The geography of India is adorned by the great Himalayas, sprawling beaches, and dry terrain. And, beyond the reaches of materialism, still live many of the people who thrive and build their lives amidst nature. On one hand, where we introduced civilisations to the world and been home to build some of the greatest empires in the world, we have somewhere forgotten these lost indigenous tribes of India living in the great Indian forest.

As an own personal identity, the tribes have their own language, religion, festivals, cuisines, dance & music that have such an enigmatic cultural ethos that you will connect with when you are up exploring the lively tableau. According to researchers, 15 percent of the country is inhabited by the tribal community. Explore and engage more with their cultures in the far stretches of the forest villages of Indian Himalayas, North East, Central India and the dunes of Rajasthan.

Be a part of the tribal tour in India that takes you close to the indigenous tribes of India that you might not have even heard of – from Gurjar, Gaddis & Pagwalas in Himachal Pradesh, Khasi, Garo & Jaintia in Meghalaya to the Jarawas in the Andamans & Paniyar, Kurichyar, Kattumakkan, Mullukkurumar, Addiyar, Kanduvadiyar, that inhabit backwaters of Kerala to Karnataka.

The Banjaras

Inhabitants of Rajasthan & parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh

Banjaras translate as gypsies, ring bells? Yes, these are are colourful gypsy tribes of India that are often associated with popular culture because of their bling-y outfits, hippie jewellery and predominant mirror work on their clothing that act as a shaft of reflecting lights. They are very popular worldwide because of Lambadi dance, which is often related to the Indian version of Middle-eastern belly dancing style – women in groups shaking their hips to the sound of flute and dhol.

The Hunza Tribe

Inhabitants of the northernmost point of India, the Himalayas.

One thing that would describe the Hunza Tribe is their ability to be living & consuming all natural and retain youthfulness. Even the elders here defy the modern ageing process – longevity & grace is a natural phenomenon largely because of the consumption of natural food, sans any processing, comprising of whole grains and minerals, with meat forming a very minimal part of the diet. The alkaline water here also contributes to their health.

The Jarawa Tribe

Inhabitants of the Western region of South Andaman & Middle Andaman Islands.

Jarawas of Andaman Islands is the most secluded tribe from the main country and live a life of exclusiveness, and were more oblivious of the happenings in the country than others. Lately, with the influx of tourists, the tribe has now been found interacting – begging for food, alcohol and tobacco from the tourists. Most interestingly, the children change their name post puberty. There is an elaborate ceremony that happens in which a boy has to hunt a wild pig and offer it to everyone in the village, and a girl is anointed in clay, pig oil and gum, post which the children are given their new names.

The Naga Tribe

Inhabitants of Nagaland, and parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam

Richard Bartholomew was the first one who fled the invading Japanese forces from Burma and encountered the Nagas on the way who lent him great generosity and kindness. The Nagas are known for their intricate way of life, and their moral living. Starkly identified by the headgear and their detailed dressing style, Nagas are popular in the world for for their practise of headhunting. According to their traditions, headhunting is an event of great masculinity. They would hunt for their enemies, and slay their heads only to preserve it as a mark of prestige and honour. It is also believed that this practice lend some of the enemy’s power and valour to the man who had slain him.

The Warli Tribe

Inhabitants of Maharashtra and Gujarat

Meet the people behind the unique form of art that is reflected in the mural paintings of 500 – 10,000 BC carved in the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh. They still follow the rudimentary technique with a mixture of earth and cow dung, branches, red ochre, rice paste, bamboo stick and more.

The Khasi Tribe

Inhabitants of Meghalaya

Ladies, the Khasis are a popular tribe known for their matriarchal structured societies that are still surviving in today’s world. The mother is the head of the family and children inherit their name. Post death, the property goes to the youngest daughter.

These are only 6 out of the 20 plus tribes that are still continuing to thrive in India. Get in touch for more interesting content or a customised itinerary for a tribal tour experience in India.