Rajim Mela and Madai Festival Tour

Mesmerising festivities, endless tribal colours, Ocean of faith

Summary of Rajim Mela and Madai Festival Tour

  • Duration: 11 Nights & 12 days
  • Major Attractions: Rajim Maghi Mela, Madai Festival, Tribal Markets, Baiga Dance, Ghotul Dance, Bison Horn Maria Dance, Bonda Tribe
  • Destination Covered: Bhoramdeo, Raipur, Rajim, Kanker, Jagdalpur, Rayagada, Chatikona, Semiliguda, Onukudelli, Vishakhapatnam

Highlights of Rajim Mela and Madai Festival Tour

This is a very special & fixed departure tour program comprising Rajim Maghi Mela earlier called as Rajim Kumbh Mela, Madai Festival, Tribal dances like Bison Horn Maria and Ghotul. It includes the unexplored regions of Chhattisgarh combining with tribal circuits of Odisha and architectural gems like Bhoramdeo Temple. In Chhattisgarh, you will visit beautiful tribal region of Bastar, Madai Festival and Rajim Maghi Mela. It will be a treat to visit both festivals in one tour program along with Bhoramdeo region, as you are aware Bhoramdeo is known as Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh due to its erotic sculptures based on Kamasutra.

Rajim Maghi Mela

The highlight of this trip is Rajim Maghi Mela, as you know Kumbh Mela is the largest and holiest pilgrim gathering in the world. Everyone knows about Kumbh Mela and its four holiest places as Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain but there is a secret fifth Kumbh also, Rajim is that fifth one.

Rajim is just 44 KMS from Raipur the capital of Chhattisgarh state and is a most famous holy assembly for Vaishnavites – the devotees of Lord Vishnu. Rajim Maghi Mela is situated close to the convergence of three rivers Sondur, Mahanadi and Pairi. The monks, Saints, and pilgrims from every nook and corner of India come here and make it a spectacular place to visit. The colorful people, Naga Sadhus (Naked monks) and various folk activities are visual treats for the visitors. This festival gives an amazing opportunity to be part of history, culture, and spirituality at one go.

Madai Festival

Another big attraction of the itinerary is Madai Festival celebrated with great excitement and enthusiasm by the people of Gond Tribe reflecting their rich traditions and culture. The communities of Kanker as Kurna and Charnama and the tribal people of Baster also celebrate the Madai Festival. This festival goes from one place to another location thus every tribe and each community take pleasure in celebrating it. You can witness various tribal rituals in the Madai festival like processions, ceremonies and cultural events in their best attires.

The added attractions to this unique itinerary will be the special tribal dances organized in the villages such as Baiga Dance, Bison Horn Maria Dance and Ghotul Dance. These dances will give us the opportunity to learn more about the culture and festivities of the tribes of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh has very rich tribal traditions as many different tribes are living in the state like Gond, Baiga, Maria, Ghotul, Bhatra, and Dhurwa etc. Bastar is still an unexplored region of India.

In Odisha, we will show you the colorful tribal markets of primitive tribes like Bonda and Gadaba. Bondas are one of the most colourful tribes of India. The trip will also offer an opportunity to visit the biggest weekly Haat of Mali and Paraja tribes of the state. Odisha is one of the richest state in tribal culture in India.

Request a Quote

Itinerary Summary

Day Place Highlights Accommodation Details
Feb 10, 2026/ Tuesday Delhi Reception in Delhi Sarovar Portico
Feb 11, 2026/ Wednesday Raipur-Bhoramdeo Bhoramdeo Temple Visit Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat
Feb 12, 2026/ Thursday Bhoramdeo Gond Tribal Villages, Baiga Dance Bhoramdeo Jungle Retreat
Feb 13, 2026/ Friday Bhoramdeo-Raipur Baiga Villages, Bhoramdeo Temples Sarovar Portico
Feb 14, 2026/ Saturday Rajim-Kanker Rajim Maghi Mela Kanker Palace
Feb 15, 2026/ Sunday Gobrahin-Kanker Madai Festival, Ghotul Dance Kanker Palace
Feb 16, 2026/ Monday Jagdalpur Deer Horn Muria Tribe Bastar Jungle Resort
Feb 17, 2026/ Tuesday Rayagada Bison Horn Maria Dance Hotel Sai International
Feb 18, 2026/ Wednesday Chatikona Dongria Kondh tribal market Imperial Inn
Feb 19, 2026/ Thursday Onukudelli Bonda Tribal Haat, Gadaba Tribe villages Imperial Inn
Feb 20, 2026/ Friday Vishakhapatnam Kunduli Tribal Haat Four Points by Sheraton
Feb 21, 2026/ Saturday Delhi-Departure

Itinerary Details

  1. Odissi dancers on stage dressed in a traditional orange costume with heavy jewelry and feathers of jewelry and headdresses on their heads
    Open popup

    Day 01 February 10, 2026 – Delhi-Arrival

    International Arrival Welcome at the airport Drive to the hotel

    Delhi-Arrival

    We will traditionally welcome you upon arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to the hotel with assistance. We will help you in check in to the hotel comfortably and relax in the room for the rest of the time.

  2. Colored blue-sari smiling gond tribal woman with red bindi sitting on pink polka dot curtain.
    Open popup

    Day 02 February 11, 2026 – Delhi-Raipur-Bhoramdeo

    Flight from Delhi to Raipur Drive to Bhoramdeo (3 hours)

    Delhi-Raipur-Bhoramdeo

    Have breakfast at the hotel and then check out. We will transfer you to the airport to embark on the flight to Raipur.

    On arrival at Raipur airport, you will be received and transferred to Jungle Retreat in Bhoramdeo having lunch on the way. On arrival at Bhoramdeo, check in to the ethnic village resort.

    Later, take a short walk to the ancient Bhoramdeo Temple to see the evening prayer. During the walk, you will meet some beautiful Gond Tribal Ladies.

    Gond is one of the biggest tribal communities mostly living in central India. Gonds were great warriors and even had their kingdoms in ancient India. Gonds are still living their traditional lifestyle for hundreds of years.

    In the evening before dinner, we will also arrange Baiga Tribal Dance (Subject to availability). Baiga Dance is a very electrifying dance performed by both men and women of the tribe. Their dance attires are really spectacular. The unique feature of the Baiga tribe is that the women here sport tattoos on almost every part of their bodies.

    Have dinner and enjoy the beautiful jungle retreat.

  3. Three baiga tribal men in white ritual clothing with heavy feathers headdresses and flowery wreaths
    Open popup

    Day 03 February 12, 2026 – Bhoramdeo

    Bhoramdeo

    Enjoy the lovely homemade breakfast at your beautiful retreat in authentic Chhattisgarhi village style. Today, you will be visiting some of the Gond Villages, which may include Rajpur, Katgo, Harmo, etc.

    Enjoy the lunch in the afternoon, we will either carry a picnic lunch with us or have lunch at Village Dhaba in Dhawai Pani. If lucky, we can also witness the Madai Festival by Baiga Tribe at Bokkar Khar Village. Baiga tribes are known as the people of the forest as they survive on the products of the jungle. Baiga practiced shifting cultivation & lived a nomadic life over the years. Return back to the resort in the evening.

  4. Early sculpted stone bhoramdeo temple with complex buildings in the courtyard and trees all around it.
    Open popup

    Day 04 February 13, 2026 – Bhoramdeo-Raipur

    Drive to Raipur (03 Hours)

    Bhoramdeo-Raipur

    After breakfast, visit the famous Bhoramdeo Temples known as the Khajuraho of Chhattisgarh built in 1100 AD, these temples are older than Khajuraho temples. These are the outstanding Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, the complex comprises four temples, the earliest temple is made of brick whereas, the main temple is built of stones. Later, visit the Thua Pani village of the Baiga Tribe, and we will visit one of the homes to understand their daily lifestyle.

    Also, visit the houses of the Kumhar community working on pottery at Amaroda village. Also, explore the Mandawa Mahal Temple of Lord Shiva built in 15 Century A.D.  Have lunch at the resort and check out. Post lunch, we will drive to Raipur – the capital of Chhattisgarh. By the evening, reach Raipur and check in to the hotel.

  5. Sadhus with matted hair, painted faces and orange shawls smoke marijuana chillums outside.
    Open popup

    Day 05 February 14, 2026 – Raipur-Rajim-Kanker

    Drive to Rajim (01 Hour) Drive to Kanker (03 Hours)

    Raipur-Rajim-Kanker

    Post breakfast, drive to Rajim and spend the first half of the day in exploring the festivities of Rajim Maghi Mela earlier known as Rajim Kumbh Mela. Rajim Mela has immense religious importance for the Hindus in India and the pilgrims and saints will be taking the holy baths in the rivers and performing various rituals. It is a confluence of the rich culture of the country as the people from each part of India come to have a holy dip during this auspicious occasion. It is a spectacular to see different types of monks and colorful pilgrims in Rajim.

    Later, drive to Kanker having lunch on the way at Lover’s Point near Kurud. Post lunch, drive Charama village to see Gond and Yadav people making Bidi – an Indian Cigarette made of tree leaves. Most of the people in the villages smoke these types of Bidis in India. Drive through the enchanting countryside to Kanker, this region is pristine and offers unparalleled natural beauty.

    Arrive in Kanker and stay in the erstwhile palace converted into a heritage hotel.

     

  6. Huge number of tribal dancers in white traditional attire dancing in sync circle dance in the open air.
    Open popup

    Day 06 February 15, 2026 – Kanker-Gobrahin-Kanker

    Excursion to Villages and Gobrahin (03 Hours)

    Kanker-Gobrahin-Kanker

    Drive to the tribal villages to see a fascinating Ghotul performance by Muria Tribe. Ghotul is a social institution belonging to Abujh Maria & Muria tribe. In the Muria tribe, Ghotul used to be a village dormitory where young boys & girls could live together before marriage & can even have sexual activities. In Ghotul, there are many dances & musical performances such as Mandri, Hulki & Gedi Dance.

    It will be really interesting to visit one of the Ghotuls & their performance. Later, we will proceed to Gobrahin to see the Madai Festival – one of the most important religious festivals in Chhattisgarh. During the festival, the tribes from Bastar come & celebrate. They carry processions & do prayers to the Goddess. They wear the best of their attires, and perform folk dances & other cultural activities. After Madai Festival, drive back to Kanker Palace.

  7. Bhatra tribe woman is sitting on the ground preparing food over small fire with basket and straw close by.
    Open popup

    Day 07 February 16, 2026 – Kanker-Kondagaon-Jagdalpur

    Drive to Jagdalpur (04 Hours)

    Kanker-Kondagaon-Jagdalpur

    Enjoy the breakfast with the royal family and say goodbye to your lovely hosts. Depart to Jagdalpur stopping en-route to see some of the villages of Deer Horn Muria Tribe and interact with the colorful and hospitable Muria Tribes of Baster. Also, visit the home of the world-famous artist of Dokra Art in Kondagaon Village, here you can see many of the beautiful crafts created by the artist.

    Finally arrive at Jagdalpur and check-in. Later, enjoy the delicious dinner of Bastar region.

  8. Drums are being played by tribal musicians wearing red and feathered headdresses during celebration.
    Open popup

    Day 08 February 17, 2026 – Jagdalpur-Kotapad-Rayagada

    Drive to Maria Village (02 Hours) Drive to Rayagada (06 Hours)

    Jagdalpur-Kotapad-Rayagada

    After breakfast, drive to the villages of Bison Horn Maria Tribe & witness the mesmerising Bison Horn Maria Dance. This is one of the best dances of Bastar & it is equally fascinating to see the houses, colourful attires, headgears & tattoos. Bison Horn Maria is one of the most spectacular tribe to see in Chhattisgarh. After the dance, proceed to Chitrakote Waterfalls – the widest waterfalls in the country of 29 meters height often referred as Niagara Falls of India.

    In the afternoon, start the journey towards Rayagada. Stop at Nagarnar village to see Bhatra and Dhurwa tribes. Dhurwa or Dhuruas tribes are group of Nomadic people from Bastar area now settled on the Banks of river Sabari which makes borderline for Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Also stop at Kotapad weaving village which is known for its vegetable dyed textile weaving by Mirgan community. Arrive at Rayagada hotel and relax.

  9. At the market, two women of dongria kondh tribe are carrying baskets on their heads in customary wraps and jewelry of white.
    Open popup

    Day 09 February 18, 2026 – Rayagada-Chatikona-Semiliguda

    Excursion to Chatikona market (02 HRS both way) Rayagada to Semiliguda (05 HRS)

    Rayagada-Chatikona-Semiliguda

    Today drive to Chatikona to see Dongria Kondh tribe and their weekly market on Wednesday. Dongria Kondh is the most remarkable tribe in Kondh tribes. Dongrias live in hilly areas and live a simple tribal life. Dongria Kondh every week walk from the mountain to Chatikona to trade their agricultural products and from that earning buy their household things. The ladies in the Dongria tribe are extremely shy and rarely interact with outsiders. Post lunch drive towards Semiliguda through the villages of Desia Kondh tribes- another interesting tribe of Odisha. Reach to your hotel in Semiliguda and enjoy the dinner. Another exciting day ends in the tribal region of Odisha.

  10. Bonda Tribe woman is wearing a fancy beaded collar, necklaces of cowrie shells, and a colored headpiece wrapped.
    Open popup

    Day 10 February 19, 2026 – Visit to Onukudelli Haat

    Excursion to Onukudelli (02 HRS one way)

    Visit to Onukudelli Haat

    Today have early breakfast and the first drive to Onukudelli weekly market to see the most colorful tribes of Odisha as Bonda and Gadaba tribes.

    Bonda is one of the most primitive tribes in India living up in the mountains. Bonda women wear layers of silver jewelry in the neck and the big earrings. They cover their upper part with strings of yellow beads. The waist is covered with a piece of cloths mostly blue in color, in Bonda tribe, the women’s head is shaven.

    After the market visit, stop briefly at Duduma Waterfalls to see the picturesque waterfalls and scenic valley.

    Later, visit Olar Gadaba tribal village. Gadaba tribe also has a stunning outfit especially their jewelry. The older ladies have the big metal rings covering their necks. The landscape of this region is gorgeous surrounded by beautiful hills.

    Finally arrive back to the hotel in Semiliguda to have dinner and relax for the night before you take another tribal journey in Odisha.

  11. Paraja tribe Odisha Woman in white wrap and red headscarf sits in front of a basket with cow in the background.
    Open popup

    Day 11 February 20, 2026 – Semiliguda-Kunduli-Vizeg

    Drive to Vizeg (05 Hours)

    Semiliguda-Kunduli-Vizeg

    Today, take a short drive and visit the weekly market at Kunduli. Here see Paraja and Mali tribes buying and selling the things in the Haat. The tribes here mainly sell the vegetables, which they grow in their small farms and also bring some chickens, goats and other agriculture products, in return they buy the grocery items from the markets for an entire week. Paraja and Mali tribe wear distinguish nose rings, the women can be seen with three nose rings and few earrings. They also have tattoos on their bodies. Later, drive to Vishakhapatnam passing through the beautiful countryside. Arrive at the hotel and relax.

  12. Picture shows a group of people wearing colorful traditional attire walking through rural hilly side road.
    Open popup

    Day 12 February 21, 2026 – Vishakhapatnam-Delhi-Departure

    Fly to Delhi International Departure

    Vishakhapatnam-Delhi-Departure

    At an appropriate time, check out from your hotel and our guide will assist and transfer to Vishakhapatnam airport to board the flight to Delhi airport and then connect with an onward international connection back to home.

    The wonderful tribal journey to Chhattisgarh and Odisha along with wonderful festivals of Madai and Rajim Maghi Mela comes to end here.

Request a Quote

Feel Safe with a Globally
Recognised India Travel Company

Hidden Treasures of India is a member of IATO & approved and recognised inbound Indian tour operator by ministry of tourism Government of India.

  • Ministry-of-Tourism
  • Indian-Association-of-Tour-Operators
  • Association-of-Domestic-Tour-Operators-Association-of-India
  • TOFT
  • tripadvisor
  • Rajasthan Association Of Tour Operators

Feedback from Guests Who Joined this Tour in Past

Unforgettable Journeys Start with a Personalized Quote!

Share your travel preferences in the form below and and we’ll tailor a journey just for you!

    • We respect your privacy. Your details will be kept confidential and used only for your travel plans.