Bhubaneswar is not only a gateway to Odisha’s famous temples and beaches but also a convenient starting point for exploring beautiful hill destinations. From the cool landscapes of Daringbadi to the scenic Eastern Ghats of Koraput and Deomali, there are several places where you can enjoy nature, greenery, waterfalls, and peaceful surroundings.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway, family holiday, romantic trip, or adventure tour, these hill destinations offer a refreshing break from city life.
A hill station trip is a great way to escape the heat and busy city environment. Many destinations around Odisha offer forests, waterfalls, valleys, trekking opportunities, and scenic viewpoints.
A hill holiday from Bhubaneswar can include:
Daringbadi is one of the most popular hill destinations in Odisha and is located in Kandhamal district. Situated at around 3,000 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by pine forests, coffee gardens, valleys, and waterfalls. Odisha Tourism describes Daringbadi as the “Kashmir of Odisha.”
It is approximately 248 km from Bhubaneswar according to Odisha Tourism.
Daringbadi is a great choice for families, couples, groups, and weekend travellers.
Deomali is located in Koraput district and is the highest peak in Odisha. Odisha Tourism lists its height at 1,672 metres above sea level and highlights the destination for trekking, hiking, camping, and panoramic mountain views.
The surrounding landscape features green valleys, forests, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
Deomali is especially suitable for adventure seekers, nature lovers, photographers, and trekking enthusiasts.
Koraput is a beautiful destination in southern Odisha surrounded by hills, forests, waterfalls, and tribal communities. It is an excellent option for travellers looking for a combination of nature and cultural experiences.
Koraput can also be used as a base for exploring nearby destinations such as Deomali, Duduma Waterfall, and Machkund.
Koraput is ideal for travellers who want a longer nature-focused Odisha holiday.
Chandragiri, located in Gajapati district, is another interesting destination for travellers exploring the hills of southern Odisha.
The destination is particularly known for Jirang Monastery, a Buddhist monastery surrounded by scenic hills and greenery.
Chandragiri can be combined with Daringbadi and other southern Odisha attractions for a longer itinerary.
Mahendragiri is a scenic mountain destination in Gajapati district and forms part of the Eastern Ghats.
The area is known for its forests, hills, temples, and natural surroundings. It is a good destination for travellers who enjoy exploring less-crowded places.
Mahendragiri is particularly suitable for nature lovers, trekkers, and travellers interested in offbeat Odisha destinations.
Taptapani is a popular destination in southern Odisha known for its natural hot springs and surrounding hills and forests.
The destination can be included in a southern Odisha itinerary along with Daringbadi, Gopalpur, and Chandragiri.
Taptapani is a good option for travellers looking for a relaxed and scenic break from city life.
Gandhamardan Hills are located in western Odisha and are known for their forests, biodiversity, waterfalls, and cultural significance.
The hills are particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy nature and want to explore Odisha beyond its popular coastal destinations.
Gandhamardan is better suited for travellers planning a longer Odisha road trip rather than a quick weekend journey from Bhubaneswar.
| Destination | Best For |
|---|---|
| Daringbadi | Families, couples and weekend trips |
| Deomali | Trekking and adventure |
| Koraput | Nature and culture |
| Chandragiri | Hills and Buddhist culture |
| Mahendragiri | Nature and exploration |
| Taptapani | Relaxation and hot springs |
| Gandhamardan Hills | Nature and offbeat travel |
If you have only a few days, Daringbadi is one of the most convenient choices.
Odisha Tourism itself offers a 3-day/2-night Daringbadi itinerary, covering attractions such as Hill View Point, Doluri River, pine forests, coffee plantations, Lovers Point, and Daringbadi waterfalls.
A simple itinerary can be:
Day 1: Bhubaneswar → Daringbadi → Check-in → Sunset Point
Day 2: Pine Forest → Coffee Plantation → Hill View Point → Waterfalls → Local Sightseeing
Day 3: Sunrise → Breakfast → Return to Bhubaneswar
For adventure and trekking, Deomali is an excellent choice. As Odisha’s highest peak, it offers opportunities for trekking, hiking, camping, and enjoying panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats.
It is approximately 465 km from Bhubaneswar, so it is better suited to a longer trip rather than a short weekend getaway.
The ideal travel time depends on the destination and the experience you want.
October to February is generally a comfortable period for exploring many hill destinations, with cooler temperatures and pleasant conditions.
Winter is particularly attractive for Daringbadi, where temperatures can become very low. Odisha Tourism notes that the mercury can drop to around zero in winter.
The monsoon season can also make destinations such as Deomali especially green and scenic, although travellers should check road and weather conditions before travelling.
Hill destinations can have cooler temperatures than Bhubaneswar, particularly during winter. Carry warm clothes when travelling during the colder months.
Some destinations require longer road journeys. Consider hiring a comfortable vehicle if travelling with family or a group.
Weather and road conditions can affect travel times in hilly areas. Avoid planning too many attractions in a single day.
Keep drinking water, medicines, comfortable footwear, power banks, and other travel essentials with you.
Avoid littering, follow local guidelines, and protect the natural surroundings during your trip.
Planning a hill holiday involves arranging transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and local travel. A professional travel agency can help organize these details according to your requirements.
Tour In Travels, based in Bhubaneswar, can help create customized Odisha tour packages for families, couples, groups, and individual travellers.
Your hill station tour can be customized according to:
Whether you want a short Bhubaneswar-Daringbadi tour or a longer Koraput-Deomali Odisha tour, your itinerary can be planned around your travel preferences.
Odisha has much more to offer than beaches and temples. Its hills, forests, waterfalls, valleys, and tribal landscapes provide excellent opportunities for refreshing holidays.
From the scenic beauty of Daringbadi to the adventurous trails of Deomali, there are several destinations where you can enjoy a peaceful break from everyday life.
If you are planning a family holiday, romantic getaway, weekend trip, or adventure tour from Bhubaneswar, a customized hill station tour can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Plan your next hill station tour with Tour In Travels and discover the scenic beauty, peaceful landscapes, and hidden gems of Odisha.
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