Tribal Tour of Orissa

Explore Tribal Tourism And Enthralling Beaches Via Orissa Tourism

Orissa, now known as Odisha, is a heritage and culturally enriching state in East India. This coastal state offers marvelous architectural wonders of temples and forts. The long list of beaches, biosphere reserves, museums, and other tourist places make the state a must-visit destination. Orissa is well connected to other states of India by air, train and bus. The official language spoken here is Oriya.

Tribal Tourism Of Orissa

Odisha is home to many tribes who are farmers and food gatherers. These tribes have highly developed artistic skills like body painting, ornaments making, weaving and wall paintings. Some of the known tribes in Orissa are Didayi, Bondo, Kondhs, Barogadaba, and Dongarias and ornaments are an integral part of their attire. The tribal culture is full of vibrancy and colours in the form of enthusiastic folk dances, songs, poems and tattoos.

1. Phulbani

Phulbani village is surrounded by green hills is located next to Salunki River. You can visit the tribal villages and witness the unique culture and traditions of the tribal people.

2. Belghar

Here you can visit the villages of Kutia Kondh tribes inside the forest and mountains. The people of Kondhs are very simple and hospitable.

3. Jeypore

To visit colorful weekly market of Dongria Kondh tribes, take a stop at Chatikona which is on the way to Jeypore. The Kondh are one of most primitive tribes and they grow a number of fruits like orange, pineapple, banana etc. The male people uses nose-ring, earring and keep their hair as woman.

4. Ankadeli - Lamtaput

Ankadeli and Lamtaput tribal villages are famous for the most primitive, interesting and unique Bonda tribes. You will find Bonda women wearing silver and brass rings around the neck, hundreds of necklaces on the body, a small cloth wrapped down to cover half of the private areas and whereas the Bonda men is seen with their bow and arrow along with country made liquor. Here, you can witness the most colorful tribal dance call Demsa.

5. Rayagada

Drive to the Niyamgiri Hill to visit the primitive villages of Dongariya Kondh. You will find Desia Kondh, Kutias and the Dongariya Kondh tribes. The Dongarias in the Niyamgiri hills and are very aggressive by nature.

6. Bantalbiri

You can see Dungurai tribes where they come down the hills to sale their horticultural products and in return they buy their weekly needs of dry fishes or cloths etc.

7. Onukadeli

In Bonda tribal market at Onukadeli, you will get home made country alcohol and also you can meet interesting Godoba, Paraja, Dedehi and Mali tribes.

8. Gupteswar

Hike by the riverside to visit Dhuruba tribes. Make a visit to the weekly market at Baligaon.

9. Machhakund

Located in Koraput district area, the primitive Barogadaba tribe is culturally and socially more evolved and have very clean and well-kept homes. They accord an equal status to men and women. Make sure you don’t miss their Goter festival where they celebrate it with much fanfare and organize a hunting festival during March and April. The enchanting Dhemsa dance, Mahua liquor, Rice beer are very special to this festival.

Religious Tourism Of Orissa

1. Puri Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Temple is one of the temples which form the Char Dham that consists of four of the holiest pilgrimage sites of Hindu religion. Rath yatra or Chariot festival is a festival where people from across the globe come to Puri to take part in the yatra that takes place around June-July every year. According to the specific instructions, a new chariot is built every year and the chariot is pulled by thousands and thousands of devotees. Puri Beach, Markandeswara Temple, Lakshmi Temple, Gundicha temple, Ashtachandi temple, Panchatirtha Temple, Loknath Temple, Alabukeswara temple, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary are other tourist attractions.

2. Konark Sun Temple

Situated in Konark, the temple is built in the shape of a huge chariot. You will find twelve wheels which are being dragged by seven horses. The chariot is made in the honor of Lord Sun. Even though major parts of the temple are damaged, the temple is a brilliant piece of architecture. Archaeological Site Museum, Ramachandi Temple, Kuruma, Astranga fishing village, Konark Beach or Chandrabhaga Beach, Varahi Devi Temple Chaurasi are other major tourist attractions.

3. Lingaraja Temple

Located in Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Orissa is also known as the Temple City of India. Lingaraja Temple is one of the oldest and is the largest among them. In this temple the Lingaraj represents both Shiva and Vishnu that is why the Lord of this temple is called Harihara. Bindu Sagar lake, Bhoga Mandap and Natya Mandir, Parvati Temple, Vaital Deul Temple, Parasurameswara Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Brahmeshwar Temple are other tourist attractions.

4. Mukteshwara Temple

Situated in Bhubaneshwar, the temple structure boasts of one of the most outstanding architectures of Orissa. Madicha Kunda, The classical dance form of Odissi celebrated in the festival, imposing ceiling that is adorned with eight-petal lotus in the porch are worth visit. Mukteshwar means “Lord who gives freedom through Yoga.” The temple is also famous for Mukteshwar Dance Temple held in the month of January every year.

5. Parasurameswar Temple

Situated in Bhubaneswar, the temple exhibits marvelous architectural artwork. The sculptures, scenes and shrines on temple exhibits great heritage value.