
Odisha Tribal Markets & Temples
New
Discover the cultural and tribal heart of Odisha on this nine-day journey from Bhubaneswar to Bhubaneswar. Begin with the ancient temples and caves of the state capital before travelling through forested hills and rural villages to meet indigenous communities such as the Kutia Kondh, Dongria Kondh, Bonda and Paraja. Along the way, explore lively weekly tribal markets, visit the Koraput Tribal Museum and experience everyday village life in remote regions. The journey then shifts to the coast, with a boat ride on bird-rich Chilika Lake and time to unwind in Puri. Finish with a visit to the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark before returning to Bhubaneswar.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
BhubaneswarEnds
BhubaneswarMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$3,320.00
$1,859.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Bhubaneswar

Central Division

Bhubaneshwar

Baliguda

Rayagada

Southern Division

Koraput

Jeypore

Kunduli

Nandapur

Taptapani

Puri

Konark
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Bhubaneswar
Arrive in Bhubaneswar. On arrival at Bhubaneswar airport, we’ll assist and transfer you to your hotel. Later, we head out on a city tour of Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar, Rajarani and Lingaraj temples – entry to the inner sanctum at Lingaraj is restricted to Hindus. We then visit the Khandgiri and Udayagiri Jain caves and the Dhauli Rock Edicts. In the evening, we attend the Dhauli light and sound show – closed on Monday. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Bhubaneswar to Baliguda
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive 260 km – around 6 hours – from Bhubaneswar to Baliguda through lush countryside and low hills covered with Sal forest, visiting a few local Odia villages along the way. On arrival in Baliguda we check in at the hotel, and you have the rest of the day free to relax. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Baliguda to Rayagada
Baliguda – Rayagada 180 km – 4 hours approx. After breakfast we visit Barkhama village to meet members of the Kutia Kondh community, known for distinctive geometric facial tattoos and the Kui language. We spend time in the village to gain an insight into daily life and enjoy a picnic lunch, and you can try a few words of Kui if you wish. In the afternoon we drive to Rayagada and check in at the hotel – you have the rest of the day free to relax.
Day 4 - Journey to Jeypore
Rayagada – Chatikona – Koraput – Jeypore – 220 km – approx 6 hours. After an early breakfast we drive to Chatikona to visit the weekly Dongria Kondh market – held on Wednesdays – where Dongria Kondh and Desia Kondh villagers from the nearby hills bring produce and household goods to sell. The Dongria Kondh live on the higher slopes of the Niyamagiri Hills and follow animist traditions centred on nature.
We continue to Jeypore, stopping en route at the Koraput Tribal Museum (open during the day) to see displays of utensils, tools, clothing and paintings, with some items available for purchase. The museum also features a representation of the Jagannath Puri Temple, including interiors and sculptures, plus a series of statues of Jagannath in various costumes. We then drive on to Jeypore and check in at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Onukuadelli Day Trip
After an early breakfast, we drive from Jeypore to Onukuadelli – about 65 km – to visit the Bonda weekly market, which takes place on Thursdays. Bonda women are known for silver neck bands, layered strings of colourful beads and arm bangles, and they traditionally apply castor oil to their hair; alcohol features in social occasions. We then continue to Lamtaput, home to Gadaba communities whose lifestyle is distinct from the Bonda and whose women favour vibrant dress and traditional jewellery. The day covers roughly 200 kilometres – around five hours of driving – before we return to Jeypore for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 - Kunduli & Nandapur Day Trip
After an early breakfast in Jeypore, we drive to Kunduli – around 180 km return and about four hours on the road – to visit the Friday weekly market and a few nearby Paraja villages. Kunduli is the area’s largest tribal marketplace, where we meet Paraja communities – broadly Bada Paroja and Sana Paroja – alongside the Mali. Traditional attire varies by group. You can browse the stalls for simple souvenirs and mementoes if you wish.
We then continue to Nandapur, the ancient capital of Jeypore, noted for its 32-step throne, the Batrisa Simhasana, traditionally linked to Vikramaditya. The village is flanked by small streams and two large boulders – one bearing sculpted figures and the other an elephant engraving – and the nearby shrine of Lord Sarveswar with inscriptions. We return to Jeypore for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 - Jeypore to Taptapani
Jeypore to Taptapani 280 km – around 8 hours. After an early breakfast we set off for Taptapani, stopping en route to visit a Bada Paroja village. The Paroja are known for their distinctive dress and jewellery, and live across the hills and valleys of southern Odisha, with the largest communities in Koraput district followed by Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and Rayagada. We then continue through mountain and forest scenery to Taptapani, noted for its natural sulphur spring. On arrival we check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Chilika Lake & Puri
After breakfast, we drive 230 km – around five hours – from Taptapani to Puri, stopping at Chilika Lake en route. This vast brackish lagoon sits at the mouth of the Daya River where it meets the Bay of Bengal. It is India’s largest coastal lagoon, a major wintering ground for migratory birds and home to several threatened species. It sustains more than 150,000 fisherfolk across 132 shoreline and island villages and, in peak season, hosts over 160 bird species, with migrations from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea, Russia, Kazakhstan, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas.
We take a boat ride to observe the birdlife on the water, then continue to Puri to check in at a beach resort. The rest of the day is free – you can relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 - Konark & Return to Bhubaneswar
After breakfast in Puri, we drive to Konark to visit the 13th century Sun Temple, conceived as Surya’s stone chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels and six horses, built in ferruginous-coloured sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty and recognised as a World Heritage Site.
We then continue to Bhubaneswar – you may choose to stop at Pipili, known for its applique work – and on arrival we drop you at the airport for your onward flight. Today’s journey covers about 100 km – approximately 2 hours 20 minutes of driving.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in India to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?