Tribal Orissa

Dates - 02 - 17 November 2003 / Tour Cost - € 2700.00 (Euro) per person

Orissa has a vast tribal population belonging to diverse races & culture. The majority of these inhabit the forest & hill regions of Mayurbhanj, Kendujhar, Phulbani, Sundergargh, Sambalpur, Balangir, Kalahandi & Koraput districts. Orissa has as many as 62 tribes, with some different traditions, costumes and jewellery. Spending time with the tribes is any photographers delight as there are so many different aspects to capture.

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Trip Highlights of Orissa Photographyt Tour:

• Visit isolated hamlets of the Soura, Gadhaba, Kondh & Bonda Tribes
• Feast your eyes on the colourful bounty of the weekly markets
• Attend performances of exotic Odissi and Gotipua dance forms
• Explore medieval temples, steeped in history & spirituality
• Observe craftspeople at work with spectacular weaving, carving and painting

Day 1: Arrival at Kolkata & Transfer to Hotel. Half day city tours of Kolkata & transfer to Railway Station to board the evening train for Puri. O/N in Train.

Day 2: Arrive at Puri & transfer to Hotel. After breakfast sight seeing of Konark, the Sun Temple. Konark is famous for the Sun Temple. Built in honour of Surya, the Sun God in 13th Century, the temple is shaped like a chariot of the Sun with seven horses depicting the seven days of the week and twelve wheels for the 12 months. What remains today is only a small part of the massive temple. The sun rising from the ocean shines on the three images of the Morning sun, the Mid-day sun and the Evening sun at different parts of the day. The temple is also noted for its sculptures, many of which are erotic.

Afternoon we will tour around Puri. These include the village of Raghuapur, known for Patachitra painting, an art form akin to Batik. One of today's highlights is a performance by acrobatic Gotipua dancers. Puri is a very important religion centre for the Hindus. A famous Rath Yatra (chariot festival) takes place every year in June-July which carries the massive statue of the deity Lord Jagannath, the lord of the universe. The Jagannath Temple which dates back to the 12th century is 65 meters high. The Puri beach is also very famous, especially for its beautiful sunrise. Overnight hotel at Puri.

Day 3: Drive to Satpada. Today we will go to Chilika Lake (Asia's largest Salt water Lake - area approximately 1100 sq. Kms). Its the winter home of migratory birds. Boat Ride in Chilika Lake visiting Nalban Bird’s Island, & Kalijai Island. Overnight at Barkul.

Day 4: Drive to Taptapani visiting a few Roadside Semi Tribal Villages. Visit the Tibetan Settlement at Chandragiri. O/N at Taptapani.

Day 5: Drive to Rayagada visiting a few Langia Soua Villages near Puttasingh. O/N at Rayagada in Hotel.

Day 6: Drive to Bissam visiting a few Dongariya Kondha Villages. Back to Rayagada.

Day 7: Drive to Jeypore. O/N Hotel

Day 8: Drive to Onukudelli visit of a few Gadhaba Villages and drive back to Jeypore.

Day 9: Drive to Gupteswar to visit Dhuruba Tribal Villages & Gupteswar Cave then ride back to Jeypore.

Day 10: Jeypore to Bhawani Patana visiting a few Roadside villages. O/N at Bhawani Patana.

Day 11 Bhawani Patana to Baliguda visiting a few Kuttiya Kondh villages near Ramgiri.

Day 12: Baliguda to Bhubaneswar.

Day 13 Sightseeing around Bhubaneshwar - a city famous for temples. Once upon a time it had 7000 temples of which about 500 remain till date. These temples built over a period of 1000 years reflect the grandeur and high quality workmanship of the ancient Kalinga temple art. It was at Bhubaneshwar that the famous king Ashoka converted to Buddhism in 261 BC taking an oath to give up war for all time. Transfer to Station in the evening to board the train for Kolkata.

Day 14: Kolkata to Sunderban. Drive from Kolkata to Basanti - 100 Kms / 3 hrs. Basanti to Sajnekhali - by boat & Overnight at Sajnekhali tourist lodge

Day 15: Sunderban. Full day cruise at Sundarbans. Overnight at Tourist Lodge.

Day 16: Drive Sunderban to Kolkata to catch the Flight for onward Connection.

The tour price includes 13 night’s hotel accommodations, all meals from November 02, through breakfast on November 17, II air-conditioned compartment travel by train, ground transportation by motor coach, airport transfers, entrance fees, tips of a group nature and the services of local and photographic guides.

The tour price does not include international airfare, visa, beverages, tip to local guide and expenses of a personal nature.

A passport with six month’s validity and visa are required to enter India.