Who doesn’t like a good road trip? It’s all about packing your bags, keeping the snack dabbas ready, a perfect song playlist in check and hitting the road with your loved ones. There’s nothing like sitting in the comfort of your car as you cruise through lush vegetation, clear blue skies, wide roads and ofcourse explore pitstops in style. The next time you’re planning a road trip, let’s tell you that there’s no better place than Odisha. Home to ancient temples, abundant wildlife, blue azure beaches and lip-smacking food, a road trip to Odisha is no less than a journey to a mystical land. So, here are 5 stunning road trips you must take in Odisha.
1. Kolkata To Bhitakarnika Nature Camp
Dive deep into the mangroves of Bhitarkanika by going on a 5-day road trip from Kolkata. This is of the most adventurous road trips you can go with your family and friends. From a stunning mangrove boat safari, watching watch the crustaceans and crabs at the sea bed to catching the sunset at Bhitarkanika, this is just the warmup. Visit Balasore Jagannath Temple and stay in the lap of nature at Rissia Nature Camp.
What To See: Bhitarkanika Nature Camps, Chandipur, Bichitrapur, Rissia Dam, Balasore Jagannath Temple
Where To Stay: Bichitrapur NC PNS Talasari, Aul Palace, Dangamal Nature Camp, OTDC Chandbali, Gupti, Rissia Nature Camp PNS Balasore
What To Eat: Mudhi mansa; seafood delicacies including fish, crabs, and prawns
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2. Ranchi To Similipal Tiger Reserve & Baripada
Nature and wildlife lovers! Stop everything you’re doing and plan a road trip from Ranchi to Similipal Tiger Reserve and Baripada (Mayurbhanj). The stunning 4-day road trip gives you the chance to witness the highest waterfall in Odisha, Barehipani Waterfall which sits 399m high. Enjoy a boat ride and the scenic view from a water reserve. And ofcourse the road trip shall also entail a wildlife safari at Similipal Tiger Reserve that screams adventure and thrill.
What To See: Khiching, Similipal Nature Camp, Sitakund Waterfall, Devkunda Waterfall, Joranda Waterfall, Athara Deula Temple, Keonjhar, Duduma Waterfall
Where To Stay: Aranya Nivas Resort, Belgadia Palace, PNS Baripada,
What To Eat Desi Chicken, Mudhi Mansa
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3. Vizag To Daringbadi & Gopalpur
Drive down to Odisha’s Daringbadi from Visakhapatnam via Rayagada. The 5-day road trip commences at 6 am from Vizag. The first attraction on the trip is the Chekaguda Hanging Bridge. This is a 151m long suspension bridge that connects the two sides of the river Nagavali. Nestled 1 hour and 40 minutes from the Chekaguda Hanging Bridge, is the mesmerising hill station, Daringbadi. This road trip also includes a scenic stop at Odisha’s famous Gopalpur beach. Here, you can dabble in water sports like jet skiing, speedboating and also quad bike riding.
What To See: Daringbadi, Gopalpur, Chekaguda, Chatikona, Kotagad, Mandasaru, Rayagada
Where To Stay: Daringbadi Nature Camp, Nature Valley Eco Resort, Mayfair Palm Beach Resort, Hotel Tejasvi International
What To Eat: South Indian meals, Desi Chicken, Mutton
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4. Raipur To Debrigarh Via Hirakud
There can’t be a better road trip for adventure junkies than heading to Debrigarh from Raipur, via Hirakud. This 5-day mesmerising road trip has plenty of breathtaking sightseeing spots, especially Hirakud Dam. This is the world’s longest earthen dam. At Hirakud Reservoir, you can dabble in adventure sports and go boating. Next, head to Debrigarh Nature Camp. You can go bird watching and on jungle safaris here, to spot animals like bison, leopard, chital, wild boar, chousingha, porcupine and more.
What To See: Satkosia Nature Camp, Debrigarh Nature Camp, Huma, Samaleswari Temple, Sambalpur, Kotsamalai, Harishankar, Gandhamardhan Hills, Balangir, Ranipur Jharial, Chausathi Jogini Temple Balangir
Where To Stay: Sambalpur PNS, Debrigarh Nature Camp, Hotel Shanti Residency, Luxury Tents at Chhotkei Nature Camp
What to Eat: Chaul Bara, Ghuguni, Gupchup, Mutton, Desi Chicken, Patrapoda Chicken & Mutton
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5. Visakhapatnam To Koraput Via Deomali Hill
Drive down from Vishakapatnam to Odisha’s Koraput for a 4-day road trip via Deomali Hill. This is the highest peak in the state and one of the tallest in the Eastern Ghats. A visit to Deomali Hills would mean capturing Insta-worthy pictures of lush green paddy fields and soaking in the fresh country breeze. On the way to Koraput, you can visit the famous Araku Valley, known for its coffee plantations, and pay respects to the divine at Lord Gupteshwar Temple.
What To See: Koraput, Araku Valley, Sunabeda, Gulmi Waterfall, Lord Gupteswar Temple, Tribal Museum Koraput, Kotapad, Thursday Tribal Market
Where To Stay: Chandoori Sai Guesthouse, Hotel Alishan, Roma Resorts Sunabeda, Desia Ecotourism
What To Eat: Mandia, Desi Chicken and South Indian dishes
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Well, these are some of the best road trips in Odisha you must embark on. They offer the best of nature and promise memories of a lifetime.