Contact us to extend your trip to tribal states of North East India
Delve into one of the tribal heartlands of India, starting your journey in Orissa, a state blessed with incredible temples, including the UNESCO Sun Temple in Konark. Discover diverse bird life on Chilika lake and then proceed along the tribal circuit meeting remote communities. Shop for traditional handicrafts and textiles at the bustling tribal markets. Move on to Chhattisgarh, one of India's least explored states, and weave your way through more tribal villages meeting the people who make this region so unique. Stop off at the magnificent Chitrakote Falls before your flight back to Kolkata or elsewhere in India.
Bhubaneshwar - Puri - Konark - Gopalpur - Rayagada - Jeypore - Jagdalpur - Chitrakote - Kanker
Arrive in Bhubaneshwar where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Your travel documents will be issued in India and given to you on arrival. The rest of the evening is free at your leisure. Overnight in Bhubaneshwar.
Overnight in The Crown, Bhubaneshwar
Meal plan: n/a
Spend the morning exploring the ancient temples and Jain trails. Visit the temples of Lingaraj, Mukteshvara, Brahmeshwar, Parsurameswar and Rajarani. In the afternoon, discover the ancient Jain caves at Khandagiri and Udaygiri, home to the ornately carved rock shelters of the 1st century. Later, drive to the Tribal Museum, where you can see the houses of different tribes, their household utilities and traditional dress and jewellery. Overnight in Bhubaneshwar.
Overnight in The Crown, Bhubaneshwar
Meal plan: Breakfast
Drive to Puri, visiting Dhauli, Chousathi Yogini Temple and a Pipili appliqué work village en route. On arrival in Puri, check in to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit the Jagannath Temple. Overnight in Puri.
Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath Temple but it can be viewed from Raghunathan library platform (platform closed on Sundays).
Overnight in Hans Coco Palms, Puri
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, drive to the 13th century Konark Sun Temple before making a stop at a fishermen village on the plains. Later, return to Puri and the Jagannath Temple. Visit the coastal fishermen's village, interacting with the local community before exploring the crafts village of Raghurajpur in the afternoon, known for its master Pattachitra painters. Overnight stay in Puri.
Overnight in Hans Coco Palms, Puri
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Gopalpur, stopping at Chilika Lake en route for a boat ride. Chilika Lake is Asia's largest salt water lagoon and is home to a unique array of bird life, making it the perfect location to witness the migratory birds. After the boat ride, proceed to Gopalpur and check in to the hotel on arrival. Overnight in Gopalpur.
Overnight in Mayfair Palm Beach Resort, Gopalpur
Meal plan: Breakfast
Drive to Rayagada through the Eastern Ghats, enjoying views of the beautiful scenery. Stop at the hot water spring of Taptapani and Desia Kondh, where the water is considered to have medicinal properties. Visit some indigenous tribal villages of the Kumuti as well as a traditional weaving village where each house has a handloom to make saris and clothes. Continue to Rayagada and check into the hotel. Overnight in Rayagada.
Overnight in Hotel Sai International, Rayagada
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, drive to Kotagarha and visit some Kutia Kondh villages. Overnight stay in Rayagada.
Overnight in Hotel Sai International, Rayagada
Meal plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Jeypore, visiting the Chatikona Market and the Dongria Kondh tribe en route. Also visit the indigenous Mali agricultural tribe and the Moniaka tribal villages. On arrival in Jeypore, check in to the hotel. Overnight in Jeypore.
Overnight in Hotel Apsara, Jeypore
Meal plan: Breakfast
Drive to the Onkudeli market and visit the primitive tribes of Bondos, Gadabas and Didayis. Overnight stay at Jeypore.
Overnight in Hotel Apsara, Jeypore
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, drive to Jagdalpur, stopping at its Jagannath Temple and the colourful market of the Paraja and Mali in Kunduli en route. Also visit the Kotpad weaving village and Dhurwa tribal market. On arrival in Jagdalpur, check in to the hotel. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Overnight in Naman Bastar Resort, Jagdalpur
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the villages of the indigenous Bison Horn Maria tribe. You will be able to enjoy their infamous culture and hospitality at a dance held in the village. Later in the afternoon, see the Chitrakote waterfall and visit some nearby tribal villages. Overnight in Jagdalpur.
Overnight in Naman Bastar Resort, Jagdalpur
Meal plan: Breakfast
Drive to Kanker, visiting a craft village home to the Kondagaon tribe on the way. Also stop at some Murriya tribal villages, including the Halba and Bhatra tribal groups. Overnight in Kanker.
Overnight in Kanker Palace, Kanker
Meal plan: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Muria tribe, famous for their dance and hospitality. Later in the day, stop at some other villages in and around Kanker. Overnight in Kanker.
Overnight in Kanker Palace, Kanker
Meal plan: Breakfast
Transfer to Raipur Airport for onward journey to Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata.
Meal plan: Breakfast
All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.
The Crown Hotel in Bhubaneswar is near to many of the cities historic temples. The contemporary style bedrooms offer a comfortable space to relax after exploring the region. Each ensuite room is fitted with satellite television and wifi access. The 3 on-site restaurants serve an array of Indian and international cuisine options. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and hotel bar.
The Hans Coco Palms is a colonial-style hotel in Puri, not far from the temples and beaches of the city. The bedrooms are spacious and also decorated in a traditionally colonial style. There are 2 restaurants on-site that serve authentic regional dishes. Guests are also welcomed to enjoy the hotel swimming pool and gardens, which boast scenic views of the coast.
Spread out over 12 acres of land and just a short walk from the Gopalpur Beach, the Mayfair Palm Beach Resort offers beautiful panoramic views overlooking the Bay of Bengal. The resort provides luxury accommodation, with all rooms equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi, air-conditioning and cable flat-screen TVs. Guests are welcome to enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and treatments in the spa, as well as the 2 restaurants within the resort, where a variety of local Indian, Western and seafood specialities is served.
Hotel Sai International provides simple and comfortable accommodation with a focus on efficient service and warm hospitality. It is conveniently located for those visiting the nearby tribal villages.
Opened in 1988 and refurbished in 2013, Hotel Apsara provides modern and comfortable accommodation with a focus on excellent hospitality and efficiency. Rooms are equipped with free WiFi and guests are welcome to enjoy the onsite multi-cuisine restaurant and terrace lounge.
Spread over 3.5 acres of lush greenery, Naman Bastar is an exclusive vegetarian, non-alcoholic resort focused on sustainable tourism. The resort offers traditional hospitality rather than modern day uniformity, aiming to preserve the authentic village environment. Guests are welcome to enjoy the onsite multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant specialising in Indian, South Indian, Chinese and continental food.
Originally built in the first quarter of the 20th century as the home of Kanker's royal family and rebuilt in 1937, Kanker Palace exhibits traditional colonial style architecture with an air of stately elegance and ambience. Rooms are equipped with luxury modern amenities, whilst still maintaining its old-world charm and heritage.
Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery
Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.
On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha
Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces
Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve
A real life Jungle Book.
Ideal extension to Bhutan
Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway
After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches
Himalayan treks, village walks and more
Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.
Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife
Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh
Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam
Travel India's Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh
Golden Triangle and the Himalayas
Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival
Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages
Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland
Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India
Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur
Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan
Tropical mountains, tea & spice plantations, and backwaters
Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations
Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants
Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan
Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India
Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India
Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip
Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala
Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters
Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms
Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine
Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans
Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions
Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures
Take in the highlights of central India
Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland
Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns
Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh
Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism
Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth
Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages
Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot
Track India's tigers, leopards & lions
Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh
Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife
Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh
Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala
Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys
Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan
Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India
Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches
Laurel Smallwood , Tribes of Orissa & Chhattisgarh I Assam & Nagaland Hornbill FestivalOnce again, a fantastic tailor-made trip discovering the tribes of India. A genuine new experience in a less-well known part of India. A seamless trip from start to finish with guides and drivers amongst the best we have experienced. Wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Our third tailor-made holiday with Travel The Unknown.
Jay Holtzman & Rothlyn Zahourek (USA) , Tailormade Tribal IndiaWhat an incredible trip you planned for us! I cannot tell you how thrilled we were with our tailormade India tour. We travelled for 34 days and every single day was wonderful. Not only did you include everything that we would have wanted to experience, and many additional things that we had no clue about, you planned it in such a way that we had "down time" to be able to relax and think about and savor what we were experiencing. In addition, the choice of many fascinating accommodations gave almost as much exposure to aspects of India as our various tours.
Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, IndiaThanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.
Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tourThis trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.
Rachel , Spirit of South India, IndiaWe went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Tracey & Gary , Tailormade IndiaI would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.
Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.
Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, IndiaThis was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.
Vik , Kerala Calling, IndiaThank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.
Ann Holgate , Tailormade IndiaA really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.
Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, IndiaWhat an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.
Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, IndiaThe tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.
