14-Day Scenic Car Journey Through the Hilly Forest Tracts and River Valleys of Odisha from Howrah

Day 1: Departure & Sundargarh Entry

Howrah to Barbil, Sundargarh on August 15, 2025

7:00am

Start from Howrah

Begin your car journey early morning from Howrah towards Barbil, aiming to avoid highways by taking state and local roads through rural West Bengal and entering Odisha via Sundargarh district. The green hilly roads and river valleys mark your first encounter with Odisha's terrain.
CURRENCY0, 9h0m

12:00pm

Breakfast at local dhaba

Enjoy a traditional Odia breakfast with Luchi, Aloo Dum, and tea at a roadside eatery near the border area; authentic flavors to energize for the long drive ahead.
INR150, 0h30m

4:00pm

Arrival and check-in at Barbil

Settle into a local guesthouse or eco-resort in Barbil. The surrounding forests and hills provide a serene environment for your first night.
INR1200, 0h30m

6:00pm

Evening Drive through Kiriburu Forests

Take a scenic drive within the Kiriburu forest belt close to Barbil, famous for its lush greenery and hill views, soaking in the tranquility of the hilly forest tracts.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Savor local Odia cuisine with dishes like Dalma (lentils with vegetables) and Pakhala (fermented rice) at a cozy restaurant in Barbil.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 2: Explore Sundargarh Forests

Barbil - Kiriburu on August 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast featuring local poha and fresh fruits.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Kiriburu Hills Drive

A complete day drive through the Kiriburu hills and surrounding forests via local roads, enjoying the dense forests, streams, and tribal villages that enrich the landscape.
CURRENCY0, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at a local tribal community kitchen

Experience authentic tribal cuisine featuring millets and forest vegetables, providing a taste of indigenous culture in the hills of Kiriburu.
INR350, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary entrance (forest boundary area)

Drive around the outskirts of Debrigarh sanctuary in Sundargarh district to glimpse wildlife habitats and riverside valleys without trekking.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Barbil

Relish a simple yet delicious meal in a local inn, trying regional fish dishes.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 3: Sambalpur & River Valleys

Barbil to Sambalpur on August 17, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Early breakfast followed by departure southwards along minor forest-side roads passing river valleys en route to Sambalpur.
INR200, 1h0m

10:30am

Pit stop at local village market

Stop in a quaint village market for fresh local snacks and fruits, interacting with local residents to learn about rural life.
INR100, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at a traditional Odia restaurant in Sambalpur

Enjoy authentic Sambalpuri cuisine encompassing Ilish fish curry and local greens accompanied by rice.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Hirakud Dam surroundings

Drive through the scenic banks of the Hirakud Dam reservoir, one of the longest earthen dams in the world, admire the reservoir and nearby hills.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Check-in at Sambalpur hotel

Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel with forested surroundings on the town outskirts.
INR1500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner in Sambalpur

Dine at a local eatery serving regional Odia thali with specialties like Santula and Rasagola as dessert.
INR350, 1h0m
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Day 4: Deogarh & Boudh Exploration

Sambalpur to Deogarh and Boudh on August 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast including freshly made puri and aloo bharta.
INR200, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive via forest roads to Deogarh

Travel through idyllic forest and river valley tracts into Deogarh district, admiring soulful forested hills.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Deogarh local eatery

Taste local dishes incorporating forest produce such as bamboo shoot curry and traditional rice preparations.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Scenic drive to Boudh through forest roads

Continue the drive through winding forest paths and river valleys, arriving in Boudh district’s serene countryside.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

5:00pm

Check-in at stay in Boudh

Settle into a local homestay that offers insight into tribal culture amid the forested landscape.
INR1300, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner with homestay family

Enjoy a wholesome dinner featuring traditional Odia lentils and vegetables in homely surroundings.
INR250, 1h0m
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Day 5: Phulbani & Kalahandi Trek-free Trails

Boudh to Phulbani and onward to Kalahandi on August 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at homestay

Start with a local breakfast pacing the day, including traditional sweet jaggery-based treats.
INR150, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Phulbani through forested state roads

Wind your way southward on beautiful state and local roads amidst dense forest tracts and rolling hills.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore town and nearby river valley

Drive around Phulbani town and nearby valleys without trekking, taking in lush greenery and tribal settlements.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local eatery

Taste local tribal cuisine emphasizing forest herbs and millets for a nutritious meal.
INR300, 1h0m

2:00pm

Continue drive to Kalahandi district through scenic back roads

Drive south into Kalahandi district forested and hilly landscapes, bypassing main highways for a more scenic route.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in local guesthouse in Kalahandi

Stay overnight in a tranquil guesthouse surrounded by hills and forest edges, perfect to unwind after the day's drive.
INR1200, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner locally

Enjoy a homemade style dinner featuring traditional Odia dalma and fried vegetables.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 6: Nayagarh and Ganjam

Kalahandi to Nayagarh to Ganjam on August 20, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast before a long day of scenic driving through hill tracts to Nayagarh.
INR200, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive via forest and river valley roads to Nayagarh

Traverse uninterrupted hilly forest roads with majestic views en route to Nayagarh district.
CURRENCY0, 4h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Nayagarh

Refuel with regional Odia meals, enjoying local escargot (swamp snail) dishes unique to this area.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Ganjam district via forest tracts

A leisurely drive along local roads with changing landscapes entering southern Odisha's greener hills.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

4:30pm

Check-in resort in Ganjam

Stay in a forest-edge resort that offers a peaceful environment blending with nature's sounds.
INR1800, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at resort

Savor Coastal Odia seafood specialties prepared fresh at the resort's kitchen.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 7: Gajapati and Rayagada Arrival

Ganjam to Gajapati to Rayagada on August 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at resort

Breakfast with fresh tropical fruits and traditional rice pancakes to start your day.
INR300, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Gajapati in morning hours through thick forest

Enjoy a calm drive early morning through undisturbed forests and waterfalls prevailing in Gajapati district.
CURRENCY0, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at a small village restaurant

Sample local delicacies with a tribal cooking influence, including bamboo rice and smoked vegetables.
INR300, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Rayagada

Continue drive through varied forest landscapes and hill streams to Rayagada district, known for tribal richness and handloom crafts.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

4:00pm

Visit local handloom village near Rayagada (car accessible)

Explore colorful tribal handloom weaving centers accessible by car within a few kilometers from town, learning about their weaving traditions.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Rayagada

Dine in a local eatery serving authentic Odia rice preparations and forest veg dishes.
INR350, 1h0m

8:30pm

Overnight stay at Rayagada

Comfortable hotel stay for an energizing rest.
INR1400, 0h30m
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Day 8: Koraput & Malkangiri Forrest Hills

Rayagada to Koraput and Malkangiri on August 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast prepared locally with seasonal ingredients.
INR250, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Koraput via scenic forested route

A picturesque morning drive passing river valleys and dense forests in Koraput district, known for tribal arts and natural beauty.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

10:00am

Explore Koraput town and market

Visit local market known for tribal handicrafts and fresh forest produce, an excellent place to buy souvenirs.
CURRENCY0, 1h0m

11:30am

Drive to Malkangiri through hill roads

Drive deep into forested hilly terrain leading to Malkangiri district, a less traveled but stunning natural area with thick forests and river valleys.
CURRENCY0, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Malkangiri local restaurant

Enjoy regional specialties using forest herbs and local rice varieties.
INR300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Leisurely drive around Malkangiri forests by car

Spend afternoon driving on forest roads to experience river valleys and wildlife habitats without trekking.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Home-cooked style dinner embracing local ingredients in a safe and quiet setting.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 9: Begin return via Rambha Beach

Malkangiri to Rambha (Chilika Lake) on August 23, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast and checkout

Early morning breakfast before commencing a longer drive east towards Chilika via less traveled routes.
INR250, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive through Kandhamal district forest roads

Enjoy diverse forest ecosystems during the long drive through hills and river valleys heading towards coastal Odisha.
CURRENCY0, 5h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in local roadside restaurant

Taste coastal fare blending Odisha’s forest and sea culinary traditions.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Noon drive to Rambha seaside village near Chilika

Arrive in the quiet beach village near Rambha, a secluded spot on Chilika Lake’s lagoon with forest and sea ecosystem convergence.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Beach relaxation and Chilika exploration by boat (no trekking)

Take a guided boat trip to spot migrating birds and small islands on Chilika Lake, enjoying fresh sea breeze and peaceful beach time.
INR500, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at beachside hut

Freshly prepared seafood grilled and served with local spices near the beach at a charming seaside hut.
INR600, 1h0m

8:30pm

Overnight stay in Rambha beach cottage

Staying overnight in a rustic beach cottage to experience night sounds of the sea and forest.
INR1500, 0h30m
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Day 10: Leisurely Chilika & South Odisha Coast

Rambha Beach, Chilika on August 24, 2025

7:00am

Sunrise beach walk and breakfast

Start your morning with a tranquil walk along the beach followed by breakfast featuring coconut and jaggery treats.
INR300, 1h0m

9:00am

Second boat trip into Chilika Lake lagoon

Explore deeper parts of Chilika Lake with a longer boat tour to view dolphins and diverse birdlife, all accessible by boat with no trekking needed.
INR700, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local fisherfolk’s cabin

Enjoy local fish delicacies and traditional rice preparations among the fishing communities.
INR400, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax and explore nearby forest-edge paths by car

Short drives along forest edges around Rambha for scenic views without requiring any trekking activities.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at beachside restaurant

Dine on fresh coastal seafood dishes with local spices in an open-air setting.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 11: Return Route Start

Rambha to Nayagarh on August 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast by the sea

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast gazing at the sea before beginning your scenic drive northwards.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Nayagarh via hilly forest roads

Take an alternate return route passing through hilly forests north of Chilika to Nayagarh district, avoiding highways for an immersive nature drive.
CURRENCY0, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nayagarh local eatery

Indulge in local favorites like Sag aloo (spinach potato) and Dalma with rice to restore energy.
INR350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore forest-edge areas by car

Short drives into forest boundaries around Nayagarh with lovely river valley scenery.
CURRENCY0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in hotel in Nayagarh

Evening rest at a comfortable hotel surrounded by hills and woodlands.
INR1400, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Nayagarh

Savor well-cooked Odia vegetarian dishes with local flavors.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 12: Nayagarh to Deogarh Return

Nayagarh to Deogarh on August 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a traditional Odia breakfast including Aloo dum and chutneys.
INR200, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive to Deogarh via forest roads

Take a leisurely, scenic drive through forest trails passing small water streams and occasional tribal hamlets.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

11:00am

Late morning visit to small local temples accessible by car

Explore historically significant temples in Deogarh from outside with car access, famed for ancient architecture.
INR50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in local dhaba

Indulge in local delicacies featuring forest mushrooms and wild greens cooked traditionally.
INR250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive towards Sambalpur outskirts via forest roads

Scenic driving along river valleys and forest tracts on the return path.
CURRENCY0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in outskirt hotel in Sambalpur

Relax and prepare for final leg of journey towards Howrah.
INR1500, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a mix of Odia and Indian dishes with comforting desserts.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 13: Return to Howrah

Sambalpur to Howrah on August 27, 2025

6:00am

Early breakfast and checkout

Start early to cover long drive back to Howrah avoiding highways, taking state roads through West Bengal.
INR250, 0h30m

6:30am

Drive back to Howrah

Drive north-east through scenic rural roads, passing small forested hills and river valleys upstate West Bengal en route to Howrah.
CURRENCY0, 10h30m

12:30pm

Lunch stop en route in roadside restaurant

Light lunch featuring local Bengali cuisine including fish curry and steamed rice.
INR400, 1h0m

5:00pm

Arrival at Howrah

Conclude your immersive 14-day hill and forest road trip through Odisha, filled with nature and cultural experiences.
CURRENCY0, 0h0m
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