A visit to Daringbadi, affectionately dubbed the “Kashmir of Odisha,” had long been on our travel list. We had eagerly awaited the chance to explore this hidden gem in Odisha. When a friend suggested a road trip to Daringbadi, we were thrilled and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. The journey is always more memorable with childhood friends by your side, don’t you agree?
Odisha is a captivating destination. While many associate it with its picturesque beaches and intricate temples, we believe the state offers so much more. Our previous trips, such as exploring the Diamond Triangle or visiting the quaint village of Raghurajpur, revealed its rich history and stunning Buddhist ruins. Our latest adventure to the Kashmir of Odisha was equally rewarding, blending relaxation and adventure seamlessly.
Where is Daringbadi?
Nestled amidst lush pine forests and coffee plantations, Daringbadi is a delightful hill station in Odisha. Perched at 3000 feet above sea level in the Kandhamal district, it is an ideal weekend getaway from cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, or Vishakapatnam.
Interestingly, Daringbadi was named after a British officer named Dering. Much like other popular hill stations in India, such as Darjeeling and Shimla, this serene spot was a favorite retreat for the British seeking respite from the Indian summer. The name evolved from Deringbadi to Daringbadi over time.
Is there snowfall in Daringbadi, Kashmir of Odisha?
While it’s unclear if Daringbadi ever experienced snowfall in the past, it no longer receives snow. Known as the Kashmir of Odisha, the area experiences freezing temperatures in winter, creating a frost and dew that can resemble snow. With its dense pine forests, verdant hills, and breathtaking natural beauty, Daringbadi certainly lives up to its nickname.
Places to Visit in Daringbadi Tour, Kashmir of Odisha
Mdiubanda Waterfall
Our day began with a visit to Mdiubanda Waterfall, located a short distance from the town and surrounded by dense pine trees. The waterfall can be accessed via a set of stairs. Although the pool was somewhat dirty and the water stagnant, the sight was still impressive. Our friend’s son, Palash, was eager to take a dip but was disappointed when his mother stopped him.
Pine Forest and Duluri River
One of our highlights was exploring the pine forest en route to Mdiubanda Waterfall. We also ventured to Duluri River through the forest. The riverside was picturesque, and Palash couldn’t resist a swim. His father and uncle joined him, while my friend and I relaxed on a rock with our feet in the cool water. The refreshing experience led us to join them in the river, which was both enjoyable and soothing under the sun.
Coffee and Spice Plantations
As you approach Daringbadi, you’ll encounter coffee and spice plantations. We explored a garden where we saw pepper plants and enjoyed the cool shade.
Emu Farm
About 12 km from Daringbadi, near Baliguda, is an Emu farm. Though I have reservations about animals in captivity, Palash enjoyed seeing the emus and was fascinated by the emu eggs.
Lovers’ Point
Located roughly 1 km from the Emu Farm, Lovers’ Point offers stunning views and a tranquil setting. The road to Lovers’ Point is a bit rough, but the scenic beauty and the flowing river make it a serene spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Hill View Park, Butterfly Park, and Hill Top Viewpoint
These attractions are conveniently located close to each other. Hill View Park features a well-maintained garden, including a medicinal plant garden and a display of the Kutia Kondh tribe. The Butterfly Park within Hill View Park is adorned with beautiful flowers and butterflies. The Hill Top Viewpoint provides a panoramic view of Daringbadi and is ideal for sunrise viewing, though it opens after 7 AM.
Sunset Point or Silent Valley
Approximately 2 km from Daringbadi, Sunset Point is a popular viewpoint. From here, you can see the entire valley and enjoy a magnificent sunset.
What Are the Places to Visit Near Daringbadi, Kashmir of Odisha?
Several interesting sites are located near Daringbadi, including Taptapani, known for its hot springs, Belghar Sanctuary, Phulbani forest, and Putudi Waterfalls. Although we didn’t have time to visit these places, they are worth exploring. You can also visit Gopalpur-on-sea, Manglajodi, and Vetnai.
How to Reach Daringbadi from Kolkata
The closest railway station to Daringbadi is Berhampur, with trains available from Howrah. Alternatively, you can travel to Bhubaneswar, about 245 km away, and take day or night buses to Daringbadi.
We started our road trip from Kolkata, driving 445 km to Bhubaneswar for an overnight stay. The next day, we drove from Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi via NH16 and NH59, with a detour to Vetnai, a blackbuck habitat.
Vetnai – The Playground of Blackbucks
We were surprised to learn that blackbucks are found in eastern India. Vetnai, located a few kilometers from Aska, is their natural habitat. Although blackbucks are typically seen in the late afternoon, we were lucky to spot several grazing in the fields. The sight of these elegant animals made our day, despite the heat and our initial disappointment.
Daringbadi Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Kolkata to Bhubaneswar
We departed from Kolkata early in the morning, stopping for breakfast at Kolaghat. As we neared Bhubaneswar, the cyclone Fani’s impact was evident. We arrived in Bhubaneswar around 2:30 PM.
Day 2: Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi via Vetnai
We started early for Daringbadi. The drive was pleasant, and we took a detour to Vetnai to see blackbucks. Although they are more active later in the day, we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of them.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Daringbadi
After arriving in Daringbadi, we explored the natural beauty of the area, including forests, rivers, and waterfalls.
Day 4: Daringbadi to Kolkata
Our return trip was long, starting at 9 AM and reaching Kolkata around 11 PM. Despite the length of the drive, the experience was unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Daringbadi
Daringbadi offers a few hotels and resorts. We stayed at Hotel Mid Town, which is average. For a better experience, book a resort in advance as they can fill up quickly.
Where to Eat in Daringbadi
There are a few eateries in Daringbadi. Most hotels lack restaurants, so you’ll need to eat elsewhere. For breakfast, you can find local street food. For lunch and dinner, the Hill View Restaurant is recommended for its delicious dishes, including chhenapodas.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Daringbadi?
Daringbadi is visitable year-round. Winters are cold, summers warm, and monsoons bring lush greenery. Even in early June, the weather was quite warm.
Petrol Stations and ATMs in Daringbadi
There is one petrol pump in Daringbadi that only accepts cash. There are also two ATMs available.
