TRIBAL TRAILS OF THE EASTERN GHATS 9-DAY IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE
A 9-day immersive adventure from Bhubaneswar - Puri – Anija village – Gunupur – Koraput – Jagdalpur – Darbha – Bastar – plus remote tribal villages like Puttasing, Kadraka Bandeli etc alongside vibrant weekly markets such as Onakadeli in Odisha and Nangur Haat in Chhattisgarh
Day 1: Arrival in Bhubaneswar – Temple Heritage Walk
Depart New Delhi for Bhubaneswar (flight ~2.5 hours; e.g., via IndiGo or Air India). Upon arrival at Biju Patnaik International Airport, transfer to your hotel (~30-45 min drive).Afternoon/Evening: Lingaraj Temple & Old Bhubaneswar Walk Lingaraj Temple, built in the 11th century in classic Kalinga architecture, honors Lord Shiva as Tribhuvaneswar (Lord of the Three Worlds); its 180-ft shikhara (tower) and intricate carvings make it Bhubaneswar’s oldest major temple complex. Non-Hindus and foreigners cannot enter the inner sanctum due to religious traditions, but view from the viewing platform overlooking the courtyards, Bindusagar Lake, and surrounding ancient ruins. Stroll Old Bhubaneswar’s lanes to see satellite temples like Rashi Deul and Brahmeswara, showcasing 7th-12th century Nagara-style evolution amid the “Temple City” moniker.
Overnight stay: Any 3 Star property (or similar; central location near temples)
Day 2: Puri, Konark & Dhauli – Coastal & Peace Circuit
Post-breakfast (~8 AM), drive to Puri (~1.5 hrs, 60 km) for Jagannath Temple darshan (if eligible; non-Hindus restricted) and beach relaxation, embodying Odisha’s Vaishnava devotion since the 12th century. En Route Return (~Afternoon): Stop at Konark Sun Temple (~30 min from Puri), a UNESCO site built c. 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty; designed as a massive chariot to Surya (Sun God) with 12 wheels, erotic sculptures, and magnetic stone legends—now partially ruined but iconic for Kalinga style. Proceed to Dhauli (~1 hr from Konark, 8 km from Bhubaneswar), site of the bloody 261 BCE Kalinga War where Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism; features his rock edicts (260 BCE) promoting dharma, a carved elephant (Odisha’s earliest Buddhist sculpture), and 1972 Shanti Stupa by Japan Buddha Sangha symbolizing peace. Return to Bhubaneswar by evening.
Overnight stay: Any 3 Star property
Day 3: Tribal Odyssey to Rayagada & Anija
After breakfast (~7 AM), embark on a 400 km (~9 hrs) scenic drive via NH326 to Rayagada’s tribal belt, home to Khonds, Soras, and other indigenous groups in southern Odisha’s forested hills, Midday: Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery (Chandragiri, ~en route near Phulbani)Lunch here at this 5-story, 96-ft “Little Tibet,” largest Buddhist vihara in Eastern India; built 2003-2008 post-1959 Tibetan exodus (Dalai Lama inaugurated 2010), featuring a 21-ft Buddha statue, 17-ft Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), and Avalokitesvara—on 10 acres blending Tibetan architecture with Odisha stonework. Evening Arrival: Anija Golf & Country Resort (Rayagada)Nestled on Nagavalli River banks, this luxury resort founded by Dr. Seshagiri Mantri offers golf, spa, adventure sports, and tribal cultural immersion amid Rayagada’s biodiversity—perfect base for exploring Kondh/Sora heritage.
Overnight stay: : Anija Golf Resort, Rayagada
Day 4: Anija Golf Resort, Rayagada
Start your day with a yoga on the river side. Post-breakfast, journey to Puttasing near Gunupur for an immersive dive into Lanjia Saora life—mud-and-thatch homes on forested hills adorned with vibrant idital murals. Witness sacred rituals and the mesmerizing Benta dance with brass gongs and peacock feathers. Sample millet beer on return, if you wish. Return to the resort by 7:00 PM
Overnight stay: Anija Golf Resort, Rayagada
Day 5: Dangaria Kandha PVTG in Niyamgiri Hills (87 km, ~2 hr 30 mins)
Venture to remote Kadraka Bandeli village amid Niyamgiri’s sacred hills—a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot teeming with rare orchids and elephants. In Bangapadu hamlet (home to 150 souls), savor community lunch of bamboo shoots and red rice while hearing tales of horticulture and hill worship
Overnight stay: Anija Golf Resort, Rayagada
Day 6: Onakadeli Market Vibrancy (200 km, ~5 hours)
Drive to Koraput District’s bustling Onakadeli weekly market, where Bonda PVTG women in bead necklaces, tattoos, and wraps trade millet, herbs, and weaves. This Stone Age-preserved hub pulses with haggling amid smoky thatched stalls—a rare window into timeless traditions
Overnight stay: Hello Jeypore, Jeypore
Day 7: Dandami Madia (Bison Horn Maria) & Tirathgarh (45 km, ~1 hour)
Explore Bastar’s dense jungles to witness Dandami Madia PVTG’s iconic bison horn dance—warriors in massive horn helmets swaying to drumbeats for forest gods. Delve into mud homes, animistic rites blending Gond lore and Hinduism, and sustainable hunts. Afternoon: Trek near Tirathgarh Waterfalls (91m plunge, 400600m elevations) for misty gorges, spray, and rainbows
Overnight stay: Avinash Hotel, Jagdalpur.
Day 8: Dhurwa (Parja) Tribe Immersion (35 km, ~1 hour)
Head to Darbha villages like Chindwada or Dudmaaras, stronghold of the warrior Dhurwa tribe. Marvel at tattooed women in anklets, water rituals for Hinglajni Mata, and Parji tales of legend Gundadhur. Their Kanger Valley hamlets buzz with weaves and rice beer—taste their resilient spirit. Trek near Majipal village in Bastar’s lush Eastern Ghats foothills, a hidden gem for immersive nature walks amid sal forests and tribal hamlets. Moderate trails (2-3 hours, ~300500m elevations) wind past cascading streams, wild orchids, and bamboo groves, offering eagle sightings and glimpses of Maria tribe life—mud homes, millet fields, and sacred groves. Pack water and sturdy shoes for this authentic offbeat adventure blending wilderness and culture
Overnight stay:Avinash Hotel, Jagdalpur.
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Jagdalpur Airport (or nearest hub), your heart brimming with tribal rhythms and Ghats enchantment. Safe journeys
- 9-Day immersive tribal journey through Odisha & Chhattisgarh
- Temple heritage walk in Bhubaneswar & Konark Sun Temple visit
- Authentic tribal interactions with Lanjia Saora & Dangaria Kandha
- Visit vibrant tribal markets like Onakadeli & Nangur Haat
- Witness the iconic Bison Horn Dance of Dandami Madia tribe
- Explore Tirathgarh waterfalls & Bastar forest landscapes
- Experience tribal food, rituals, music & traditional lifestyles
- Yoga, meditation & cultural immersion throughout the journey
- Stay at the premium Anija Golf & Country Resort