Odisha is normally famous for its temples and sea beaches but off-late a beautiful hill station in the state has become the new crowning glory of Odisha. The name of this precious diamond of Odisha is Daringbadi. The place is named after a British officer named Mr.Daring who was in control of the place. And ‘badi’ means village in the local language. Daringbadi is fondly referred to as the Kashmir of Odisha. Daringbadi is called the Kashmir of Odisha due to a similar climate and high altitude. The new darling of Odisha is rapidly gaining stardom among tourists. Many travelers flock to Daringbadi from different corners of the country for its stellar natural beauty.
This beautiful hill station is spotted with thick and graceful pine forests and cascading waterfalls. Daringbadi is in Phulbani which has quite a few famous hilly destinations in the state of Odisha. It lies in the district of Kandhamal in Odisha. It is located at a height of approximately 3000 feet above sea-level. Daringbadi has many gushing rivers and pepper and coffee plantations. This place is wreathed in scenic plateaus and wavy valleys. There is also an eclectic mix of various cultures in Daringbadi. “Kutia Kondhas”, one of the oldest tribes in India live here.
Does it snow in Daringbadi?
During winter, the temperature touches zero degrees centigrade. In December 2019, Daringbadi experienced snowfall. However, please be informed that there is no occurrence of heavy snowfall in Daringbadi. It’s light to moderate. It is normally sunny during the day but after sunset, the temperature plummets drastically making it biting cold.
The best time to visit Daringbadi
Definitely, the best time to visit Daringbadi is during the winter months. The winter months last from September to May.
What are the main attractions of Daringbadi?
Mandasaru
It is a beautiful valley, silent, calm, and green. Mandasaru Gorge is situated in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is locally called Gdang Kutti. The place is encircled by thick deciduous moist tropical forest. The 15-kilometer stretch is rich in biodiversity and arresting beauty. Mandasaru is well looked after by 22 hillocks placed side by side. The tallest hill is Saashimaha Manda Hill reaching a peak of 3280 feet over sea level.
Hill View Point
This is a very popular sightseeing spot. Tourists simply love this place. This can truly be called a vantage point as tourists can see the 360-degree vista of Daringbadi and its surroundings. There is a Park on this hill-top which has two watchtowers. The park is very nicely maintained has well-manicured.
Midubanda Waterfall
This waterfall is situated at a distance of 16 km from Daringbadi. Just note that you have to get down around 181 stairs to reach the base of one of best the waterfalls in Daringbadi. Before that, you have to walk a short while. The way is along with verdant threes on both sides. The water is gushing down from a mountain high up and a pond is created at the base where people also take baths. This is also a very scenic area for picnickers. It’s an ideal place to pose and take pictures. You need to park your vehicle at the starting point. The entry fee is around Rs.50.
Coffee Garden or Coffee Plantations
The climatic condition of the area is very much susceptible to the growth of coffee. Hence coffee is harvested all year round. The coffee garden is looked after by the Soil Conservation and Forest Department of Odisha.
Lovers Point
This is basically a picnic spot in Daringbadi. This serene spot is 13 km from Daringbadi and is very scenic. The rocky hurdles are like the gateway to the picturesque vista in front of you. There is a small stream that flows through the big rocks and makes a melodious gurgling sound. The stream of water originates from a far off mountain and tactfully dribbles its way along the curvaceous rocky paths. It’s beautiful to see how the pace of the water changes according to the position and balance of the rocks. The name lover’s point doesn’t mean lovers hang out in this place but because of the love that exists between human beings and nature.
What are some of the nearby destinations from Daringbadi?
Belghar Village & Sanctuary
This is an internationally renowned eco-village. There is a village on the hill-top. This tranquil place also has a sanctuary called Belghar Sanctuary. Lush mountains ensconce this area. There are many wild animals especially elephants. There are a lot of Flora and Fauna in here. Belghar is a very good place for adventure sports also. The decreasing height of the mountains is apt for paragliding. There is also a quaint wooden bungalow from the British era. Also, visit the Tribal village of the Kutia Konds or Kutia Kandhas from here. You can spend a night here at the Nature Camps. The Swiss tents provide basic accommodation with attached toilets.
Jirang
Jirang is the little Tibet of Odisha. This is a quaint little town amidst the Changragiri Hills. You will get an immersive experience in Jirang. This little-known place is not only popular for its pristine beauty but also because it provided a safe haven to Tibetans when China raged war on Tibet in the year 1959. The Tibetans have named this place as Phuntsokling; which means the ‘land of happiness and plenty’. The monastery which is called the Jirang or Padmasambhava monastery is very picturesque. The demeanor of the monastery and the Tibetans have added a dash of peace, happiness, and colour to this place.
Tara Tarini
It is a temple complex. The shrine is on the top of the Purnagiri hills. Tara and Tarini are the twin goddesses who are worshipped here. This is one of the four Adi Shakti Peeths. This temple is situated at a height of 708 feet over sea-level. There are three ways to reach this temple. You can either take a rope-way or climb 999 steps or take the motorable road. The panoramic view that you will get to see is also very striking. The Eastern Ghats, verdant forests, lush paddy fields, and Rushikulya making it’s swaying movement through the grassland.
Khasada Waterfall
It is a scenic waterfall where you can take bath also. The surrounding area of the waterfall is very beautiful and you can do picnics here also. Though the waterfall is little but the place is very big. You can simply roam around here also. Please carry food as there are no food stalls nearby. The shops that are nearby sells bottled drinking water, cold drinks, and biscuits.
Gopalpur
Gopalpur is an expansive sea-beach that has a very prominent mention in history. It served the sea-farers during the ancient Kalinga period. Gopalpur was an important port during World War 1. The soldiers would commence their journey towards Burma from here. Gopalpur also wears the crown as having the first hotel in Odisha. The sea here is rough. The beach is dotted with casurina groves. The rising and the setting of the sun paints a very scenic picture of the place.
Tampara Lake
Though this is an understated lake, yet it is very captivating. This is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Odisha. It is a huge lake. The lake is located in Chatrapur. The distance of this lake from Bhubaneshwar is 148 km and from Brahmapur its 30 km. this scenic place is away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can spend some quality time here with your friends, family or dear ones. The gentle waves and the serene environ will relax your body and mind. This is definitely a very nice tourist spot.
How to Reach Daringbadi?
By Air – Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar is the closest airport. It will take you to reach Daringbadi about 5 hours and 25 minutes by car from the airport.
By Road – You have to get to Bhubaneshwar Rail Station. From the station, there is good connectivity of buses. You can also rent a car. The distance is nearly 251 kilometers.
By Rail – If you are traveling by train, then the nearest rail station will be Brahmapur that lies at a distance of around 121 kilometers from Daringbadi.
Check our Daringbadi Tour
Note: Images used are copyrighted to respective photographers used for indicative views of the locations. For more information on Darigbadi visit here.
