My partner and I (early 40s, curious travellers) are planning to explore India next season, and Odisha’s tribal region keeps coming up as something raw, cultural, and deeply human. We’re not looking for a luxury holiday; we’re looking for something more sustainable, authentic, nature-connected, and culturally engaging.

But we also want to do it respectfully. We’ve never visited indigenous communities before, so we’re unsure about what to expect.
What is the most meaningful and responsible way to experience an Odisha Tribal Tour? How do we ensure we’re respecting the culture? What etiquette should we follow, and what are the real do’s & don’ts when meeting Odisha Tribes?

Is it safe, ethical, and genuinely enriching for both travellers and the locals?

—Emma Brown, USA

Good Answer:

Visiting the Odisha tribal area is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a defining highlight of an Odisha Tribal Tour. As you are going through the deeper parts of the region, you begin to realise the effects of religion, language, politics, and the modern age on the lives of the Odisha tribes.

It is a journey that allows you to understand how our lives evolved, and you start to question which way of life is better—our modern world or the traditional rhythms of the Odisha tribes.

The answer to etiquette during an Odisha Tribal Tour is quite simple. Respecting the privacy of people is essential here as well. Do not photograph people without permission; children, in particular, should always be out of question. Do not touch people, especially children, while visiting Odisha tribal regions.

It is important not to give any gifts (goods) or money to anybody in the area. This disrupts the social dynamics, and unfortunately, children of the Odisha tribes may start expecting gifts or money from every visitor.

A modest outfit is always welcome in India, especially important when travelling through the Odisha tribal areas.

I firmly believe that an Odisha Tribal Tour should always be accompanied by a regional licensed guide. Most guides speak or understand a few tribal languages, or at least have long-standing relationships with members of different Odisha tribes. This provides reliable access to remote areas and ensures respectful interaction with the communities and their culture.

Each tribe has a distinct way of living and unique customs. It is difficult to remember them all, but experienced guides can explain these differences perfectly during your Odisha Tribal Tour.

One of the best ways to observe the daily life of the Odisha tribes is to visit their weekly markets. Across the region, these markets bring together multiple tribes. Observing them in the market while they engage in their everyday exchanges is both exciting and ethically responsible.

Travelling in Odisha tribal areas is generally quite safe and deeply enriching for travellers.

When you travel with a responsible tour operator on your Odisha Tribal Tour, the experience becomes meaningful not only for visitors but also for the local Odisha tribes and communities, ensuring they too get their share of happiness.

— Arzu Uysal DÜKKANCI

Dear Traveller,

Some travel questions crop up repeatedly, and we want to answer them in one place. Ask us anything related to travel. Every time we get a new good question, we turn to our local storytellers, on-ground experts, and seasoned traveller contributors to gather their perspectives before shaping them into simple, helpful answers for you. Have a good travel question? Please submit it here!

My partner and I are in our 60s and love slow, immersive travel. We’re excited to visit Nepal, but big crowds and hectic places aren’t really our thing. Are there quieter spots—markets, cafés, or cultural experiences—where we can soak in the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed?

Rajasthan has been on my bucket list for years, and I can’t wait to see the famous forts and palaces. But I also want to go beyond the typical tourist trail and experience something more local and offbeat. Any recommendations for unique experiences that still fit into a classic Rajasthan trip?

I’ve heard Northeast India has an incredible music scene, but it’s hard to find much about it in mainstream travel guides. I’d love to experience both traditional folk music and the indie artists shaping the scene today. Any ideas on where to go and how to find the best live music?