Day-01 Arrival Bhubneshwar
On arrival you will be met by our representative at airport and escorted till your hotel. Afternoon half day tour of Temple City. Finest temples are the Lingraj Temple, Rajrani Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Parsurameshwar and Brahmeshwar Temple. These temples are some of the best specimen of the Orissa Temple architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Day-02 Bhubneshwar – Puri
After an early breakfast proceed by surface to Puri enroute visiting the famous temples of Konark. See the beautiful Sun temple built in the 13th century in honour of the Sun God. Its exquisite carvings, the life-size statues of Lions and Elephants, colossal figures of warriors on horses, scenes of battle and the case-all testify to the high standard of ancient Indian art and architectural skill. Afternoon city tour of Puri. Visit the place of pilgrimage for the Hindus, the renowned Jagannath Temple built in the 15th century AD and crowned with Vishnu's wheel and flag dominate the landscape at Puri. The temple with its elaborate carvings and mouldings are very fine examples of Orissa architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: Non Hindus are not allowed inside the Temple.
Day-03 Puri – Gopalpur
Morning post breakfast drive to Gopalpur-on- sea via Tenta, Birnasingpur along Chilka lake ; visit fishing village to see the fishermen at work, searching prawns, mackerel and crabs. Gopalpur offers secluded environment and magnificent sun, surf and sand for most of the year. Rest of the day at leisure at the beach. Overnight at the hotel.
Day-04 Gopalpur – Rayagada
Morning post breakfast proceed by surface to Rayagada. Rayagada is a district of meadows, forests, waterfalls, and terraced valleys, peopled by colourful tribals and many primitive tribal groups. The scenic beauty and heritage on the land is an unexplored paradise. The systematic relationship between men and nature is a feast to the eyes of an outsider. It has its own languages and culture. The tribes living in the district posses dissimilar economics ranging from food gathering to settled cultivation. Their languages/dialects, societies and culture show inter-societal/cultural variations because of the persistence of ethnic mosaic formed by communities belonging to the scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other castes groups. Afternoon visit the weekly Tribal markets of Majhiguda (35kms22 miles), Gumma (15kms/9 miles).Overnight at the hotel.
Day-05 Rayagada - Chatikona - Koraput - Jeypore (Wednesday)
Early morning after breakfast drive down to Chatikona to watch the interesting colorful weekly market of Kondh tribes. This tribe is one of the most primitive tribe of the Kondh's they live in the high slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills. These people are horticulturists. They grow fruits like Orange, Pineapple, Banana etc. The male people of this community also wear ear rings, nose rings, and keep their hair as women. Later proceed to Jeypore enroute visiting some villages of Paroja tribes. Arrive late evening and check in at the hotel and overnight.
Day-06 Jeypore - Ounkadeli – Jeypore
Early am visit is the home of the Bondas (primitive tribe). They live in the remote hills and keep themselves isolated. They grow rice by shifting cultivation and keep domesticated cows and goats. They can only be seen when they come to trade at the local market, and we must time our visit to coincide with the weekly market. The Bonda women are noticeable by their bead necklaces, striking brass and silver neck lets and their shaved heads decorated with plaits of Palmyra leaves. Later drive back to jeypore enroute visiting the pottery village of Paraja tribal village. O/n at Hotel
Day-07 Jeypore – Kotpad – Jagdalpur
After breakfast, we will travel in royal luxury to Jagdalpur, Bastar’s main town and former capital, three hours away. Checking in to a comfortable local hotel, relax over leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, a royally guided tour of historical Jagdalpur and the Anthropological Museum is completed by a sunset idyll at the Chitrakote waterfall, Bastar’s very own ‘Nigara’ on the Indravati River: you will also visit some of the local Bison-Horn Maria tribe, renowned for their spectacular ceremonial dancing. Conditions permitting, a barbecue is served under the stars in authentic Bastar style. You will be entertained by a performance of the tribal people, before returning to your hotel.
Day-08 Jagdalpur – Kanger Valley National Park – Jagdalpur
An early breakfast allows time for a visit to the rich forests of the Kanger Valley National Park, the enchanting Tirathgarh waterfall and the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite caves. Kanger retains the original intensity of the forests that once covered this whole region, and you will picnic in the natural habitat of leopard, tiger, sambhar, bison and the Bastar Hill Myna. Here too are forest tribal people in their natural habitat. There will be time also to explore some of Jagdalpur’s unique handicrafts before dinner at the hotel with your royal guides.
Day-09 Jagdalpur – Narayanpur - Kanker
Drive to Kondagaon which is midway between Jagdalpur and Kanker. Visit Shilpgram (Handicraft village). Take an excurion to Narayanpur village to visit Sunday weekly market. Its famous for finest Baster handicraft like bell metal figures, wood craft, wrought iron and bamboo artifacts. Witness cock fight at the market. After visiting Narayanpur, drive to Kanker. Upon arrival at Kanker Palace the Maharaja’s family will greet you and show you to your suite. Over drinks and dinner, family members will be happy to interpret and explain the folkfore and tradition of the Sate they once ruled. They will also introduce you to a performance of the traditional music and dance of the region.
Day-10 Kanker – Raipur
In the morning after breakfast drive to Raipur. Afternoon proceed for excursion to Sirpur to visit the recently excavated Buddhist site where many Buddhist relics have been found.
Day-11 Raipur – Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport/railway station to catch the flight/train to home. On departure the tour concludes with happy memories.
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