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TEMPLES & TRIBES OF ORISSA

?February 16-March 4 & October 12-28, 2009

February tour coincides with Konark Dance Festival

The tour dates are planned so we arrive in villages
on their local market day, enhancing our experience of tribal lifestyles.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Calcutta
Transfer to hotel Peerless.

Day 2 Calcutta ?Full day sightseeing (B, D)
The name Calcutta is said to have been derived from the word Kalighat. Kolkatta was anglicized into Calcutta. Today the city has reverted to its original name.

We start early morning to the banks of the Hoogly River to the flower market, then to Dakshineshwar Temple onward to Kumartuli (potters village) & one of Mother Theresa's many homes for the underprivileged.

Dakhineshwar Temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni (1793-1861). This temple is associated with one of India's greatest religious philososphers - Shri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (Gadadhar Chattopadhyay - 1836-1886). The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. It has 12 smaller temples in the courtyard dedicated to Shiva, Radha and Krishna. It is 25 km out side the town.

The village Kumartuli is the home of the kumars or potters who all year round make the life size deities that are worshipped throughout the year at festivals and pujas. Kali, the patron goddess of Calcutta, is usually seen in her blood thirsty form, garlanded with skulls.

In the afternoon we visit Victoria Memorial a white marble monument to Queen Victoria. A combination of Italian renaissance and Mughal architecture, it was the British attempt to replicate the Taj Mahal and is a museum dedicated to the Raj.

Evening visit to Kalighat temple, the main Kali temple (Durga) in Calcutta, to observe the nightly ceremony. Kalighat: Kali temple is located on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi). The temple was built in 1809 on the site of a much older temple. The Kalighat temple in its present form is only about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century. The Kalighat temple is considered one of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India, where the various parts of Sati's body are said to have fallen, in the course of Shiva's Rudra Tandava. Kalighat represents the site where the toes of the right foot of Shakti or Sati fell.

Kali is regarded as one of the principal deities of Bengal. There are other temples to Kali - Sahasrabhuja Kali, Sarvamangala, Tarasundari and Simhavaahini. Kali is regarded as the destroyer or liberator and is depicted in a fearful form. Despite the terrifying form, she is considered to deliver bliss to worshippers.

Day 3 Calcutta- Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri (B,L)
Fly to Bhubneshwar ?IT2501 dep 0730/arr 0845 . On arrival met by our escort Mr. Shiva Bhuvan & transfer to hotel.

?Bhubneswar is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Orissa, and is famous as the Temple City of India. Traveling through the state of Orissa is a blend of art, architecture and ancient cultures. Bhubaneswar has some stunning temples clustered around the Bindusagar Tank. Of the original 7000 only 500 remain dating from the 7th century to the 11th century. Of these the most outstanding is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple which represents the peak of Orissa art and the late 10th century beautifully decorated Muktesvara temple which belongs to the end of the phase of temple building.

Close to the Mukteswara Temple is the Parsurameswara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best preserved. It has sculptures featuring amorous couples, animals and floral motifs.

Outside the city limits are the Udayagiri and Khandgiri caves which date from the 2nd century, during the time of Jain and Buddhist occupation of this region. The Jain caves are among the earliest in India and all the caves were built during the 150 years before Christ. In contrast to the stark decor of the Jain caves, the Buddhist caves are decorated with excellent friezes and sculptures. Visit the great temples of Lord Shiva : the Lingraj Temple and Parusurameshwara Temple during evening ceremony, time-permitting.

Day 4 Drive ?Bhubaneswar-Sadeibarini-Nuapatna?-Bhubanesw ar  (170 kms/4 hrs) (B,L)
Full day tour to Nuapatana & Sadaibarini & silver filigree work at Cuttack then back to Bhubaneswar for overnight.

Day 5 ?Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark-Puri (170 kms/4 hrs) (B,L)
?Enroute to Puri, visit Raghurajpur ( Artisan's Village), Pipli (The Applique Village , Dhauli (The Rock Edicts of Ashok).

The artisan village Raghurajpur near Puri which specializes inpattrachitrs-- an art using vivid colors painted on palm leaves. You will also see the ancient art of palm leaf etching which, in the 16th century, was used to illustrate manuscripts. It was this technique which helped shape the Oriya script to its present rounded form.

Continue to the colorful village of Pipili where we can see Orissan Handicrafts, the specialty is applique work.

Next we visit Dhauli village where the Kalinga warlord Ashok renounced bloody warfare and embraced the teachings of Buddha. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as the Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese Buddhas. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka’s detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. The sculpted elephant atop the edict signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory.

On arrival in Puri, transfer to hotel. Afternoon visit the famous Jaganath temple in Puri.
Puri, the popular beach resort, is one of the four holy abodes in India. Pre-Dravidian and pre-Aryan history relates that a tooth of Buddha was temporarily enshrined in Puri before being moved to Sri Lanka. Supporting the theory that Buddhism prevailed in this area, the Jaganath Temple, to the Lord of the Universe, and the main attraction in Puri, was believed to have originally been a stupa. The extraordinary form Jaganath takes in this temple is said to be the unfinished work of the craftsman god, Vishvakarna. Angry at Vishnu, he left his portrayal of the god incomplete. This 12th century temple is known for its annual Rath Yatra or Car Festival. The Jagannath Temple contributed the word ‘Juggernaut’ to the English language.

February Tour Only: Evening drive to Konark to attend the Konark Dance Festival which is held by the stunning ruins of the Sun Temple, 6-10 pm. Renowned exponents of Indian classical dance forms participate at this festival.

Prior to the start of the performance, visit to the Temple - Chariot of The Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the thirteenth century A.D. in the golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture is sheer poetry in stone. Everyday the Sun God rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts his first gentle rays on the sanctum sanctorum and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the morning Sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. As you approach the water, you will see rising from the golden sandy beach, one of the country’s most vivid archeological treasures -- The Sun Temple. For a millennium, this temple has been a beacon to sailors at sea. Despite the fact that the Black Pagoda, as it was referred to by European soldiers who wanted to distinguish Konark from the whitewashed Jagamath Temple in Puri, lies in ruins, the structure is magnificent.

After the festival, return to Puri (45 km) for overnight.

.
Day 6 Bhubaneswar-Chilka Lake - Gopalpur on Sea (150 km)
Morning visit the community at Belakati which specializes in work with bell metal.

The drive to Chilka Lake takes us through scenic countryside and attractive villages. Chilka lies in the heart of coastal Orissa. The pear-shaped lake, spread over 1,100 sq km, is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. It is dotted with small islands and has an impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant. White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos are among the many species which make the lake a bird watcher's delight. Chilka, in fact, is home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of flamingos.

Other than the birds, Chilka's shores are home to blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas, and the lake is rich in aquatic life- its waters harbour around 160 species of fish, crustaceans and other marine creatures, including the famous Chilka dolphin. Prawn, crab and mackerel fishing are an important source of livelihood for the local people, and hundreds of small fishing boats set sail each morning to bring in the day's catch from the lake. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbours Indiaâs second largest pachyderm population, and the chances of seeing elephant herds is pretty high, especially during the dry season. Sunset and sunrise are memorable experiences here. A private boat ride on the lake to view the avian life and Kalijai Temple, abode of the presiding deity of the lake, located on the tiny island.

After lunch, drive to Gopalpur on Sea, an ancient sea port not often visited by tourists. Sand dunes, groves of coconut palm and casuarinas separate the small town from the beach. Our last night of comfort before embarking on the rugged journey through the tribal areas.

Day 7 Gopalpur -On-Sea - Rayagada (180 km) - Hotel Sai International (B,L,D)
Early morning visit of fishermen's village & weavers village at Berhampur (Berhampur tassar sari , towel, dupatta, dhoti ) Then drive to Rayagda. Rayagda has the facilities to serve as a base for visiting the nearby places of interest. Hatipathar, only 3 km from here, is a place of great scenic beauty with two waterfalls on the course of river Nagavali. The boulders here appear like huge elephants.

Day 8 Rayagada Market Day - Monday- Hotel Sai International (B,L,D)
Orissa has the third highest concentration of tribals in India and because of the remoteness of the areas where they live, the tribes are untouched by modern times. Each has a distinct language and pattern of social and religious customs. Though economically challenged and a very low rate of literacy, the tribal groups have highly developed artistic skills as seen in their body paintings, ornaments, weaving and wall paintings. Music and dance also are an integral part of their ceremonies and seasonal festivals. During the next six days we will be visiting some of these tribal settlements.

Today we will stop at the villages of the Saoras, a major tribe who live in hilly areas. In contrast to other tribes who live in clans, the Saoras live in extended families descended from a common ancestor. The village is administered by a headman who is assisted by a religious leader and village shamans, or medicine men, who are able tocommunicate with deceased ancestors. The walls of the mud houses are decorated with remarkable paintings, traditional designs. We will wander the tribal market.

Day 9 Rayagada - Kothgarh - Rayagada - (180 km) - Market Day - Tuesday, Hotel Sai International (B,L,D)
The excursion today takes us to the Kothgarh tribal area. The most numerous, they speak Kuvi, a language derived from the Dravidian strain of Southern India. Human sacrifice has now been replaced with animal sacrifice, offering the blood to their surpreme goddess represented by a piece of wood or stone to ensure fertility of the soil. The members of this tribe still use bows and arrows to protect themselves from wild animals. Return to Rayagada for overnight.

Day 10 Rayagada - Jeypore - (240 km) - Chatikona Dongariya Kondh Market Day - Wed,  Hotel Jeypore (B,L,D)
The drive today takes us through Chatikona to visit a few Dongariya Kondh villages. Wednesday is their market day.

Jeypore, the commercial nerve centre of Koraput district, endowed with falls and forests thronged with colorful wildlife has all such facilities to serve as the convenient base for visiting the places of interest in and around. Bagra (15 km) has the charming waterfall on the river Kolab and an ideal picnic spot.

Day 11 Jeypore - Onukudelli - Jeypore - (180 km) - Weekly Market Day - Thursday,
Hotel Jeypore (B,L,D)
The area we visit today is the home of the approximately 6000 members of the fierce Bondas (naked people) of Tibetan-Burmese origin. They live in the remote hills and keep themselves isolated. They grow rice by shifting cultivation and keep domesticated cows and goats. They can only be seen when they come to trade at the local market, and we have timed our visit to coincide with the weekly market. The Bonda women are noticeable by their bead necklaces, striking brass and silver necklets and their shaved heads decorated with plaits of palmyra leaves. We will also visit the colorful Godabas, A munda tribe who speak in the Austro Asiatic dialect. Afterwards drive to drive to Gupteswar (60k) to visit the caves which was believed to have been the refuge for Ram during his days of exile and the place he worshiped Shiva. On the way we will visit a few Dhuruba villages. Overnight in Jeypore.

Day 12 Jeypore -Jagdalpur (Weekly Market Day - Friday at Kunduli ) Royal Baster Farm (B,L,D)
enroute visit Kunduli Market and Kotapada . (Market Day - Fri at Kunduli )Royal Baster Farm (B,L,D) Maharaja Kumar Harihar Bhanj Deo of the former ruling family of Bastar is not only an excellent artist and a practising lawyer in the capital Jagdalpur, he is also an authority on the turbulent history of Bastar State with a keen regard for the natural wonders of his region. He offers a personal guide to Royal Jagdalpur, the Palace grounds, Anthropological Museum, and a variety of local wildlife and tribal tours in South Bastar, from the base of the Bastar Royal Farm Guest House. Close by on the Indravati River are the Chitrakot Falls, Bastar's own mini-Niagara. This area is home to the bison-horn Maria Gonds, named for their fine dancing head-dress as well as famed for their spectacular dance..

Day 13 Jagdalpur Royal Baster Farm (B,L,D)
An early breakfast allows time for a visit to the rich forests of the Kanger Valley National Park, the enchanting Tirathgarh waterfall and the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite caves. Kanger retains the original intensity of the forests that once covered this whole region, and you will picnic in the natural habitat of leopard, tiger, sambhar, bison and the Bastar Hill Myna. Here too are forest tribal people in their natural habitat. There will be time also to explore some of JagdalpurÕs unique handicrafts before dinner at the hotel with your royal guides.

Day 14 Jagdalpur - Kankar (Weekly Market Day - Sunday ) Kankar Palace Hotel
Drive to Kanker visiting Maria & Muria tribes & weekly market in Narayanpur. Conditions permitting,, a barbecue is served under the stars in authentic Bastar style. You will be entertained by a performance of the tribal people, before returning to your hotel.

Day 15 Kanker - Kondagaon - Narayanpur - Kanker Kanakar Palace Hotel
After breakfast at the Palace, the Bastar tribal experience begins. South of Kanker you and your royal guide climb the forested Keshkal Ghat which marks the border of Bastar 500m above the plain. You will encounter here the special nature of North Bastar with a visit to a colorful weekly market. It gives you a great opportunity to meet the local people. At Kondagaon and Narayanpur discover some of BastarÕs finest handicrafts, and the people who make them. Lunch will be a picnic in the deep green sal forests.

Day 16 Kankar - Raipur (140 km, 4 hrs) Hotel Celebrations (B,L)
Drive to Raipur, enroute we pass several handicraft centers for those last-minute souvenirs of your Bastar experience. Evening at leisure.

Raipur-Calicutta--departure
Morning relax. Transfer to airport for flight to Calcutta, DN680 dep. 1545 arr. 1645. Transfer to hotel for wash & change and late night transfer to International airport.

Prices: Feb Tour ?$3340 per person based on min 4 people; single room supplement $65
Oct Price TBA

Plus airfares ? (price range/exact price upon booking): Calcutta - Bhubaneswar $110-190, Raipur-Calcutta $120-240, to Delhi $185-300

Price: Private Tour
please inquire

Includes:

• All accommodations (dble occupancy)
• Daily breakfasts
• All meals in tribal area from Gopolpur to Kankar
• All land transportation in Orissa by ac jeep
• Arrival and Departure transfers in ac Tempo Traveller or mini bus
• Professional escort from Brubaneshwar onward; local guide in Calcutta
• Entrance Fees to monuments + dance festival
• Mineral water & soft drinks during long drives and sightseeing excursions
• Porterage at domestic airports and hotels
  
  
  Does Not Include

• International Flight
• Departure Tax
• Trip Cancellation/Travel Insurance
• Tips
• Personal expenses

Our Escort
Mr.Shiba Prasad Bhuyan , a native of Orissa, holds post graduate degrees in history from Utkal University and inTourism Management from Alliance France in Delhi. He has been working with the US market for the last 11 years leading ethnic, craft, art and history tours. His clients have included Lost Frontiers of California and ASTA President Barbara Wagner as well as French and Japanese television crews. In addition to English, German, French, Japanese, Hindi and Punjabi, he speaks Oriva, Kuvi and Gadaua tribal dialects. He is well known and respected by all the tribal groups and therefore can offer our group opportunities for authentic interaction and an up close view of lifestyles and customs. You will be delighted to be in his care during this journey.

Notes:

• Photography is forbidden inside the tribal villages but not much restriction during the bazaar days.
• The tour dates are planned so we arrive in villages on their local market day,
  enhancing our experience of tribal lifestyles.

Hotels

Peerless Hotel in Calcutta is a four star hotel on a quieter street behind Park Street, walking distance to many shops, bazaars, interent cafes and galleries.

Mayfair Lagoon Resort-Bhubaneswar is an elegant low rise hotel spread on 10 acres of lush tropical greenery around a 1.5 acre lagoon, with intimate courtyards, fountains and exquisite works of art. The accommodations are cottages each with an area of 750 sq.ft with telephone, a mini-bar, a personal electronic safe, tea / coffee maker, cable TV, data port, fax and computer on request and a private balcony giving a breath taking view of the lake or the lush green gardens. Facilities include swimming pool, health club, business center.

Mayfair Beach Resort-Puri has the best centrally located beachfront in Puri. Its’ architecturally rustic elegance combines with lush gardens. The accommodations are deluxe cottages with all modern amenities and facilities as in Bhubaneswar.

Hotels throughout the tribal areas are the best available; basic non air conditioned rooms with attached toilet and bath.

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