31 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Daringbadi, Odisha 2025

Daringbadi, in Odisha, India, is an expansive region at an elevation of 3000 feet above sea level. Although you can visit the hill station and tourist places in Daringbadi all year round, October to March is the best time to visit.

The site lies amidst coffee gardens, plantations, alluring valleys, foreign plants, pine forests, etc. Daringbari is similar to Ayodhya Hill, Purulia in West Bengal. Apart from that, there are many tourist places to visit in Daringbadi. You can do a joint Gopalpur and Daringbadi tour from Kolkata.

The hill station is named after “Daring Sahib,” a British officer in charge, and is also known as “Kashmir of Odisha.” It’s rumoured that snowfall can be enjoyed here. A few years ago, the temperature was down to zero degrees, but nowadays, it goes down to 4 /5 degrees in winter, so it is hard to find snow here.

During our Daringbadi and Gopalpur tour from Kolkata, Mr. Ravindra (Phone: 80004-01544) was our skilled driver. He navigated smoothly and had excellent local knowledge.

1. Nature Park or Butterfly Park

Butterfly Park is a nature park that conserves and displays medicinal plants and butterflies. It’s located at Daringbadi in the Kandhamal district, and visitors enjoy the sight of beautiful butterflies in their natural habitat. 

The management provides shelter and food for butterflies. Plants with nectar, like barleria, pentas, Ixora, Nerium, lantana, etc., are grown. Tecoma stans, ficus, curry leaf, hibiscus, palm, guava, mango, and bamboo plants are planted on the upper part To provide the butterflies shelter.

The medicinal garden contains over 50 rare plant species. An auditorium hosts 3d environments, wildlife conservation, and nature shows. Life-size statues of animals and exhibits from the Kutia Kondh tribals’ (living in Kandhamal) tradition and life are displayed. 

• Address: W498+36X, Siripanga, Odisha 762104
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (approx)
• Timings: 07:00 am to 05:00 pm
• How to reach: The distance between Daringbadi hilltop to Butterfly Park is 3.2 km by car, about 7 minutes.  

Read Best Tourist Places to Visit in Puri and Bhubaneswar

2. Hill View Park, Daringbadi

The Hill View Park, a major Daringbadi attraction, is surrounded by thick forest. It’s at the heart of India’s Eastern Ghats in the Kandhamal district. 

There is a selfie point, a watchtower, and a children’s park inside. The atmosphere and greenery attract visitors who enjoy views of endless hills, pine forests, and valleys. 

Winter is the most favourable time to visit Hill View Park, which looks alluring during sunset and sunrise. The artificial park has animal statues made for kids to play with. Many tourist sights, such as a Nature camp, Herbal plant Garden, and Butterfly Park, are nearby. 

• Address: W499+W8M, Daringbadi – Phulbani Road, Odisha 762104
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (approx), car parking INR 30
• Timings: 08:00 am to 06:30 pm
• How to reach: Daringbadi to Hill View Park is 2.9 km by car (6 minutes). Hill View Park is within walking distance of Butterfly Park (400 m). 

3. Silent Valley Sunset Point

Sunset Point (Silent Valley) is an alluring viewpoint in Daringbadi. It is perfect for capturing the panorama of the Eastern Ghats. Standing at the viewpoint, visitors can see the entire valley below.

Tourists from here enjoy a mesmerising view of the setting sun. It’s the ultimate destination for viewing the sunset and taking beautiful pictures. 

• Address: Dasiketa, Greenbadi, Odisha 762104
• Entry Fee: INR 20 for car parking (approx)
• How to reach: The distance between Sunset Point, Silent Valley, and Daringbadi is 3.7 km (8 minutes approx).  

4. Coffee Plantation Garden Daringbadi

The coffee garden of Daringbadi is an ancient destination for growing coffee, and favourable weather allows all-year-round cultivation. 

The park is amidst a thick pine forest, tall mountains, huge coffee gardens, and beautiful valleys. Visitors can find black pepper and coffee plants growing on trees in the garden. 

Odisha’s Soil Conservation and Forest Department manages this place. Tourists buy pepper, coffee, and other spices like turmeric here, and it’s a popular destination for a stroll.

• Address: V4V8+X82, Bramhanigaon Road, Daringbadi, Odisha 762104
• Entry fee: INR 30 per person (approx)
• Timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm
• How to reach: The distance between Daringbadi to Coffee Garden is 2.6 km by car, about 6 minutes.  

5. Pine Forest and Duluri River

The beautiful pine forest in the South of Daringbadi is near the coffee garden. A belt of high pine trees is on either side of the route to Baunigam. In the early 70s, the Forest

The Department of Odisha established this plantation. Early morning is the best time to visit, when the place is immersed in fog.

The Duluri River flows along this beautiful pine forest on a stony bed and enhances its beauty.

Duluri riverside is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic while listening to the flowing water, the blowing wind, and the sounds of forest creatures.

• Address: V4F6+MVV, Daringbadi, Odisha 762104
• How to reach: The forest is 2 km from Daringbadi by car.  

6. Rushikulya River

Rushikulya is a major river in Odisha. It originates at 1000 m from the hills of Daringbadi in the Eastern Ghats. This waterway has a length of 165 km and a 770 square kilometre catchment area.

The river fills Ganjam and Kandhamal, and Rushikulya joins the Bay of Bengal at Puruna Bandha. This river has several tributaries, such as Dhanei, Baghua, Badanadi, etc.

• Address: Ganjam district and Kandhamal district in Odisha, India. 
• How to reach: Rushikulya River is 88 km from Daringbadi by car, and it takes about 2 hours (approx) to reach it.  

7. Surada Dam – One of the Tourist Places in Daringbadi, Odisha

Surada Ghai Dam in the Ganjam district was built across the Padma River in the late nineteenth century. The Dam is amidst lush green forest and beautiful mountains, which look mesmerising during sunrise.

The government of Odisha has set up the Biju Patnaik Picnic Spot for tourists near Surada Dam. The spot has a new jetty, a beautiful Park, and Biju Minar. Sidheswar and Maa Khunteswari Temples are nearby.

• Address: Dam Rd, Surada, Odisha 761108
• Timings: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm
• How to reach: Surada Dam is 47 km from Daringbadi by car (1 hour 6 minutes).  

8. Khunteswari Temple

Maa Khunteswari temple is on a hill near Surada dam in Daringbadi. In this temple, goddesses Kali, Lakshmi and Durga are worshipped through a single idol. From here, tourists glimpse tall hills and the beautiful Surada dam.

The place attracts many visitors during winter due to its mild and pleasant climate. Visitors reach Khunteswari temple via a steep and small ghat road.

• Address: QC3M+Q5Q, Khunteswari Hill Rd, Surada, Odisha-761108
• Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
• How to reach: The distance between Daringbadi and Khunteswari temple is 46.6 km by car (1 hour 6 minutes).  

9. Mandasaru Waterfall

Mandasaru Valley is 3280 feet above sea level, and it has a beautiful waterfall and a Nature Camp. Mandasaru Waterfall, also called Pisogrundu, is a lesser-known tourist spot in Odisha, about 2 km from Nature’s Camp. 

The trek to this waterfall goes through thick forest and rocky terrain. You can hear the water gurgling from a distance.

• Address: X6PR+G25, Barepanga, Odisha 762101
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (approx)
• How to reach: Mandasaru waterfall is 31.7 km from Daringbadi by car (57 minutes).  

10. Mandasaru Nature Camp

Mandasaru Nature Camp on Mandasaru Hill is a famous tourist spot amidst the thick, moist tropical deciduous forest. From here, you can enjoy a scenic view of the Mandasaru Gorge.

The Nature’s Camp has a park for children, two watchtowers, four cottages, plantations, a dining hall, a watchtower room, and a resort area. During winter, tourists visit the camp and enjoy picnics with their family & friends. 

• Address: X6JR+86W, Barepanga, Odisha 762101
• Entry fee: Double Bed Wood Cottage (Non AC), INR 3714, Double Bed Watch Tower Room (Non AC), INR 2476
• How to reach: Mandasaru Nature Camp is 31.9 km from Daringbadi by car, which takes 57 minutes.

11. Lover’s Point Dadubada

Lover’s Point is a picturesque vista reached after crossing rocky hurdles. The name “lover’s point” depicts the love between nature and humans. This place is amidst tall hills and thick forests with cave formations nearby. 

The water of this fall is cool and clean, which attracts tourists who want to enjoy a bath in natural beauty. There are enough parking spaces close to Lover’s Point for visitors. 

• Address: 2352+vqv, Ludubandha, Odisha 762103
• How to reach: Lover’s Point is 19.3 km from Daringbadi by car (28 minutes).  

12. Emu Bird Sanctuary

The Emu Farm Sanctuary in Dadubada is a private farm famous for breeding male and female emus. It’s the world’s giant flightless bird from Australia. Emus can stand tall to a height of six feet. Visitors are coming to Daringbadi to visit the Emu farm. To see rare birds and have fun.

• Address: Emu zoo kirikuti, Daringbadi – Phulbani Rd, Odisha-762103
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (approx)
• Timings: 08:00 am till 04:00 pm
• How to reach: The Emu Bird Sanctuary is 18.8 km from Daringbadi by car (26 minutes).  

13. Midubanda Waterfall

Midubanda Waterfall is 16 km from Daringbadi. Visitors climb down 181 steps to explore the base of this waterfall, where cool, clean water gushes from a high mountain.

At the bottom, there is a pond where people bathe. Midubanda lies amidst a dense green forest. It’s a popular destination for group picnics, and the best time to visit is during winter.

• Address: R33C+M78, Odisha 762104
• Entry fee: INR 50 per vehicle (approx)
• How to reach: The distance between Midubanda waterfall and Daringbadi is 16 km by car, which is about 27 minutes.  

14. Pangali Valley View Point

Pangali Ghat’s viewpoint is en route to Midubanda Waterfall. Dense green forests and tall trees surround it, and the ghat provides a panoramic view of the entire Pangali Valley.

A slight curve below the mountains shows part of a rambling route. This spot is popular among photographers and nature enthusiasts. 

• Entry fee: Nil
• Address: R3RG+VMJ, Daringbadi, Bramhanigam Road, Sipubadi, Odisha 762104
• How to reach: The distance from Pangali Valley to Daringbadi is 11.2 km by car, about 19 minutes.  

15. Harabhangi Dam

Harabhangi Dam, in northwestern Adava, is a famous tourist spot in the Gajapati district. This reservoir stores water for irrigation amidst lush green forests and tall mountains.

In winter, the dam is a popular picnic destination among tourists. Harabhangi reservoir looks mesmerising during sunset and sunrise. A small road links the Dam to villages in the vicinity. 

• Entry fee: Nil
• Address: G47M+J53, Bebiri, Odisha 761217
• How to reach: The distance from Harabhangi Dam to Daringbadi is 84.1 km by car (2 hours, 15 minutes).  

16. Khasada Waterfall

Khasada Waterfall is a famous Weekend holiday and excursion spot in the Gajapati district. The waterfall lies amidst tall mountains and lush green forests, attracting many tourists. Crystal-clear water flows continuously from among the forests and is perfect for bathing.

Chanderi Buddhist Monastery lies near this waterfall. Thousands of devotees visit the monastery and the waterfall. Winter is the ideal time to visit the Khasada waterfall.

• Address: 764m+974, Kamalapur, Odisha 761017
• Parking fee: INR 20 per/hour (approx) 
• How to Reach: Khasada waterfall is 122.1 km from Daringbadi by car (3 hours and 13 minutes). 

17. Jiranga Buddhist Monastery

Padma Sambhava Monastery, also known as Jirang or Jiranga Buddhist Monastery, is a popular tourist destination. It’s the biggest monastery in East India. In 2010, the Dalai Lama inaugurated Padma Sambhava. The place is a college & residence for Buddhist monks. 

Jirang lies amidst an alluring valley and various Eastern Ghat hills. There is a beautiful waterfall nearby. 

• Address: 77F7+49C, Jeerango, Odisha-761212
• Timings: 07:00 am to 05:00 pm
• How to reach: Jirang Buddhist Monastery is 116 km from Daringbadi by car (3 hours and 3 minutes).  

18. Putudi Waterfall

The Putudi Waterfall in Phulbani town presents an enchanting atmosphere for visitors. The River Salunki falls here from an elevation of 60 feet, and the waterfall lies amidst tall hills and lush forests. The water of Putudi merges with the Bada Saluki River. 

It’s a perfect tourist spot for weekend parties during winter. The fall creates dense roaring music and Clearwater flowing from the hilltop.

• Address: G5WR+52V, Sesakera, Odisha 762002
• How to reach: From Gopalpur, Putudi waterfall is 191.3 km by car (5 hours approx).  

19. Tampara Lake

Tampara is Odisha’s biggest freshwater lake. It lies near Chilika Lagoon and showcases Odisha’s ecological diversity. The breaking of waves onshore gently enhances the place’s beauty. Visitors enjoy water sports around Lake Tampara.

Tourists take a stroll along cashew plantations on the shore. There is a virgin beach in the Bay of Bengal after trekking for 2 km through these plantations. 

• Address: Tampara Lake, Odisha
• Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
• How to reach: Tampara Lake is 33.7 km from Gopalpur by car (47 minutes).  

20. Chilika Lake

Chilka is the largest and most brackish lagoon in Odisha, covering over 1000 square kilometres in the districts of Ganjam and Khurda. This lake is at a confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the River Daya.

Over 160 different migratory birds visit during winter. The scarce Irrawaddy River Dolphins are found here. Tourists enjoy boat rides to other islands in Lake Chilika.

Barkul and Rambha are two access points. The Ramsar Convention recognised Chilika as India’s first wetland, which is internationally significant.

• Address: Chilika, Satapada, Khordha District, Puri 752001
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (Chilika Visitor Centre)
• Timings: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm (preferred timing)
• How to reach: Chilika is 49 km from Gopalpur by car (1 hour and 9 minutes). 

21. Narayani Temple Ganjam

The Narayani Temple of Eastern Ghats is famous for its scenic splendour. It was built to honour the goddess Narayani with ten hands at Narayani village (Khalikote in Odisha).

There is a sacred shrine to Maa Durga (goddess Narayani) with six hands. This temple is surrounded by mango groves and perennial springs, which attract many devotees all year round.

• Address: 7R96+W7G Ganjam, Odisha-761029
• Timings: 06:00 am to 09:00 pm
• How to reach: The distance between Gopalpur and Narayani Temple is 16 km by car, which is about 30 minutes.  

22. Gopalpur Sea Beach

Gopalpur Sea Beach has clean blue water and cracks forming a backwater bed. Canopies of dense green vegetation cover the sleepy lagoon, and the beach is lined with casuarina trees. It’s India’s cleanest and most undisturbed beach.

The sea at Gopalpur is too rough to swim in. This east-facing beach offers spectacular views of sunset and sunrise. Visitors enjoy quiet strolls along the banks to rejuvenate themselves. People who love seafood must visit the fish market early in the morning.

• Address: 7w45+vpw, Gopalpur, Odisha 761002
• How to reach: Gopalpur Sea beach is 15.7 km from Brahmapur by car (30 minutes).

23. Gopalpur Lighthouse

The lighthouse is a skeletal tower set up in 1925, and the Odisha Tourism Department looks after it.  

Gopalpur lighthouse withstood two major cyclones- “super cyclonic storm” (1999) and “Cyclone Phailin” (2013). The monument currently faces significant erosion from the Bay of Bengal. Now, it’s restricted to entering the public as per safety protocols. 

• Address: 7W44+QR8, Odisha-761002
• How to reach: Gopalpur lighthouse is by car and is 9.8 km (20 minutes) from Gopalpur.

24. Taratarini temple

Taratarini temple on a hilltop is a popular religious spot in South Odisha. Rushikulya River flows around the temple, which is dedicated to twin sisters, Goddess Tara and Goddess Tarini. 

Tourists can walk 999 steps from the foothills, take the bus, or take the cable car to reach the temple at the top amidst green plantations. Thousands of visitors, picnickers, and devotees visit the Taratarini temple. 

• Address: Temple Rd Dt, near River Rushikulya, Raipur, Purusottampur, Odisha-761018
• Timings: 06:30 am to 12:30 pm, 02:00 pm to 05:30 pm and 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm
• How to reach: The Taratarini temple is 36 km (55 minutes) from Gopalpur by car. 

25. Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary

Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kandhamal district covers 16,174.46 acres and is 2255 feet above sea level. It houses a variety of fauna and flora.

The famous species of wild elephants and deer are also found here. An immense collection of commercial and medicinal plants lives in the sanctuary. Besides animals, many species of birds are also sighted here.

Kuntia Kondha (tribal people) live in the hills of Belghar. They follow an ancient tradition, collect essentials from forests, and are friendly & hospitable.

Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm

26. Kalinga Ghati

Kalinga Ghati in Kandhamal district is famous for its natural beauty, birds, and animal species. This ‘ghati’ zigzag roads spiral around tall hills resembling serpents. Driving along these roads gives visitors an adventurous vibe.

There is a vast silviculture garden on the Ghati, which houses many medicinal plants and is populated by rubber & dense bamboo plants. Kalinga Ghati was the abode of many freedom fighters during British rule in India.

• Address: NH157, Odisha 762022
• How to reach: The distance from Daringbadi to Kalinga Ghati is 62.2 km by car (1 hour and 29 minutes).  

27. Taptapani Hot Water Spring

Taptapani (boiling water) of Eastern Ghat on the Berhampur-Chandragiri highway is a temple complex and hot spring. It’s renowned for its medicinal sulfuric water hot spring (perennial).

Taptapani lies amidst dense forest and tall hills. The place remains crowded with tourists and devotees. Visitors enjoy serene nature, views of sunset and sunrise, moonlight at night, a glimpse of wild animals, tribal music and dance, and birds chirping. Near this hot spring lies a deer park.

• Address: Taptapani, Odisha-761017
• How to reach: Taptapani is 101.2 km from Gopalpur by car, about 2 hours and 33 minutes.  

28. Taptapani Deer Park

Taptapani Deer Park is a popular tourist spot in Ganjam. Over 40,000 visitors explore the place every year. Around 150 deer of four species live there: barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, and blackbuck. A perennial stream running across the park provides food and water. 

• Address: NH326, Taptapani Deer Park, Odisha
• Timings: 09:00 am till 04:00 pm (remains closed on Wednesday)
• How to Reach: Taptapani Deer Park is 66.6 km from Gopalpur by car (1 hour and 47 minutes) and 90.9 km from Daringbadi by car (2 hours and 21 minutes).

29. Deer Park Sambalpur

Deer Park in Sambalpur covers an immense 35 acres. It’s a mini-zoo because over 20 bird species and 288 animal species are found here. Various deer, like barking and spotted deer, live in the park. Besides deer, ratel, antelope, monkey, leopard, sloth bear, python, civet, parakeet, parrot, peacock, etc., are also found there.

Several flower species planted inside are major tourist attractions. Deer Park attracts visitors from November to March. 

• Address: Sakhipara, Moti Jharna, Odisha-768001
• Entry fee: INR 10 per person (approx)
• Timings: 08:00 am till 01:00 pm and 03:00 pm till 05:00 pm
• How to reach: Deer Park is 238.4 km from Daringbadi by car (5 hours 46 minutes) and 341 km from Gopalpur by car (8 hours and 11 minutes).  

30. Kalijai Island

Maa Kalijai temple on the island of Lake Chilika is home to Goddess Kalijai. The place was named “Kalijai” after a newly married girl named Jaai, who was going to her in-laws’ place on this island with her father.

Their boat was trapped in a severe cyclone, and everybody except Jaai was safe (She died). After this, local people worshipped her as a goddess. They consider her to be another form of Maa Kali.

The island is a famous pilgrimage and tourist attraction. During Makar Sankranti (in January), a grand fair is organised on Kalijai Island. 

• Address: Kalijai Island, Odisha-752030
• Timings: 06:00 am till 09:00 pm (temple timings)
• How to reach: The Kalijai island is 74.1 km from Gopalpur by car (1 hour and 49 minutes). 

31. Biranchi Narayan Temple

Biranchi Narayan Sun Temple is Odisha’s 2nd Surya mandir in Buguda, Ganjam. In 1790, King Srikara Bhanjadeo refurbished this temple. Biranchi Narayan (Surya) is the temple’s presiding deity. His image was discovered among the ruins of Malatigad. 

Forty-six pillars were used to construct the roof and entangle wooden designs. The walls are made of mortar, and the lime and ceiling are carved from timber. The Biranchi Narayan temple faces west, and sun rays fall on the deity’s feet during sunset. Epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana are depicted on the walls of this temple.

• Address: RQ5V+GM7, Buguda, Odisha 761118
• Timings: 06:30 am to 11:30 am and 05:00 pm to 08:30 pm
• How to reach: Biranchi Narayan Temple is 73.7 km from Gopalpur by car (2 hours and 2 minutes).  

Read Puri Jagannath temple history

Conclusion

Odisha is well known for its sand, sun, and sea. Daringbari -the offbeat spot is like a gem hidden among thick green forests, beautiful valleys, plantations, exotic flora, fauna, etc., near me. Apart from being picturesque, Daringbadi Tourist Places are perfect for strolling around and rejuvenating. The tribal villages, Sunday local markets, nature parks, coffee gardens, waterfalls, etc., make the Daringbadi tour perfect and worth visiting.