Cultural heritage and tribal authenticity – Odisha

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Bhubaneswar

  

  

  Welcome to Bhubaneswar – the temple city of India. Reception at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, then transfer to your hotel. Hotel check-in: 2:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM Bhubaneswar, also known as Tribhubaneswar or "Lord Lingaraj," is an important center of Hindu pilgrimage. Hundreds of temples dot the landscape of the old city, which once had more than 2,000. Bhubaneswar, the city of temples, draws attention with its architectural richness – temples large or small, ancient or grouped in remarkable ensembles. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Jain caves of Khandagiri and Udayagiri. These hand-carved caves once served as multi-level residences for Jain monks. They were created under the reign of the first known king of Odisha, King Kharavela, probably in the 1st century BC. This king of the Mahameghavahana dynasty is famous for the expansion of the Kalinga empire and his infrastructure projects, such as canal systems. His wife was apparently a great patron of the arts, which explains the decorative richness of the caves. Dinner and overnight at the hotel – Bhubaneswar.

• day 2

  Bhubaneswar

  

• day 3

  Bhubaneswar – Daringbadi (255 km / 5h30)

  

  

  After breakfast, drive to Daringbadi, the tribal heart of Odisha. On the way, visit typical agricultural villages and the weaving village of Itamati to discover the traditional weaving of towels worn daily by the community – possibility to interact with the artisans and learn the techniques of this ancient know-how. Daringbadi, a hill station located at 900 meters altitude in the Kandhamal district, is a natural gem still preserved. Pine forests, coffee gardens, pristine valleys, and wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Dinner and overnight at the hotel – Daringbadi.

• day 4

  Daringbadi – Tribal Exploration

  

  

  After breakfast, exploration of the Daringbadi and Baliguda region, meeting with the Kutia Kondh tribe, and visit to a village of artisans specialized in brass handicrafts (Dhokra). The Kandhamal district is a land of virgin forests, waterfalls, pine jungles, lush green hills, and authentic tribal villages. About 66% of its area is covered by dense forests. The Kondh are an ancient tribe, direct descendants of the pre-Aryan world, strongly attached to their rituals. Farmers, they grow rice and vegetables, raise buffaloes for milk and cheese, and live in long, low houses built on the hills around a central sacrificial altar. Dinner and overnight at the hotel – Daringbadi.

• day 5

  Daringbadi – Chilika Lake – Puri

  

  After breakfast, departure to Puri with a stop at Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia, stretching over 1100 km² across the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. Every winter (mid-November to mid-February), hundreds of species of migratory birds from Siberia, Mongolia, and Central Asia gather here. It is a paradise for ornithologists and nature lovers. Mangalajodi – on the northern shore of Chilika Lake, this community ecotourism project is a unique example of sustainable conservation. Discover the marshes in a traditional boat, accompanied by local fishermen, and interact with them about their way of life. Continue to Puri and check in at the hotel. (Check-in/check-out: 08:00 in all hotels in Puri). Puri is renowned for its golden beach and roaring waves from the Bay of Bengal. Far from mass tourism, it offers peace and authenticity. At the end of the day, take a ride in a traditional rickshaw on the Grand Road to visit the famous Jagannath Temple, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India. Built in the 12th century, it houses the wooden statues of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. (Note: non-Hindus are not allowed to enter – admire from the outside). Stroll through the old lanes of Puri, meet the local priests, and soak up the religious fervor of the city. Dinner and overnight at the hotel – Puri

• day 6

  Excursion to Konark and Raghurajpur (70 km round trip)

  

  After breakfast, excursion to the Sun Temple of Konark, a 13th-century architectural masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed as a gigantic chariot pulled by seven horses and resting on 24 sculpted wheels, it symbolizes the course of the Sun god across the sky. Once close to the sea, it served as a landmark for European sailors who nicknamed it "the Black Pagoda." Rabindranath Tagore wrote: "Here, the language of stone surpasses the language of men." Visit the local fishing village to interact with the community. In the afternoon, discover the artisan village of Raghurajpur, where each household practices a traditional art: pattachitra (paintings on fabric), engraving on palm leaves, wood carvings, wooden toys... The work is divided among family members: men paint, women prepare the materials. Stroll through the village, admire the wall frescoes, and observe the artisans at work. Dinner and overnight at the hotel – Puri

• day 7

  Puri – Bhubaneswar (65 km / 1h30) – Departure

  

  After a quiet breakfast, transfer to Bhubaneswar International Airport for your return flight, your mind full of unforgettable memories. End of the trip!