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12-Day Scenic Car Journey Through Odisha's Forests and River Valleys

Viewed by 145 travelers

Day 1: Rourkela to Sambalpur

Rourkela to Sambalpur, Odisha on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Presidency, Rourkela

Enjoy a traditional Odia breakfast with local delicacies like Pithas and Chhena Jhili in a comfortable hotel setting.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Rourkela to Sambalpur via forest roads

Take state and local roads passing through scenic forest patches avoiding highways, covering approximately 115 km in about 3.5 hours.
Fuel INR800, 3h30m

12:30pm

Visit Hirakud Dam, Sambalpur

Explore one of the world's longest earthen dams with beautiful river valley views and forested surroundings. Open from 9am to 6pm.
INR50, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Hirakud Dam Guest House Restaurant

Taste authentic Sambalpuri cuisine with dishes like Badi Chura and local freshwater fish, surrounded by dam scenery.
INR400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

A great place for nature and wildlife lovers with dense forest and riverine landscape. Sanctuary open until 5pm.
INR100, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ark Restaurant, Sambalpur

Enjoy a mix of Odia and North Indian specialties in a cozy setting to end your day.
INR450, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Rourkela to Sambalpur

Day 2: Sambalpur to Deogarh

Sambalpur to Deogarh, Odisha on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Gargee Grand

Enjoy freshly made local breads and traditional sweet chai before starting the day's journey.
INR250, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Deogarh via forest roads

Travel southeast covering about 90 km through winding forest and hill roads, avoiding highways to savor natural landscapes.
Fuel INR650, 3h0m

12:15pm

Visit Bamra Landscape and local tribal villages

Discover traditional lifestyle and ethnic culture amidst dense forests and hills.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at local dhaba in Deogarh

Taste the regional flavors, including bamboo shoot curry and freshly caught river fish specialties.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Deogarh Fort and nearby forest trails

Visit the historic fort ruins nestled in lush surroundings and enjoy a scenic forest trek in the late afternoon.
INR60, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Deogarh

Savor local Odia cuisine with fresh organic ingredients sourced from the hills.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 3: Deogarh to Boudh

Deogarh to Boudh, Odisha on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast featuring local fruits and millet porridge to energize for the drive ahead.
INR200, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Boudh along forested valley roads

Cover approximately 80 km traveling through scenic tree-covered hills and river valleys, favoring local roads.
Fuel INR550, 2h45m

11:45am

Visit Boudh town and local temples

Explore ancient temples and shrines, reflecting rich cultural heritage and serene forest surroundings.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Hari Restaurant, Boudh

Enjoy a mix of vegetarian Odia dishes and fresh river fish specialties in a family-friendly place.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Khajuripada forest and river valley

Short drive to picturesque forest area with river views, ideal for bird watching and nature walks until dusk.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner and overnight stay at local guesthouse

Relax with traditional home-cooked Odia meals including dalma and steamed rice to end the day.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Boudh to Phulbani

Boudh to Phulbani, Odisha on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Enjoy fresh local breakfast including buoyan and jungle honey to fuel your forest journey.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive through forest roads to Phulbani

Traverse about 90 km of scenic hilly terrain and dense forests, stopping frequently to appreciate river valleys.
Fuel INR600, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Khandadhar Waterfalls (open 9am-5pm)

Experience Odisha’s second-highest waterfall surrounded by deep forests and wildlife sanctuary.
Entry INR50, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Phulbani town local eatery

Sample tribal-inspired dishes including bamboo chicken and sticky rice cakes.
INR350, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore nearby forest trails and tribal villages

Discover the local tribal culture and flora on a guided walk through forest paths.
Guide INR200, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Chandan

Enjoy traditional Odia preparations with fresh ingredients sourced from the hills and fields.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 5: Phulbani to Kalahandi

Phulbani to Kalahandi, Odisha on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with classic Odia breakfast including Pakhala Bhata to cool you down for the day.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kalahandi through forested valleys

Traverse approximately 130 km using local and state roads, enjoying river valley views and dense canopies.
Fuel INR750, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Bhawanipatna town

Dine at a local restaurant serving Kalahandi specialties such as saag and dalma with steamed rice.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore stunning forests, hills, and waterfalls with rich biodiversity; open until 6pm.
INR80, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Revanas, Bhawanipatna

Relax with Odia dishes and local drinks to unwind after a day in the wild.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 6: Kalahandi to Nayagarh

Kalahandi to Nayagarh, Odisha on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with local tribal flavors to start your drive.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Nayagarh traveling through river valleys

About 140 km via forest and rural roads, passing through riverside communities and dense greenery.
Fuel INR800, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nayagarh Palace Restaurant

Enjoy royal-style Odia cuisine featuring fresh river fish and lentil dishes.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Nayagarh Fort and surrounding forest areas

Explore historic fort architecture integrated with forest trails and riverine landscapes.
INR60, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at local eatery

Sample local snacks and traditional desserts like Chhena Poda to complete your day.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 7: Nayagarh to Ganjam

Nayagarh to Ganjam, Odisha on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Nayagarh guesthouse

Light meal with seasonal fruits and herbal tea.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Ganjam via forest and river routes

Approximately 100 km drive on local roads passing through forest patches and river valleys.
Fuel INR600, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Taratarini Temple near Brahmapur

Ancient shrine on Kumari hills surrounded by forests with spiritual significance; open till 5pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at Hotel Samrat, Brahmapur

Enjoy coastal Odisha seafood delicacies with fresh river fish specialties.
INR450, 1h0m

2:45pm

Explore the Chilika Lake outskirts and marshy forest

Visit less commercial forested edges of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, ideal for birdwatching.
INR100, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant specializing in Odia cuisine

Savor rich curries and pithas in a traditional setting.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 8: Ganjam to Gajapati

Ganjam to Gajapati, Odisha on July 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Traditional breakfast with rice cakes and jaggery.
INR250, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Gajapati through hilly forest roads

About 110 km challenging scenic drive featuring dense forests and tribal villages.
Fuel INR650, 3h30m

12:15pm

Lunch at Gajapati district headquarters

Experience tribal flavors and freshly caught freshwater fish dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

1:45pm

Visit Kunduli and forested river valleys

Explore pristine forest and river valleys famous for biodiversity and tribal culture.
INR50, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at local tribal cuisine restaurant

Enjoy simple but flavorful meals made with forest herbs and natural spices.
INR300, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Ganjam to Gajapati

Day 9: Gajapati to Rayagada

Gajapati to Rayagada, Odisha on July 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Light breakfast with juices and local breads.
INR200, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Rayagada via forested hills and river valleys

Approximately 95 km travel through serene forest and hill terrain with many forest patches.
Fuel INR600, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Chatikona waterfall and tribal village

Beautiful waterfall amidst dense forests with insight into tribal life; open until 5pm.
INR50, 1h30m

1:15pm

Lunch at local Rayagada eatery

Try tribal dishes made with millets, forest produce, and local spices.
INR350, 1h0m

2:45pm

Explore Gudari forest and river valley

Nature walk through thick forest to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Ratna, Rayagada

Enjoy simple Odia and tribal-inspired meals after your day in the wild.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 10: Rayagada to Koraput

Rayagada to Koraput, Odisha on July 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast with fresh fruits and local herbal tea.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Koraput via forest roads

About 85 km drive along lush forests and river valleys rich in tribal culture.
Fuel INR550, 2h45m

11:00am

Visit Gupteswar Cave and surrounding forest

Explore the famous Shiva cave temple nestled in dense forest, an important pilgrimage site; open till 6pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Cafe Nukkad, Koraput

Experience tribal-inspired cuisine combining local ingredients and flavors.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Koraput market and forest trails

Discover local crafts, forest produce, and enjoy a peaceful nature walk reflecting tribal ambiance.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Koraput Regency

Relax with Odia and tribal dishes, complemented by traditional beverages.
INR450, 1h0m
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Day 11: Koraput to Malkangiri

Koraput to Malkangiri, Odisha on July 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast featuring millet porridge and fresh jungle honey for energy.
INR250, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Malkangiri via forest and river valley roads

Around 120 km drive through dense forests, hilly terrain, and backwater river views, avoiding highways.
Fuel INR700, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local Malkangiri restaurant

Sample traditional tribal cuisine with forest vegetables and freshwater fish dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit to Malkangiri forest reserve and river banks

Explore secluded forest patches and river valleys with rich biodiversity until late afternoon.
INR50, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a quiet meal with local recipes prepared from natural forest ingredients.
INR300, 1h0m
Find Hotels in Koraput to Malkangiri

Day 12: Return to Rourkela

Malkangiri to Rourkela, Odisha on July 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast with focus on light and easy meals to prepare for a long drive.
INR200, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive from Malkangiri to Rourkela via forest and local roads

Approximately 270 km drive north through forest tracts, hill roads, and river valleys avoiding highways, estimated 7 hours with stops.
Fuel INR1400, 7h0m

3:30pm

Arrive in Rourkela and check-in at hotel

Relax and rest after the extensive forest journey with local Odia dinner options available on-site.
INR500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Presidency Rourkela

Celebrate completion of your forest journey with a diverse Odia meal including fresh river fish and sweets like Rasagulla.
INR450, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Malkangiri to Rourkela
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