Odisha is generally known to travellers for its beautiful beaches and temples. But there are many unexplored regions in Odisha that not boasts of natural beauty, but are also quite rich in culture. Koraput valley in Odisha is one such place where a silent transformation is being undertaken in terms of sustainable tourism. Koraput region in Odisha is the home of the tribal communities of Odisha, but the region was not quite on the tourism map of the state. However, of late, Desia Eco tourism Camp has developed community based tourism in the region and giving travellers more and more reasons to visit this beautiful state.
The story of Koraput Valley
Odisha is the home to a number of different tribes, many of them living in the dense forested areas of the state. The tribals have their own unique style of living, rituals and culture. Koraput is the home to the tribal community of Odisha. The region too is endowed with exhilarating landscape and bounties of nature. Couple with the presence of vibrant tribal communities, the Koraput area stands out to be quite an exciting place in terms of tourism.
The case, however was not so. The tribal community is usually subsistence oriented. Their traditional means of living are no longer proving financial security and so more and more youths were lured away from their culture and tradition. To top it, alternative profession was also lacking so that people can have a proper income.
During such a situation, the Desia Ecotourism initiative was undertaken in the Koraput Valley with the aim to provide livelihood to the tribal youths as well as attract tourism from all over the country. It was the brainchild of Yugabrata Kar, who has tried to incorporate ecotourism and sustainable tourism in the area.
Desia Ecoutourism Initiative
As we all understand that responsible and sustainable tourism is the need of the hour. Desia is a community based rural tourism initiative based in the Bantalbiri Village of Koraput district. The primary objective of this initiative is to provide the benefit of tourism to the local tribes and other communities living in the area through tourism. And in this endeveour, the local culture and traditions are also preserved. Celebration of local festivals depicting the rich culture of the place is encouraged and the local cuisine, music, dances and rituals are promoted.
The best part of this initiative is that more and more focus is given on training the tribal women so that they can become a part of this ecotourism drive. Training are provided to women, especially those who are under the below poverty line on various livelihood ways, making of handicrafts and hospitality. The entire concept of Desia is based on self-sufficiency. The materials needed to build the entire project have been procured locally. The daily work of the project is managed by local people. Apart from giving the guests an authentic rural and ethnic experience, they are also giving them a complete local experience.
Desia Ecoutourism Camp
The ecotourism camp is spread across 4 acres of land in the Bantalabiri Village in Koraput district. At present there are 3 cottages with clean and spacious rooms. The accommodations are mainly made of local materials and decorated beautifully with tribal paintings and art. The cottages are equipped with modern amenities yet have a rustic feel to it. Trivial things like utensils are used to decorate the spaces and earthy colours are used on white walls. The bathroom walls are decorated with shells.
Unspoiled nature and serenity are the things that you will have in abundance here. Surrounded by the small hills and verdant greenery, you will stay among the local people gaining an experience about their lifestyle and culture and also relishing on the local delicacies.
Things to do at Desia
While you get a holistic tribal experience at Desia Camp, there are also a number of activities that you can do here. The adventure lovers can go for hiking around the various tribal villages. There are beautiful trails dotted with quaint villages that you can go for hiking. You can also take a visit to the nearby Duduma Hills and waterfalls.
The most interesting place is however the spectacular tribal market at Onukadeli where you can buy local produce, handicrafts and pottery. The market is specially known for the sale of homemade local alcohol of the Bonda tribes. The market also sees footfalls of the interesting Godoba, Paraja, Dedehi and Mali tribes who come here to buy their weekly needs.
If you are tired after all these activities, you can listen to the tribal music. Cooking classes can also be arranged where the you can get fresh ingredients from the market and learn how to cook local cuisines. Apart from all these, you can also see the making of handicrafts like basket weaving, pottery, dokra and textile.
Desia also welcomes volunteers who are willing to help in farm, capacity building, artists, craft expert, doctors and teachers.
Desia Ecoutourism Camp is a great initiative at rural community based tourism. While visitors will get an authentic and amazing experience of the Koraput valley, the locals too are gaining in the process. And with this endeavour, the local economy is getting a boost, the wildlife, culture and traditions of the place are kept alive.
So when are you planning to visit Koraput?
How to reach Koraput?
Koraput is well connected by trains from Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Vishakapatnam. The nearest airport is at Vishakapatnam. From Vishakapatnam, take a train from Koraput. To reach Desia eco camp, hire a car from Koraput. Buses are also available from Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Rayagada ,Vijayanagaram and Visakhapatnam.
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