Description
Embark on a Dhenkanal Joranda trip during the famous Joranda Festival. Witness the Mahima saints’ sacred rituals at the Joranda Mela Dhenkanal, explore Bhubaneswar temples, and enjoy an authentic Odisha cultural and tribal tour with crafts, weaving, and village life.
Duration
10 Days, 9 Nights
Language
English
Price
US$2090
HIGHLIGHTS
- Witness the vibrant Joranda Festival of the Mahima saints with fire rituals and chanting.
- Explore ancient temples of Bhubaneswar & Puri, including the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple.
- Discover heritage crafts – Pattachitra paintings, Ikat weaving, and lost-wax metal casting.
- Visit tribal villages & markets – Kutia Kondh, Langia Saura, Dongria Kondh, Bonda, and Gadaba tribes.
- Interact with locals in weekly tribal markets (Chatikona, Onukudeli, Kunduli).
- Experience authentic Odisha with treks, cultural exchanges, and artisan workshops.
Travel Itinerary
Arrive in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to begin your Joranda Festival Tour Package.
Visit the Kalinga-style temples (Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Rajarani, and Lingaraja) after lunch and check-in. Later, stroll around Bindusagar Lake to absorb Bhubaneswar’s sacred aura. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.
After breakfast, continue your Dhenkanal-Joranda trip with a cultural drive toward Puri. Stop at Dhauli to see the rock with Asoka's edicts and the 64 Yogini Temple. Then, visit Raghurajpur for Pattachitra paintings.
In the evening, watch the iconic flag ceremony at Jagannath Temple, visible from outside.
Overnight in Puri.
Today, you'll visit the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO site from the 13th century. It's a massive stone temple shaped like a chariot. Later, enjoy a coastal walk, then drive inland to Dhenkanal for the Joranda Festival.
Arrive by evening and check into your hotel. Overnight in Dhenkanal.
See Sadeibaruni artisans create intricate metal art (Dhokra) using the ancient lost-wax method.
After lunch, you will experience the magnificent Joranda Mela (Mahima Festival) in Dhenkanal. At this powerful event, Mahima Sadhu saints perform rituals and light sacred fires.
Overnight in Dhenkanal.
Curious about the actual rituals and tribal interactions? See our full immersion guide here.
Drive to Phulbani, stopping at Nuapatna and Maniabandh for traditional Ikat weaving. This marks the end of your Joranda Festival tour’s spiritual segment.
Learn about tie-and-dye techniques passed down generations and interact with local weavers. Continue to Phulbani for an overnight stay.
Head into the scenic Barkhamba hills for a guided trek to meet the tattoo-faced Kutia Kondh tribe. Discover their unique traditions and body art while enjoying a local village lunch.
Continue to Rayagada for an overnight stay.
Today, trek the Puttasing hills to meet the Langia Saura tribe, known for their Idital art and rituals. These encounters offer a fascinating contrast to the Joranda Sadhu Festival. Return to Rayagada by evening.
Explore the colorful Chatikona market, a weekly gathering of the vibrant Dongria Kondh tribe. Travel through Mali and Muniaka Kondh tribal villages before reaching Semiliguda or Jeypore.
Overnight stay in Semiliguda/Jeypore. (Wednesday is fixed for this market).
Head to the weekly Onukudeli market, one of India’s most fascinating gatherings. This is the primary location to encounter the Bonda and Gadaba tribes.
Meet the Bonda tribe (jewelry, shaved heads) and the Gadabas (colorful dress, dances).
(Thursday market fixed).
End your Joranda Mela Tour at the Kunduli tribal market, where Paraja and Mali tribes gather. Shop for handmade crafts and food, then head to Vizag for departure.
Your enriching journey through Odisha’s spiritual and tribal heartlands ends here.
(Friday market fixed).
Want to explore more vibrant Indian festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Onam? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Exclusive Festival Tours in India
INCLUDED
- 9 Nights accommodation in 4 star hotels / handpicked hotels / eco-lodges
- Daily breakfast & select lunches in tribal villages
- Daily breakfast & dinners in tribal villages of Dhenkanal
- Private AC vehicle with basic English-speaking driver
- Expert local guides for temple visits, treks & tribal markets
- Expert English speaking accompanying guide from Day 2 till Day 9
- Entrance fees to monuments & heritage sites
- Assistance at airports & transfers
EXCLUDED
- International & domestic flights
- Visa fees, insurance & personal expenses
- Camera/video charges at monuments or tribal areas
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Tips & gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
The Joranda Festival is a spiritual gathering of Mahima saints, marked by fire rituals, chanting, and processions. It’s one of Odisha’s most unique religious experiences.
Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple. However, you can see the flag-changing ceremony from outside and shop in the nearby market.
Yes, though some days involve short treks and village walks. A moderate fitness level is recommended.
Chatikona (Dongria Kondh), Onukudeli (Bonda & Gadaba), and Kunduli (Paraja & Mali tribes) are highlights, each held on fixed days.
Our visits are arranged respectfully with local guides and pre-approved by community elders. We prioritize cultural exchange and respectful observation. The privacy and dignity of the Kutia Kondh, Bonda, and all tribes are always maintained.
We use 4-star hotels in major cities and the best available, secure eco-lodges or hotels in the tribal heartland.
Enjoy the visual spectacle, but remember the rule: Always ask before you click. This applies universally, especially to members of the Bonda and Kutia Kondh tribes. Your local guide will assist with introductions and ensure respectful interactions.
The Joranda Festival is a profound spiritual event. While children are permitted, but we advise parental discretion. The crowded devotional atmosphere and fire rituals may be overwhelming for young children.
HAVE A QUESTION IN MIND
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
