Temples Tribes And Textiles Of Odisha

Temples Tribes And Textiles Of Odisha

Two weeks experiencing the visit to villages of Odisha

Interaction with the Communities/people of Art & Craft people, Ethnic groups

Meet the colourful ethnic groups at their weekly markets

Stay at the charming small properties at few places being hosted by local people

Itinerary

Day 1: Dhenkanal

Pass By: Dhenkanal, Dhenkanal, Dhenkanal District, Odisha
Arrival in India at any of the International airport. Get transfer to Domestic airport & fly to Bhubaneshwar – Dhenkanal 00kms/2hrs

Arrival at Bhubaneshwar. Transfer to Garh Dhenkanal, Royal Home Stay.

Dhenkanal, a drive of Two hours from Bhubaneshwar will take you to this small Royal Town, famous for the location in the valley. Kapilas Hill in One side & Saptasajya hill on the other makes this place a destination for round the year attracting the tourist to this places. This is a Base where One can visit the Villages of Weavers, Dokra Metal Workers, A Group of Tribal People working on Loss Wax Processing System. This is surrounded by different Tribal Groups like Munda, Ho & Santal. Joranda Ashram is worth Visit, where this Unique Cult of Mahima Group who live a Wonderer Life & run School, Colleges & Hospitals out of the Begging. They have a Very Strange Practice & worship Fire at their Empty Temple. Evening Practice of the Monks is interesting to Watch. Joranda Mela of the Unique Cult Sadhus of Joranda Ashram attracts Thousands of Sadhus & Devotees from all over Indian destinations. Shiva Ratri in Kapilas Hills is one of the biggest festivals of the year. This Place is a nice destination to relax & enjoy different Ethnic communities around & enjoy the visit to their villages & watch them living in tranquility.

Check in. Relax to move around.
Overnight at Dhenkanal

Meals included:
• Dinner: Typical Odisha style home made food including vegetarian & non vegetarian items.
Accommodation included: Royal Heritage Home Stay

Day 2: Dhenkanal

Pass By: Dhenkanal, Dhenkanal, Dhenkanal District, Odisha
Dhenkanal – Nuapatna (50kms/1hr) – Sadeibarini (35kms/45mintues) – Dhenkanal

A day excursion trip to the weavers at Nuapatna & Dokra Metal workers at Sadeibarini.
Evening watch the rituals at Mahima Alekh Ashram.

Nuapatna Village of Weavers working on IKAT (Tie & Dye) process for the Generation. The entire village of this group having about 120families are involved producing Fabrics, Sarees & many more house hold materials which are now world famous for the craftsmanship of these people. The family members support themselves from this work by using their leisure time to produce the fabrics. Starting from cleaning the thread to the finished product the entire family is involved apart from their other daily works. This is the Age Old Traditional Work these Crafts families are still practicing successfully.

Sadeibarini is a small village of the Situlia Tribal Group. They work on Loss Wax Processing System. The name of this group has been derived from the word ‘Sitala’, which means cooling down the boiling Metals. They produce different art & artifacts from the Metal called Dokra which is a combination of Zinc & Brass. There are
about 30 families involved in this kind of art work for the years living here in this village Sadeibarini. They prepare many House Hold & Decorative items used for many purposes.

Joranda is famous for the Mahima Alekh Cult. The Sadhus/Monks live in this Ashram or follow this cult are known for their special practice which they are continuing till date. Once upon a time they used human scull to have their meals which they collect from the cremation grounds & clear them to use as their utensils. This practice was to prove their control over their five senses. Though that practice is no more prevailing, but other practices like fire worship and worshiping the Nature god in a closed temple without any door or window, walking bare foot, using no transportation for their travel is still going on. They beg for their meals & also run
many institutions now a days like hospitals, schools & colleges. They have now many followers in India & abroad.

Back to the Palace. Dinner & Overnight.

Overnight at Dhenkanal

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch: Typical Odisha style home made food including vegetarian & non vegetarian items.
• Dinner: Typical Odisha style home made food including vegetarian & non vegetarian items.
Accommodation included: Royal Heritage Home stay

Day 3: Dhenkanal-Bhubaneshwar (100kms/2hrs) -Konark 65kms/1.30hrs

Stop At: Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
After breakfast, leave for Konark on the way visiting Temples & Caves at Bhubaneshwar.

Bhubaneshwar is the Temple City of India, once upon a time was holding 7000 temples around the city. Now
with 500 temples from the period of 05th to 11th Century AD, this Capital of Odisha is visited by many tourist
from different parts of India & Abroad. Among all the Temples, Important Temples visited are Chronologically in Order Parasurameshwar, Mukteshwar, Rajarani, Brahmeshwar, Vaital & Lingaraj Temples. These Temples
belonging to different period of construction reflecting different changes in the plan & 11th Century Lingaraj
Temples is the Culmination point of the Temple Construction at Bhubaneshwar with the complete collection of
all the Four Halls of Odiya Architecture Style.

Khandagiri & Udaigiri Jain Caves, dating back from 03rd to 01st century BC are telling the royal, social &
cultural life of the King & the People of Kalinga. Out of 92 Caves, there are caves dedicated to the Jain Monks,
Hindu Deities & the Queens Cave depicting the story of Royal Celebration at the Caves are worth visit.

Duration: 5 hours

Stop At: Konark, Konark, Puri District, Odisha
After the visit drive to Konark. Check in to the River side Retreat.
Afternoon enjoy the walk & Evening enjoy the Light & Sound Show at Konark.

Overnight at Konark
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Indian or Continental Breakfast depending on your choice at the Royal Heritage Home stay
• Lunch: Indian Lunch at local restaurant at Bhubaneshwar.
• Dinner: Sea food dinner cooked by the local village cook at River side Camp
Accommodation included: Nature Camp Konark Retreat, A Community run River side Retreat

Day 4: Konark - Puri

Stop At: Konark Sun Temple, Konark India
Visit of Sun temple in the morning.
Later on drive to Puri on the way visiting Raghurajpur.

Sun Temple of Konark, one of the Heritage Sites of India is the Culmination of Odiya Architecture. Described by Poet Rabindranath Tagore, The Language of Stones have defeated the Language of Human Being is Well Defined on the Temple Wall of Konark Sun Temple. Built in a form of Chariot, this Temple
has attracted the Tourist from all over the World for the Stone Work Style & Description. Built in the form of Chariot, drawn by 07 horses representing seven days of the week & Seven colours of Rainbow, this Temple represents the visit of Sun God from East to West controlling the time. 24 wheels around the Hall Of Prayer representing the 24 Fortnights of the Year is an unique creation of Sun Dial. With all the spectacular Sculptures related to Time engraved on this Temple wall is a great piece of Monument to visit.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Raghurajpur Artist Village, On the river Bhargabi, Puri India
Declared as the Heritage Village of Odisha, Raghurajpur is the only place where you can experience the Artisans working on the Silk, Paper, Beatle Nuts, Coconuts, Cow Dung, Coir & many more. The Traditional Patta Painters of Odisha live in this village in the different parts like Dandasahi, Nayakpatna & Raghurajpur are now experts making different kinds of Artistic useful house hold materials for the market which are worth buying from them. Your visit will introduce to the Age Old Patta Painting workers in the village & their working style. This is the Only village also in Odisha where the Gurus (Teachers) are still holding the age old Traditional Ashram system to train the Boys to perform World Famous Gotipua Dance. Gotipua Dance which was formed in 12th Century AD after the Mughal Invasion to Odisha is a twisted form of Odishi Dance, One of the Seven Classical Dances of India. As Odishi Dance or Devadasi Dance system vanished from the Temple, Gotipua Dance got introduced to the Society in a form of Entertainment where only Boys were trained to dance since child hood with the application of special oils on the joints & bones to keep it flexible till the young age. This group used Duplicate or Plastic Ornaments in order to give respect to the Odishi Dance which was a Temple Dance in Odisha. They introduced Acrobatic forms in the dance as the Boys were able to do it & was not allowed for the Girls in the Odishi Dance. This Dance form is now only in practice in Raghurajpur & near by areas.

After the visit, drive to Puri. Check in to hotel.
Overnight at Puri
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Indian or Continental Breakfast served as per choice
• Lunch: Local Indian Lunch served at Local Restaurant
• Dinner: Buffet Dinner served at Local Restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight at Puri Beach Home Stay

Day 5: Puri - Rajhans Island 60kms/2hrs by road & 1hr by boat

Stop At: Puri, Puri, Puri District, Odisha
Puri is One of the Four Dhams of Hindu people, which is believed to be like Mecca for Muslims. As this Place known as Sankha Khetra & the Temple Idols represent all the Three Concepts of Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva, One Hindu can come to this Place to complete the Pilgrimage in case not able to visit the All Four Dhams in Four Corners of India. Jagannath Temple is allowed for Hindus only. We will use the Platform (Closed on Sunday & Local Holidays) in front of the Temple to watch the activities partially inside the temple. Every Year, during June/July the Grand Chariot Festival of the Temple Attracts around One Million People around the World to this place

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Satapada, Odisha 752011, India
Chilika Lake is the Largest Brackish Water Lake of Asia spreading over 1100 sq kms of area. This lake accommodates Migratory Birds during December to April from Siberia, Australia & many more countries of the world. Wild Asiatic Irrawaddy Dolphins are One of the Major Attractions for the Tourist coming for the Visit to the Lake & seen in the side of Satpada on Chilika Lake. Visit to the Lake also allows the clients to watch the Fishermen’ activities & Pilgrims visiting Kalijai Temple in the island. There are many islands in this Lake & some of them are still not connected with the road. People use the Big Boats for their means of Transportation.

We will board the boat to spot the dolphins & the Sea Mounth. Later on boat will take for the overnight stay inside the lake called Rajhans Island.


Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at the restaurant
• Lunch: Lunch at the Eco resort inside the Island.
• Dinner: Local dinner cooked by communities of the island in Chilika
Accommodation included: Overnight at Eco Lodge of Rajhans Island

Day 6: Rajhans Island - Gopalpur On Sea 30 minutes by boat to cross the lake, 1.30hrs by road

Stop At: Chilika Lake, Satapada Satapada, Puri 752001 India
Morning boating to the Sea mouth for Sun rise or Walk on the sea beach to enjoy the beauty of the serenity of the Bay of Bengal.
After Breakfast leave by Boat to cross the lake & continue your drive thru villages of Odisha.
Duration: 3 hours

Pass By: Gopalpur On Sea, Gopalpur On Sea, Ganjam District, Odisha
Arrival at Gopalpur On Sea. Check in to the most beautiful hotel on the sea. Walk on the beach & enjoy the sun set. Relax before your tough road journey starts tomorrow for Rayagada.

Enjoy the lavish spread buffet dinner & good night sleep.

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Fixed menu local breakfast at Eco retreat
• Lunch: Lunch at Gopalpur On Sea Hotel
• Dinner: Buffet Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mayfair Palm Beach Resort

Day 7: Gopallpur On Sea - Rayagada 200kms/7-8hrs drive

Stop At: Padmanavpur, Odisha, India
Our drive to Taptapani will come across a very interesting weaving community at Padmanavpur. Your interaction with the local weavers will be very interesting by seeing them working on the looms & fabrics.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Taptapani Hot Water Springs, Near Deer Park 56 kms from Berhampur Railway Station, Ganjam India
After the visit of Weavers' is over, we will continue our drive to Rayagada with a halt at Taptapani Hot water spring shrine. Enjoy the local saura community's shrine around the Hot sulfur spring.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast at Hotel
• Lunch: Fixed Menu lunch at Road side motels
• Dinner: Fixed menu dinner at Restaurant of the hotel
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tejasvi International or Sai International

Day 8: Rayagada - Tatoo faced Kondh Market (150kms/2.30hrs) - Rayagada

Stop At: Kotgarh, Kotgarh, Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh
This day excursion will introduce you to the Kondh group of Phulbani District believe in making Tattoos on the face of women depending upon which clan they belong to. So that they can be recognized by their dead ancestors. Visit of the Weekly market (Only on Tuesdays) of this community.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Restaurant
• Lunch: Packed Hot lunch at local motels
• Dinner: Dinner at Restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight at Tejasvi International or Sai International

Day 9: Rayagada - Dongariya Kondh market (50kms/1hr) - Rayagada - Gaudaguda Sahi (125kms/2.30hrs)

Stop At: Muniguda, Odisha 765020, India
Visit of the Dongariya Kondh Weekly market at (only on Wednesday).

Dongariya Kondh women & men decorate themselves in the same style including the jewelries & with the only difference of their Nose Rings which are Two with men & Three with women. They are expert Horticulturist among all the Tribes of Odisha & the weekly market is the bright example with the loads of vegetables, fruits & varieties of the products from the Hills.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Gaudaguda, Odisha 764048, India
After our visit is over at Dongariya Kondh weekly market, we will be driving to Gaudaguda Sahi, a village of Paraja people near Kakiriguma. This drive will allow us to go thru the mountain range of Rayagada with nice land scape of cultivated lands of the communities called Bara Paraja & Sana Paraja.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Restaurant
• Lunch: Lunch at Restaurant
• Dinner: Fixed menu dinner at this Guest House
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chandoori Sai, A community run charming guest house

Day 10: Onukudelli market visit 100kms/2.30hrs drive one way

Stop At: Onukudelli, Odisha 764042, India
The most beautiful & colourful market of the Bonda & Gadhaba groups is on a Thursday is here at Onukudelli village.

After an Early Morning Breakfast we leave for the Visit to the Most Interesting Tribe called Bonda at their Weekly market along with the other Tribes like Gadhaba & Didayee Groups. Bondas, literally meaning the people of the Hills, prefer to live in isolation with their interesting characteristics & practices still prevailing in their society. The most elegant Tribal women in Orissa & nearby states, Bonda Group women have their special identity with their costume of colorful beads as their dress and the head gear.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kangarapada, Odisha 764081, India
We will visit this village of the Gadaba people at this village of Kangarapada.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast inhouse
• Lunch: Packed Picnic Lunch
• Dinner: Dinner at Guest House
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chandoori Sai

Day 11: Kunduli & Koraput visit

Stop At: Kunduli, Odisha, India
A Nice day starts again with the drive to the largest Paraja Group's weekly market at Kunduli. Visit to the Pottors village at Limika & watch them working on the Wheels making varieties of items for the Tribals of this area. Later on visit to the some more villages.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Koraput, Koraput, Koraput District, Odisha
Drive to Koraput & visit the Tribal Museum at Koraput & Jagannath Temple which is believed to be the root of the Puri Jagannath Temple. Foreigners can enter to the sanctum sanctorum & can have an experience of the Hindu Temple interior sanctity.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast in house
• Lunch: Lunch In House
• Dinner: Dinner in house
Accommodation included: Overnight at Chandoori Sai

Day 12: Gaudaguda Sahi - Manapara (120kms/2.30hrs) - Vishakhapatnam 80kms/1.30hrs

Stop At: Manapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India
After a leisurely breakfast, we will leave for Vishakhapatnam, on the way visiting a big cattle weekly market at Manapuram on the Andhrapradesh border.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh
Drive after the visit of the Manapuram weekly market to reach our Overnight stay hotel. After Check in & having a lunch, take little rest.
Afternoon walk on the beach side road to experience a local feel of the place.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Breakfast In house
• Lunch: Lunch at hotel
• Dinner: Buffet Dinner at Restaurant
Accommodation included: Overnight at The Park, a Sea Side Hotel

Day 13: Vishakhapatnam - Kolkata or Delhi or Mumbai - International Connection

Pass By: Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh
We will drop at Vishakhapatnam airport for the International airport connection in India. Upon arrival at the airport, your international flight connection is to be arranged also by use from Domestic to International terminals at Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi or Chennai & Hyderabad.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.