10-Day Car Journey Through the Hilly Nature of Odisha’s Boudh, Phulbani, and Kalahandi Districts Starting from Rourkela

Day 1: Rourkela to Boudh

Rourkela to Boudh, Odisha on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel The Crown

Start your day with a hearty breakfast offering local and continental dishes to fuel up for the drive.
INR350, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Boudh via local roads

Travel southward from Rourkela using state and local roads that weave through rolling hills, river valleys, and forest patches, enjoying the scenic countryside.
Fuel cost, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at local dhaba in Boudh

Relish traditional Odia cuisine served fresh in small local restaurants, featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
INR300, 1h

4:00PM

Explore Nrusinghanath Temple and Waterfalls

Visit the hilltop temple complex dedicated to Lord Nrusingha nestled amidst hills. Nearby smaller waterfalls add to the serene atmosphere. Open till 6PM.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Boudh Guest House

Enjoy simple home-style cooking offering flavors typical of the region in a comfortable setting.
INR400, 1h

Day 2: Boudh to Phulbani

Boudh to Phulbani, Kandhamal district, Odisha on July 8, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at guest house

Eat a light breakfast with fresh fruit and local snacks to begin the day.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Phulbani via rural hilly roads

Journey south using local roads weaving through hills, rivers, and dense forests, stopping occasionally to interact with tribal communities.
Fuel cost, 5h

1:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Mayura, Phulbani

Feast on regional specialties and fresh vegetables in a comfortable hotel restaurant specializing in Odia cuisine.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Putudi Waterfalls

Explore the scenic Putudi Waterfalls nestled within forested hills, perfect for a peaceful trek and photography. Accessible till the evening.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at local eatery

Enjoy a flavorful dinner with freshly cooked traditional dishes made using forest produce.
INR350, 1h

Day 3: Phulbani Hill Exploration

Phulbani, Odisha on July 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a wholesome breakfast including local dishes like Manda Pitha and tribal millet preparations.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Hike to Belghar Forest and Rock Paintings

Trek through the serene Belghar forest area to discover ancient tribal rock paintings and abundant flora and fauna.
Free, 3h

12:00PM

Lunch at nearby local restaurant

Relish authentic simple meals crafted with local forest ingredients.
INR300, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Chilika Viewpoint

Spend late afternoon at scenic viewpoints overlooking Chilika Lake’s hilly surroundings and riverine network.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring regional Odisha dishes and fresh produce.
INR400, 1h

Day 4: Phulbani to Kalahandi

Phulbani to Kalahandi district, Odisha on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

A nutritious breakfast to prepare for the day’s drive into the hills and valleys of Kalahandi.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Kalahandi via forest and river valley roads

Travel along winding local roads through river valleys and forested hills, entering Kalahandi district known for its biodiversity and tribal culture.
Fuel, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch at Kalahandi district guesthouse

Enjoy freshly cooked regional tribal cuisine in a welcoming guesthouse setting.
INR400, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the sanctuary’s rich flora and fauna with a short guided walk along forest trails; sanctuary closes by 6PM.
INR100, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local restaurant

Savor indigenous dishes featuring local spices and seasonal produce in an authentic rural environment.
INR400, 1h

Day 5: Exploring Kalahandi Nature

Kalahandi, Odisha on July 11, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Light traditional breakfast before a day of forest exploration.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Visit Ampani Hills and Waterfalls

Discover the beautiful Ampani hills with scenic viewpoints and tranquil waterfalls ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
Free, 4h

12:30PM

Lunch at Ampani local dhaba

Fuel up with freshly prepared Odia staples in a rustic roadside eatery.
INR300, 1h

2:00PM

Boat ride on local river

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on a nearby river enveloped by forested hills, perfect for relaxation and nature appreciation.
INR150, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at guesthouse

End the day with a wholesome meal featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes.
INR400, 1h

Day 6: Kalahandi to Boudh Hills

Kalahandi to Boudh, Odisha on July 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast

A hearty breakfast to prepare for the drive back north toward Boudh hills.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive toward Boudh via scenic rural routes

Travel through hilly terrain with frequent forest and river valley views, avoiding highways to fully experience local nature.
Fuel, 6h

2:30PM

Lunch in roadside village eatery

Enjoy fresh village-style Odia meals highlighting forest vegetables and fresh fish.
INR300, 1h

4:00PM

Visit lesser-known hills near Boudh

Explore quiet forest trails and small waterfalls in hills around Boudh, perfect for unwinding and nature walks.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local guesthouse

Dine on traditional Odia dishes in a peaceful rural setting.
INR400, 1h

Day 7: Boudh to Phulbani Village Life

Boudh to Phulbani outskirts, Odisha on July 13, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Light breakfast featuring local homemade specialties.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Phulbani outskirts via local villages

Travel through small tribal villages and hilly terrain, declining major highways to experience local culture and nature intimately.
Fuel cost, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at a tribal homestay

Enjoy a unique meal prepared by locals featuring organic and seasonal ingredients native to the hills.
INR400, 1h

2:30PM

Village cultural walk

Walk through scenic tribal villages, learning about crafts, traditional lifestyles, and hillside farming practices.
Free, 3h

7:00PM

Dinner at homestay

Relish authentic tribal vegetable and meat dishes that reflect the local cuisine.
INR400, 1h

Day 8: Phulbani to Kalahandi via Hills

Phulbani to Kalahandi, Odisha on July 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at homestay

Begin with a fresh and filling breakfast prepared with local ingredients.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Kalahandi through hills and forests

Follow winding local roads passing through dense forests, hillocks, and river valley spots away from main highways to enjoy uninterrupted nature.
Fuel, 5h

1:30PM

Lunch at Kalahandi local restaurant

Relish dishes highlighting river fish and forest vegetables reflecting the area's biodiversity.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Maa Tarini Temple and surrounding forest

Explore this revered temple in a tranquil forest setting, popular among locals and a serene spot for visitors. Open till dusk.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local guesthouse

End the day with a wholesome home-style dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
INR400, 1h

Day 9: Return to Rourkela

Kalahandi to Rourkela, Odisha on July 15, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Traditional breakfast to prepare for longer drive north back to Rourkela.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive north to Rourkela via local backroads

Take scenic forested routes and rolling hills roads leading back to Rourkela, avoiding busy highways to remain immersed in nature.
Fuel, 7h

3:30PM

Late lunch at Rourkela local restaurant

Enjoy a tasty Odia meal with regional favorites after the day's drive.
INR400, 1h

5:00PM

Rest and explore Rourkela bazaar

Stroll through local markets and handicraft shops in Rourkela to pick up souvenirs and experience the city vibe.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel Dew Drops

Conclude your trip with a flavorful dinner featuring a fusion of Odia and continental dishes in a comfortable hotel setting.
INR600, 1h

Day 10: Departure from Rourkela

Rourkela, Odisha on July 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final filling breakfast in Rourkela before preparing for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Departure preparations

Pack your belongings and make necessary arrangements to leave Rourkela peacefully.
Free, 1h