Nestled at an elevation of 3,000 feet in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, Daringbadi is often called the "Kashmir of Odisha" — and for good reason. With its rolling pine-clad hills, lush coffee plantations, tribal heritage villages, and a climate that dips to near-freezing in winter, this hidden gem offers an experience unlike any other destination in eastern India.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply someone craving a peaceful escape from city chaos, Daringbadi has something extraordinary to offer. Here is our curated guide to the most unforgettable things to do in this enchanting hill station.
1. Walk Through the Pine Forests
The signature experience of Daringbadi is undoubtedly its vast, aromatic pine forests. These towering groves of pine trees — unusual for tropical India — create a surreal, almost European landscape. The forest floor, carpeted with fallen pine needles, releases a fresh resinous scent as you walk through shafts of golden sunlight filtering through the canopy.
The best time for a forest walk is early morning, when the mist still clings to the treetops and the birdsong fills the cool mountain air. Many visitors describe it as a meditative experience — the kind of stillness that's impossible to find in a city.
"There is something deeply restorative about walking through Daringbadi's pine forests. The world outside simply ceases to exist."
2. Explore the Coffee Plantations
Daringbadi is one of the few places in Odisha where coffee is commercially cultivated. The sprawling coffee gardens, with their neatly lined bushes and shade-giving silver oaks, make for a wonderful half-day exploration. During the flowering season (March–April), the entire plantation fills with the intoxicating fragrance of white coffee blossoms.
You can walk between the rows, learn about the bean-to-cup process from local farmers, and even sample freshly brewed local coffee. The plantations around Hill View Point are particularly scenic and accessible.
3. Visit the Tribal Heritage Villages
The Kandha and Kutia Kondh tribal communities have inhabited these hills for centuries. Visiting their villages offers a rare, respectful glimpse into indigenous life — from their distinctive thatched dwellings and hand-loomed textiles to their ancient agricultural practices and vibrant festivals.
The weekly tribal market (haat) is a sensory feast: piles of turmeric root, dried mahua flowers, hand-woven shawls, bamboo crafts, and forest honey. Engaging with these communities (with a local guide) adds a deeply enriching cultural dimension to your trip.
4. Trek to Lover's Point & Hill View Point
For panoramic views of the valley, head to Lover's Point or Hill View Point. These easily accessible viewpoints offer sweeping vistas of the surrounding hills, terraced farmlands, and distant villages wreathed in clouds. The golden hour here — whether sunrise or sunset — is nothing short of spectacular.
Hill View Point also serves as a great starting point for longer treks into the surrounding forests and grasslands, where you might spot langurs, hornbills, and the occasional barking deer.
5. Discover the Mandasaru Dam & Nature Park
The Mandasaru Dam, built across the Daringbadi River, is a peaceful spot surrounded by hills and dense greenery. The reservoir is particularly beautiful during and after the monsoon, when the water levels are high and the hills behind it glow in every shade of green.
The adjoining nature park has well-maintained walking trails, bamboo groves, and picnic spots — ideal for families and couples. Boating facilities are occasionally available, offering a serene glide across the calm waters with the hills reflected below.
6. Experience the Doluri River Valley
A short drive from the town center takes you to the Doluri River, a pristine mountain stream that winds through boulders and forested ravines. The river is shallow enough to wade through in most seasons, and the surrounding rocks — smoothed by centuries of water flow — make perfect natural seats for a quiet afternoon of reading or reflection.
For the more adventurous, upstream exploration reveals small cascades and natural pools — perfect for a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear hill water.
Where to Stay
For an experience that matches the magic of Daringbadi itself, The Foothill Farmstay offers handcrafted luxury cottages nestled among pine forests and coffee gardens. With private sit-outs overlooking the valley, farm-to-table dining, and the tranquility of nature at your doorstep — it's the perfect base camp for exploring everything Daringbadi has to offer.
