Tribal Tourism Destinations in India

The majority of India’s tribal groups are present in central, northeast, western and east India. Tropical central states of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh are home to the Gond, the region’s largest tribe.. In Eastern India, almost one fourth of Odisha‟s population belongs to tribal community. India‟s tribes are known for their arts and craftsmanship.

Northeast India

The northeastern region of India includes the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram. The entire Northeast India is home to several ethnic groups, who have inhabited this region since antiquity. The Northeast Indian tribes are known for their distinctive culture, ancient language, hand-woven dress and handicrafts, all of which are distinctive and most appealing too. Some of the prominent tribes of the northeast India include Nagas, Khasis, Jaintias, Mizos, Boros, and Cacharis. There are 16 major tribes in untamed Nagaland, which shares a border with Myanmar in remote north east India. These villages are just a few hours from Kohima or to the far-off districts of Mon (renowned for having the last surviving head hunters) and Mokokchung.

Odisha

Odisha, girdled by the Bay of Bengal is a lush green state with the best fusion of traditional Indian art depicted in its temples and an exceptional natural world that is loaded with immense splendour. Lush green mountains, with rich paddies and terraces dot this state everywhere. Odisha is a traditional dwelling place of several tribes who endorse its antiquity. The largest number of tribes can be found in this state. These ancient people with mystical ancient ways dwell in Odisha's remote, deep forests and hilly interiors. Most of them are in the southwest part of the state. Some tribal areas are quite inaccessible and require permission and language is also a barrier. The tribes continue to inhabit Odisha's remote areas in the deep forests and hilly interiors. Immersed in obscurity that revolves around ethnic lifestyle, the Odishan tribes continue to be a source of deep interest for numerous tourists, alongside anthropologists and sociologists. Tourists flock to Odisha to find the unusual charm of this comparatively unsung state. Major tribal sites in Odisha are : Jeypore, Baliguda, Kothagargh, Rayagada, Chatikiona Ankadeli and these are few of the places which are worth seeing in this state. Activities around the jungles are main source of income for the Odisha's tribes. The Juang, Bhuyan, Bondo, Saura, and Dhruba tribes follow the shifting cultivation practice. The Koya tribals are cattle breeders while the Mahali and Lohara are simple artisans involved in basket weaving and tool making. The Santal, Munda and other tribes have now also become involved in the mining and industrial belt of Odisha. The tribals of Odisha treasure a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The changing seasons, religious customs and the traditional values are strong motivation for creating a series of festivals that enrich their life cycle.

Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is one of the most intriguing tribal tourist destinations of not only India but the world. Chhattisgarh has constantly been identical with tribes and tribal culture. Chhattisgarh is famed for its incomparable picturesque splendour and distinctive and rich ethnic culture. The tribes of Chhattisgarh follow unique lifestyle and have impressively maintained their culture and traditions for ages. Over three fourth of its population is tribal, with most of them living in the thickly forested areas of the Bastar region. The tribes, which are predominantly Gonds, are known for producing beautiful arts and crafts, music and dance and unorthodox marriage practices. Young men and women live together in groups in Ghotul huts and interact freely before getting married. The Dusshera festival is one of the most important festivals of the region and is celebrated in unique style .

Rajasthan

Bhil tribe, the predominant group, were amongst the original inhabitants of Rajasthan. They are mostly located in southern Rajasthan and certain cities are named after their Kings who once ruled there. It is advised not to miss the five day Baneswar tribal fair, held in January/February in Dungarpur. The Holi festival is celebrated in traditional style in Banswara with the Bhils. During this festivals the Bhils can be seen in traditional clothing, carrying swords and sticks and performing the tribal dance of the region. Conveniently located not far from Jodhpur, Bishnoi village provides an authentic experience of rural Rajasthan. The notable Bishnoi tribe reveres nature and live in harmony with it, so much so that they bury their dead (instead of burn them like other Hindus) to preserve trees as wood is used in cremation.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra has a large tribal population. The state is home to almost 50 tribes, with the main ones being Bhils, Gonds, Mahadeo Kolis, Pawras, Thakurs and Warlis. “The Hornbill festival of Nagaland is an excellent example of tribal tourism. This festival is an initiative of the Government of Nagaland to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and its people. People from all over the world come together in the first week of December to take part in the celebrations. This festival is one of its kind because it opens up the areas with ‘restricted entry’ into protected areas for visitors without compromising on ethics and traditions. Similar ethical tourism festivals are catching up in the rest of India. The Daman and Diu festival, and Maharashtra and Odisha’s tribal tourism initiatives are slowly moving towards responsible tourism.”