February 13-25, 2020
Largely isolated from modern life, living within the rolling hills and fertile valleys of Odisha are 62 tribes that rely on the forest for their livelihood, living as hunter-gatherers, farmers, fishermen, or cattle herders. Designed around colorful weekly markets, this adventurous photographic journey was created to provide intimate access and more quality time in hard-to-reach areas. This will allow you to interact with the tribes on a deeper level to learn about their indigenous heritage and ancient ways of life beyond a quick snapshot; this always creates more power images and life-enriching experiences.
The value of staying several nights directly in the communities will not only have you reveling in the colorful weekly markets, but you will enjoy walks through the spectacular landscape visiting villages, meeting elders, artisans, and interacting with the diversity of cultures throughout this picturesque region in the most beautiful light of the day; we have even arranged a local cooking lesson, during midday, to share an authentic experience of their everyday life.
To experience the tribal tapestry of these cultures we will visit several weekly markets of the Kui Kohdh, Paroja, Mali Tribal, Dongaria Kondh, Bonda, Gadaba, and Didyai. Walking from their villages for several kilometers in their distinctive traditional dress, the women come to these colorful markets to sell and barter for goods. Spending quality time in these area’s, unrushed due to a crazy time schedule, offers us an intimate window into their traditional daily lives.
Fascinating and adventurous tribal India is filled with wonderful hospitality and a plethora of photographic opportunities that can also be emotionally and physically draining, which is why we have taken great care in choosing comfortable accommodations and transportation to relax and recharge. We have also included all tips for local guides, porters, meals, drivers, dance performers and listed activites, which can be a daunting task in figuring out who should be tipped and constantly trying to exchange currency for small notes.
For a more rewarding photographic experience and better group dynamics, this trip is limited to a small group of only 8 participants.
Itinerary
Day 1: February 13 – Arrive Kolkata
Upon arrival into Kolkata, you will be met and greeted by our representative and privately transferred to the hotel. We will meet for an orientation at 5:00PM (17:00) followed by a welcome dinner. (**Please plan your arrival before 3:00 PM)
Accommodations: The Oberoi Grand
Day 2: February 14 – Visakhapatnam
After an early, but scrumptious, breakfast we will head to the airport to catch our flight to Visakhapatnam. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our seafront hotel, check in, and have lunch. In the late afternoon, we will visit the fish market where the village women come to trade.
Accommodations: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach
Day 3: February 15 – Goudaguda
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Goudauda and into the heart of tribal lands. Our wonderful comfy guest house sits within a 2-acre garden setting, is styled on the local tribal houses and is a named after the Poraja word for the big mango tree, which was used for local medicine for many centuries. After our lunch, we will venture out to our first Poraja Village.
Accommmodations: Chandoori Sai – (B,L,D)
Day 4: February 16 – Goudaguda
Today, we will spend a leisurely morning and afternoon walking through the country hillside with the locals enjoying the stunning landscape, village sounds, and visiting the tribal and terracotta villages. Unrushed, there will be plenty of time to gain insights into daily village life, spend time with the potters and make your own, or sit and enjoy enchanting conversations over a cup of chai. The simple charm of these exotic tribal people is refreshing and will have you yearning for a simple life without the pace and complexities of the modern world.
Accommmodations: Chandoori Sai – (B,L,D)
Day 5: February 17 – Goudaguda
After an early breakfast, we will visit Kakiriguma, the weekly colorful market of the Kui, Kondh, Paroja and Mali tribal people. Enjoy the tapestry of the sights, sounds, and aromas as the local tribal people barter, buy and sell their produce and stock. A sea of vibrant handicrafts are available throughout the market from colorful saris to handmade textiles in traditional patterns to exclusive jewelry pieces. In the late afternoon, we will visit the villages of the Kondh tribe.
Accommmodations: Chandoori Sai – (B,L,D)
Day 6: February 18 – Goudaguda
Today, we will spend a leisurely morning and afternoon visiting the villages of the Mali and Bada tribes.
Accommmodations: Chandoori Sai – (B,L,D)
Day 7: February 19 – Goudaguda
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Chitakona to visit the colourful weekly market of the Dongaria Kondh Tribes. On our return drive, in the late afternoon, we will visit the bamboo basked making village of Harijans, Minapai, and Kui tribes.
Accommmodations: Chandoori Sai – (B,L,D)
Day 8: February 20 – Onkudeli-Desia
After an early breakfast, we will sadly say goodbye to this tribal region and drive to Onkudeli to visit one of the most interesting weekly markets of the Bondas, Gadabas, and Didayees. The Bondas, draped in various beads and large banges, are one of the most fascinating tribes with a similar look to African tribes. They speak an Austro-Asiatic dialect and are for the most part agriculturists and mass cultivators. After the market, we will check into our lodge made of local materials and decorated by the tribal artist. In the afternoon, we will visit the Kangarapada village of the Gadava tribe.
Accommmodations: Desia Lodge – (B,L,D)
Day 9: February 21 – Kunduli-Desia
After breakfast, we will visit the Mali and Paroja tribal market at Kundali. This is a one of a kind opportunity to witness such a beautiful grouping of the Mali tribe in one place. In the late afternoon, we can visit these tribes at their villages.
Accommmodations: Desia Lodge – (B,L,D)
Day 10: February 22 Nandapur – Desia
Today, we will slow down once again and have a full leisurely day in the Nandapur area to visit the Paroja and Gabada villages. In the evening, we will be treated to the Dhemsa dance performance of the Gadaba tribe.
Accommmodations: Desia Lodge – (B,L,D)
Day 11: February 23 -Desia
We will enjoy one last leisurely day in this area visiting the mali and Sana Poroja tribes. We have also arranged a local cooking class for those who would like to enjoy a daily activity with the local people.
Accommmodations: Desia Lodge – (B,L,D)
Day 12: February 24 – Kolkata
This morning we will bid our farewells to the rich tribal area of Odisha and drive back to Visakhapatnam for our flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our luxury hotel where the rest of the day may wander around the street market of Kolkata.
Accommodations: The Oberoi Grand (B,L,D)
Day 13: February 25 Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kolkata Internationa airport for your flight home, or if you wish this magical journey to continue, join us on the Kolkata Extension. (** you may plan your departure for any time on this day, but check out from the hotel is at 10:00 AM)-(B)
WISHING YOUR TRIP DID NOT HAVE TO END- JOIN THE KOLKATA EXTENSION
Kolkata Extension
February 25-28,2020
A vivid city rendered in elegantly striking contrast, Calcutta is still the creative capital of India promoting art, music, and drama; a treat to the traveling soul and a fresh canvas to a photographer’s eye. A Kaleidoscope scope of various shades, flavors and sights, we have three full days to explore the notorious city. We will visit the famous flower market, Kumartulli, Bagh Bazar, Kalighat Temble, the british colonial area, Sealadh Kiley market, the fruit market, Belur Math and Dakshinswar Kali temple, take a boat ride to discover a hitherto unseen side of Kolkara and race through the streets on Rickshaws.
Day 01: 25 Feb’20
An early morning pre-breakfast trip takes us to “Flower market” of Kolkata. Situated on the banks of Hoogly River near the famous Howrah Bridge, the place is alive with vibrant colors as pilgrims and traders come here to buy their supply of temple flowers. Also, photograph the local wrestlers next to the Howrah Bridge. After breakfast, visit Kumartulli. Kumartulli is known for its internationally renowned artisans who craft the most beautiful idols from straw and clay. Also, visit Bagh Bazar [Conch Shell work]. Come back to the hotel for lunch. Late afternoon, visit Book Market at Collage Street and Indian Coffee House. Later visit Kalighat Temple and see the devotees come for their daily ‘Darshan’. (No photography inside the Temple)
Accommodation: Overnight at The Oberoi Grand-Deluxe room (B, & L)
Day 02: 26 Feb’20
After and early breakfast breakfast, walking tour of the British colonial area with discovery of the city’s colonial buildings, Writers Building, High Court, St John’s Church etc. Then, head out to visit the Sealdah Koley market (Vegetable market). Late afternoon, private boat cruise in the River Hoogly to discover a hitherto unseen side of Kolkata, with a ring-side view of the myriad happenings on the river’s ‘Ghats’. We will also do the walking tour of the riverside.
Accommodation: Overnight at The Oberoi Grand-Deluxe room (B, & D)
Day 03: 27 Feb’20
Early morning visit to fruit market and old used clothes market. After breakfast, excursion to visit Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple (No photography inside the Temple). Lunch will be at the local restaurant. Early evening hand-pulled Rickshaw ride in the city.
Accommodation: Overnight at The Oberoi Grand-Deluxe room (B, & L)
Day 04: 28 Feb’20 (Friday):
After breakfast, transfer to Kolkata International airport to board the flight for onward journey. (B)
Important Details
TRIBAL INDIA- ODISHA
The Price –
The price of this Indian tribal adventure based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room) is $7,295.00
The price of this Indian tribal adventure basedon single occupancy (One person in a private room) is $8,990.00 for private accommodations. ****Singlerooms are extremely limited.
If a solo guest wishes to share a room, we will do our best to match them with another guest of the same gender. If we cannot match a solo guest with another guest of the same gender, then the single supplement of USD$1,695.00 will be charged.
A USD $4,500 non-refundable deposit (1st deposit and second payment) is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. You may purchase travel insurance that will refund your deposit if cancel your trip.
Payment Terms
- USD $2,000.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this trip
- 2nd payment of USD $2,500.00 is due April 25, 2019
- Final payment/balance is due October 15, 2019
- We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance.
Included
- 12 nights of accommodations
- 2 in-country flights, Kolkata to Viskhapatnam/ Viskhapatnam to Kolkata
- Meals + tips, as noted on the itinerary –B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Comfortable climate controlled coaches with qualified drivers, including tips
- Private international Airport transfers on the arrival and departure day of itinerary
- Assistance at all the airports by our English speaking representatives
- Tribal area permits
- Photo trips to the tribes
- Cooking class
- All local guides, including tips
- English speaking local guides
- Bottled drinking water, 2 bottles per day in transport vehicles and drinking water at meals
- Professional photographer leader and highly experienced Local Indian Guide who will be with you throughout the trip
- All tips to the bell boys, porters, restaurants, local guides, drivers, dance performers and listed activities.
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, phone calls etc.)
- Gratiuties for our main professional experienced Indian Guide
- Accommodations and transport before or after the arrival and departure dates listed in the itinerary.
- Any expenses caused by factores beyond our control like flight cancellation, road blocks, vehicle malfunction etc – we highly recommend travel insurance, which will cover these type unforeseen expenses.
KOLKATA EXTENSION
The Price
Based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room)
8-7 Participants – 1,695.00
6-5 Participants – 1,950.00
4 Participants – 2,395.00
Single room supplement is $450.00
A USD $800.00 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration to secure your spot. You may purchase travel insurance that will refund your deposit if cancel your trip.
Payment Terms
- USD $800.00 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place on this trip
- Final payment/balance is due October 15, 2019
- We highly recommend trip and cancellation insurance.
Included
- 3 nights of accommodations
- 2 in-country flights, Kolkata to Viskhapatnam/ Viskhapatnam to Kolkata
- Meals + tips, as noted on the itinerary –B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
- Comfortable climate controlled coach with qualified drivers, including tips
- Private international Airport transfers on the departure day of itinerary
- Assistance at all the airports by our English speaking representatives
- Rickshaw ride
- All local guides, including tips
- English speaking local guides
- Bottled drinking water with lunch and Dinner
- Highly experienced Local Indian Guide who will be with you throughout the trip
- All tips to the bell boys, porters, restaurants, local guides, drivers, dance performers and listed activities.
Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases (including shopping, spirits, laundry, internet fees, phone calls etc.)
- Gratiuties for our main professional experienced Indian Guide
- Accommodations and transport before or after the arrival and departure dates listed in the itinerary.
- Any expenses caused by factores beyond our control like flight cancellation, road blocks, vehicle malfunction etc – we highly recommend travel insurance, which will cover these type unforeseen expenses.
REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT
If you are excited to join the Tribal India – Odisha Trip and the Kolkata Extension now is the time to secure your spot. Use the BUTTONS below (or in the top right side bar) to fill out your online e-registration form and to make your deposit. We must receive both your completed registration form and your deposit/s to confirm your spot.
Registration form – Please complete all the required fields. At the end of the form you will be asked to confirm your email address, which will complete the registration. A copy of your registration will be emailed to you and to Piper Mackay Photo Safaris.
Deposit– Use the button below to chose your camp and make your deposit.
1. Use the drop down menu to select the deposit for Tribal India Odisha or Tribal India Odisha and Kolkata Extension.
2. Click the deposit button to make your deposit. You do not need to have a Paypal account to use this payment service. You may make more than one deposit at a time by changing the quantity on the purchase details that will come up once you click the deposit button.
