Nature & Wildlife Tour in Orissa

Tangled mangroves, impenetrable jungles, sun-kissed lagoons and even the odd crocodile-infested river – Orissa is home to an extraordinary diversity of ecological habitats. Meet elephants, dolphins, flamingos and other residents on this magical wildlife tour!

The east Indian state of Orissa is among the least spoilt and most enigmatic in the subcontinent, boasting vast expanses of jungle and grasslands, an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and some of the oldest temples in India. There are mountains, lakes and mile upon mile of glorious coastline, not to mention the vibrant city of Bhubaneswar, with its 3,000 year history, and Puri, a beautiful and ancient coastal town. More intriguing though are the state’s tribal cultures with an extraordinary diversity of independent customs and rituals. Inhabiting Orissa's remote hills and surviving today very much as they have for many millennia.

Starting in Bhubaneshwar, with its countless medieval temples dotted along broad, tree-lined avenues, you’ll delve deep into the mysterious mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika National Park, home to an awesome array of bird and animal life, including pythons and crocodiles! It’s then on to the Satkosia Gorge, where you’ll trek with locals on the trail of elephants, giant sambar deer and even the elusive tiger! (En route, you can pick up some jungle survival tips from your tribal companions.) Emerging out of the dark forest, it’s time for a well-earned chill out on Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish lagoon and a haven for migratory birds and playful dolphins. Your final port of call is Puri, one of East India’s oldest cities, with its lively night market and sweeping beaches. The trip concludes with a trip to Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where “the language of stone surpasses the language of man”. A magical end to a magical trip!

Jungle temples, mazey mangroves and serene natural habitats at their best; raw and pure. This trip’s best suited to folk with a passion for nature and a taste for adventure, people who’ll brush off the odd mozzie bite or grazed knee for the chance to spot monkeys at play or elephants on the move. You’ll get most from this tour if you’re not afraid to really interact with the environment and its inhabitants, and even to get messy in the process. For the chance to see some of the world’s most charismatic creatures in their natural habitats, we think it’s worth it!