Magic Of Orissa — 15 Days / 14 Nights
Spiritual Essence of Orissa, Temples, Tribal Culture — from Kolkata’s colonial heritage to Odisha’s temple towns and the tribal markets of Chhattisgarh.
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Temples, Tribes and the Untouristed South of Odisha
This 15-day route opens with the grand temple architecture and coastal pilgrimage towns most travelers associate with Odisha, then pushes further south into tribal Odisha and Chhattisgarh — a region of weekly markets, forest villages and rock-cut caves that receives only a handful of visitors each year. It is a shorter, more accessible version of our deeper Odisha itinerary, ideal for travelers who want a genuine encounter with tribal India without committing to a three-week expedition.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Kolkata — Arrival
Arrival in Kolkata at the airport and transfer to the hotel (rooms available from noon). Guided city tour.
Lunch
Walk across the Maidan, a large green space in the city center, leading to the Victoria Memorial, which houses a vast collection from the British Raj (closed on Mondays). Then visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most important churches in India.
Dinner
Kolkata — City Tour
Early morning walk on the impressive Howrah Bridge, followed by a visit to the flower market. Continue to Howrah Botanical Garden, created in 1786 on the western bank of the river.
At Dalhousie Square, see beautiful Victorian-style buildings, including the Bengal government headquarters.
Lunch
Visit the Indian Museum in Chowringhee, a colonial building with remarkable sculpture collections, including Gandhara art (closed on Mondays).
Dinner
Kolkata / Bhubaneswar (Flight)
Flight to Bhubaneswar, capital of Odisha. Discover one of India’s most fascinating religious cities, once home to 7,000 temples (8th–13th centuries). Visit Parasurameshwar and Mukteshwar temples.
Lunch
Admire Lingaraj Temple (11th century) from a nearby platform (non-Hindus are not allowed inside).
Dinner
Bhubaneswar / Puri
Drive to Puri. Stop at Dhauli Stupa to see Ashoka’s edicts and visit the tantric Chausath Yogini Temple (9th century).
Lunch
Continue to Puri, a seaside town and one of India’s holy cities. Evening stroll through the beach market.
Dinner
Puri / Konark / Puri
Day dedicated to the pilgrimage city of Jagannath (an avatar of Vishnu/Krishna). Visit a potters’ village.
Excursion to Konark Sun Temple (13th century), dedicated to Surya. Its intricate sculptures make it one of the finest examples of Hindu religious art.
Lunch
Evening among pilgrims near Jagannath Temple. Attend a dance festival at Konark Temple.
Dinner
Puri / Raghurajpur / Gopalpur
Drive to Gopalpur (5h). Visit Raghurajpur heritage village, known for mural paintings and palm-leaf engraving.
Lunch
Continue to Chilika Lake for a boat ride to see migratory birds. Overnight in Gopalpur, a peaceful seaside town.
Dinner
Gopalpur / Rayagada
Drive to Rayagada (5h), in Odisha’s tribal region. Visit silk weaving workshops in Berhampur and hot springs of Taptapani.
Lunch
Stops in Saura tribal villages.
Dinner
Rayagada Tribal Markets
Visit the Desia Kondh tribal market in Bisamkatak.
Lunch
Explore villages and a copper artisan settlement.
Dinner
Rayagada / Chhatikona / Jeypore
Visit Chhatikona market of the Dongria Kondh tribe, known as guardians of forests and rivers. Photography is not allowed.
Lunch
Drive to Jeypore with stops to see woodcraft artisans.
Dinner
Jeypore Tribal Markets
Visit Onkudelli market (Thursday), where Bonda, Gadaba and Didayee tribes gather. Bonda women wear traditional bead jewelry and unique attire.
Lunch
Visit Gadaba villages. Photography restrictions apply.
Dinner
Jeypore → Jagdalpur
Visit Kunduli market (Friday) of Paroja tribes and nearby villages.
Lunch
Drive to Jagdalpur with stops at weaving villages and tribal markets.
Dinner
Jagdalpur — Kanger Valley
Excursion to Kanger Valley National Park. Walk through sal and teak forests.
Lunch
Visit Kutumsar caves (stalactites and stalagmites) and Tirathgarh waterfalls.
Dinner
Jagdalpur / Kondagaon / Kanker
Drive to Kanker (4h), a forested tribal region. Stay in a former royal palace.
Watch the Maria tribe’s “Bison Horn Dance”.
Lunch
Visit Kondagaon to see traditional lost-wax metal casting artisans.
Dinner
Kanker / Raipur / Kolkata
Visit temples in Kanker.
Lunch
Transfer to Raipur for flight to Kolkata.
Dinner
Kolkata — Return Flight
Transfer to airport for return flight.
End of the trip with wonderful memories
Extra Services
- Pattachitra painting demonstration
- Ikat / handloom weaving workshop
- Tribal village homestay
- Dhokra metal-casting demonstration
- Odissi dance performance
- Local specialist tribal-culture guide
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodation (double sharing)
- AC vehicle for full tour
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- All sightseeing as per program
- Meals (breakfast)
- Driver and local tribal-region guide
What’s Not Included
- Personal expenses (laundry, calls, tips, etc.)
- Extra sightseeing not mentioned
- Camera / photography fees where permitted
- Natural disaster costs
- Travel insurance
- Visa
More Odisha & Eastern India Journeys
About Magic Of Orissa — 15 Days / 14 Nights
Solo and couples
Travel at your own rhythm with a private guide, flexible days and carefully chosen hotels.
Families
Child-friendly pacing, family rooms and interactive experiences such as cooking classes and wildlife visits.
Groups, MICE and weddings
Custom group transport, venues and ground handling for corporate groups, incentives and destination weddings.
Custom changes
Add days, upgrade hotels, remove stops or join with another tour; just tell us your dates and interests.
Places on this journey
Bhubaneswar
It is the best base for Odisha's Golden Triangle (Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark) and for the Buddhist sites of Dhauli and Lalitgiri.
Kolkata
Visitors enjoy the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Dakshineswar Temple, tram rides, Durga Puja and a famed food culture.
Konark
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the emblem of Odisha, with intricate carvings and the annual Konark Dance Festival.
Puri
The Rath Yatra (chariot festival) draws millions of pilgrims; the beach is also quiet and scenic.
Most European guests travel between October and March, when the weather is mild and dry in most of India. Delhi and Mumbai are served by non-stop flights from major European hubs, and we arrange the airport welcome and onward transfers. Request a quote and we will reply with a tailored plan.
Prefer to talk it through?
Book a free video or phone call with an India specialist. We listen to your dates, interests and group, then sketch the right route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Odisha’s tribal markets unique?
Southern Odisha and Bastar are home to Adivasi communities such as the Dongria Kondh, Bonda and Gadaba tribes, whose weekly markets in places like Chhatikona and Onukudeli remain largely unchanged trading and social gatherings, rarely visited by foreign tourists.
Is photography allowed at the tribal markets?
Photography is restricted or prohibited at several tribal markets out of respect for local customs; your guide will advise on where photography is permitted during the tour.
What is the Konark Sun Temple?
Built around 1250 CE, the Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site designed as a colossal stone chariot with 24 carved wheels, dedicated to the Hindu sun god Surya.
Is this tour physically demanding?
The pace involves long drives between remote areas with moderate walking at sites like Kanger Valley’s caves; it suits travelers comfortable with several consecutive road-travel days in exchange for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
How do I get from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar on this tour?
The itinerary includes a domestic flight from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar to begin the Odisha portion of the journey, followed by private chauffeur-driven road travel for the remainder of the circuit.
Can I customise Magic Of Orissa — 15 Days / 14 Nights?
Yes. Every Tour En Inde journey is private and tailor-made, so hotels, pace, dates and activities can be adjusted before booking.
Is Magic Of Orissa — 15 Days / 14 Nights suitable for European travellers?
Yes. The itinerary is designed for international travellers, with comfortable private transport, English-speaking guides and well-selected hotels. We also support Italian, French, German and other European preferences on request.
When is the best time to book this tour?
Most of India is best from October to March. Book early for peak months (November to February) so that preferred hotels and guides are confirmed.