The Best of Chhattisgarh & Odisha

Region: Chhattisgarh & Odisha (Central India)

Hosted By: Royal Family of Kanker Palace

Accommodation: Heritage Palace, Jungle Resorts, and Boutique Guesthouses

Experiences: Tribal culture, heritage architecture, folk music & dance, nature trails, village interaction, and royal hospitality

Ideal Season: October to March

• Day-wise Itinerary

Guests arrive at Raipur Airport and travel by road to Kawardha, or arrive directly from Kanha National Park. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a traditional lunch at their retreat.

Spend the evening at Sarodha Lake, enjoying the golden sunset over beverages. This serene introduction offers a glimpse of the peaceful landscapes that define rural Chhattisgarh.

• Overnight: Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat

After breakfast, explore the ancient Bhoramdeo Temple, often called the "Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh" for its exquisite stone carvings and architectural detail. Continue to local artisan villages, where you can join potters, weavers, or cooks to learn traditional skills — from shaping clay pots to preparing local dishes.

Later, visit the bustling markets of Kawardha, enjoy snacks at a roadside dhaba, and shop for jungle honey or tribal handicrafts. Witness the weekly Baiga and Gond tribal market, a colorful cultural gathering full of song, dance, and trade.

• Overnight: Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat

After breakfast, drive towards Kanker, carrying a picnic lunch or stopping for refreshments en route at Raipur. On arrival, you'll be greeted with a royal welcome at Kanker Palace Heritage, complete with garlands, traditional drums, and refreshments.

In the evening, relax over drinks and enjoy a performance by Chhattisgarhi folk musicians in the palace courtyard. Members of the Royal Family of Kanker join for an informal interaction, sharing stories and insights about the region's royal and tribal heritage.

• Overnight: Kanker Palace Heritage

After breakfast, embark on a guided excursion to a nearby Muria tribal village, where you'll witness the unique Gotul system, an ancient youth dormitory tradition that preserves tribal values and customs.

Enjoy a traditional tribal lunch, taste local mahua and tardy brews, and observe daily life in its most natural form. In the afternoon, explore a Tribal Haat (market) — a lively gathering where barter, music, and laughter fill the air.

Return to the palace for a relaxed evening and royal dinner.

• Overnight: Kanker Palace Heritage

After breakfast, set out for Jagdalpur, the vibrant capital of Bastar district. Along the way, stop at Kondagaon, a hub of tribal craft and artistry, to visit traditional bell-metal and terracotta workshops.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a secret jungle spot, surrounded by pristine wilderness. En route, visit the Narayanpur weekly market, one of the best places to witness the local lifestyle of Maria tribes.

• Overnight: Bastar Jungle Resort

After breakfast, visit the Bison-Horn Maria Tribe, known for their mesmerizing dance performances, colorful costumes, and warm hospitality. Continue into the Kanger Valley National Park, a dense tropical forest teeming with wildlife.

Explore natural wonders like the Kailash Caves, Tirathgarh Waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. On the return, stop by a local market before heading back to the resort for dinner.

• Overnight: Bastar Jungle Resort

After breakfast, explore the nearby tribal villages and then proceed to visit the Chitrakote Waterfalls, known as the Niagara of India. Witness its spectacular cascade and rainbow mist.

Later, visit the Anthropological Museum, Raw Silk Centre, and a local cockfight market, all offering insights into Bastar's unique social fabric.

• Overnight: Bastar Jungle Resort

After breakfast, depart for Jeypore (Odisha). The drive offers panoramic views of forests, hills, and tribal hamlets. Upon arrival, check in to Hotel Hello Jeypore or a similar comfortable property.

Spend the evening at leisure or explore the local bazaar.

• Overnight: Jeypore

After breakfast, visit the weekly market of the Bonda Tribe, one of India's most distinctive and ancient indigenous communities, known for their unique attire and ornaments.

Proceed to Chanduri Sai, a luxury guesthouse in Goudaguda village, near Kakiriguma. This eco-retreat is designed to offer guests an immersive tribal village experience, blending comfort with cultural authenticity.

• Overnight: Chanduri Sai Guesthouse, Goudaguda

Spend the day exploring village life around Chanduri Sai — interact with potters, walk through paddy fields, learn about tribal customs, and enjoy cooking demonstrations with local ingredients.

Evenings here are magical — with quiet countryside views, local folk songs, and stories shared by the hosts about rural Odisha's traditions.

• Overnight: Chanduri Sai Guesthouse

After breakfast, depart for Vishakhapatnam. The journey through the Araku Valley is breathtaking — a blend of misty hills, coffee plantations, and deep valleys. Guests can travel either by road or take the train route, known for its scenic beauty and lush green landscapes.

End of the tour with beautiful memories of Royal and Tribal India, and heartfelt farewells from your hosts at Kanker Palace Heritage.

Drive to Chatikona to witness the vibrant Dongaria Kond tribal market, one of India's most remote and fascinating indigenous gatherings. Return to the hotel for lunch and continue onward to Jeypore.

• Overnight: Jeypore

Visit the colorful Bonda tribal market, famed for its striking traditional jewelry and hairstyles. After lunch, drive to Visakhapatnam, a scenic journey through rolling hills and valleys.

• Overnight: Visakhapatnam

Departure for your onward destination.

• End of Tour.

Inclusions

• Accommodation in heritage palaces, jungle lodges, and boutique guesthouses
• All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• Guided village visits, cultural performances, and market experiences
• Transportation in private AC vehicles
• Services of expert local guides and naturalists
• Entry fees to national parks, museums, and monuments
• Royal welcome at Kanker Palace
• Bonfire and cultural evenings where applicable

Exclusions

• Airfare or train tickets to and from Raipur / Vishakhapatnam
• Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, or tips
• Alcoholic beverages (except where complimentary)
• Camera or video permit charges
• Travel insurance or medical costs
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusions list

Experience the Spirit of Central India

The Royal Tribal Chhattisgarh & Odisha Tour hosted by Kanker Palace is not just a travel itinerary — it's an emotional journey through the soul of India. It connects two worlds — the elegance of princely heritage and the purity of tribal culture.

From sunsets over jungle lakes to folk dances under starlit skies, from royal dinners in colonial halls to shared smiles in mud-walled villages, this 11-day expedition embodies the essence of real India — unspoiled, soulful, and alive.