Travel

Bhubaneswar, January 11 (Localwire): Winter is a month of vacations and countless festivals with travelers across India visiting destinations that offer scenic and picturesque environment.

One such destination in Odisha is Similipal, which adorns beautiful landscape and is also one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries of India which became an essential part of the country’s Tiger Project in 1973.

So, if you are looking for a place that is in harmony with nature, and where you can relish your time without the cacophony of city life, you can pack your bag for this exotic tourist destination in the northern part of the state’s Mayurbhanj district.

Located about 270 km from Bhubaneswar, Similipala is also one of the ideal places for wildlife enthusiasts and you can avail night stay at certain places inside the sanctuary like Kumari, Gudugudia, Ramatirtha, Barehipani, and Jamuani.

These places offer different kinds of cottages: Bamboo Cottage, Santali Cottage, Debasthali Cottage, and Pine Villa along with premium cottage facilities including a guide and driver.

The accommodation can be booked in advance through the online booking and payment system.

The entry permits are issued between 6 to 9 am and the day tourists are not allowed to carry non-vegetarian food inside the wildlife sanctuary.

What to expect at Similipal?
The region has a wide range of waterfalls, lush green meadows, and variety of wildlife species.

Visit Sitakund, the magical waterfall, for its panoramic view, while the chirping of birds will add to your relaxing moments in Simlipal.

Located in the core area of Similipal, Joranda waterfall is the 19th highest waterfall in India and the single drop waterfall is surrounded by a gorgeous rainforest.

One of the tallest waterfalls of India, Barehipani waterfall is the river Budhabalanga flowing over the Meghasan Mountain with amazing serene surroundings.

This famous waterfall cascades down from a height of 399 m, in two separate tiers and settles down in the pool below; the tallest tier from where the water drops into the pond is 259 m.

Clay rest houses for tourists at the Barehipani eco-tourism site is another attraction. This is where you will get the opportunity to witness the lush green pine forest.

The Tiger reserve here, however, continues to be the most popular destination recording a footfall of 30,092 visitors, including 30 foreign nationals, during 2018-2019.

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Daringbadi, January 6 (Localwire): Daringbadi, the mesmerizing landscape situated in the eastern region of the state, about 100 km from Phulbani and at 3,000 feet above the sea level, is widely known as Kashmir of Odisha.

The exotic tourist destination that got its name after Daring Sahib, a British officer who was in charge of the place, often experiences up to zero degrees Celsius during winter, with the freezing temperature leading to the formation of frost-crystalised dew drops.

Surrounded by enchanting valleys, the vast stretch of lush green pine forests, it’s coffee and pepper gardens, and enthralling waterfalls lead to the popularity of Daringbadi which is also known for its cultural, tribal and natural habitat.

Here is a list of places you must visit in Daringbadi, especially when planning for a short-time vacation.

Hill Viewpoint is just 1 Km from Daringbadi. This place offers a watchtower where you can enjoy the amazing scenic views and picturesque locations.

Embrace the beauty of nature’s park, coffee, and pepper garden, widespread pine forests near the hill viewpoint. Here you will feel the refreshing cool breeze of the surreal landscape. This is also a perfect place to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

Explore places like Belghar eco Village and Belghar sanctuary which is believed to be the homeland of Kutia Kandhas. This place has a British-era bungalow made of wood.

Putudi Water Fall, Ludu Water Fall, Lover’s point—a small spring surrounded with natural beauty, and Emu Bird Safari are also a must-visit.

Kalinga Ghat is considered as the longest ghat of Odisha, and you may also want to visit Birupakhya Temple, Jaleshwar Shiv Shrine, Narayani- Baraladevi Temple, and Mandasura Eco-Tourism Centre.

Daringbadi can be reached from Bhubaneswar (251 KM), Berhampur (125 Km) and other important places of the state by regular bus service or you can take a taxi.

LocalWire