Guide to Daringbadi, the Kashmir of Odisha

You might know Odisha for its rich culture, history, and beautiful beaches, but you probably wouldn’t associate it with snow. There’s a hidden gem tucked away in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, Daringbadi that’s earned itself the nickname ‘Kashmir of Odisha.’ About 246 km from the capital Bhubaneswar and situated at an altitude of over 3,000 feet, it’s the only place in the state that reportedly experiences light snowfall during peak winter. Dotted with pine forests, pepper and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and tribal villages, Daringbadi is a peaceful and less-crowded escape if you’re craving hills and cool weather, without the crowds of destinations like Darjeeling. This is your one-stop shop for everything from what to do in Daringbadi to how to book your taxi or cab to get there.Planning your Daringbadi getaway?

Where and Why Is Daringbadi Often Referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha?’

Daringbadi is nestled in the Eastern Ghats mountain range in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, at an altitude of approximately 915 metres (about 3,000 feet) above sea level. It gets its name from a former British administrator of the region, ‘Daring Sahib,’ with “badi” translating to village in the local dialect. The comparison to the northern Indian state of Kashmir comes from its picturesque hilly landscape, lined with pine trees, the frequently occurring fog and misty mornings, and occasional winter frost that mimics the sight of light snow which is rare for a coastal state like Odisha.

Best Time to Visit Daringbadi

The best time to visit Daringbadi is between October and March, as the weather at this time is most pleasant for sightseeing. If you plan on visiting for the purpose of sightseeing along with viewing the coffee gardens when they are in full bloom then the above-mentioned time is perfect. At this time of the year winter hits the place with temperatures at times dipping down to sub-zero levels, and thus this is the best time for travelers seeking a cool break away from the city heat. Summer spans between April and June in Daringbadi, but with temperatures only a few notches higher than the plains, this is also a great time to plan a trip, especially for those traveling to escape the heat.

Tourist Spots and Places to visit in Daringbadi

An ideal trip to the region is for about two or three days to be able to cover all the prime tourist attractions around Daringbadi. Here are the key ones:

Daringbadi Waterfall & Putudi Waterfall- Tucked amidst the dense forests, these two are seasonal streams and best enjoyed with a local.
Coffee and Pepper Plantations- Daringbadi is the only place in Odisha to have a coffee plantation! Do spend some time here to understand the growing process of coffee and pepper.
Hill View Park & Sunset Point- These open panoramic points will give you some breathtaking views of the valley below and are particularly enjoyable in the evenings.
Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary- The forested sanctuary located on the outer edges of Daringbadi makes for a perfect half-day natural getaway, which can also give you an opportunity to spot local wildlife.
Doluri River & Pine Forest- A small part of this region is marked by a rocky river bed on one side and a man-made pine forest on the other.
Maa Khunteswari temple & Surada Dam- Located atop a hill with some spectacular views of the Surada Dam, the temple is a sacred place and also a perfect spot to witness a glorious sunset. It takes an hour to reach here though.

How to reach Daringbadi

Since Daringbadi does not have an airport of its own, one will have to travel by long-distance train or flight to the nearest airport or railway station and then hire a taxi or cab to cover the final stretch to reach the hill station.

By Air- The closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (BBI) that is located approximately 290 km away from Daringbadi. From the airport, you can book a prepaid or pre-booked cab to reach the hill station.
By Train- The nearest railway station is Brahmapur (BPUR) that is roughly 130km away from Daringbadi. Puri Railway station (PURI) is also an option which lies some 249 km away. Taxi stands are available at these stations, but booking a cab prior to arrival is best advised.
By Road- You can reach Daringbadi from nearby locations like Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar, or Puri through state highway access. Be mentally prepared for some sharp, narrow ghat roads. If you take this route, hiring a good and experienced local driver in a good vehicle, ideally an SUV.

Planning a Daringbadi Trip?

We’ve got your travel sorted with local cabs! Don't worry about finding local taxis at the best prices or how to negotiate them to get yourself a good deal.

With CabBazar, your local sightseeing trip for Daringbadi can be booked effortlessly, without any hassle.

Here, at CabBazar you can find the best outstation cab hire in a clean, well maintained, air-conditioned car with expert drivers for any tour around the city. The local sightseeing cabs available here offer options like one-way hire, round trip and half day or full-day local city tour at transparent and upfront prices without any hidden charges or surge pricing.

Ready for a worry-free trip to Daringbadi? Click to book your cab online in minutes or call CabBazar at 8796809009.

Local Sightseeing in Daringbadi: Why You Need a Cab Tour

With Daringbadi’s picturesque waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, tranquil coffee and pepper plantations, the Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the hillside temple located at varying distances, navigating between these sites on foot or through local buses isn’t practical. Hiring a dedicated local cab for a full day is the most efficient way to explore all the major attractions without rushing. CabBazar’s local sightseeing packages include seamless pickup and drop-off at your hotel, visits to all key locations with ample time to explore, and a waiting driver, all for a fixed price, ensuring a stress-free and thoroughly enjoyable tour. Make Your Daringbadi Trip Comfortable from Start to Finish!