Odisha has the third largest concentration of tribals in India with over 62 ethnic tribes calling the state their home. Inhabiting the highlands, forests, valleys, and hilly terrain, these tribal forms almost one-fourth of the state’s entire population and play a great role in shaping the cultural life of Odisha. Each tribe has their own unique identities and rich heritage of performing and traditional arts which is best seen in their attire, music, dance and artistic expression which is most evident in their tattoos and jewelries.
So, if you are looking for an ethnic tribal tour of Odisha, then these are places where you should head off to:
Sl.No | Name of Tribes | District | Approx distance from Bhubaneswar |
1
| Kondh
| Phulbani | 211 kms |
Sambalpur | 321 kms | ||
Bolangir | 327 kms | ||
Kalarapat | 494 kms | ||
Ganjam | 157 kms | ||
2 | Koya | Malkangiri | 620 kms |
3
| Bonda
| Koraput | 494 kms |
Malkangiri | 620 kms | ||
4 | Gadaba | Koraput | 494 kms |
5
| Santal
| Mayurbhanj | 270 kms |
Balasore | 214 kms | ||
6
| Saura
| Ganjam | 157 kms |
Bolangir | 327 kms | ||
7
| Paraja
| Kalahandi | 418 kms |
Koraput | 494 kms | ||
Sundergarh | 407 kms | ||
8 | Juang | Keonjhar | 235 kms |
Do note that special permission is required to visit some of these tribal areas.
Keywords: Tribes of Odisha, tribal culture, tribal art, tribal tours