Daringbadi: Exploring the Enchanting Charm of Odisha's Hidden Gem

Nestled amidst the picturesque Eastern Ghats of Odisha lies the charming town of Daringbadi. Often referred to as the 'Kashmir of Odisha,' this quaint town is a true hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure activities. In this blog, we'll take you on a journey to explore Daringbadi, its scenic landscapes, cultural heritage, and other fascinating aspects.

Image Credits:nomadicweekends

Location and Climate

Daringbadi is a beautiful town situated at an altitude of 915 meters above sea level in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is located about 251 km away from the capital city of Bhubaneswar and is well connected by road. The town is surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and pristine streams that make it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

The climate of Daringbadi is temperate, with an average temperature of 18-20°C throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the scorching heat of the plains. The best time to visit Daringbadi is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is cool and pleasant, and the surrounding hills are covered with mist, offering a mesmerizing view. However, visitors can also visit Daringbadi during the monsoon season (June to September) when the town is lush green and the waterfalls are at their full glory.

Doluri River -Image Credits:nomadicweekends

Sightseeing and Adventure Activities

Daringbadi is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are some of the top sightseeing and adventure activities to experience in Daringbadi:

Hill View Park: Hill View Park is a beautiful garden located in the heart of Daringbadi. The park offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and is an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Coffee Plantation: Daringbadi is known for its coffee plantations, and a visit to one of these plantations is a must-do activity. Visitors can witness the coffee-making process, taste freshly brewed coffee, and learn about the history of coffee cultivation in the region.

Doluri River: The Doluri River is a picturesque stream that flows through the town of Daringbadi. Visitors can go for a refreshing dip in the river or enjoy a picnic on its banks.

Trekking: Daringbadi offers several trekking routes that take visitors through dense forests, rolling hills, and scenic waterfalls. The Kalinga Ghat Trek and Putudi Waterfall Trek are popular among trekkers.

Waterfall Sightseeing: Daringbadi is home to several stunning waterfalls like Putudi, Ludu, and Khasada. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in these waterfalls or just relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Adventure Sports: Visitors can indulge in adventure sports like rappelling, rock climbing, and ziplining at Adventure Zone Daringbadi, located in the heart of the town.

Wildlife Safari: The Belghar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located near Daringbadi and is home to several endangered species like the black panther, elephant, and gaur. Visitors can go for a wildlife safari and witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Image Credits:nomadicweekends

Cultural and Historical Significance

Daringbadi has a rich cultural and historical significance that is evident in its architecture, art, and festivals. The town is home to several indigenous tribes like the Kandhas and Desias, who have their unique customs, traditions, and festivals. These tribes have been living in the region for generations and have played a significant role in shaping the town's cultural and historical identity.

The town's architecture is a reflection of the cultural diversity of the region. The houses are built using locally available materials like bamboo, mud, and thatch, and are designed to withstand the harsh climate of the region. The intricate carvings and paintings on the walls of these houses depict the local folklore and beliefs of the tribes.

Daringbadi is also famous for its festivals, which are a blend of tribal and modern cultures. The annual Kandhamal Utsav, held in December, is a grand celebration of the district's cultural diversity and attracts visitors from all over the state. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region through music, dance, art, and food.

Apart from the Kandhamal Utsav, several other festivals are celebrated in Daringbadi, including the Dussehra, Diwali, and Christmas. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal by the locals, and visitors can experience the rich cultural traditions of the region during these festivities.

Image Credits:Kandhamal

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Daringbadi is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during these months ranges from 7°C to 20°C, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and adventure activities. The surrounding hills are covered with mist, offering a mesmerizing view, and the waterfalls are at their full glory during this time.

However, visitors can also visit Daringbadi during the monsoon season (June to September) when the town is lush green, and the waterfalls are at their peak. But, due to heavy rainfall, some of the adventure activities and sightseeing may get affected during this time. It is advisable to check the weather conditions before planning a trip during the monsoon season.

Summer months (March to May) in Daringbadi can be a bit hot and humid, but the temperature remains moderate compared to other parts of the state. So, if you are planning a visit during the summer months, make sure to carry light cotton clothes and sunscreen lotion.

Image Credits:nomadicweekends

Accommodation and Transportation

Accommodation in Daringbadi is available in the form of hotels, resorts, and homestays. Visitors can choose from a range of options depending on their budget and preferences. Here are some of the popular accommodation options in Daringbadi:

Hotel Hill View: Hotel Hill View is a popular hotel located in the heart of Daringbadi. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.


Panthanivas Daringbadi: Panthanivas Daringbadi is a government-run resort located in a scenic spot overlooking the valley. The resort offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and other basic amenities.


Hill Top Inn: Hill Top Inn is a budget hotel located near the town center. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, basic amenities, and a restaurant.


Homestays: Visitors can also choose to stay in a homestay and experience the local culture and cuisine. Some popular homestays in Daringbadi include Pratibha Homestay and Mayuri Hill View Homestay.

Transportation in Daringbadi is available in the form of local taxis and buses. Visitors can hire a taxi to explore the town and nearby areas. However, it is advisable to hire a local guide to explore the region's hidden gems. Buses are also available from Daringbadi to nearby towns and cities. However, the frequency of buses is limited, and it is advisable to check the bus schedule beforehand. Visitors can also rent a motorcycle or a bicycle to explore the town and nearby areas.

In conclusion, Daringbadi offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, resorts, and homestays. Local transportation is available in the form of taxis and buses, and visitors can choose the mode of transportation that suits their needs and budget.

Image Credits:tripto

How to reach

Daringbadi is a picturesque town located in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is well-connected to major cities in the state and can be easily reached by road, rail, and air. Here are the various modes of transportation to reach Daringbadi:

By Road: Daringbadi is well-connected by road, and visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, and Phulbani. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, depending on the starting point.


By Rail: The nearest railway station to Daringbadi is at Berhampur, which is around 120 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from the station to reach Daringbadi.


By Air: The nearest airport to Daringbadi is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is around 250 km away. Visitors can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Daringbadi.


Local Transportation: Visitors can hire a taxi or a motorcycle to explore the town and nearby areas. However, it is advisable to hire a local guide to explore the region's hidden gems.