Daringbadi Will Steal Your Heart as Odisha’s Hidden Paradise

We all have that one place close to home that everyone raves about, yet for some reason, we just haven’t made it there. For me, that place is Daringbadi—the hill station, we also call it the "Kashmir of Odisha." famous for its pine forests, coffee plantations, and occasional snowfall, it’s a destination that feels too good to be true, especially for someone living in the relatively warm and flat terrain of Odisha.

So, why haven’t I been there yet? Let’s unravel this little mystery.

The Allure of Daringbadi

Located in the Kandhamal district, Daringbadi is one of those rare gems in Odisha that offers a hill station vibe. Think misty mornings, winding roads, and a chill in the air that makes you want to wrap yourself in a blanket and sip on hot coffee.

What makes Daringbadi so unique is its unexpectedness. Odisha is better known for its temples, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries, but a hill station? That’s a curveball. And the best part? It even gets snowfall in winter. The photos of white-capped landscapes and frost-covered trees have been enough to make me say, This is the year I’ll go. Spoiler alert: That year hasn’t come yet.

The Missed Opportunities

It’s not like I haven’t had chances to visit. Every winter, travel groups in my circle organize trips, and friends casually drop, “Let’s go to Daringbadi this weekend.” My usual response? A vague, “Yeah, sounds great, let’s plan,” followed by no actual planning. Life just gets in the way—or maybe I let it.

First, there’s the ever-reliable excuse of work. “Oh, I can’t take leave right now. Deadlines, you know.” Then there’s the weather. “It’s either too cold to go, or I’ve already missed the winter season.” Add to that a dash of procrastination, and you have the perfect recipe for not visiting a place that’s practically calling your name.

Why It’s Time to Change That

If I’m being honest, the real reason I haven’t been to Daringbadi is this: I’ve taken it for granted. When something is close by, it’s easy to think, I’ll go someday; it’s not going anywhere. But the truth is, the more you put off visiting, the more likely you are to keep putting it off.

Visiting Daringbadi isn’t just about ticking a destination off my travel list. It’s about breaking out of the cycle of “I’ll do it later” and actually living in the moment. Imagine waking up to a crisp, foggy morning, surrounded by lush greenery, or sipping coffee by the fire after a day of exploring coffee plantations. That’s the kind of experience I’ve been missing out on.

What I’m Looking Forward To at Darigbadi

Whenever I finally make it to Daringbadi (and I will), here’s what I’m most excited about:

• The Pine Forests: Walking through towering pine trees feels like stepping into another world.
• Hilltop Views: The sunsets and sunrises here are supposed to be magical, painting the sky with colors you won’t find on a canvas.
• Coffee Plantations: As a coffee lover, I’m particularly intrigued by the plantations. The idea of seeing where my morning brew begins feels oddly poetic.
• The Chill in the Air: Living in Bhubaneswar’s humid climate makes me crave the cool, refreshing air of a hill station.

A Note to Myself (and Maybe You Too)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that waiting for the “perfect time” often means waiting forever. So, whether it’s Daringbadi or another dream destination, sometimes you just have to stop overthinking and make the trip happen.

Maybe I’ll bundle up my family—Rajashree and Anika—and make it a proper winter getaway. Maybe we’ll laugh about how long it took me to finally visit, or maybe I’ll just sit quietly, soaking in the beauty of a place I should’ve seen long ago. Either way, I know it’ll be worth it.

So, here’s to breaking the cycle of procrastination and making that journey to Daringbadi. If you’ve got a “close-to-home” spot you’ve been putting off, consider this your sign. Let’s make those trips happen because, as they say, some of the best adventures are waiting right in our backyard.

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