayagada – Chatikona – Jeypore

    Drive: 220 km · Approx. 9 hrs

    Today offers a rare opportunity to interact with one of Odisha’s most distinctive tribal communities.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the colourful Chatikona weekly market (Wednesday only)
    • Meet the fascinating Dongria Kondh tribe
    • Explore traditional tribal villages
    • Drive through the scenic Niyamgiri Hills region

    Overnight Stay: Jeypore

  8. A Bonda woman in metal neck rings selling chillies at the Onukadelli market
    Day 8

    Bonda & Gadaba Tribal Encounters

    Drive: 180 km · Approx. 9 hrs

    Travel to Onukadelli, home to one of India’s most remarkable tribal markets.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the famous Thursday market at Onukadelli
    • Meet Bonda, Gadaba and Mali tribal communities
    • Explore remote tribal villages
    • Discover unique traditions, jewellery and attire

    Overnight Stay: Jeypore

  9. Two tribal women with traditional facial tattoos in rural Odisha
    Day 9

    Kunduli Tribal Market – Jagdalpur

    Drive: 175 km · Approx. 9 hrs

    Cross into Chhattisgarh after exploring one of Odisha’s most vibrant tribal trading centres.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the colourful Kunduli Market (Friday only)
    • Discover markets dedicated to musical instruments, terracotta crafts and local produce
    • Visit Koraput’s Tribal Museum
    • Explore Jagannath Temple at Koraput
    • Continue into Bastar region of Chhattisgarh

    Overnight Stay: Jagdalpur

  10. Chitrakote Falls plunging over a horseshoe-shaped cliff in Bastar
    Day 10

    Chitrakote Waterfall – Kanker Palace

    Drive: 200 km · Approx. 8 hrs

    Today combines spectacular natural beauty with tribal culture and royal heritage.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the magnificent Chitrakote Falls, often called the “Niagara of India”
    • Discover Kondagaon’s traditional wrought iron craft village
    • Stay in the historic Kanker Palace
    • Optional visit to Maria Gond tribal communities

    Overnight Stay: Kanker Palace

  11. Forested hills of rural Chhattisgarh on the way to Bhoramdeo
    Day 11

    Kanker – Bhoramdeo

    Drive: 300 km · Approx. 9 hrs

    Travel deeper into rural Chhattisgarh towards the forested landscapes of Bhoramdeo.

    Highlight Experience

    • Scenic drive through tribal heartlands
    • Visit remote indigenous villages
    • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of a jungle retreat

    Overnight Stay: Bhoramdeo

  12. The intricately carved stone Bhoramdeo Temple in Chhattisgarh
    Day 12

    Bhoramdeo Heritage & Tribal Discovery

    Drive: Approx. 50 km · Approx. 6 hrs

    Explore the cultural and spiritual treasures surrounding Bhoramdeo.

    Highlight Experience

    • Visit the renowned Bhoramdeo Temple, often called the “Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh”
    • Meet Gond and Baiga tribal communities
    • Discover traditional tribal lifestyles
    • Explore rural landscapes and village life

    Overnight Stay: Bhoramdeo

  13. Tribal dancers with drums and feathered headdresses in a Chhattisgarh village
    Day 13

    Bhoramdeo – Raipur

    Drive: 160 km · Approx. 6 hrs

    Leave the tribal countryside behind as you travel towards Chhattisgarh’s capital city.

    Highlight Experience

    • Scenic drive through Central India
    • Optional visits to local tribal settlements
    • Arrival in Raipur

    Overnight Stay: Raipur

  14. Traditional white-on-red tribal wall painting of villagers and animals
    Day 14

    Departure from Raipur

    After breakfast, transfer to Raipur Airport for your onward flight, taking home unforgettable memories of India’s vibrant tribal cultures, sacred monuments, colourful markets and extraordinary human encounters.

Good to know: The Desia Kondh (Tuesday), Chatikona (Wednesday), Onukadelli (Thursday) and Kunduli (Friday) markets are held on fixed weekdays, so departure dates are planned around them.

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