The Soul of India lies along the eastern seaboard of India, with fertile green coastal plains rising to the lush green hills of the Eastern Ghats. Orissa has around 62 distinct tribal groups of aboriginal people. Most prominent and interesting among them are the Saora, Kondh, Gadabba, Paraja, Bonda and Koyas of Orissa region, and the Maria tribes The Soul of India lies along the eastern seaboard of India, with fertile green coastal plains raising to the lush green hills of the Eastern Ghats. Orissa has around 62 distinct tribal groups of aboriginal people. Most prominent and interesting among them are the Saora, Kondh, Gadabba, Paraja, Bonda and Koyas of Orissa region, and the Maria tribes of Bastar districts in Chattisgarh State. Weekly "market days", when the local tribal people come to buy goods, give you the perfect opportunity to see the various tribes close at hand. You will meet people with distinct features, and decorated with facial and hand tattoos, layers of beads covering bare breasts, piles of aluminum necklaces and a multitude of earrings.
Destinations Covered : Delhi-Nagpur-Kanha-Kawardha-Kanker-Baster-Jeypore-Rayagada-Gopalpur-Bhubaneshwar-Puri-Lalitagiri
Tour Duration: 12 Nights/ 13 Days
DAY 01: DELHI
You will be met upon arrival at the arrival lounge of International airport and will be transferred to hotel Imperial for overnight stay and we begin the trip of the entire esat from the next day.
DAY 02: NAGPUR - KANHA
Depart Delhi on flight 9W111 at 0705 hrs, arriving in Nagpur at 0825 hrs. You will be met and assisted on arrival and drive to Kanha. Upon arrival proceed to Kipling Camp.( 6 hours drive).
Situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the picturesque Kanha National Park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling's unforgettable classic Jungle Book. The romance of the Kanha National Park has not reduced over time-it is still as beautiful.
If one were to point to the middle of India, chances are he will pick out the forests of the Banjar and the Halon valley, the two forming the western and eastern halves of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, which have long been famous for their wide diversity of wildlife.
The park was created in 1955 by a special law and, since then, it has dedicated itself in preserving a variety of animal species. Many endangered species have indeed been saved here. Today Kanha is among the few most scenic and beautiful wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey.
By far the most striking features of this region are the open grassy meadows, where sighting blackbuck, swamp deer, sambhar and chital is common. And, if one can transcend into time, a barefooted Mowgli would perhaps come padding along the dusty trail, for this is the land of Kipling's Jungle Book.
DAY 03: KANHA - KAWARDHA
After an early morning safari in the park, depart on the 95 km( 3- 4 hours) drive to Kawardha, a small town in the Chhattisgarh ("34 forts") region.
Kawardha, which is in the centre of the Bagia tribe who live on the forests surrounding the town. In this remote area, Maharaja Vishwaraj Singh has recently opened his palace to visitors. The palace provides a delightfully quiet unspoiled contrast with India's big cities. The Radha Krishna family temple with underground rooms, the Holy Water tank and other 11th century temples in the immediate region are also worth visiting. Overnight at Kawardha Palace.
DAY 04: KANKER
As one leaves the plains of Chattisgarh, driving southwards, there is a gentle but unmistakable ascent into the hills. The forest thickens all around as the road winds up serpentine Ghats. The hills in the distance, bathed in a misty blue, appear to fade into each other. Somewhere along the way, in a clearing on the side, men with poles slung over their shoulders and women with baskets on their heads, make their way down a forest track in single file, unmindful of the occasional vehicle going past. The air is fresh and sweet with the fragrance of wild flowers. There is an exhilarating sense of coming into something wondrous, beautiful and untouched.
The virgin and untouched tribal landscape is very fascinating indeed. Explore the verdant surroundings of the palace.
DAY 05: KANKER
After breakfast, depart for an excursion to Keshkal, 30 kms south of Kanker, amidst dense forest. The road climbs a spectacular series of ledges in 12 loops. At the summit are two picture-perfect rest houses, which offer an array of breathtaking views of the lush expanse of jungle and the interlocking valleys below.
Later you will have the opportunity to observe and enjoy tribal life at close quarters when you visit the tribes in the vicinity. You will also visit the ruins of some ancient temples in the area. Return to Kanker for dinner and overnight stay.After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to visit the tribal village of Bahaigaon, famous for its dancers. The countryside around Kanker is an endless series of interesting discoveries.Gond Muria and Gond Halba tribals live in hamlets and villages, following unhurried routines and customs that are an anthropologist's delight. Return to Kanker for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 06: BASTER
After breakfast, depart for Bastar. The journey is, in itself, a treasure trove of vignettes of tribal life. You may visit the centres of tribal craft and their emporia at Bastar and Kondagaon on the way and you will have the opportunity to mingle with tribal folk. On arrival, check into a Bastar farm house for dinner and overnight stay. Enjoy a visit to the Maria Gond tribe, known for their weaving, dancing and hospitality. Also spend time in Bastar, soaking in the natural beauty of the region amidst which tribal folk create their lives. The stupendous falls of the river Indravati at Chitrakote, and the lively cataracts of Tirathgarh offer exciting prospects of exploration and a picnic. Dinner and overnight at a Bastar farm house.
Bastar in Chattisgarh, India is primarily a tribal region and is known for its dense forests and rich mineral resources. The tribes that inhabit this part of Bastar, Chattisgarh, India are the Gonds, Murias and Marias and while you are on tribal tours to one of the most attractive tribal destinations located in Chattisgarh, India you will discover that these people are completely cut of from the outside world and still follow the age old traditions and customs that have been going on for centuries at a stretch.
The most prominent travel attractions in Bastar that is situated on the Abujmarh Mountains in Chattisgarh, India are the Chitrakoot waterfalls, Jagdalpur, Kutumsar Caves, Tirathgarh Falls, Danteshwari Temple, Mama Bhanja ka Mandir, Shiva temple and the Ganesha Temple. Besides these there is a granite Shiva lingam located at Garh Gobrahin that is supposed to be an important tourist destination located in Bastar in Chattisgarh, India. It is believed that this Shiva lingam was constructed sometime in the 7th century.
DAY 07: JEYPORE
After breakfast, depart for Jeypore, en route visiting Kotpad weavers and tribal villages. Orissa is a world of lush and green mountains, with rich paddies and terraces everywhere. Jeypore, in the Koraput district of Orissa, is a feast for the eyes, cradled in virgin nature with a broad panorama of enchanting hills, rippling streams, spectacular waterfalls, wonderful caves and lush green valleys.
The antiquity of Orissa is endorsed by her ancient people - They continue to inhabit their traditional dwelling places in remote areas of the deep forests and hilly interiors. Steeped in the mystery that surrounds their ancient ways, the Orissan tribal continue to be a source of deep interest not only for anthropologists and sociologists but also for numerous tourists who flock to Orissa in search of the exotic mystique of this relatively unexplored state. The tribal economy is by and large based on activities around the jungles. Hunting and fishing continue to be the main source of livelihood though some of the larger tribes such as Santals, Mundas, and Gonds have become agriculturists. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saura, and Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya tribals are cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making. The Santal, Munda and other tribes have now also become involved in the mining and industrial belt of Orissa. Though their economy is shaky, the Orissan tribal enjoy a rich and varied cultural heritage, the most powerful instance of this being in their music and dance, which are as colorful as they are rhythmical. The cycle of life offers numerous reasons to celebrate and is done so with vigor and grace - either in the privacy of family home or as a community activity. The changing seasons, religious customs, and the traditional rhythms of superstitious belief are strong incentives for creating a string of festivals to augment their importance to the tribal.
DAY 08: RAYAGADA
Depart for Rayagada, en route visiting the Paraja tribe and their village and tribal market at Kakariguma. On arrival in Rayagada, check into the Sai International Hotel for overnight stay.
It is one among the old districts of Orissa. This district is known for its hotwater spring Tarable and irrigation & power project Budhbudhiani. It is also acknowledged for its Leather works, Brass& Bell utensils and Sugar Factory. Baramul, Odagaon, Jamupatna, Kantilo, Ranapur, Sarankul, Tarabalo, Kuturi and Kuanria are some of the visiting places of this district.
DAY 09: GOPALPUR
Depart for Gopalpur on sea, en route visiting the Kondh and Saora tribe, their villages and lifestyles. The Kondhs are historically known for their "Mariah Sacrifice" - or "Human Sacrifice". They are of Dravidian origin and speak Kui language, and they practice elaborate birth, marriage and death rituals. The Saora tribes are mostly concentrated in the Ganjam district of the State. The whole area is an intricate labyrinth of precipitous hills and valleys which are part of the Eastern Ghat - the height of the hills varying from 2000 to 4000 feet above sea level. The tribes trace their origins to the Ramayana where there is reference to Savari, a Saora woman whom Ram and Laxman met while moving about in the Dandaka forests in search of Sita. On arrival in Gopalpur on sea, check in to the Song of the Sea or Sea Pearl Hotel.
DAY 10: BHUBANESHWAR
Depart for Bhubaneswar en route visiting Chilka Lake- the largest brackish water lake in the country, spread over 1200 sq. kms and famous for its migratory birds and Irawaddy dolphins.
The extremely picturesque lakes of Orissa hold a prominent position in the tourist map of India for their beauty, for enclosing an immense variety of fish, and the fact that they play host to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds during winter and are a home to a variety of flora and fauna. Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia, and a spot of enchanting beauty. The large fishing community adds flavour to the lakes with their traditional colourful sailboats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. Various facilities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating are available at some of the lakes. Hirakud Dam on the river Mahanadi is one of the longest dams in the world and the largest dam made of earth. From horizon to horizon, the reservoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 sq km and a shore line of over 640 km. The vast blue expanse guarded by green-capped soaring hills makes this lake a delightful sight - a lifetime memory.
DAY 11: BHUBANESHWAR
After breakfast, enjoy a full day's trip to visit the famed Buddhist Heritage complex -Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitagiri, located 110 kms and 2 hours drive from Bhubaneswar. Through the years, from the 3rd century B.C, Orissa had nurtured a number of Buddhist centres of learning and art in several places, which flourished up to the 12th to 13th century A.D.
It is the Capital city of Orissa and the ancient Kingdom of Kalinga. Bhubaneswar popularly known as the temple city of India. The main attractions are Lingaraj temple,kedar Gouri, State museum,Bindusagar tank ,Rabindra Mandap , Ram Mandir, Raj Bhawan , Legislative Assembly , Nandankanan , parks , gardens and is the shopping center of Orissa.
Places of tourist interest :
Dhauli:
It is situated at a distance of 15kms from Bhubaneswar. The rock edict of Dhauli bears the early history of Kalinga and this rock edict was engraved by Emperor Ashok.
Khandagiri and Udayagiri:
These twin hills are situated in Bhubaneswar. There are 117 caves in these twin hills. The Rani Gumpha is the largest cave in the Udaygiri hill. Another famous cave called the Hati Gumpha is also there where the rock is engraved by King Kharavela. These caves contain a beautiful Barabhuja temple and a Jain temple.
Lingaraj Temple:
Lingaraj temple is the largest and most famous Lord Shiva temple in Orissa. A couple of other temples exist there around it.
Nandan Kanan:
This is a famous Zoo of Orissa situated at a distance of 20 kms from Bhubaneswar. It is famous for the Botanical garden, zoo and the natural lake. The recently opened Natural lion safari is the largest of its kind in India. The white tigers present here makes it unique across the world.
Kaipadar:
Kaipadar is situated at a distance of 15km from Khurda. A beautiful mosque is present here.This place is the meeting place of Hindus and Muslims.
Deras & Jhumka:
Two beautiful picnic spots situated at a distance of 15 kms from Bhubaneswar. Deras and Jhumka are two dams surrounded by dense forest.
Shishupalgarh:
Situated at a distance of 13kms from Bhubaneswar. The ruined fort Shishupalgarh and ancient capital of Kalinga named Toshali is being discovered by the archeological survey of India.
Shikharchandi:
It is situated at a distance of 15kms from Bhubaneswar towards Nandankanan. A temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi on the hill top and the scenic beauty is the main attraction fo this place.
DAY 12 : BHUBANESHWAR
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bhubaneswar, capital city of the modern state of Orissa and the ancient Kingdom of Kalinga. Bhubaneswar is known as the Temple City of India. Amongst the finest of its 600 temples, and also the largest, is the Lingaraj Temple of Shiva built in the 11th century. Visit the Mukteswara temple built in the 10th century and known for its stone and arch at the entrance and its rich sculpture. With tales from the Panchtantra carved on it, the temple is a magnificent example of Orissan architecture.
The Rajarani temple, set in picturesque surroundings, is noted for its intricate carvings of floral, animal and human figures. It was built in the 11th century and has no deity. Parasurameswara temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva built in the 7th century, is one of the best preserved. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs. Visit the caves carved out of rock on the hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri, which are about 8 kms from the city. The double storied Rani Gumpha-Queen's cave is the largest cave with ornate carvings.
The Hati Gumpha-elephant cave has the chronicles of King Kharvela carved on it.Proceed to the Airport to board your flight S2316 to Kolkata. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the Oberoi Grand Hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 13: KOLKATA
A mere village in the 17th century, Kolkata today is one of the largest cities in the world, one of the largest ports in the East and the main outlet for produce of West Bengal and neighboring states.
The city of Joy is also refereed to as the intellectual capital of the country. Some of the best-built buildings in India are the colonial buildings in Kolkata. Thus, when you are holidaying in Kolkata there are a number of landmarks worth visiting. The Victoria Memorial is the most important tourist spot in Kolkata. As the name suggests, it was built in the memory of Queen Victoria. Howrah Bridge is another milestone synonymous with Kolkata. Kolkata is home to the second largest planetarium in Asia, the Birla planetarium. On the banks of Hooghly River there is Vidyasagar Setu too.
The oldest museum in India is also located in Kolkata, Indian Museum. For the sports lovers Eden Gardens is a must check out. The garden is a well laid-out garden that has the renowned cricket ground also. For those spiritually inclined in Kolkata the Kala Mandir is a must visit. The temple is dedicated to Kali Ma, the goddess of destruction. The best time to visit Kolkata is during the winter months from October to March. Durga Puja is another occasion when the city is at its best.
Morning visit to the traditional snake charmer village, afternoon transfer to flights to Delhi and home.
