10-Day Scenic Car Journey Through the Hilly Forests and River Valleys of Odisha

Day 1: Departure to Daringbadi

Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi, Odisha on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Dalma Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Odia breakfast featuring local flavors before departure. Dalma is famous for its authentic dishes and fresh ingredients.
INR300, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Daringbadi

Begin the scenic drive from Bhubaneswar heading northwest on state and local roads, passing through forested and hilly terrain with stunning views.
Fuel and toll, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Hills Star

Savor freshly cooked local dishes in Daringbadi in this popular lodge known for its clean and cozy ambiance in the hills.
INR400, 1h

4:00PM

Explore Daringbadi

Stroll through the tea gardens and pine forests around this hill station, often called the 'Kashmir of Odisha.' The weather is cool and the scenery lush.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Meghdoot Restaurant

Enjoy simple and tasty Odia cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed setting.
INR350, 1h
View Hotels

Day 2: Daringbadi to Koraput

Daringbadi to Koraput, Odisha on July 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast with fresh fruits and traditional snacks to prepare for the day's travel through forests and valleys.
Included in stay, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Koraput via tribal hamlets

Take local roads moving west towards Koraput, stopping by Kutia Kondh tribal villages to experience unique cultural heritage and forest landscapes.
Fuel, optional donations, 5h

1:30PM

Lunch at Maa Tarini Restaurant, Koraput

Taste regional tribal cuisine that reflects Koraput's rich cultural diversity and forest produce.
INR350, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Deomali Hill

Explore the highest peak of Odisha, surrounded by dense forests and river valleys, offering panoramic views and a tranquil environment.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at hotel

Relax and enjoy regional specialties featuring fresh catch and local vegetables.
INR400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 3: Koraput Forest Exploration

Koraput, Odisha on July 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with wholesome breakfast featuring traditional items like Pakhala and Aloo Bharta.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Visit Gupteswar Cave

Explore this ancient cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva set in the forested hills, popular among devotees and nature lovers.
Free, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at nearby local eatery

Sample tribal delicacies prepared with local forest ingredients near Gupteswar.
INR300, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Tapoi Waterfall

Enjoy the scenic beauty and refreshing atmosphere of one of Odisha's stunning waterfalls, surrounded by hills and forest.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Drive back to Koraput town

Return to Koraput to rest and explore local markets for handicrafts.
Fuel, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Cancino Restaurant

Delight in continental and regional dishes served in this cozy restaurant known for quality and taste.
INR500, 1h
View Hotels

Day 4: Koraput to Simlipal

Koraput to Simlipal National Park, Odisha on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Energize with a nutritious breakfast before leaving for Simlipal region.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive toward Simlipal via river valleys

Travel along smaller roads skirting river valleys; spot tribal villages and lush landscapes en route to the park.
Fuel, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at Simlipal eco-lodge

Lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a tranquil forest setting.
INR450, 1h

4:00PM

Short nature walk inside Simlipal National Park

Explore easy trails in the park; watch for endemic flora and fauna. The park closes by 6:00PM, so plan accordingly.
INR100 per person, 1.5h

7:00PM

Dinner at the lodge restaurant

Enjoy traditional Odia cuisine amidst the peaceful forest environment.
INR400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 5: Simlipal Exploration

Simlipal National Park, Odisha on July 11, 2025

6:30AM

Early morning safari

Experience a guided jeep safari at dawn to spot wildlife such as elephants, deer, and birds in their natural habitat.
INR500, 3h

10:00AM

Breakfast at eco-lodge

Return and enjoy a healthy breakfast with fresh forest fruits and local delicacies.
Included, 1h

11:30AM

Visit Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls

Trek or drive to key waterfall sites inside the national park, admired for their grandeur and scenic surroundings.
Included in park entry, 3h

3:30PM

Rest and relax at lodge

Take a break from activities and enjoy the serenity of the forest lodge.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner

Savor a meal featuring local organic produce prepared by the lodge chefs.
INR450, 1h
View Hotels

Day 6: Simlipal to Debrigarh

Simlipal National Park to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha on July 12, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and pack up

Enjoy a filling breakfast and prepare for departure to Debrigarh Sanctuary.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Travel south primarily on local roads passing through river valleys and remote villages, avoiding highways for scenic immersion.
Fuel, 6h

2:00PM

Lunch at local dhaba

Pause for a rustic lunch featuring regional specialties near the sanctuary entrance.
INR300, 1h

3:30PM

Explore Debrigarh Sanctuary

Take a guided walk or boat ride on the reservoir within the sanctuary, spotting diverse wildlife and bird species. Sanctuary closes at 6:00PM.
INR150, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Dinner with local Odisha dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the region.
INR400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 7: Debrigarh to Mahanadi Valley Villages

Debrigarh to Mahanadi river valley, Odisha on July 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a simple breakfast at the guesthouse before traveling.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive along Mahanadi Valley

Travel east along local roads tracing the river valley, stopping to visit small villages and interact with local artisans and farmers.
Fuel, 5h

1:30PM

Lunch at riverside eatery

Dine on fresh river fish and seasonal vegetables in a charming village restaurant beside the Mahanadi River.
INR350, 1h

3:00PM

Village walk and cultural experience

Spend the afternoon walking through the villages exploring handicrafts, temples, and riverside farming life.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at local homestay

Enjoy a traditional home-cooked dinner offering an authentic taste of rural Odisha hospitality.
INR400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Mahanadi Valley to Bhubaneswar

Mahanadi river valley to Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at homestay

Traditional breakfast with local ingredients before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive back to Bhubaneswar via local roads

Follow scenic local roads through small towns and countryside scenic spots back to the state capital.
Fuel, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at Kanika Restaurant, Bhubaneswar

Relax with Odia cuisine in a well-reviewed local restaurant known for great thali meals.
INR400, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Dhauli Peace Pagoda

Explore this historic site on the outskirts of the city, known for its Buddhist stupa and tranquil environs. Open 8AM to 6PM.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Dalma Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Odia dishes in the evening to conclude the journey with familiar local flavors.
INR400, 1h
View Hotels

Day 9: Bhubaneswar Cultural Day

Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a light and healthful breakfast in your accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Lingaraj Temple

Explore this ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, renowned for its architecture. Open 6AM to 9PM.
Free, 2h

11:30AM

Explore Odisha State Museum

Discover the rich cultural and natural history of Odisha including archaeological artifacts and tribal exhibits. Open 10AM - 5PM.
INR50, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Truptee Restaurant

Enjoy Odia and North Indian dishes in a clean and comfortable environment.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Relax at Nandankanan Botanical Garden

Visit the beautiful botanical garden and zoo, showcasing native flora and fauna. Open 8:30AM to 5:30PM.
INR100, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at Mayfair Lagoon

Dine in style at this upscale hotel restaurant offering a mix of Indian and international cuisine.
INR800, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Departure

Bhubaneswar, Odisha on July 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Final relaxing breakfast before checking out for onward travel.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Prepare for departure

Pack and ensure all belongings are set for the departure from Bhubaneswar.
Free, 1h
View Hotels