Coffee Gardens, Pine Forests & Natural Hot Springs in the Eastern Ghats
A 5-day escape into a side of Odisha that few travellers ever see — Daringbadi, a hill station at roughly 3,000 ft in the Eastern Ghats nicknamed the 'Kashmir of Odisha' for its pine forests, coffee gardens, and cool climate, and Taptapani's natural sulphur hot springs, set in dense forest near the Andhra Pradesh border.
Three nights in Daringbadi allow proper time to explore its coffee plantations, the Daringbadi and Lover's Point viewpoints, Hill View Point, Putudi waterfall, and a visit to the tribal Kondh and Kutia Kondh communities who call this region home, alongside an excursion to nearby Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary.
From Daringbadi, the route descends to Taptapani — known for its natural hot sulphur spring, believed to have medicinal properties, set in a forest clearing with a small temple nearby — a peaceful final stop before the journey concludes back at Bhubaneswar via Berhampur.
Five days that reveal an entirely different, cooler, greener Odisha — pine-scented hill air and coffee blossom in place of the state's better-known temples and beaches.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Welcome to Odisha! On arrival, begin the drive to Daringbadi (approximately 270 km, ~6-7 hours), climbing gradually into the Eastern Ghats through increasingly forested terrain. On arrival, check in to your hotel, with the evening free to enjoy the cool mountain air after the journey.
After breakfast, explore Daringbadi's coffee plantations, planted under the shade of tall pine and silver oak trees — a genuinely unexpected sight in Odisha. Visit Daringbadi Point and Lover's Point, two of the area's best viewpoints over the surrounding valleys. Continue to Hill View Point and a walk along the Doluri River.
After breakfast, visit Putudi Waterfall, a cascade set amid dense forest a short drive from town. Continue to nearby villages of the Kondh and Kutia Kondh tribal communities, learning about their traditional way of life, agriculture, and customs — a respectful, low-key cultural visit arranged through local guides. Time permitting, a short excursion toward Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary.
After breakfast, check out and drive to Taptapani (approximately 140 km, ~4 hours), descending out of the hills toward the Andhra Pradesh border region. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit the natural hot sulphur spring, believed to have medicinal properties, set in a forest clearing with a small temple nearby — a peaceful, low-key stop after the more active days in Daringbadi.
A relaxed final morning at the hot spring. After breakfast, check out and drive back to Bhubaneswar via Berhampur (approximately 250 km, ~6 hours) for your departure flight or train. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 4 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven vehicle suitable for hill roads, for all transfers & sightseeing
- ✓ Local guide for tribal village visit
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Bhubaneswar
- ✗ Visa charges
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at attractions
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
October to February offers the most comfortable temperatures (18–28°C) for temple visits, lagoon cruises, and wildlife sightings. March–May is hot and humid (up to 40°C); the monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and can affect access to Bhitarkanika and the hill stations, though Daringbadi's waterfalls are at their fullest during this period.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Nandankanan Zoological Park, or extend any coastal or wildlife stop. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
October to March offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–28°C) for the ghats, boat rides, and temple queues. April–June is hot on the Gangetic plain (up to 42°C); the monsoon (July–September) raises the Ganges considerably, which can affect ghat access in both cities.
The new Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir draws very large crowds, particularly on weekends and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Diwali. We schedule darshan with queue time built into the itinerary; carrying a valid photo ID is recommended, as security screening is in place at the main temple complex.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, add Lucknow, or swap Chitrakoot for additional time in Prayagraj. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will tailor it for you at no obligation.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
