Description
Experience 2026 Joranda Festival, Odisha temples, and tribal cultures on a 10-day immersive journey in 2026.
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 at Bhubaneswar Airport and transfer to your hotel.
After lunch, explore Odisha's temples: Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Rajarani, and Lingaraja. These temples show off the unique Kalinga architectural style.
Stroll by Bindusagar Lake to soak in the city’s spiritual charm. Overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.
After breakfast, drive to Puri, stopping at Dhauli for Ashokan rock edicts and the ancient 64 Yogini Temple. Continue to Raghurajpur Heritage Village to see palm-leaf engravings and Pattachitra paintings.
In the evening, witness the flag-changing ceremony near Jagannatha Temple (non-Hindus cannot enter). 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 through a fishing village before driving inland to Dhenkanal. Arrive by evening and check into your hotel. Overnight in Dhenkanal.
In the morning, visit Sadeibaruni village to see how people create metal art using the lost-wax method.
After lunch, you'll go to the Joranda Festival. This is a large event where many Mahima saints perform rituals and light sacred fires. It’s one of Odisha’s most powerful spiritual experiences. Overnight in Dhenkanal.
Curious about the actual rituals and tribal interactions? See our full immersion guide here.
Drive to Phulbani, stopping en route at Nuapatna and Maniabandh, two villages famous for their Ikat weaving tradition.
Learn about tie-and-dye techniques passed down generations and interact with local weavers. Continue to Phulbani for overnight stay.
Travel into the Barkhamba hills for a short trek to visit the tattoo-faced Kutia Kondh tribe. Experience their way of life, traditions, and hospitality while enjoying a simple lunch in their village.
Later, drive to Rayagada for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive into the Puttasing hills to meet the Langia Saura tribe. They are known for their unique customs and symbolic Idital wall murals.
Spend time exploring their villages and learn about their symbolic murals. Return to Rayagada after lunch. Overnight stay in Rayagada.
Visit the weekly Chatikona market, where Dongria Kondh tribes gather in vibrant attire and jewelry.
Later, drive towards Semiliguda or Jeypore, visiting Mali and Muniaka Kondh villages en route. 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 ancient Bonda tribe, known for their jewelry and shaved heads, and the Gadabas with their colorful dress and dances. Overnight stay in Jeypore/Semiliguda. (Thursday market fixed).
Drive to Vizag via the bustling Kunduli tribal market, where Paraja and Mali tribes trade local produce and crafts.
Arrive in Vizag by late afternoon for your evening flight or onward journey. (Friday market fixed). Tour ends.
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.
