Odisha is home to one of India’s most diverse indigenous populations. From the forested hills of southern Odisha to the plateaus and river valleys of the north and west, the tribes of Odisha represent a remarkable variety of languages, traditions, livelihoods, artistic practices and relationships with the surrounding landscape.
Odisha has 62 Scheduled Tribe communities, including 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Together, these communities form an important part of the state’s social and cultural heritage.
Among the better-known tribal communities of Odisha are the Bonda, Dongria Kondh, Gadaba, Paraja, Saora, Juang, Munda, Santal, Ho, Koya, Bhuiyan and several Kondh communities.
But there is no single “tribal culture of Odisha.”
Every community has its own identity, history and cultural traditions. Languages, clothing, jewellery, festivals, food, agriculture, religious practices and social customs can differ considerably from one community to another.
At Odisha Tribal Trails, this page provides an introduction to some of Odisha’s tribal communities and helps travellers understand the cultural diversity they may encounter while exploring the state.
How Many Tribes Are There in Odisha?
Odisha officially recognizes 62 Scheduled Tribe communities.
Among them, 13 communities are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
This extraordinary diversity means that the term “tribes of Odisha” covers many different communities rather than a single cultural group.
Some communities have large populations spread across several districts, while others are concentrated within relatively small geographical areas.
Their languages may belong to different linguistic families, and their livelihoods range from agriculture and forest-based activities to crafts, wage employment and many contemporary professions.
Modern tribal Odisha is therefore a combination of continuity and change.
Traditional cultural practices remain important in many communities while education, technology, migration, modern employment and changing lifestyles continue to shape everyday life.
Where Do the Tribes of Odisha Live?
Tribal communities live across many parts of Odisha.
Significant tribal populations are found in districts including:
- Koraput
- Rayagada
- Malkangiri
- Nabarangpur
- Kandhamal
- Gajapati
- Mayurbhanj
- Keonjhar
- Sundargarh
- Sambalpur and adjoining regions
For cultural travellers, southern and southwestern Odisha are particularly important because several established tribal tourism routes pass through Rayagada, Koraput, Jeypore, Onukadelli and surrounding areas.
These regions combine tribal villages and weekly markets with forests, hills, agricultural landscapes and traditional craft communities.
Explore: Odisha Tribal Tourism →
Major Tribal Communities of Odisha
With 62 Scheduled Tribe communities, it would be impossible to understand Odisha’s indigenous diversity through only a handful of names.
However, the following communities are particularly relevant for travellers researching the cultural landscapes of Odisha.
Bonda Tribe
The Bonda are among the most widely recognized tribal communities of Odisha.
They are associated primarily with the hilly region of Malkangiri district in southern Odisha and are one of Odisha’s PVTGs.
Traditional Bonda women’s clothing and extensive bead and metal ornaments have made images of the community particularly recognizable.
However, Bonda culture should not be reduced to appearance alone.
Their identity is connected with language, social organization, landscape, agriculture, community traditions and generations of life in the hill regions of southern Odisha.
For travellers, one of the best-known places associated with the wider Bonda cultural region is the Onukadelli weekly market, traditionally held on Thursday.
People from Bonda, Gadaba, Didayi and other surrounding communities gather in the wider market circuit.
Rather than attempting to enter remote settlements independently, travellers should approach the region with appropriate guidance and respect for community privacy.
Read our complete Bonda Tribe of Odisha guide →
Dongria Kondh Tribe
The Dongria Kondh are closely associated with the Niyamgiri hills, particularly in the Rayagada and Kalahandi region.
Their cultural identity has deep connections with the surrounding hill environment, agriculture and forests.
For travellers exploring the Rayagada region, the Chatikona weekly market provides one of the better-known introductions to the wider cultural landscape associated with communities from the Niyamgiri hills.
The market is generally held on Wednesday and can be incorporated into an itinerary continuing towards Jeypore and Koraput.
Remote Dongria Kondh settlements should not be treated as unrestricted sightseeing destinations. Current local guidance and community privacy should always be respected.
Read our complete Dongria Kondh Tribe guide →
Kondh Communities
The name Kondh, also written Khond in some sources, covers a broader set of communities and regional identities rather than one completely uniform cultural group.
Different Kondh communities are found across several districts of Odisha.
These include communities such as:
Dongria Kondh
Kutia Kondh
Desia Kondh
among others.
Their languages, cultural practices and geographical settings can differ.
This is another reason travellers should avoid assuming that one village or one community represents all Kondh people.
Read our Kondh Tribe of Odisha guide →
Gadaba Tribe
The Gadaba are an important tribal community of southern Odisha, particularly associated with the wider Koraput region.
Gadaba culture is connected with agriculture, village life, traditional clothing, ornaments, music and dance.
Travellers staying around Jeypore or Koraput may have opportunities to learn about Gadaba culture through appropriately guided village experiences.
Gadaba communities are also associated with the wider market circuit around Onukadelli.
A well-planned journey can therefore combine a weekly market with an appropriate village visit and the surrounding rural landscapes.
Read our complete Gadaba Tribe of Odisha guide →
Paraja Tribe
The Paraja, also written Paroja in some contexts, are another important tribal community of southern Odisha.
They are particularly associated with parts of the Koraput region.
Agriculture and village life form important parts of the cultural landscape in many Paraja areas.
Travellers may encounter Paraja communities around villages and weekly markets in the wider Koraput-Jeypore region.
The experience can provide useful insight into how agriculture, village life and weekly markets are interconnected.
Read our complete Paraja Tribe of Odisha guide →
Saora Tribe
The Saora, also written Soura, Saura or Savara in different sources, are one of Odisha’s historically significant tribal communities.
Saora communities are found particularly in parts of southern Odisha, including the Gajapati region and adjoining areas.
Their cultural traditions include distinctive forms of ritual and artistic expression.
Travellers following routes through southern Odisha may be able to combine Saora cultural regions with destinations such as Taptapani and the surrounding countryside, depending on the itinerary.
Read our complete Saora Tribe of Odisha guide →
Didayi Tribe
The Didayi are one of Odisha’s PVTG communities and are associated with southern Odisha, particularly the wider Malkangiri region.
Although they receive less tourism attention than the Bonda, Didayi communities form an important part of the cultural diversity of the region.
The Onukadelli market circuit is associated not only with Bonda communities but also with Didayi, Gadaba and other neighbouring groups.
This is a useful reminder that a weekly market should never be described as belonging exclusively to one tribe.
Read more about the Didayi Tribe →
Dhuruba Tribe
The Dhuruba, also spelled Dharua or Durua in different contexts, are another community associated with southern Odisha.
Travellers exploring the Boipariguda and Gupteswar region from Jeypore may pass through areas associated with Dhuruba communities.
A longer tribal itinerary can combine this region with village experiences, forests and other cultural destinations around Koraput.
Read our Dhuruba Tribe guide →
Koya Tribe
The Koya are found across parts of southern Odisha and neighbouring states.
In Odisha, they are particularly associated with areas of Malkangiri district.
Like many communities whose territories and cultural regions predate modern administrative boundaries, Koya populations are not limited to one state.
Their cultural traditions are connected with agriculture, forests and community life.
Read our Koya Tribe of Odisha guide →
Juang Tribe
The Juang are particularly associated with Keonjhar district and adjoining areas of northern Odisha.
They are one of Odisha’s PVTGs.
For travellers who think tribal tourism in Odisha exists only around Koraput and Rayagada, the Juang are an important reminder of the state’s much broader indigenous geography.
Keonjhar combines forest landscapes, hills, waterfalls and culturally diverse rural regions, making it quite different from the better-known southern Odisha tribal circuit.
Read our Juang Tribe of Odisha guide →
Santal Tribe
The Santal are one of the major indigenous communities of eastern India.
In Odisha, significant Santal populations are found particularly in the northern part of the state, including Mayurbhanj and adjoining areas.
Santal culture has rich traditions of music, dance, festivals and community life.
Their geographical distribution also extends beyond Odisha into neighbouring eastern Indian states.
Munda Tribe
Munda communities are found across parts of Odisha as well as other eastern Indian states.
Their presence adds another dimension to the linguistic and cultural diversity of tribal Odisha.
Communities are particularly associated with parts of northern and western Odisha.
Ho Tribe
The Ho are another indigenous community found across parts of eastern India, including areas of northern Odisha.
Like several tribal communities whose traditional cultural regions extend across modern state boundaries, Ho populations are also found in neighbouring Jharkhand.
Bhuiyan Tribe
Bhuiyan communities are found in parts of northern Odisha, including areas associated with Keonjhar and Sundargarh.
They form part of the wider indigenous cultural landscape of Odisha’s northern hill and forest regions.
Tribal Communities of Southern Odisha
For travellers, southern Odisha provides one of the most practical regions for a multi-day tribal cultural journey.
A typical cultural circuit can introduce travellers to regions associated with communities such as:
Bonda – Malkangiri/Onukadelli cultural region
Gadaba – Koraput and surrounding areas
Paraja – Koraput region
Dongria Kondh – Niyamgiri/Rayagada region
Didayi – Malkangiri region
Dhuruba – Koraput/Boipariguda region
Saora – southern Odisha/Gajapati region
These communities should not be viewed as a checklist of “tribes to see.”
A better approach is to understand how each community relates to its landscape, villages, agriculture, markets, crafts and cultural traditions.
Tribal Communities of Northern Odisha
Northern Odisha has its own important indigenous cultural landscape.
Districts such as Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh are home to communities including Santal, Juang, Ho, Munda, Bhuiyan and others.
These regions differ significantly from the Koraput-Rayagada tribal tourism circuit.
The landscape, communities, languages and cultural traditions can all be different.
As Odisha Tribal Trails develops, we aim to provide detailed guides to both the better-known southern tribal circuit and the less frequently explored indigenous regions elsewhere in Odisha.
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups of Odisha
Odisha has 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
PVTG is an official administrative classification used for particularly vulnerable communities among India’s Scheduled Tribes.
The designation should not be interpreted as meaning that communities are “primitive” or frozen in the past.
When discussing or visiting PVTG communities, sensitivity is especially important.
Tourism should never override:
- Community privacy
- Local access rules
- Cultural dignity
- Photography consent
- Current government regulations
Travellers should not assume that every remote settlement is open to visitors.
Languages of Odisha’s Tribal Communities
One of the most interesting aspects of Odisha’s tribal diversity is language.
Different communities speak languages belonging to different linguistic traditions, while Odia and regional languages may also be used for communication between communities.
Multilingualism is common in many market towns and culturally diverse regions.
A weekly market may therefore bring together people from several linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
This is another reason knowledgeable local guides can be extremely valuable during a tribal journey.
Traditional Clothing and Jewellery
Some Odisha tribal communities are widely recognized for distinctive clothing and ornaments.
Beaded necklaces, metal jewellery, earrings, bangles, woven textiles and different ways of wearing cloth may all form parts of traditional attire.
Styles vary considerably between communities.
However, travellers should avoid judging cultural “authenticity” based on clothing.
People may wear contemporary clothes, traditional attire or a combination of both depending on their age, occupation, location and occasion.
Cultures evolve.
A person does not become less Bonda, Gadaba, Paraja or Dongria Kondh because they use a mobile phone or wear modern clothing.
Tribal Festivals, Dance and Music
Music, dance and festivals form important parts of cultural life among many Odisha tribal communities.
Celebrations can be connected with:
- Agriculture
- Harvests
- Seasonal cycles
- Marriage
- Community gatherings
- Religious traditions
- Village deities
- Ancestors
The specific traditions differ between communities.
Travellers should therefore avoid using generic descriptions such as “Odisha tribal dance” as though every community shares the same traditions.
Explore: Tribal Culture of Odisha →
Agriculture, Forests and Traditional Livelihoods
Many tribal regions of Odisha are closely connected with forests, hills and agricultural landscapes.
Livelihoods vary by community and location and can include different forms of:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Forest produce collection
- Craft production
- Livestock keeping
- Local trade
- Wage employment
- Modern occupations
Weekly markets provide an important connection between rural production and the wider local economy.
Visiting a market can therefore help travellers understand far more than simply clothing or cultural appearance.
Weekly Markets and Odisha’s Tribal Communities
Weekly markets are among the most interesting places to observe the cultural diversity of southern Odisha.
People from different communities may travel from surrounding villages to buy and sell agricultural produce, household items and other goods.
Three markets commonly included in tribal tourism routes are:
Chatikona – Wednesday
Associated with the wider Rayagada and Niyamgiri cultural landscape.
Onukadelli – Thursday
Associated with Bonda, Gadaba, Didayi and other surrounding communities.
Kunduli – Friday
An important market in the wider Koraput region.
Rather than calling these places “tribal shows,” travellers should remember that they are working markets serving local communities.
Explore: Weekly Tribal Markets in Odisha →
Tribal Villages of Odisha
Village experiences provide another way to learn about Odisha’s tribal communities.
Depending on the area, travellers may encounter:
- Traditional and contemporary houses
- Agricultural fields
- Village paths
- Kitchen gardens
- Local crafts
- Livestock
- Community spaces
- Rural landscapes
However, villages are people’s homes.
They should never be entered with the expectation that residents will pose for photographs or demonstrate cultural practices.
Appropriate local guidance can make village experiences more informative and respectful.
Explore: Tribal Villages of Odisha →
Tribal Museum in Bhubaneswar
Before travelling into Odisha’s tribal regions, consider visiting the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts in Bhubaneswar.
The museum provides an introduction to Odisha’s tribal diversity through displays of:
- Clothing
- Jewellery
- Household objects
- Traditional dwellings
- Musical instruments
- Cultural objects
For first-time visitors, spending time at the museum can make the rest of the journey considerably more meaningful.
You may later recognize objects or traditions encountered during visits to markets and villages.
Can Travellers Meet Tribal Communities in Odisha?
Yes, travellers can experience tribal cultural regions through established tourism circuits, public weekly markets and appropriate village experiences.
But the idea of travelling simply to “meet tribes” needs to be approached carefully.
Tribal people are not exhibits.
A better goal is to understand the cultural landscape.
That might mean:
- Exploring a weekly market
- Learning about local agriculture
- Visiting a weaving community
- Walking through an appropriate village with local guidance
- Visiting the Tribal Museum
- Learning about regional history
- Buying locally made crafts
- Exploring the surrounding hills and forests
This creates a richer and more respectful journey.
Photography and Tribal Communities
Photography is one of the most sensitive aspects of tribal tourism.
Always ask permission before taking close portraits.
Do not assume that distinctive clothing or jewellery gives visitors the right to photograph someone.
Avoid:
- Secret photography
- Intrusive close-ups
- Photographing private ceremonies without permission
- Entering homes for photographs
- Pressuring people to pose
- Giving children money or sweets for photographs
If someone does not want to be photographed, respect their decision immediately.
A cultural encounter should never become less respectful simply because a traveller wants a photograph.
Responsible Tribal Tourism
At Odisha Tribal Trails, we encourage travellers to approach indigenous communities with respect.
That means recognizing that cultural tourism takes place within living communities, not museums.
Responsible travellers should:
- Follow local rules.
- Respect village privacy.
- Use appropriate local guidance.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Respect religious and ceremonial spaces.
- Avoid demanding performances.
- Avoid indiscriminate gift distribution.
- Purchase crafts fairly.
- Minimize waste.
- Be willing to change plans when a visit is inappropriate.
The objective should be to return home with a deeper understanding of Odisha—not simply a collection of photographs.
Which Tribes Can You Learn About on an Odisha Tribal Tour?
The answer depends entirely on your route.
A journey through Rayagada may focus more on the cultural landscape associated with the Dongria Kondh and other Kondh communities.
Around Jeypore and Koraput, travellers may learn about Gadaba, Paraja, Dhuruba and other communities.
The Onukadelli region is associated with Bonda, Gadaba, Didayi and neighbouring communities.
Other journeys through northern Odisha can introduce entirely different indigenous regions.
This is why we recommend choosing a region and cultural experience first, rather than trying to create a checklist of communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tribes of Odisha
How many tribes are there in Odisha?
Odisha officially recognizes 62 Scheduled Tribe communities.
How many PVTGs are there in Odisha?
Odisha has 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Which are the major tribes of Odisha?
Odisha is home to many communities, including Kondh communities, Santal, Gond, Munda, Ho, Saora, Gadaba, Paraja, Bonda, Juang, Koya, Bhuiyan and others. Population size and geographical distribution vary considerably.
Which tribes live in Koraput?
The wider Koraput region is culturally diverse and includes communities such as Gadaba, Paraja, Kondh and Dhuruba, among others.
Where does the Bonda tribe live?
Bonda communities are primarily associated with the hill regions of Malkangiri district in southern Odisha.
Where do the Dongria Kondh live?
The Dongria Kondh are closely associated with the Niyamgiri hills, particularly around parts of Rayagada and Kalahandi.
Which tribes can be encountered around Onukadelli?
The wider Onukadelli market circuit is associated with communities including Bonda, Gadaba and Didayi, among others.
Can tourists visit tribal villages?
Some village experiences may be possible with appropriate local guidance and depending on current access conditions. Travellers should never assume that a remote community is automatically open to tourism.
What is the best way to learn about Odisha’s tribes?
Combine background research with the Tribal Museum in Bhubaneswar, public weekly markets, appropriately guided village experiences and time exploring the landscapes where different communities live.
Explore the Tribes of Odisha
The tribes of Odisha represent extraordinary cultural diversity.
From the Bonda communities of southern Odisha and the Dongria Kondh of the Niyamgiri hills to the Gadaba and Paraja communities of the Koraput region and the Juang, Santal, Ho and Munda communities farther north, every region adds another dimension to Odisha’s indigenous heritage.
Understanding this diversity requires more than simply memorizing tribe names.
It means learning about landscape, language, agriculture, markets, craftsmanship, social traditions and contemporary life.
At Odisha Tribal Trails, we are creating detailed individual guides to help travellers learn about these communities before exploring Odisha.