Koraput: A Journey into Another World

1–5 October 2026 | Odisha’s Hidden Tribal Heartland

Some journeys are about reaching a destination. Others are about entering a different world.

This October, we set out for one of Odisha’s most fascinating and lesser-explored regions — Koraput and its remarkable Kotpad–Kundra–Girla circuit. A journey through mountains, forests, tribal villages, ancient traditions and landscapes that remain wonderfully untouched by mass tourism.

Why Koraput?

Because there are still places in India where you can feel that you have stepped outside the ordinary world. Koraput is one of them.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the culture. Return with memories of a world that few travellers have discovered.

Thursday, 1 October — The Journey Begins

We board the Samaleswari Express (Night Train), leaving behind the familiar and beginning our journey towards the hills of southern Odisha. There is something special about travelling by train to a place like Koraput. As the landscape gradually changes, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

Friday, 2 October — Arrival in Koraput

By evening, we reach Koraput, surrounded by hills and forests.

After checking in and settling down, the evening is kept relaxed — a first glimpse of the town, the local atmosphere and the beautiful landscape that surrounds it.

The real exploration begins the next morning.

Saturday, 3 October — Kotpad & the Tribal World

Today we enter the Kotpad region, famous for its extraordinary traditional handloom and tribal heritage.

This is not sightseeing in the conventional sense. It is about meeting local communities, discovering traditional crafts and witnessing a way of life that has remained closely connected with the forest and the land.

The road itself becomes part of the experience as we travel through the beautiful countryside.

Sunday, 4 October — Kundra, Girla & Beyond

Our exploration continues towards Kundra and Girla, taking us deeper into the lesser-known landscapes of Koraput. 

Remote villages, forested hills, winding roads and glimpses of everyday tribal life make this perhaps the most memorable part of the journey.

There are no crowds, no hurried checklist of attractions — just people, nature, culture and time moving at its own pace.

Monday, 5 October — Goodbye, Koraput

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Koraput and begin our journey back.

Four days may seem short, but this is not a destination that can be measured by the number of places you cover. It is measured by the experiences you carry back.