Odisha (formerly known as Orissa) is located in the eastern costal region of India, and offers the most enriching tribal experience, home to the highest tribal population in India. It is estimated that around 62 tribes are present in Orissa, each with their own unique culture and tradition, following ancient traditions, customs, art forms, and dialects.
Tourists from foreign countries who wish to experience the ancient traditions of the tribal culture in India, with the guidance of the best inbound tour operators in India, they must definitely head to Odihsa for having the best diverse tribal experience.
From the deeply rooted sustainable living lifestyle, and spiritual beliefs, to knowing about art forms, festivals and handicrafts, Odihsa offers a distinct experience for tourists coming from foreign countries.
Here is a short guide to visit the places in Odisha famous for their authentic tribal experience:
1. Jeypore: Gateway to the famous Onkadeli Tribal Market
Popular Tribes of the region: Bonda and Gadaba
Jeypore is one of the popular towns in Odisha which lets tourists have a fascinating tribal experience, particularly the famous Onkadeli Tribal Market, popular for showcasing the traditional items by Bonda tribes.
Foreign tourists can have an exotic experience, visiting the Onkadeli Tribal Market, which opens on every Thursday. It is one of the oldest markets, set up by the tribal communities. The Bonda women on every Thursday set up their stalls to sell handcrafted items and authentic forest products. Visitors will be overwhelmed by the traditional attire worn by them and the vibrant jewellery made of beads.
While the Gadaba tribes in Jeypore are popular for their unique Dhemsa dance, this dance form is passed for generations now.
What are the things to do?
Foreign tourists will have a chance to visit the Onkadeli Tribal Market, which is set up every Thursday, watch the traditional Dhemsa dance by Gadaba tribes, visit the villages, taste the local delicacies, buy traditional products, interact with the local tribes, know about their daily lifestyle and traditions.
2. Koraput: home to several tribal communities
Popular Tribes of the region: Paroja, Bonda, Gadaba, and Kondh
Koraput can be said as the center of many tribal communities in Odisha. As the region is blessed with lush green valleys, verdant hills, dense forests and waterfalls, it has been home to many tribes in Odisha from ancient times. This is the best chance to know about the different tribes of Odisha all at one place, simply you need to visit from one community to another.
Travelers coming from foreign countries can have an immersive experience by visiting the traditional markets, set up on a weekly basis. Here the tribal communities sell their handcrafted items, and sell the locally produced goods. Have a glimpse of the Paroja tribal community people wearing colorful traditional attire and unique traditional jewelries, and the Bonda tribal women wearing silver jewelries and bead necklaces. The tribal communities are known to keep their age old ancient traditions, which they have been following for generations now.
What are the things to do?
With the help of the best tour operator India have a wonderful time exploring the local tribal markets; visit the weekly market called Haat wherein handcrafted items, traditional handmade jewelries and garments are sold. Enjoy a trek around the hills of Koraput, interact with the local villagers, and know about their lifestyle, culture and traditions.
3. Rayagada: Get a chance to get learn about nature and sustainable practices
Popular Tribes of the region: Dongria Kondh and Desia Kondh
Rayagada lets you know about the tribal communities of Dongria Kondh and Desia Kondh who are popular for their deeper knowledge about nature, the ecology of the region and for indulging in sustainable practices.
The tribal community of Dongria Kondh are known to worship nature, the hills of Niyamgiri, which are sacred for them, they have been worshipping these hills from ancient times.
Travelers will have unique experience learning about the plants and medical herbs from the Dongria Kondh tribal communities. Have a glimpse of the beautiful traditional handmade jewelries and their vibrant traditional dress, decorated with bright colors like yellow and red.
What are the things to do?
Visit the Dongria Kondh villages, know about their culture and tradition, their knowledge about the plants and medicinal plants, the importance of sustainable practices, know about their spiritual connection to nature, be a part of the in Dongria Kondh agricultural festivals, know about their lifestyle and daily actvities.
4. Baliguda: Learn about the ancient traditions and unique tattoo culture
Popular Tribes of the region: Kutia Kondh
Baliguda is located in Kandhamal in Odisha, this region is famous for the Kutia Kondh tribe, who are popular for still following their ancient traditions and their unique tattoo culture. The tribal community of this region has been following their traditions for generations now, has strong spiritual beliefs and is connected to nature.
Travelers coming from foreign countries will have a authentic tribal experience by visiting the Kutia Kondh villages, know about their traditional culture which they have been following from ancient times, and their art of making tattoo.
What are the things to do?
Have a wonderful time observing how their traditional tattoos are made, which they have been following from ancient times, learn about the culture and traditions, know about their spiritual beliefs connected to nature, attend the festivals, visit the local markets.
5. Gopalpur: A chance to learn about wall art and get closer to the sea
Popular Tribes of the region: Saura and Kandha
Gopalpur is famous for being home to Saura and Kandha tribal communities, which apart from offering you enriching tribal experience, will let you enjoy a beach vacation as well.
The Saura tribal community is one of the oldest tribal communities in Odisha, visiting their village is one of the most interesting experiences.
Travelers from foreign countries will love to delve in the tribal experience, by visiting the Saura villages, popular for their stunning wall paintings which they have records of following their traditional style of painting from ancient times, popularly referred to as Saura paintings, these paintings are found to be similar to that of Warli art. The Saura paintings, explains about the daily lifestyle of the people, and depicts paintings related to mythologies, and folklores.
What are the things to do?
Visitors can visit the Gopalpur beach for having a relaxing time, explore the Saura villages, know about Saura paintings, and attend festivals and spiritual practices. Let the best tour operator India give you an immersive tribal experience in Odisha.
6. Keonjhar: Learn about the eco-friendly lifestyle
Popular Tribes of the region: Juang and Bhuyan
Keonjhar is one of the popular regions in Odisha as it is home to the Juang and Bhuyan tribes who have a unique style of wearing their traditional attire, different dance forms, and art of making tools. The tribal communities belonging to this region are known for contributing to nature, emphasizing in conservation efforts and for following sustainable lifestyle practices.
Travelers from foreign countries can engage in joining eco-friendly tours to Juang and Bhuyan villages, learn about the agriculture methods used for harvesting. The Juang and Bhuyan tribes are famous for their unique dance forms, vibrant attires and traditional music, all passed on from generations now.
What are the things to do?
Visit the Juang and Bhuyan tribal villages, learn about their culture and traditions, learn about conservation of the environment, follow sustainable practices, take a tour of the village, opt for a nature walk, watch the traditional dance and music, and know about the lifestyle of the villagers.
7. Simlipal National Park: A chance to experience tribal culture and its rich biodiversity
Popular Tribes of the region: Santhal, Kolha, and Munda
Simlipal is one of the popular regions in Odisha as it is home to the different tribes like Santhal, Kolha, and Munda tribal communities. Here in Simlipal, visitors will have a splendid time knowing about the different tribes and the rich biodiversity of the region.
Travelers coming from foreign countries who wish to have an enriching tribal experience, they can visit the tribal villages located near Simlipal National Park. In this way visitors will have a chance to visit the tribal villages, know about their culture and traditions and also explore the Simlipal National Park.
What are the things to do?
Visit the local tribal villages, enjoy a safari in Simlipal National Park, opt for a guided walk around the village, learn about the plants and the medical herbs, interact with the locals, know about their lifestyle, and know about their tradition and culture.
8. Mayurbhanj: Home of the magnificent Chhau Dance, a martial art form
Popular Tribes of the region: Santhal and Bathudi
Mayurbhanj is home to the famous traditional Chhau dance, which is a martial art form, performed by the Santhal and Bathudi tribal communities. This martial art form dance form is combined with dance, drama, folk tales, and traditional religious themes, wearing masks. Visitors will have a thrilling cultural experience.
Travelers coming from foreign countries can specially visit Mayurbhanj during Chhau festival season to watch the famous traditional Chhau dance, which is a martial art form, wearing masks and depicting stories of religious themes.
What are the things to do?
Visit the Santhal and Bathudi tribal villages, watch the famous traditional Chhau dance (a martial art form) wearing masks and vibrant costumes, interact with the local tribal people, explore the wildlife sanctuaries, visit the forests and waterfalls, and know about their lifestyle, culture and traditions.
For having a better understanding of the tribes of Odisha, take tips from the best inbound tour operators in India.
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