Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to postpone unnecessary foreign travel as part of an austerity push meant to conserve India’s foreign exchange reserves, has shifted focus on places in Odisha, where people can travel during summers. The state offers cooler hill stations, lush forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and serene spiritual spots that provide refreshing relief from the heat. These destinations feature nature camps, eco-lodges, and basic to comfortable facilities managed by the Forest Department or Odisha Tourism, making them accessible for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
If you are looking for places to explore during the ongoing summer vacations, here is a list of the top travel destinations in Odisha.
Daringbadi Hill Station (Kashmir of Odisha)
Daringbadi in Kandhamal district is a charming hill station at around 915m elevation, renowned for its cool climate, pine forests, coffee and pepper plantations, valleys, and waterfalls. Key attractions include the Butterfly Park (with over 50 rare plant species), Sunset Point (Silent Valley) for scenic views, coffee gardens for tasting and purchasing local brews, and the picturesque Duluri riverside amid pine forests—ideal for picnics with the sounds of water, wind, and wildlife. Don’t miss nearby Putudi and Midubanda waterfalls.
Facilities: Daringbadi Nature Camp and Belghar Nature Camp provide comfortable stays with rooms, dining options, and access to trekking, bird watching, and jungle safari activities. Eco-retreat glamping options with modern amenities are also available seasonally through Odisha Tourism. Additional stays include homestays and basic accommodations.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Located about 40 km from Sambalpur and 45 km from Bargarh, this sanctuary borders Hirakud Reservoir and offers a mix of forest and lakeside experiences. It is home to diverse wildlife including Indian Gaur (bison), leopards, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, wild dogs (dhole), porcupines, chousingha (four-horned antelope), and nilgai.
Facilities: Debrigarh Nature Camp features air-conditioned cottages and rooms (some lake-facing with stargazing options via motorised retractable glass roofs), a dining hall, and children’s play area. Guests enjoy complimentary or short boat rides on Hirakud Lake, nature safaris in AC vehicles, trekking, cycling, birding trails, and cruises to spots like Island Café, Bat Island, Cattle Island, and Sunset Island.
Meals are typically included in packages.
Deomali Nature Camp
Deomali in Koraput district is Odisha’s highest peak at 1,672m, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats, cooler climates, and tribal cultural experiences. Nearest access points are Koraput railway station (60 km) or Jeypore bus stop (around 80-84 km), requiring a cab for the 20 km final leg, which is a winding, scenic drive through the Eastern Ghats, taking visitors to a plateau where sweeping views of lush valleys, waterfalls, and nearby hilltops await. This is where you stay at Nature camp amid stunning landscapes.
Highlights include sunrise walks, stargazing, bonfire evenings, and short guided tribal village tours (e.g., Kotia) to learn about local livelihoods, crops, and crafts. Nearby day trips can cover Jagannath Temple in Koraput or Raniduduma Waterfall.
Facilities: The Nature Camp at the peak includes eco-cottages, dormitories, a central dining hall, and basic modern amenities like attached bathrooms. It supports trekking, camping under the stars, and responsible tourism. Day visits are possible from 9 am to 6 pm.
People can also explore Desia, a community-based rural tourism initiative and eco-stay, nestled in the lush, rolling hills, around 60 km from Koraput town. The retreat, with cottages made of ammed earth, painted white and rusty red, sits just 100 metres away from a beautiful, rocky riverside. It is also only about 10–12 km away from the spectacular Duduma Waterfalls, formed by the Machkund River which separates Odisha from Andhra Pradesh. Visitors can also watch a Dhemsa tribal dance performed by the people of the neighbouring Bantalabiri village.
Jirang Monastery
This Tibetan Buddhist monastery at Chandragiri in Gajapati district, provides a peaceful retreat with grand prayer halls, meditation gardens, and views of surrounding hills. It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama in 2010 and serves as a residence and learning centre for monks. It is a haven for people wanting a break from the screen-addicted and noisy life. Nearby attractions include Taptapani (about 5 km) and Khasada Waterfall (around 7 km). Nearest major railhead is Berhampur (around 90 km), followed by a cab ride.
Facilities: Guest houses and lodging options are available within or near the monastery complex, offering clean rooms and traditional Tibetan cuisine at the canteen.
Mahendragiri Nature Camp
Mahendragiri in Gajapati district is the state’s second-highest peak at 1,501m, blanketed in lush forests and offering breathtaking trekking views. It is reachable by road, about 40 km from Paralakhemundi and 85 km from Berhampur. The hill holds mythological significance and rewards trekkers with panoramic summit vistas.
Facilities: The Forest Department’s Nature Camp / Eco Resort at the top provides limited but scenic accommodations, including wooden cottages (some 4-bedded non-AC options), dining facilities, and basic amenities for an immersive stay. Many visitors opt for day trips from Paralakhemundi or Berhampur due to limited rooms, though overnight camping and stays are possible.
These destinations blend natural beauty with accessible eco-tourism infrastructure, ideal for a meaningful summer break. Book stays in advance through official Odisha Tourism or EcoTour Odisha portals, especially during peak vacation season.
