Anyone been to tribal Orissa?

blackbird

Hi folks, I know there have been a few threads about tribal tours, mostly asking for recommendations for tour operators. My question is slightly different: I'm looking to set up tours of Orissa myself through my Indian friend in Puri, which would include the tribal areas, and we'll be travelling out there in late October for a couple of weeks. He will arrange the permits etc, but one thing an Indian can't help you with is an understanding of western travellers experiences.

So I'm just interested to hear of anyone's experiences travelling around those areas: places not to miss, places to avoid, good/bad markets to visit, experiences of accommodation / camping, interactions with the locals etc.... Anything really will help me to get a sense of how to do it, and how not to do it..... Hope to hear from a few of you....

Darmabum

Not an answer, per se, but a pretty good book about the area you're considering: The Goddess in the Stones. Read it years ago, GREAT writer, maybe worth a look.

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haji

Yes, I did this tribal tour in april '95 and I loved it. At that time you needed a permission and a travel agency managed it for me, car included. The tour took 5 days and I always had good accomodation. As far as I remember at Taptapani I had the best hotel. All Orissa was a great journey with just few travellers around. I wish you a good time.

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Jorge Reverter

Blackbird,

Few years ago I've made a trip visiting the tribal areas. The idea was to follow the paths of the journey Mr. Norman Lewis did when he was already in his 80s, ten or twelve years ago. The result of Mr. Lewis trip was the book: "A Goddess in the Stones" and mine's was a book not yet published.

There are other threads about the subject.

As an odd thingh, the same guide who took Mr. Lewis to the area and in the book is a main subject, was waiting for me in Bhubaneshwar's airport.....

In my gallery here in IM you can have a look of a couple of dozens pics taken during this trip.

Jorge

blackbird

Thanks folks.

Jorge I think I've already seen some of your tribal Orissa pictures, but I don't know if I've come across a thread where you describe your experiences, I'll have another look.

I read the Goddess in the Stones recently after seeing it recommended on here. I agree it is a fantastic read. I'd still like to hear any travellers tales because we won't necessarily be following in Norman Lewis's footsteps. But if your book is ever published Jorge I'll definitely read it (if it comes out in English that is.....).