Advice about tribals, Naxalites, scenic routes, tigers

newislander · Oct 31st, 2009, 23:28

Hi. I will by cycling through Orissa, starting from Kokata. There are lots of questions here. Just answer what you know about if anything. Thanks

Places I want to visit include Simlipal Nat Park, Bubaneshwar, Puri, Chilika Lake. Gopalur-on-sea, Tribal areas particularly Koraput and Jeypore. I will leave the state from there heading into Chhatissgarh.

Now what I would like to know is. What are the most interesting and scenic routes? I intend to leave the coast to go inland from Gopalur-on-sea. I'm thinking of going to up to Balangir before turning south.

*I need to get a good picture of where the naxalites are, so I can avoid them. Cna you give me a link to a good map of known naxalite areas? or who should i consult.
* Are there tigers or dangerous wildlife which will be a threat to me if I travel along roads? Please only say yes if you know for sure. Who would be a good source of info about wildlife and safety with regards to that?
* I would like to see a good map of tribes. Do you have a link.

When I go from Kolkata would the coast road be more interesting than the inland route. I don't want to travel along that big inland highway. I think it would be too busy and probably not very scenic Am I wrong? What would be the most scenic route to Simlipal?

Is entering the park the same from Baripada and Jashipur. Is one nicer than the other. Is one less expensive than the other?

Does anyone know anything about the area between Gopalur on sea and Balangir. Is it scenic? I would like to travel on the small roads through the mountains. Would this be a reasonably well populated area? ie going through towns like tatpani or Asiak and then taking small roads to Baligurha rather than the highway because it looks more direct and more interesting. I like travelling through village areas rather than through truck stops. and I don't like sharing the road with lots of trucks and speeding indians in their little cars because I think its too dangerous. (Why do indians have to speed so much? - people please slow down).

From Balangir to Koraput, Is this interesting? Can i come across tribal villages going this way?

I thought to help me get along best with the tribals, i would try hiring a guide for a day in some of the main centres so that I can learn more about them and engaging with them.

If i were to skip going all the way up to Balangir, what would be a nice route going roughly directly from Gopalur-on-sea to Koraput? There's a road going through tatpani, and over to RAyagarda and on to Koraput. What would that road be like for scenery. Any chance of meeting tribals through there?

Well i think you can see what my concerns and interests are. If you have any specific information that would be great thanks.

KABAARY · Nov 1st, 2009, 02:23

NI..you don't have the PM facility yet and, hence, I am compelled to post here. Contact BritishRaj - he knows the Orissa and West Bengal area rather well.

newislander · Nov 2nd, 2009, 00:08

Thank kabarry. I will try that.

newislander · Nov 2nd, 2009, 00:15

I can't find the thing about pms. I've just been through all the options in my control panel. Nada.

camelgirl · Nov 2nd, 2009, 01:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by newislander

I can't find the thing about pms. I've just been through all the options in my control panel. Nada.

You can't PM yet. You have to be a member for at least 10 days (or maybe 12?)

theyyamdancer · Nov 2nd, 2009, 01:12

Camelgirl is right. It is ten days.

newislander · Nov 2nd, 2009, 23:02

Nevermind. I don't think i will bother with pms anyway.

RWeHavingFunYet · Nov 2nd, 2009, 23:27

.
.
.
.
.
.
Hey oldtimer: nice to see you reincarnated here from the other group. Post your photos link in your profile, please.

Here's an article from NY times about Maoists and Naxalites. There is also a higher level map on that page. Good Luck.

newislander · Nov 4th, 2009, 07:37

thanks Rwe. Your avatar threw me. Why have you become a girl? All right will try to work out how to post a photos link.

Someone gave helpful insight into the Naxes on another thread. I hope they are right. They said they would probably not bother a tourist too much. And this confirms what another aussie cyclist mentioned about his experience.

btw I thought maoist = naxalite.

camelgirl · Nov 4th, 2009, 08:49

Thanks for the article link Rwe. Now I'm really upset because I didn't know things had gotten so bad.

I don't know about the type of travel you are planning since I read they are using those IEDs to deadly effect. Even if they don't bother tourists, and who knows if they do, I don't think many tourists attempt these areas.

Anyway, hope it goes OK for you. I'm a coward about going into active insurgency areas.

I think they are now the same Maoists & Naxalites. There will only be alot more bloodshed ahead since the Indian government is planning on going after them.

Do you need a permit to travel there? I think so. I wonder if they will give it to you if there is more fighting going on.

Let us know and good luck!

newislander · Nov 4th, 2009, 20:42

I've not heard anything about any permits. And I've been looking far and wide for info on these areas. Lonely planet certainly doesn't mention it either. So I don't think so.

I am already familiar with the seriousness of the problems in those parts. I saw a documentary somewhere. It might have been on you tube or it might have been on tele. I can't remember. I just didn't know the areas precisely.

camelgirl · Nov 4th, 2009, 23:26

See if this has any helpful information.

http://www.capertravelindia.com/indi...-of-india.html

If any apply to you, it tells where to get the permits. This link looks better. http://www.hindustanlink.com/Destina...cialpermit.htm

newislander · Nov 5th, 2009, 02:00

Permits are not required for orissa and chhatissgarh. Permits are required for the Andamans where I am also going but I already knew about that. Camelgirl, I have done a lot of research already. My questions were fine-tuning my research but since I posted I have learned a lot more from other sources.

Are you planning to visit these areas? Is that why you are answering my thread?

machadinha · Nov 5th, 2009, 03:10

Friends of mine have bicycled some, just minor daytrips really I think, in rural Orissa. Two white women too; but that was years ago, earlier 1990's I reckon. (A tip: They used Norman Lewis' A Goddess In The Stones as something of their guidebook.)

I've never been to the area. What one hears over these last years is that contrary to then, when they really enjoyed themselves and reported no problems whatsoever & felt very welcome instead, the local tribals have gotten a little fed up with tourists coming to watch them. Moreover, there are local tensions (not rarely leading to violent clashes) between various beliefs (many of the tribals are Christians, to name but one thing) & usually (and as usual) motivated in the end by communalist interests. Your Naxalism probably fits in somewhere along that line too.

So my understanding is some tribal centers may be open to visitors, to come see the markets taking place and stuff; and then many other villages where people actually live you may no longer be so welcome at all. And it is therefore usually advised to take a guide indeed; and just setting off on your bicycle these days in that area I truly don't know if it's so wise anymore. If not for your own safety, then in view of possibly offending local sensitivities, perhaps.

And then you mention Chhattisgarh, which again I've yet to visit, but where I think you'll run into roughly the same set-up, if not doubly so. This is both tribal and Naxalite heartland.

It sounds adventurous alright; if the wise thing to do, I'm not so sure and otherwise wouldn't know. Realize too btw the Indian govt. is planning on or has already started a major anti-Naxal offensive over this winter, it's being discussed on several threads on this board. I'm not sure if that would make your way any easier going, if not outright dangerous. Getting caught up in something and being accused of spying would be another thing I wouldn't be at all keen on, btw. May sound far-fetched; but I can just picture some high-on-adrenalin police officer questioning what this white person with their camera and oddly moving about by bicycle is doing way out on their lonesome with some nearby military interventions you may be blissfully unaware of going on.

newislander · Nov 5th, 2009, 09:02

That's quite interesting machi. I hadn't heard about the government offensive due this winter but it fits with what I know. As does the rest of your information and advice. Except I don't think anyone will be so paranoid as to think a white woman on a bicycle would be a spy. Really I don't think so. But the army may not want me around so it is helpful to know this is in advance.

I will keep an ear to the ground. I will try to read a newspaper fairly regularly and see what the news is.

Yes I have heard the tribals are not that keen on tourists turning up to visit but they might be a little bit less annoyed with me being on a bike if the road goes through their village.

I think such roads are safer than the highways because indian drivers speed so much and are reckless on the roads. It scares the hell out of me to be on a road with lots of traffic.

I know we are horrible with out rude curiosity but really these are fascinating people and its hard to ignore them. It's a pity the government didn't look after them better instead of trying to force them to live the way everyone else does.

Thanks for your advice machi.

Oct 31st, 2009, 23:28	#1
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	Advice about tribals, Naxalites, scenic routes, tigers Hi. I will by cycling through Orissa, starting from Kokata. There are lots of questions here. Just answer what you know about if anything. Thanks Places I want to visit include Simlipal Nat Park, Bubaneshwar, Puri, Chilika Lake. Gopalur-on-sea, Tribal areas particularly Koraput and Jeypore. I will leave the state from there heading into Chhatissgarh. Now what I would like to know is. What are the most interesting and scenic routes? I intend to leave the coast to go inland from Gopalur-on-sea. I'm thinking of going to up to Balangir before turning south. I need to get a good picture of where the naxalites are, so I can avoid them. Cna you give me a link to a good map of known naxalite areas? or who should i consult. Are there tigers or dangerous wildlife which will be a threat to me if I travel along roads? Please only say yes if you know for sure. Who would be a good source of info about wildlife and safety with regards to that? * I would like to see a good map of tribes. Do you have a link. When I go from Kolkata would the coast road be more interesting than the inland route. I don't want to travel along that big inland highway. I think it would be too busy and probably not very scenic Am I wrong? What would be the most scenic route to Simlipal? Is entering the park the same from Baripada and Jashipur. Is one nicer than the other. Is one less expensive than the other? Does anyone know anything about the area between Gopalur on sea and Balangir. Is it scenic? I would like to travel on the small roads through the mountains. Would this be a reasonably well populated area? ie going through towns like tatpani or Asiak and then taking small roads to Baligurha rather than the highway because it looks more direct and more interesting. I like travelling through village areas rather than through truck stops. and I don't like sharing the road with lots of trucks and speeding indians in their little cars because I think its too dangerous. (Why do indians have to speed so much? - people please slow down). From Balangir to Koraput, Is this interesting? Can i come across tribal villages going this way? I thought to help me get along best with the tribals, i would try hiring a guide for a day in some of the main centres so that I can learn more about them and engaging with them. If i were to skip going all the way up to Balangir, what would be a nice route going roughly directly from Gopalur-on-sea to Koraput? There's a road going through tatpani, and over to RAyagarda and on to Koraput. What would that road be like for scenery. Any chance of meeting tribals through there? Well i think you can see what my concerns and interests are. If you have any specific information that would be great thanks.

Nov 2nd, 2009, 01:12	#6
theyyamdancer lost in Mechuka member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Crete Posts: 4,426	Camelgirl is right. It is ten days. __________________ "Wandering seemed no more than the happiness of an anxious man." - Albert Camus

Nov 5th, 2009, 03:10	#14
machadinha brother my cup is empty member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 14,400	Friends of mine have bicycled some, just minor daytrips really I think, in rural Orissa. Two white women too; but that was years ago, earlier 1990's I reckon. (A tip: They used Norman Lewis' A Goddess In The Stones as something of their guidebook.) I've never been to the area. What one hears over these last years is that contrary to then, when they really enjoyed themselves and reported no problems whatsoever & felt very welcome instead, the local tribals have gotten a little fed up with tourists coming to watch them. Moreover, there are local tensions (not rarely leading to violent clashes) between various beliefs (many of the tribals are Christians, to name but one thing) & usually (and as usual) motivated in the end by communalist interests. Your Naxalism probably fits in somewhere along that line too. So my understanding is some tribal centers may be open to visitors, to come see the markets taking place and stuff; and then many other villages where people actually live you may no longer be so welcome at all. And it is therefore usually advised to take a guide indeed; and just setting off on your bicycle these days in that area I truly don't know if it's so wise anymore. If not for your own safety, then in view of possibly offending local sensitivities, perhaps. And then you mention Chhattisgarh, which again I've yet to visit, but where I think you'll run into roughly the same set-up, if not doubly so. This is both tribal and Naxalite heartland. It sounds adventurous alright; if the wise thing to do, I'm not so sure and otherwise wouldn't know. Realize too btw the Indian govt. is planning on or has already started a major anti-Naxal offensive over this winter, it's being discussed on several threads on this board. I'm not sure if that would make your way any easier going, if not outright dangerous. Getting caught up in something and being accused of spying would be another thing I wouldn't be at all keen on, btw. May sound far-fetched; but I can just picture some high-on-adrenalin police officer questioning what this white person with their camera and oddly moving about by bicycle is doing way out on their lonesome with some nearby military interventions you may be blissfully unaware of going on. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Scenic rail routes Gujarat	trustindia	Indian Railways	1	Nov 5th, 2008 13:10
two possible routes in India? Advice pls	suiko	India Travel Itinerary Advice	17	Oct 21st, 2008 22:18
Chennai to Bangalore to Goa... Scenic Itinerary Advice PLZ!	LFR3	India Travel Itinerary Advice	13	Oct 25th, 2007 18:20
Andhra Pradesh/Naxalites?	WalkinOnSunshine	Andhra Pradesh	8	Jul 27th, 2005 04:03

Nov 1st, 2009, 02:23	#2
KABAARY Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: INDIA Posts: 1,262	NI..you don't have the PM facility yet and, hence, I am compelled to post here. Contact BritishRaj - he knows the Orissa and West Bengal area rather well.

Nov 2nd, 2009, 00:08	#3
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	Thank kabarry. I will try that.

Nov 2nd, 2009, 00:15	#4
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	I can't find the thing about pms. I've just been through all the options in my control panel. Nada.

Nov 2nd, 2009, 23:02	#7
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	Nevermind. I don't think i will bother with pms anyway.

Nov 2nd, 2009, 23:27	#8
RWeHavingFunYet .. . . . N . o . r . i . k . o . . . .. Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: 17°25'N, 78°31'E Posts: 233	. . . . . . Hey oldtimer: nice to see you reincarnated here from the other group. Post your photos link in your profile, please. Here's an article from NY times about Maoists and Naxalites. There is also a higher level map on that page. Good Luck.

Nov 4th, 2009, 07:37	#9
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	thanks Rwe. Your avatar threw me. Why have you become a girl? All right will try to work out how to post a photos link. Someone gave helpful insight into the Naxes on another thread. I hope they are right. They said they would probably not bother a tourist too much. And this confirms what another aussie cyclist mentioned about his experience. btw I thought maoist = naxalite.

Nov 4th, 2009, 08:49	#10
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 2,049	Thanks for the article link Rwe. Now I'm really upset because I didn't know things had gotten so bad. I don't know about the type of travel you are planning since I read they are using those IEDs to deadly effect. Even if they don't bother tourists, and who knows if they do, I don't think many tourists attempt these areas. Anyway, hope it goes OK for you. I'm a coward about going into active insurgency areas. I think they are now the same Maoists & Naxalites. There will only be alot more bloodshed ahead since the Indian government is planning on going after them. Do you need a permit to travel there? I think so. I wonder if they will give it to you if there is more fighting going on. Let us know and good luck!

Nov 4th, 2009, 20:42	#11
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	I've not heard anything about any permits. And I've been looking far and wide for info on these areas. Lonely planet certainly doesn't mention it either. So I don't think so. I am already familiar with the seriousness of the problems in those parts. I saw a documentary somewhere. It might have been on you tube or it might have been on tele. I can't remember. I just didn't know the areas precisely.

Nov 4th, 2009, 23:26	#12
camelgirl 10 year Visa okee dokee Join Date: May 2005 Location: Swannanoa NC usa Posts: 2,049	See if this has any helpful information. http://www.capertravelindia.com/indi...-of-india.html If any apply to you, it tells where to get the permits. This link looks better. http://www.hindustanlink.com/Destina...cialpermit.htm

Nov 5th, 2009, 02:00	#13
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	Permits are not required for orissa and chhatissgarh. Permits are required for the Andamans where I am also going but I already knew about that. Camelgirl, I have done a lot of research already. My questions were fine-tuning my research but since I posted I have learned a lot more from other sources. Are you planning to visit these areas? Is that why you are answering my thread?

Nov 5th, 2009, 09:02	#15
newislander Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 67	That's quite interesting machi. I hadn't heard about the government offensive due this winter but it fits with what I know. As does the rest of your information and advice. Except I don't think anyone will be so paranoid as to think a white woman on a bicycle would be a spy. Really I don't think so. But the army may not want me around so it is helpful to know this is in advance. I will keep an ear to the ground. I will try to read a newspaper fairly regularly and see what the news is. Yes I have heard the tribals are not that keen on tourists turning up to visit but they might be a little bit less annoyed with me being on a bike if the road goes through their village. I think such roads are safer than the highways because indian drivers speed so much and are reckless on the roads. It scares the hell out of me to be on a road with lots of traffic. I know we are horrible with out rude curiosity but really these are fascinating people and its hard to ignore them. It's a pity the government didn't look after them better instead of trying to force them to live the way everyone else does. Thanks for your advice machi.