Climate change is a pressing global concern and has become a prominent research subject. Existing studies predominantly focus on climate change’s causes, impacts, and future threats. However, it is crucial to recognize that the challenges posed by climate change vary significantly across geographical regions and among different communities and social classes. Among these communities, research indicates that tribal populations tend to adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles, yet, paradoxically, they suffer the most from the adverse effects of climate change. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of tribal communities residing in two distinct physiographic divisions: the plateau and plain areas of the Rarh region. The Rarh region was chosen for this research due to its geographical diversity, with the western part being predominantly covered by the Ayodhya Hill within the Chotanagpur plateau region and the eastern side characterized by the Bhagirathi-Hugli Plain. The study utilizes a primary survey database to understand the impact of climate change on the tribal communities’ lives and to identify the adaptive strategies they employ. The research employed a Likert scale for the perception study. Furthermore, principal component analysis was applied to reduce the dimensions of facilities influencing tribal livelihoods. The findings of the study revealed that both plain and plateau-dwelling tribals experience the consequences of climate change. However, the nature and intensity of these impacts differ between the two regions, with plateau communities bearing a heavier burden compared to their plain-dwelling counterparts.