Nestled amidst lush green hills, the picturesque town of Daringbadi is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in southern India. It is known for its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals. People from all over the country come here to enjoy a relaxing vacation. No matter what your interests are, this place will never disappoint you. From trekking and hiking to birdwatching and wildlife spotting, there are so many activities that you can enjoy in Daringbadi.

Daringbadi is a beautiful hill station in the Kandhamal district of Odisha (also known as Orissa). Situated at an elevation of approximately 3000 feet above sea level, this place is known for its stunning natural beauty. Dotted with hundreds of pine trees and lush green valleys, Daringbadi is fondly called the “Kashmir of Odisha”. This idyllic town is also home to several expansive coffee gardens. People from all over the country come here to spend some time amidst nature. Boasting a mild climate, this is a year-round destination.  People come here to take a break from everyday hustle and bustle and rejuvenate themselves.

Top Things to Do in Daringbadi

When you visit a place like Daringbadi that has so much to offer, it can be a little difficult to decide what to cover on your trip. Especially if you have limited time at hand, planning an itinerary is a real challenge.

Here is a list of all the must-do things in Daringbadi to make the most of your time here:

• Explore the Scenic Beauty
• Visit a Coffee Plantation
• Plan a Day Picnic
• Experience Some Adrenaline Rush
• Taste Local Dishes
• Indulge in Photography

Explore the Scenic Beauty

Daringbadi is a town dotted with rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests. People come here to witness the mesmerising natural beauty of this place. After reaching here, the first thing you should do is enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Daringbadi and its surroundings. The Daringbadi Hill Viewpoint and Lovers Point are two of the best places to visit in Daringbadi for this purpose. You can go there at any time, but early mornings are considered the best. During the winters, afternoons are an ideal time to go to this vantage point.

Visit a Coffee Plantation

The climatic conditions of this part of the country are perfect for growing coffee. Like many other towns in the region, Daringbadi is also known for being home to expansive coffee estates. If you are someone who loves coffee and wants to know more about the coffee-making process, visiting one of these plantations is a must-do. You can either take a leisurely stroll through the gardens on your own or book a guided tour. The best part is that you also get a chance to enjoy some freshly brewed coffee while exploring these plantations.

Plan a Day Picnic

Daringbadi is dotted with several waterfalls and natural springs set against the backdrop of lush green hills. With their beautiful surroundings and serene environment, these spots offer the perfect setting for a day picnic. If you are planning a family vacation to Daringbadi, this should definitely be on your travel itinerary. While there are several options, Banasura Waterfall, Deer Park Waterfall, etc., are among the best ones. Or, you can also visit the Midubanda Waterfall, which is one of the most popular places to visit near Daringbadi.

Experience Some Adrenaline Rush

If you are someone who loves indulging in some adventurous activities on a vacation, you’ll get plenty of opportunities in Daringbadi. This town is home to several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Most of these trails pass through the thick, green forests and are known to offer an immersive experience. Some of the most popular options include Daringbadi Hill Trek, Kalkundi Trek, etc.

Taste Local Dishes

Apart from its natural beauty, another thing this place is known for is its unique cuisine. A trip to Daringbadi is never complete without savouring the local dishes. Here, you’ll find plenty of places that serve a range of traditional Odia dishes. While the list of regional specialities is endless, some of the must-try dishes include Pakhala Bhata, Dalma, etc. Other than this, you should also try Chhena Gaja and Rasabali, which are two popular sweets that you get here.

Indulge in Photography

When you visit a place as stunning as Daringbadi, capturing its beauty is a must. With its dramatic natural landscapes, this town gives an excellent opportunity for photography. From mist-covered hills to lush green valleys and vast plantations, there are a lot of things that you can click. However, Daringbadi Hill Viewpoint and Kalkundi Viewpoint are two of the best places to see in Daringbadi and get some Insta-worthy shots as well.

Best Time to Visit Daringbadi

There is no particular time to visit Daringbadi, as the place offers different things in every season. As compared to other parts of the country, summers are relatively cool here. So those who need some respite from the scorching heat plan a trip to this hill town. Similarly, the monsoon season is considered best for nature lovers, as this is the time when you get to see lush greenery all around. However, the visitor influx reaches its peak during the winter season (October to March). For people who live in the warmer regions, this is the best time to go to Daringbadi. During these months, the weather remains pleasant during the day, so stepping out for sightseeing is possible at any time. The temperature often drops below zero at night, so it is important to keep enough warm clothes.

How to Reach?

Being a popular tourist spot, Daringbadi offers seamless connectivity to other parts of the country. Its close proximity to Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, also contributes to its accessibility. Here is how you can reach here:

• By Air: Located at a distance of 291 kilometres, Biju Patnaik Airport is the nearest to Daringbadi. You can easily find direct and connecting flights from all major Indian cities. Upon reaching here, you can hire a private taxi to reach Daringbadi.
• By Train: While this hill town doesn’t have any railway station of its own, Berhampur is the nearest one. It is located at a distance of about 125 kilometres from the main town. You can take a train to Berhampur and then take a bus or taxi to reach Daringbadi.
• By Road: Daringbadi is connected to major cities in Odisha and other neighbouring states through state and national highways. These roads are well-maintained, and there are several public/private buses that run on these routes. Or, you can also book a private taxi to reach Daringbadi.

Offering a rare mix of natural beauty, rich culture, and a thriving culinary scene, this hill town in Odisha is a treasure trove of experiences. One can always find plenty of things to do in Daringbadi, regardless of one’s age or preferences. Whether you are planning a peaceful getaway or an adventurous trip, this place ticks all the boxes. If you’re planning a trip sometime soon, you can use the above guide to cover all the important tourist places in Daringbadi. Or, you can choose Veena World as your travel partner and avoid the hassle of making any arrangements. We offer an extensive collection of all-inclusive Orissa tour packages that come with well-crafted itineraries. You can choose the one that caters to your specific needs and explore this enchanting hill station in the best way possible.

FAQs

Q1. Why is Daringbadi called the “Kashmir of Odisha”?

Because of its cool climate, pine forests, misty valleys, and occasional winter frost. That’s rare for eastern India, and gives it a hill-station feel.

Q2. What natural attractions should I not miss?

The Hill View Point, Doluri River, Lovers’ Point, and sprawling coffee & pepper plantations make for peaceful, scenic walks and photo-perfect spots.

Q3. Is Daringbadi good for wildlife or eco-tourism?

Yes, the surrounding forests are rich in birds, butterflies, and tribal settlements, making it great for light nature trails and eco-friendly village visits.

Q4. What’s the best time to visit?

Winter and early spring (Nov-Feb) are ideal, offering cool temperatures, foggy mornings, and the signature Daringbadi chill.

Q5. Are there any cultural experiences here?

You can explore Kandha tribal culture, known for traditional crafts and village life, giving the trip a meaningful local connection.