Tribal Chhattisgarh

Overview

One can even candidly confess that they are probably the only ones who have managed to carry through all these ages and still have their culture, heritage, lifestyles, beliefs and rituals intact, which is nothing less than an achievement in this ever-changing cerebral world of ours. The tribes of Chhattisgarh have spread across the areas like Kanker, Jagdalpur and Kawardha and more but these being the main destinations being specifically touched during this tour.

After a day at Delhi, one further goes to Kawardha, which happens to be a royal retreat too. Surrounded beautifully by the Maikal range, is ideal for bird walks and of course the gardens that provide quite a respite. You can begin the tribal discovery with little walks into the Tolas or the settlements of the Baiga tribes. It is rather impressive to appreciate the harmony and the rhythms of life that these tribes set into very naturally.

Kanker is one such place where the tribes have preserved their talents and arts of pottery, wrought iron, bell metal works and even the delicate bamboo crafts. Kanker landscape is painted with five rivers giving it the special lush greens and the interlocking valleys to spend some sublime moments with Nature. There is ample scope for tribal village walks, jeep safaris and short trips to monuments that this place is dotted with.

The next destination is just 106 kms away from here. Jagdalpur was once an ancient kingdom situated on the banks of the river Indravati. Today it is treated like a virtual museum where you can witness the Muria, Maria and the Dhurwa tribes in their traditional attire. It is a great idea to stay here for some time to actually be able to feel the tribal spirits; so much full of life and warmth. The journey or the tribal discovery culminates at Raipur.

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. Later proceed for orientation tour of Old and New Delhi. Visit Qutub Minar – the 239ft sandstone tower. Drive past the India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Visit Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation was cremated; drive past the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk.

Day 02 - Kawardha

Early morning transfer to Delhi airport to board your flight for Raipur 0600-0740. On arrival in Raipur you will be met by Mystic India’s representative and transfer to your Hotel. Evening proceed to visit the famous Kawardha Palace. Just east of the Maikala Range to the SE of Kanha National Park, Kawardha is a small town in Chhattisgarh. In this remote area Maharaja Vishwaraj Singh has recently opened his palace to visitors.

Day 03 - Kawardha

After breakfast you are free to explore the Tribal Villages around Kawardha a tribal region with the Gond and the Baiga tribes forming the majority of populations in the area. These tribes are mainly inhabited in the inaccessible forest areas, south of Jabalpur.

Day 04 - Kawardha

After breakfast you are free to walk and explore the region. Kawardha is a small but exceptionally beautiful town of Chhattisgarh. Famous for its exceptional natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, Kawardha offers an enchanting and tranquil retreat to its visitors.

Day 05 - Kanker

After breakfast you will drive to Kanker (5 hrs). Upon arrival, at Kanker Palace, the Maharaja's family will greet you and will be happy to interpret and explain the folklore and tradition of the State they once ruled. Evening is at leisure to explore. HALF BOARD

Day 06 - Kanker

After breakfast you will proceed towards south of Kanker and climb-up 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 (if it is market day). HALF BOARD

Day 07 - Kanker

After breakfast you are free to walk and explore the region. Kanker is full of small hilly pockets, was a centre for Buddhism in 6th century BC the region. This thousand year old town offers a splendid combination of forest, waterfalls and exquisite tribal villages nestled inside. HALF BOARD

Day 08 - Jagdalpur

After breakfast you will drive to Jagdalpur (6 hrs). Upon arrival, you will check in at the Hotel. In the afternoon you will proceed for guided tour of historical Jagdalpur and the Anthropological Museum and Chitrakote Waterfall, Bastar's very own 'Niagara' on the Indravati river.

Day 09 - Jagdalpur

After an early breakfast, visit the rich forests of the Kanker Valley National Park, the enchanting Tirathgarh waterfall and the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite caves. Also explore some of Jagdalpur's unique handicrafts.

Day 10 - Raipur

After breakfast, you will drive to Raipur (6 hrs). Upon arrival, you will check in at the Hotel. In the afternoon you are free to relax and unwind. Raipur was founded by the Kalchuri King Ram Chandra of Raipur last quarter of the 14th century AD. Now, Raipur is the Headquarters of the District and Division of the same name centrally located in the newly formed State Chhattisgarh.

Day 11 - Delhi

After breakfast transfer to Raipur airport to board flight for Delhi 1840-2020. On arrival in Delhi you will be met and transfer to Hotel; Evening is at leisure to relax.

Day 12 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.