Tribal Village & Art Tour (Koraput, Nandapur)

Tribal Village & Art Tour (Koraput, Nandapur)

Explore the Heart of Odisha’s Indigenous Culture 🌾🎨

A Journey to the Untamed Soul of Odisha 🌿🚞

It all began on a crisp autumn morning. My bags were packed, my camera fully charged, and my heart brimming with anticipation. I was heading to Koraput and Nandapur—names that, until recently, were just faint dots on the map of Odisha. But now, they were calling me with the promise of untouched landscapes, vibrant tribal art, and soulful human connection. This was not a typical tour. It was a cultural immersion, a step back in time, a Tribal Village & Art Tour unlike any other.

Guided by Sonakshi Travels, this journey would change my perspective on what it means to travel. It wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about being seen, being welcomed, and being transformed.

Planning the Tour: Offbeat Yet Accessible 🗺️✨

📍 Where is Koraput and Nandapur?

Located in southern Odisha, Koraput district is surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests, and waterfalls. Nandapur, a serene tribal hamlet within this region, holds immense historical and cultural significance. It was once the capital of the ancient Jeypore kingdom and still whispers legends from a bygone era.

🚉 How to Reach Koraput?

  • By Train: The easiest and most scenic way is via the Visakhapatnam-Koraput Passenger. The journey winds through tunnels, valleys, and waterfalls—an experience in itself.

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam (200 km), connected to all major Indian cities.

  • By Road: Well-maintained highways connect Koraput to Bhubaneswar (500 km) and Visakhapatnam (200 km). Car rental with chauffeur is ideal.

📞 For customized pickups and guided transport, Sonakshi Travels (+91 7980469744) offers complete solutions.

Day 1: Arrival and Embrace in Koraput 🌄👣

🛏️ Where to Stay?

I checked into a locally-run eco-homestay with Sonakshi Travels’ assistance. The rooms were minimal yet charming, with tribal art painted on the walls and warm smiles from the hosts.

Types of Accommodation:

  • Heritage eco-lodges

  • Forest guest houses

  • Homestays with local families

✨ Tip: Always go for local homestays for an authentic experience.

🍛 The First Taste of Tribal Hospitality

Lunch was a revelation. Cooked over firewood, I was served:

  • Mandia pej (Ragi porridge) 🌾

  • Bamboo shoot curry 🎍

  • Desi chicken in sal leaf plate

  • Mahua flower chutney 🌺

Every bite carried centuries of tradition.

Day 2: Into the Heart of Nandapur’s Tribal Life 🏞️🧡

🚌 Journey from Koraput to Nandapur – 20 KM (Approx. 40 minutes)

After breakfast, we drove to Nandapur, where the real soul of the tour began. The road was flanked with sacred groves, occasional tribal hamlets, and smiling children waving from afar.

🎨 Meeting the Tribal Artisans

The Bhumia and Paroja tribes welcomed us with open arms. I watched women crafting Dokra jewelry, Saura mural paintings, and Terracotta figures while singing old folk ballads.

One elderly artisan named Sita Ma, with silver hair tied in a red cloth, shared how every motif told a story of harvest, rain, or ancestral rituals. She dipped her fingers in natural dyes and, with delicate precision, drew a mother feeding her child—a theme of continuity and love.

Local Performances and Community Gatherings 💃🔥

🌾 Cultural Evening in the Village Courtyard

As the sun dipped behind the sal trees, a fire was lit in the village square. Dancers from the Gadaba tribe, dressed in vivid red sarees and silver jewelry, performed the Dhemsa—a graceful circle dance that echoed in the hills.

Children laughed, old men beat the Mandar drums, and for the first time, I felt part of something ancient and eternal.

Local Attractions Worth Exploring 🏯📸

🛕 Nandapur’s Throne of 32 Steps (Batrisa Simhasana)

Legend has it that this stone platform once seated 32 tribal kings. As I stood there, I could almost hear their whispers in the wind.

🌳 Sabara Shreekhetra, Koraput

A secular temple open to all castes and religions. The temple represents tribal inclusiveness in spirituality.

💧Duduma Waterfalls

Located around 70 km from Koraput, this 175-meter waterfall near Machkund is perfect for day picnics and nature photography.

Culinary Trails and Village Markets 🍠🛍️

🧺 Local Markets in Kunduli

Held weekly, this tribal haat bazaar is where barter still thrives. Handwoven saris, wild honey, millets, herbs, and tribal tools—it’s a riot of color and commerce.

Sustainable Travel Tips ♻️🌏

  • Always ask permission before photographing villagers.

  • Avoid plastic, carry refillable bottles.

  • Dress modestly and respectfully.

  • Engage with artisans by buying directly from them.

✨ Respect for culture leads to richer travel experiences.

Weather and Best Time to Visit ☀️🌧️

  • October to March: Ideal for cultural immersion, cool and pleasant.

  • April to June: Dry and hot, but good for trekking and local festivals.

  • July to September: Monsoons make the region lush and romantic, though some roads may be tricky.

Nearby Destinations to Extend Your Tour 🧳📍

  1. Jeypore (22 km): Known for palaces and heritage homes.

  2. Gupteswar Caves (60 km): A sacred cave shrine of Lord Shiva.

  3. Borra Caves, Araku Valley (90 km): Combine tribal with scenic nature.

Emotional Takeaway: More Than a Trip, a Life Lesson 💫💌

As I boarded my train back, I felt something tug at my soul. Was it the warmth of Sita Ma’s blessings, or the raw beauty of the Dhemsa dance? Perhaps it was the joy of being seen, not just as a tourist, but as a friend, a student, and a listener.

The Tribal Village & Art Tour in Koraput and Nandapur is more than sightseeing—it’s soul-seeing. It’s about learning to live simply, to listen deeply, and to respect cultures that have stood the test of time with grace and grit.

📢 Why Book with Sonakshi Travels? 🧭✨

Sonakshi Travels curates immersive tribal experiences with love and precision. Here’s why travelers trust them:

✅ Local tribal guides for authentic interaction
✅ Comfortable transport from Visakhapatnam or Bhubaneswar
✅ Eco-friendly lodging and meals with tribal families
✅ Festival-based tours (like Parab Festival)
✅ Personalized photography & art tour support

🌿 Book Now for:

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📞 Contact: Sonakshi Travels — WhatsApp: +91 7980469744

If your soul seeks raw landscapes, if your heart beats for untold stories, and if your journey is about more than just distance—then this is your call. The Tribal Village & Art Tour (Koraput, Nandapur) is waiting to embrace you.

Let your travel redefine what discovery means.
🛶 With love, color, dance, and deep conversations—Koraput awaits. 💚

Sonakshi Travels – Bringing You Closer to the Real India
📞 WhatsApp Now: +91 7980469744
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