The Santhal Way

Immerse your senses in timeless indigenous heritage and royal stewardship on The Santhal Way, an evocative twilight journey bridging princely elegance with soulful tribal life. Departing the historic Belgadia Palace in Baripada during golden hour, the excursion first travels to the scenic Balidiha Dam and heritage rest house. Here, guests take in panoramic views across shimmering reservoir waters while learning about historic irrigation initiatives and enjoying a tranquil lakeside sunset. The tour then arrives at Lakhmiposi Village for an authentic traditional welcome ceremony, where villagers present steaming fragrant Mahua blossom tea and explain the sacred ecological role of the revered Mahua tree. Visitors gather in the village courtyard for spirited Santhal folk dances, engaging in open dialogue with village elders to understand indigenous customs and sustainable living philosophies. As darkness falls, travelers gather around a crackling bonfire to share a traditional meal of Mudhi Ghuguni beneath the open sky. The night concludes on the quiet river bridge at Lulung with the mesmerizing Night Transcript and Santhal tribal astronomy session, where elders decipher ancestral constellations and nighttime lore before returning peacefully to Belgadia Palace.