Travel

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.

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All of us must have heard of Golden Triangle that refers to Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur in the tourist circuit at the national level, and Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar, when it comes to tourism at the state level in Odisha.

However, how many of you have heard of the Diamond Triangle?

When we talk of a Buddhist circuit in India, we imply a visit to Bodhgaya, Vaishali, Kushinagar, Lumbini, Kapilvastu, Shravasti and Sarnath.

But here is a travel tip: next time you intend to visit some places connected with the life of Buddha, you must choose the Diamond Triangle in Odisha.

Yes, I am talking of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri, hidden away in the green hills and lush paddy fields of Mahanadi basin where you can expect to find exquisite temples, stupas, and monuments set in serenity.

Besides, destinations of the Diamond Triangle are easily accessible from the state capital Bhubaneswar, within 80-100 km range.

What this means is that one can easily combine a visit to these treasure troves when planning to visit Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Konark.

When I last visited the three hidden gem—Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri—in 2009, there was no place to stay during the night, and we had to halt at Paradip.

However, I learn that fairly decent accommodation is available now for the tourists who intend to explore the place at leisure.

Of the three, Lalitgiri is the earliest Buddhist complex, dating back to the first century AD.

Recent excavations here have brought to light significant archaeological material that upholds Lalitgiri as a great centre of Buddhist attraction.

There is a museum here that displays a large number of Mahayana sculptors consisting of colossal Buddha figures, and huge Bodhisattva statues. According to the epigraphy and artifacts found here, the historical name of Udaygiri was Madavpura Mahavihara, while Ratnagiri was part of Puspagiri University together with Lalitgiri and Udaigiri.

Excavations conducted by ASI have unveiled the remains of an impressive stupa surrounded by a large number of votive stupas and a number of monasteries.

So, next time you plan to visit Odisha, do not forget to include the Diamond Triangle in your itinerary.

How to reach?

Lalitgiri is the main centre that connects to Ratnagiri and Udaygiri through the road.

By Flight:

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar, which is 87 km from Lalitgiri and you can either go by bus or car from there.

By Road:

From Bhubaneswar, one can take the national highway number 16 and then the national highway number 53 that goes towards Paradip to reach Lalitgiri.

Bus services are available up to Bandarswar Chhak (61kms) on the Cuttack-Kendrapada-Paradip route via Chandikhole.

The remaining 3-km is to be covered by cycle rickshaw.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Cuttack which is 58 km from Lalitgiri.

(The author is 1985-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer currently posted as the secretary with the Water Resources Department, Government of India.)

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