For those whose image of India is the Taj Mahal, Rajasthani forts and Maharajas' palaces, Hindu temples and sculpture, women in brilliant saris...tribal India comes as a complete surprise. Another world and another dimension in tribal encounters.
The expedition begins in Gujarat, India's westernmost state..a vast expanse of desert, thickets, salt flats and wastelands...in search of Rabari and Jat nomads, out on their seasonal migrations with their herds of camels and sheep.
“Then on to Madhya Pradesh for the remarkably colorful and intense Bhagoria Wedding Festival of the Tribal Bhils. Bhagoria is about marriage and finding one’s life-time partner. It is a time for choosing mates and ritual elopement.”
Next is Orissa, in southeastern India, home to the very colorful and animist Kondh, Gadaba and Bonda Tribals. Meet people whose features are far more Asian than Indian, decorated with facial and hand tattoos, layers of beads covering bare breasts, piles of aluminum necklaces and a multitude of earrings.
Final stop is Kerala, India's southernmost state. This is a tropical excursion, cultural rather than tribal, featuring beaches, backwaters travel on a relaxing houseboat, tiny waterside villages, and easy strolling through the European style streets of the old city of Cochin."
Comments from happy travelers:
"A love affair with a country??? I thought this impossible until the India Reconnaissance trip. This adventure was a "magic carpet ride" from Gujarat with its nomadic camel herders and colorful embroideries through Orissa filled with tribal peoples bedecked with tattoos, silver jewelry and beads and ending in tropical Kerala with seaside temples, houseboats and oil massages. There was a constant assault of the senses: incense, spices, fabulous Indian food and all the color an excitement of the local markets. I've had the privilege of visiting tribal people the Turtle way through Morocco, Mali, Niger, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Northern Kenya. The tribal people encountered in India were just as special and unique as any group of people found on the African continent. Frankly, I never dreamed this possible.
As always, traveling with Irma Turtle assures you the chance to participate in an impromptu activity along the way be it a village festival or a religious celebration. There is always time to sit under a tree with the local people and exchange questions or chat with the village women while they grind their grain for dinner. The opportunity is there to touch and be touched by the people - let them touch you and your perspective is altered forever. I'm already envious of everyone who will board the magic Indian carpet next year!"Bev Adlawan, WA
" I still dream of being the Kutch of Gujarat. Rabari women wearing yards of fabric pass by on camels and turbaned men in short white jackets and balloon pants herd their sheep. At the end of the day there is a glorious sunset on the Rann alive with ducks, storks and flamingos.
Orissa
is a non stop feast of visual delights. One drives through beautiful,
unspoiled countryside where farmers are plowing, threshing and winnowing
as they did in preindustrial times and sculptured adobe houses are plastered
in contrasting earth towns. The markets are full of tribal peoples so fascinating
you can't bear to leave them." John Watson, CA
"Tribal India was a wonderful trip... I love being in India and it doesn't matter what I am doing while there. I enjoyed everything we did, and am amazed at the number of "cool" things we did do. And, we had so much fun.
The days in Gujarat were wonderful and relaxed. The people were lovely, the accommodations better than expected and the natural surroundings beautiful. To think I have actually been on the Rann of Kutch - a dream come true. Even though my interests in India are more India and less tribal than the others in the group, I enjoyed every encounter we had with the tribal people
As for the week in Orissa the sights and sounds
of the markets are a memory which I shall always cherish. This week was
especially rewarding as it taught me that I had more stamina and ability
to cope with less than first class accommodations than I thought possible.
I am also realistic enough to recognize that the coping was made possible
by the untiring professionalism of both Sanghamitra and Inder Jit, who
made "sow's ears into silk purses" of gourmet meals in romantic
settings and on roof tops, and disinfected dishes, changed linens and sprayed
for bugs so we would stay healthy and well. Kerala - well, I am ready
to retire there. I highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in tribal
communities, or who like me, seeks another view of India off the major
tourist track." Eugenia Hunter, IL
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