Culture & Heritage - India Travel - Tribal Tours

Discover Chhattisgarh’s Rich Tribal Heritage: Land of Ancient Roots and Living Traditions

Chhattisgarh is located in the central part of India and is the treasure hub of tribal culture and heritage. It is in fact home to 42 tribal communities, each having their own culture and tradition, so rightly referred to as the Land of the Tribals. Some of the popular tribal communities living in Chhattisgarh include the Baigas, Muria and Gonds, still following their ancient culture and tradition.

Foreign travelers wishing to have a tribal cultural and heritage experience, Chhattisgarh offers the most authentic experience. And with the help of the best travel company in India, you will have an unforgettable tribal experience in the heart of India.

Here is a list of the places you can visit in Chhattisgarh with the help of the India Tour operator for an authentic tribal cultural experience in India.

1. Bastar, referred to as the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh

Popular Tribes of the region: Gond, Maria, Muria, and Bhatra

Bastar is popular referred to as the cultural capital of Chhattisgarh because it is home to many tribal communities like Gond, Maria, Muria, and Bhatra. They are popular for their age old traditions, rituals and beautiful handcrafted items.

Experiences you will have here in Bastar:

The best time to visit Bastar is during the Bastar Dussehra festival, which is unique on its own, because it is a 75-day long festival, showcasing the unique culture and traditions of the region, accompanied with processions and dances. Another experience you can have is the Muria tribe’s, Ghotul system, it is a tradition related to the youths, wherein education is combined with cultural training, this is an important part of their lifestyle.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visitors can engage in visiting the Haats, which are weekly tribal markets, here you can see the handmade goods and the locally produce items.
  • Visit the Bastar Palace, which belonged to the rulers of tribal kingdoms.
  • Watch the tribal dance like the Dandami Maria dance and Gaur dance.

2. Dantewada for a spiritual and traditional experience

Popular Tribes of the region: Gond and Maria

Dantewada is an important part of Chhattisgarh for offering a tribal experience that is combined with spiritual importance. The popular tribes of the region include Gond and Maria. Gond tribe is popular for following their ancient tradition; they are known to worship nature and indulge in spiritual practices.

Experiences you will have here in Dantewada:

Visit the spiritual temple of the Gond tribes, the Danteshwari Temple, which plays an important role during the Bastar Dussehra festival.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visit the local fairs and attend tribal festivals accompanied with traditional dance and music.
  • Visitors can engage in visiting weekly tribal markets, here you can see the handmade goods and the locally produce items.

3. Jagdalpur, district headquarters of Bastar

Popular Tribes of the region: Halba, Dhurva, and Bison Horn Maria

In fact Jagdalpur is the district headquarters of Bastar, and is the base of exploring the different tribes of Chhattisgarh. Some of the popular tribes of the region include Halba, Dhurva, and Bison Horn Maria. The key attraction in Jagdalpur is the martial arts dance of the Bison Horn Maria tribe, wearing traditional detailed headdresses.

Experiences you will have here in Jagdalpur:

Foreign visitors will have an immersive experience, interacting with the tribal community people; learn about their culture, tradition and spiritual practices. Tourists’ can buy handmade Dokra metal art and terracotta items to take back home as souvenirs.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visit the famous Chitrakote Waterfalls, popularly nicknamed as the Niagara waterfalls of India. The waterfall is surrounded by tribal villages.
  • Enjoy safari in Kanger Valley National Park, near the national park there are many tribal settlements, the people still leading a life close to nature and wildlife.

4. Kanker, famous for art and paintings

Popular Tribes of the region: Gond and Halba

The tribal communities living in Kanker are famous for traditional art and paintings. Kanker is in fact the gateway to Bastar and the popular tribes of the region include Gond and Halba. The Gond tribal community is famous for telling stories in the form art and paintings, which is an ancient tradition.

Experiences you will have here in Kanker:

Foreign tourists can visit Kanker Palace, where tribal art workshops are organized. The palace also serves as a base to explore nearby tribal villages and understand their artistic expressions. Let the best travel company in India for a hassle-free cultural exploration.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visitors can engage in activities like learning ancient traditional Gond painting techniques.
  • Explore the weekly tribal markets, here you can see the textiles, handmade goods and the locally produce items.

5. Kondagaon, the hub of Tribal Handicrafts



Popular Tribes of the region: Gond and Muria

Kondagaon is known as the hub of Tribal Handicrafts and produces traditional items like wood carvings, terracotta sculptures, and bell metal art.

Experiences you will have here in Kondagaon:

Foreign tourists can visit the local villages and learn how the handmade items are made using sustainable materials. You can even participate in making handcrafted items and know about the culture of the region.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visit the artisan village
  • Interact with the artisans

6. Narayanpur famous for Dokra Art and Tribal Markets

Popular Tribes of the region: Muria and Bhatra

Narayanpur is popular for Dokra Art and Tribal Markets, foreign tourists will have unique time learning about the tribal culture of the region. The Dokra Art is a traditional way of casting the metal; only the skilled artisans who belong to the community know how to do so.

Experiences you will have here in Narayanpur:

Foreign tourists can visit the local villages and know about the Dokra Art, the traditional way of casting the metal and have a glimpse of their traditional lifestyle of the Muria and Bhatra tribes.

Activities to indulge:

  • Enjoy shopping Dokra Art handicrafts and jewelry.
  • Watch the traditional Muria dance.

7. Mainpat, referred to as Shimla of Chhattisgarh

Popular Tribes of the region: Manjhi and Bhaina

Mainpat is nicknamed as Shimla of Chhattisgarh; the reason is the indigenous tribal communities settlements are accompanied with Tibetan settlements. This combination makes it a unique cultural experience.

Experiences you will have here in Mainpat:

Here visitors can experience the farming techniques, and learn about culture and tradition of Manjhi and Bhaina tribal communities. Also, have an experience of the Tibetan culture. Get in touch with a India Tour operator for an immersive cultural experience!

Activities to indulge:

  • Visit the Tibetan monasteries and savor Tibetan cuisines.
  • Visit the local tribal villages and interact with them
  • Head to Tiger Point Waterfall.

8. Raipur, gateway to explore Chhattisgarh’s tribal culture

Popular Tribes of the region: Gond and Halba

Raipur is the capital of the state and is referred to as the gateway to explore Chhattisgarh’s tribal culture. The popular tribes include the Gond and Halba tribal communities.

Experiences you will have here in Raipur:

Foreign tourists will be able to know about the various tribes of Chhattisgarh’s, before exploring the different tribal villages.

Activities to indulge:

  • Visit the Purkhouti Muktangan which is an open-air museum, it represents the tribal heritage of the state by showcasing life-sized models, art, and exhibits.
  • Visit the Mahant Ghasidas Memorial Museum, watch the handmade items of the tribal communities.
  • Explore the weekly tribal markets.

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