Orissa Tribal Expedition with Andaman Escape
There is much to explore in the Indian sub continent and we challenge you to join us on this amazing journey through regions that are often overlooked and always underestimated. Pristine tribal villages, stunning coastal temples and beaches that go on for ever
This tour is definitely a tribute to the original spirit of discovery! An unforgettable journey crammed with quintessential India experiences; from train journeys that whistle around hills to lively local markets. Follow in the footsteps of India’s ‘original people’ tracking their stunning Indigenous heritage and ancient ways of coexisting with their land. Immerse yourself in animated tribal markets where spontaneity and smiles reign supreme. You will build surprising friendships, and perhaps join in the festive revelry and dancing of these remote settlements. Cruise along the tranquil Chilika Lake which is Asia’s largest salt lake lagoon. Marvel at ancient India’s earliest temples and explore the sea swept temple town of Puri. An adventure of a lifetime bursting with new experiences and amazing discoveries! The Andaman Islands are India’s best kept secret! The archipelago comprising of 572 islands is covered with beautiful primary rainforest. Only 36 islands are inhabited to this day! The residents reflect a colourful mix of mainland Indian settlers, residual refugee communities from Myanmar, and the mysterious and endangered Palaeolithic tribes of the Andaman’s. Experience a slice of paradise on one of Andaman’s most pristine islands
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BURMA EXPLORER AND/OR KERALA AND THE SPICY SOUTH TOURS*** |
Day 1 - Arrival day - Kolkata As today everyone is arriving there are no activities planned. We will have a group meeting and then head out into the city for our first group meal together Day 2 - Overnight train This morning we enjoy a walking tour of Kolkata and include a visit to Mother Teresa’s house and the market. For the not so squeamish we visit the Calcutta Meat Market for a full sensory experience. Later we will board the overnight train south to Orissa Day 3 - Tribal Area - Rayagada Our train arrives at our tiny stop off station. We drive through the picturesque Eastern Ghats for around 4 hours to our evening stay in Rayagada. This is an extraordinary region rich in biodiversity with remote tribal villages dotting the landscape. This is truly an unexplored paradise Day 4 - Tribal Area - Tented Accommodation This morning we visit the local tribal market and drop into a traditional potter’s village for a rare insight into local industry. In the afternoon we walk to our tribal camp in the Niyamgiri Hills. We may meet some new friends to share our evening with and enjoy a local meal in the community Day 5 - Tribal Area - Jeypore Today we savour the colourful sights and sounds of the Chatikona Tribal Market. These markets provide us with a unique opportunity to see different tribal communities interact and engage in the age old system of barter. We have the afternoon free to meet with locals and catch a glimpse of life in the region Day 6 - Tribal Area - Tented Accommodation A visit to the vibrant tribal market at Onukadelli where we can enjoy this regions trade. A leisurely morning is spent with locals haggling over their respective produce. We can learn much about their lives by understanding the goods they sell. Later today we enjoy a serene walk through forests and valleys to the villages of the Gaddava and Paroja tribals. We camp nearby the villages and join the evening revelry well into the night! Day 7 - Tribal Area - Rayagada The Kunduli Tribal market is our first stop today and your last chance to pick up authentic tribal produce. In the afternoon we have an energetic and enjoyable walk through the surrounding tribal settlements before heading back to the township of Rayagada. We freshen up and enjoy our last night in the tribal region Day 8 - Gopalpur We drive this morning to the coastal colonial town of Gopalpur. After a long and scenic drive the sea breeze is a welcome relief. We have time for a stroll along the shore at sunset which is not to be missed. There is a delightful local fishing market full of colourful characters to explore Day 9 - Puri We visit a traditional fishing village and enjoy a wonderful cruise on Chilika Lake before our drive to one of the oldest cities in the east of India. Puri is home to a famous Jagannath temple Day 10 - Puri We have a planned tour of the old city of Puri by cycle rickshaw in the morning. There is no better way to feel part of the action and enjoy the sights. The afternoon has been set aside for our visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Konark. Here stands the 13th century Sun Temple built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I. A remarkable structure accompanied with many myths and legends Day 11 - Kolkata We travel by train today back to our starting point of Kolkata. We plan to arrive in time for a walk in the city markets and a meal in any of the wonderful eateries in the city centre. We have an early night tonight as we are departing in the morning for our short flight to the alluring Andaman Islands Day 12 - Andamans - Havelock Island Our flight takes us south east to the island group of the Andaman’s fabled for its pristine beauty. Arriving in Port Blair we catch our ferry to our home for the next few days, Havelock Island. Picture postcard beaches fringe the island and it’s a perfect place to unwind. (Flight not included. Please allow approx 8000INR for each flight) Day 13 - Andamans - Havelock Island There are islands to explore and villages to visit but your biggest challenge today will be getting yourself out of your hammock! Day 14 - Andamans - Port Blair We have the entire morning to relax and enjoy the beach and surrounds before catching our afternoon ferry back to the main settlement of Port Blair. We stay here tonight as our flight departs early tomorrow. This small town in the middle of the vast Bay of Bengal deserves some exploration and dinner by the harbor this evening is a fitting end to a memorable visit to the islands Day 15 - Chennai departure Our early morning flight heads west across the Indian Ocean to the vibrant and steamy capital of Tamil Nadu on the Indian mainland. Here you may depart the tour or join our exciting ‘Kerala and the Spicy South’ journey which begins this evening. (Flight not included. Please allow approx 8000INR for each flight) |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
| Double Inquire |
***THIS TOUR CAN BE EASILY COMBINED WITH OUR BURMA EXPLORER AND/OR KERALA AND THE SPICY SOUTH TOURS***
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.