Tribal & Wildlife Tour

Duration: 26 Days/ 25 Nights
Destination Covered: Delhi - Ranthambhore - Agra - Umaria - Bandavgarh - Delhi
Tour Description: The tropical state of Orissa lures the adventurous traveler with its mystique of indigenous tribes and ancient temples.Orissa is generally the destination for third-time visitors to India--those who have seen the famous monuments of the north and the natural beauty of the south.Accommodations here are basic and the roads can be rough; but for those with a passion for traveling 'off-the-beaten-path,'Orissa is a rewarding experience. Orissa, the lush green state, girdled by the Bay of Bengal, has seen some of the best fusion of traditional Indian art in its many temples and monuments, and has been able to preserve much of it, in an environment natural to its wonder and attractions. It was in Orissa, that Buddhism found some of its strongest exposure, and cult following. However, it was Hindu art that dominated the landscape, eventually, and resulted in the profusion of temple traditions, that have endured till now.
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Day 01: Monday Arrival in Calcutta:
Company representatives will receive you on arrival at the international airport in Calcutta. Transfer to your hotel.

Relax for the day.

Day 02: Tuesday Calcutta - Bhubaneswar:
By Air
Flight : CD 7278
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : 1800 hr
Arrival : 1855 hr
Stopovers : Nil
Class : Economy

Breakfast will be at hotel. Relax in the morning. Walk in the local market which is right by the hotel.

Check-out at 12 noon. In the afternoon visit the Kalighat Temple & Victoria Memorial.

Built in 1809 on the site of a much older temple, Kalighat gave the city its name Kolkatta which was anglicized into Calcutta. Today the city has reverted to its original name. The patron goddess of the city, legend has it that when Shiva's wife's corpse was cut up, one of her fingers fell here making it an important place of pilgrimage. From this bastion of Hindu faith we travel to yet another landmark in the city which marks the British reign in India, The Victoria Memorial. A combination of Italian renaissance and Mughal architecture, it was the British attempt to replicate the Taj Mahal and is a museum dedicated to the Raj.

Transfer to airport for flight to Bhubaneshwar.

Day 03: Wednesday Bhubneswar:
Bhubneswar is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa, and is famous as the temple city of India. Traveling through the state of Orissa is a blend of art, architecture and ancient cultures.

This morning we tour Bhubaneswar which has some stunning temples clustered around the Bindusagar Tank. Of the original 7000 only 500 remain dating from the 7th century to the 11th century. Of these the most outstanding is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple which represents the peak of Orissa art and the late 10th century beautifully decorated Muktesvara temple which belongs to the end of the phase of temple building.

Outside the city limits are the Udayagiri and Khandgiri caves which date from the 2nd century, during the time of Jain and Buddhist occupation of this region. The Jain caves are among the earliest in India and all the caves were built during the 150 years before Christ. In contrast to the stark décor of the Jain caves, the Budhhist caves are decorated with excellent friezes and sculptures.

Spend night at Bhubaneshwar.

Day 04: Thursday Bhubneswar - Konark:
By road 75 km in 2 hr
On the drive to Konark, we will stop at Dhauli where the Kalinga warlord Ashok renounced bloody warfare and embraced the teachings of Buddha. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as the Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese Buddhas. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they outline AshokaÕs detailed instructions to his admininstrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. Our next stop is the colorful village of Pipili where we can see Orissan Handicrafts, the specialty famous applique work. We arrive at Toshali Sands Resort early afternoon (midway between Bhubaneswar and Puri, well located on the highway with access to the beach)

Overnight will be at Konark/Puri.

Day 05: Friday Konark & Puri:
Visit to the Temple - Chariot of The Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the thirteenth century A.D. in the golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture is sheer poetry in stone.

Everyday the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts his first gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the morning sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun.

As you approach the water, you will see rising from the golden sandy beach, one of the country's most vivid archeological treasures - The Sun Temple. For a millennium, this temple has been a beacon to sailors at sea. Despite the fact that the Black Pagoda, as it was referred to by European soldiers who wanted to distinguish Konark from the whitewashed Jagannath Temple in Puri, lies in ruins, the structure is magnificent.

Puri, the popular beach resort, is one of the four holy abodes in India. It offers the rare experience of watching both sunset and sunrise from the same beach. Pre-Dravidian and pre-Aryan history relates that a tooth of Buddha was temporarily enshrined in Puri before being moved to Sri Lanka. Supporting the theory that Buddhism prevailed in this area, the Jaganath Temple, to the Lord of the Universe, and the main attraction in Puri, was believed to have originally been a stupa. The extraordinary form Jaganath takes in this temple is said to be the unfinished work of the craftsman god, Vishvakarna. Angry at Vishnu, he left his portrayal of the god incomplete.

Overnight will be at Konark/Puri.

Day 06: Saturday Konark - Chilka:
By road 150 km in 5 hr

Morning excursionto the artisan village Raghurajpur near Puri which specializes in pattrachitrs - an art using vivid colors painted on palm leaves. You will also see the ancient art of palm leaf etching which, in the 16th century, was used to illustrate manuscripts. It was this technique which helped shape the Oriya script to its present rounded form. In the afternoon we will visit the community at Belakati which specializes in work with bell metal.

The drive to Chilka Lake takes us through scenic countryside and attractive villages. Chilka lies in the heart of coastal Orissa. Spread over 1,100 sq km, this is the country's largest lake. It is dotted with islands, has the richest variety of aquatic life, and is a bird watcher's paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter.

Sunset and sunrise are memorable experiences here.

Overnight will be at Chilka.

Day 07: Sunday Chilka - Taptapani:
By road 150 km in 4 hr

Rising early we visit the lake to view the avian life and Kalijai Temple, abode of the presiding deity of the lake, located on the tiny island. In the winters the lake attracts migratory birds from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. We will also be able to watch the fishermen at work, who come here in search of prawns, mackerel and crabs.

Drive to Tapatapani in the afternoon.

Enjoy the small hot springs in this peaceful village. Water from the very hot sulphur springs which were discovered here in a forest setting, is channelled to a pool for bathing. There is a shrine to goddess Kandhi inside the original pool which is believed to cure infertility. You may also like to visit Chandragiri, 36kms away, where a community of Tibetan refugees support themselves by weaving carpets.

Overnight will be at Taptapani.

Day 08: Monday Taptapani - Rayagada:
By road 220 km in 7 hr
MARKET DAY: MONDAY

Orissa has the third highest concentration of tribals in India and because of the remoteness of the areas where they live, The tribes are untouched by modern times. Each has a distinct language and pattern of social and religious customs. Though economically challenged and a very low rate of literacy, the tribal groups have highly developed artistic skills as seen in their body paintings, ornaments, weaving and wall paintings. Music and dance also are an integral part of their ceremonies and seasonal festivals. During the next six days we will be visiting some of these tribal settlements.

On the 220 km drive today we will stop at the villages of the Saoras, a major tribe who live in hilly areas. In contrast to other tribes who live in clans, the Saoras live in extended families descended from a common ancestor. The village is administered by a headman who is assisted by a religious leader and village shamans, or medicine men, who are able to communicate with deceased ancestors.

The walls of the mud houses are decorated with remarkable paintings, traditional designs. Today is market day for this tribe so we will have time to wander the tribal market.

Day 9: Tuesday Rayagada - Kothgarh - Rayagada:
By road 180 km in 6 hr
MARKET DAY: TUESDAY

The excursion today takes us to the Kothgarh tribal area. The most numerous, they speak Kuvi, a language derived from the Dravidian strain of Southern India. Human sacrifice has now been replaced with animal sacrifice, offering the blood to their surpreme goddess represented by a piece of wood or stone to ensure fertility of the soil. The members of this tribe still use bows and arrows to protect themselves from wild animals. Today is also market day. Return to Rayagada for overnight.

Day 10: Wednesday Rayagada - Jeypore:
By road 250 km in 7 hr
MARKET DAY: WEDNESDAY

Morning proceed to Chatikona (40 km) to witness the Interesting & colourful weekly market of the Dongaria kondh tribes.

This day the interesting ornamental Tribes come down from their mountain will known as Niayamgiri hill range. This is a unique opportunity to witness them before they come and mix with other community in the market, so we will take you 2/3 km from the market near the Niyamgiri hill, so to watch & enjoy the community coming down with different kinds of fruits, animal etc.

Enjoy free time in the market.

Overnight will be at Jeypore.

Day 11: Thursday Jeypore - Ankadeli - Lamptaput - Jeypore:
By road 140 km in 7 hr
MARKET DAY: THURSDAY

After early breakfast proceed to Ankadelli.

It is 70 km to witness the most primitive, interesting & unique tribal weekly market of the Bonda tribes. The place is the border of the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh, divided by river Machkund, with interest waterfall, mountain & forest.

You will be taken inside for about 2/3km walk to witness the Bonda man & woman coming down from the forest side. It is being considered that at present Bondas are the most primitive tribe of India or otherwise known as the Nakate tribes of the mountain. Bonda women with their silver & brass rings around the neck, hundred of necklaces on the body, shaved hair a small cloth wrapped down to cover half of the private areas are out of any history book. In the other side the Bonda men with their bow & arrow with country made liquor - A fascinating one to watch.

Photography in the market is restricted, so you can take photo on this time.

Enjoy free time in the market. In the afternoon, proceed to Lamtaput area to explore another primitive tribal community the Gdabas - you can watch the most colorful tribal dance called DEMSA.

Drive to Jeypore in the late afternoon.

Overnight will be at Jeypore.

Day 12: Friday Jeypore - Kunduli - Nandapur - Jeypore:
By road MARKET DAY: FRIDAY

After breakfast in the morning proceed to witness the biggest tribal weekly market of Sanaparoja & Mali tribes in Kunduli 65 km away via Sunabeda. It is a very colorful market.

Later drive down to Nandapur to visit village of Sanaparoja tribes.

Visit village khilus. Saana Padar, Bda Padar with small trekking and later later drive down to Jeypour.

You can also morning proceed to Gupteswar 70 km to visit the villages of very interesting dhuruba tribe. Visit and walk through villages of Ramanguda, Dogariguda, Silpader, Talur etc. There is an interesting tribe where the males like to put ornaments living in the border of Madhya Pradesh. Visit the Cave temple of lord Shiva in the hidden mountain famous among the tribes.

Later drive down to Nuagaon to witness the beautiful tribal weekly market of Sana Paroja and then back to hotel at evening.

Spend the night at Jeypore.

Day 13: Saturday Jeypore - Jagdalpur:
By road 80 km in 3 hr
Breakfast will be at hotel.

Drive down to Jagdalpur, Bastar after breakfast. The drive should take us about 3 hours but you'll hardly notice it as the road is good. Here you get your first glimpse of the stunning forests of Keshkal and Bastar.

Ovenight will be at Jagdalpur.

Day 14: Sunday Jagdalpur - Kanger Valley National Park:
By road150 km in 3 hr

Make sure you have enough film because after breakfast we'll head out for the Kanger Valley National Park to enjoy one of the finest virgin forests tracts on earth.

We'll also explore one of the limestone caves here, known for beautiful stalgmite and stalactite formations. This is tribal country and weve arranged for you to meet some of the tribal people in their homes. It will be a wonderful opportunity to interact with them and lern something about their culture. We've planned a leisurely picnic lunch at the popular Tirthgarh Falls. Just relax - enjoy the falls and the lush vegetation.

You'll be back at your hotel for dinner.

Day 15: Monday Jagdalpur - Chitrakote - Nagarnar - Jagdalpur:
By road150 km in 4 hr
After breakfast we'll be heading out for the famous Chitrakote Falls, the Niagara - like horseshoe waterfall created by Bastar's Indravati River. You'll have plenty of time to take pictures and be mesmerized by the rainbows arching across the turbulent flow. On your way back for lunch at the hotel we'll be stopping at the Anthropological Museum to give you an interesting insight into Bastar's tribal culture. After lunch we'll drive to Nagarnar, famous for its terracotta handicrafts. Vrindavan, one of the local craftsmen, participated in the Festival of India held in London in 1981.

You'll be back in the hotel for dinner.

Day 16: Tuesday Jagadalpur:
In the morning we'll visit a 'haat' (weekly market) where you can enjoy a slice of local life.

After lunch at the hotel, explore the town, or relax and do your own thing.

Day 17: Wednesday Jagdalpur - Narayanpur - Kanker:
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Visit the HAAT.
Drive to Kanker - the princely state.
En-route, enjoy the side trip to Narayanpur, which is known for its excellent handicrafts. The bell metal, wood, wrought iron and bamboo artifacts are wonderful. Another interesting place here is the Ramakrishna Mission centre, where you can meet some of the people involved in very valuable welfare work amongst the tribal people.

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 folklore and tradition of the State they once ruled. They will also introduce you to a performance of the traditional music and dance of the region.

The family of late Maharajadhiraj Udai Pratap Deo has opened part of their private residence to visitors, maintaining an informal elegance amid many mementoes of their royal past. Once a keen hunter, the former head of the Kanker family became a dedicated conservationist in later years.

Trophies of earlier times adorn the Palace walls, with traditional touches like the cloth punkah (fan) as well as more conventional mod-cons in the three double guest suites.

Overnight stay will be at Kanker Palace.

Day 18: Thursday Kanker - Kawardah:
After Breakfast drive to the former Princely State of Kawardha.

Kawardha, 140 kms to the north of Raipur, is situated at the edge of the Maikal Hill range. It is an isolated town still possessing reminders of India's cultural heritage. This region is predominantly tribal with the Gond and the Baiga tribes still inhabiting the inaccessible areas of the Gondwana land, south of Jabalpur. In some easily accessible tribal villages one can get a feel of tribal life. The main tourist attractions include Kawardha Palace, Bhoramdeo Temples, Saroda Reservoir, Sahaspur Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.

You will be shown to your Palace suite before lunch in the State Dining Room.

Kawardha Palace was designed and built by Maharaja Dharamraj Singh in the period 1936 to 1939 AD, using Italian marble and stone. It is set amidst 11 acres of private lush gardens. The main entrance to the palace grounds is known as the Haathi Darwaza or Elephant Gate. The Durbar Hall has an impressive dome, marble staircases, beautiful filigree work and high ceiling lounges.

Enjoy an afternoon of familiarization with Palace Kawardha and nearby cultural sites, including the captivating Bhoramdeo Temple complex.

You return to the Palace at sunset is followed by a welcome drink to meet the royal family, with traditional Chhattisgarhi dance entertainment and then dinner.

Overnight will be at Kawardah.

Day 19: Friday Kawardha:
Breakfast will be at the palace.

A well-versed Palace guide will accompany you on an introduction to the secrets of Kawardha's little-known natural and tribal world. You will meet the gentle and friendly Baiga people, the principal indigenous forest tribe. Enjoy picnic lunch with them. An evening return to Palace Kawardha precedes a royal family dinner.

Overnight stay will be at Kawardha.

Day 20: Saturday Kawardha:
Breakfast will be at the palace.

The day will be spent interacting with locals and visit the tribal markets close by. Spend time in the palace.

You will also visit the SAHASPUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.

Sahaspur Wildlife Sanctuary, 21 kms from Kawardha, is home to a wide variety of animal species including leopards, sloth bears, cheetal, jackals, jungle cats, etc. There is a tank in the forest and home to a variety of avifauna including teals, herons, egrets, lapwings, kingfishers, ducks, stilts, doves, wagtails, oriels, sunbirds, woodpeckers, raptors and night birds etc. Night drives through the park can be arranged, after receiving permission from the Forest Department. There is also a temple nearby that is a popular pilgrimage site and visitors who are not locals would be charged a nominal fee to visit this site.

Overnight will be at Kawardah.

Day 21 Sunday Kawardah - Kanha:
Drive after breakfast to the national park of Kanha.

Kanha National Park, which is one of the most well known tiger reserves worldwide, is located among the Banjar and Halon valleys in the Mandla / Balaghat districts of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Its creation took place among, and after, a lot of turbulence and storm within concerned circles regarding rampant killing of wildlife in the area at the time. The central Kanha valley was declared a sanctuary way back in 1933 but got it's status as a National Park in 1955. It covers a large area of 1,945 square kilometers, out of which 940 square kilometers form the main park. The altitude of the park ranges from 450 meters to 900 meters above sea level. The temperature, depending on the season, ranges from 0 degrees in the winters to 48 degrees in the summers. The park remains open from the 01st of November to the 30th of June. Sometimes, as with most parks of the country, it can be closed earlier if the monsoon season arrives sooner than expected. The park has a heavy monsoon season with an average annual rainfall of 1600mm. The basic infrastructure at the park is well developed and visits can "mostly" be expected to pass without any problems.

Kanha is also famous for its animal conservation efforts made in collaboration and cooperation with the local resident communities. One of the famous success stories of the park is the survival of the Barasingha population in the park. Kanha boasts of many such success stories of which this is only an example.

Enjoy the trek in the areas around the national park.

Overnight will be at Kanha.

Day 22: Monday Kanha:
After Breakfast Visit the National Park. Take two Jeep Safaris to the park.

Overnight will be at Kanha.

Day 23: Tuesday Kanha:
After Breakfast Visit the National Park. Take two Jeep Safaris to the park.

Overnight will be at Kanha.

Day 24: Wednesday Kanha - Pench:
Drive to Pench which is a short distance away after breakfast.

It is situated in the Seoni District of Southern Madhya Pradesh and runs in continuation with Pench National Park in Maharashtra and is well connected by an all weather metalloid road network to other important places in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Recently in 1992, Pench has been included under the umbrella of "Project Tiger" as the 19th Project Tiger Reserve.

A total of 758 Sq. km of this Indian tropical moist deciduous forest has its extent mingling with the tropical dry deciduous teak. The area is crisscrossed by a number of streams and 'nallahs' most of which are seasonal. Though the Pench River dries up in April end, a number of water pools locally known as 'dohs' are found which serve as water holes for the wild animals. The Pench Reservoir at the center of the park is the only major water source during the "pinch" period.

It is blessed with forests spread in all the direction. As per the physiognomy, the forest type is southern tropical dry deciduous teak and southern tropical mixed deciduous forest with other species of shrubs, trees and climbers. Teak and its associates - moyan, mahua, mokha, skiras, tendu, bija, achar, garari, aonla, ghont, baranga, amaltas, kihamali, khair, palas grow here abundantly. Bamboo occurs sparsely, restricted to some valley.

As a prey concentration is high along the Pench River, tiger usually inhabits frequents this belt. Leopards though generally operate in the peripheral areas but are occasionally seen in the deep forest also. Jungle cats are commonly seen. Leopard cats, small Indian civets and palm civets are common but seen rarely.

In Pench, Cheetal, Sambar, nilgai are commonly seen grazing on the open sites on roadsides and banks of river & reservoir. Jackals can be seen in search of food anywhere in the Park. Packs up to 15 of wild dog can be seen near Chhedia, Jamtara, Bodanala and Pyorthadi areas of the Reserve. Herds of gaur can be spotted near streams and bamboo patches commonly in summer months. Sloth beer occupies hilly, rocky out crops and they favour mahul bel infested forest. Chnkara is present in very small numbers and is found in open areas around Turia, Telia and Dudhgaon villages.

Langoors are very common in Pench, whereas the Rhesus monkeys may be seen occasionally on the fringes. Pench boasts of more than 210 species of birds that include several migratory ones also. Commonly seen are Peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Crow pheasant, Crimson breasted barbet, Redvented bulbul, Racket tailed drongo, Magpie robin and lesser whistling teal.

Enjoy the afternoon doing a safari chasing wild dogs. Overnight will be at Pench.

Day 25: Thursday Pench:
In the morning go for a game drive with packed breakfast. Explore the areas around the submergence zone, go boating on the Pench river. Simultaneously, elephants will be used to track the tigers. When an elephant manages to spot a tiger, you will mount the elephant and be taken to the area where the tiger has been found.

In the afternoon enjoy a drive again but this time to the villages bordering the forest to talk and mix with the tribals.

Overnight will be at Pench.

Day 26: Friday Pench - Nagpur:
By road
Nagpur - Mumbai - Home:
By Air
Flight : To be announced
Airlines : Indian Airlines
Aircraft : Boeing 737
Departure : Late morning
Arrival : Noon

Breakfast will be at resort.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Nagpur for flight to Mumbai.

Reach and transfer to connecting international flight home.

Tour Includes:
· accommodation at standard hotels & tents,
· full sightseeing tour as mentioned in the itinerary,
· all air-conditioned suv / toyota transport,
· english speaking escort for all tribal tours,
· assistance at the airports on arrival / departure,
· daily breakfasts all through your tour,
· all meals during tour, (excepting calcutta & mumbai)
· one bottle of mineral water with each meal,
· village festivals, markets, etc during orissa & mp tour,
· local guide for calcutta,
· tribal expert escort from bhubaneshwar,
· porterage,
· mineral water and soft drinks during long tours,
· national park safaris included &
· all applicable taxes and service charges.

Tour Excludes:
international airfare, tips, camera charges at monuments & national parks and personal expenses are not included in the tour cost. meals in calcutta, mumbai and nagpur are not included and monument entrances are not part of the tour cost.