kandhamal

Daringbadi is a beautiful hill station situated in Kandhamal district of Odisha. It is about 100 kms from Phulbani and 50 kms from Baliguda. It is said to be the Kashmir of Odisha. In fact it is the only place in Odisha where snowfall occurs. It is situated at a height of 3000 ft above sea level. Daringbadi is surrounded by beautiful valleys, pine forests and coffee plantations. It also has thick rainforests with wild animals. It is an ideal resort for summer season. But Daringbadi has no real tourist infrastructure and moreover all foreign tourists are stuck in Puri, thus, missing the beautiful valleys and natural elegance of this place. 
 

Putudi Waterfall is located 15 kms away from Phulbani, the administrative headquater of Kandhamal. Parched amidst thick forest and the barren rocks of the mountain the water falls from a height of 100 mts on the River Bada Salunki.  Secluded from the hustle and bustle of city and located among whispering forests, the place offers a serene and tranquil environment where the silence is only broken by the roaring sound of the waterfall. Putudi Waterfall serves enough food for camera and is an exquisite shooting spot. Many regional films have been shot here owing to its beauty of this place. Visitors often throng to this place to have picnics with friends and family.
 

Belghar is situated 155 kms from Phulbani and is located at a height of 2555 feet from sea level. Gifted with towering mountains, thick forest and exquisite wildlife, Belghar is home to its primitive inhabitants ‘Kutia Khandas’. The Belghar sanctuary has a good collection of wild and endangered species of flora and fauna specially the white tusk elephants. The wooden inspection bungalow of Forest Department is also an attraction of the place which is lighted by using solar power. A huge crowd of peacock can be seen in the Ushabali valley which is situated nearby. The valley adds to the beauty of the place. Belghar has another attraction to its credit and that is the cane work made by the tribal people.
 

Katramal is located 35 kms away from Phulbani. Katramal is a place of exquisite natural bounties. It boosts a waterfall which perches among the lush green wood and falls into a pool of water. Roads to Katramal are generally bumpy and rough with lots of uncovered stones and pebbles all around. The drive can be enthralling and exhausting as well. But ones reaching the spot one can easily get spellbound by the magnificent natural beauty. The striking feature of this place is the fishes that dwell inside the pool, jump out of the water into the air to catch the food in the close vicinity. Several tourists marvel this sight throwing biscuits or puffed rice into the pool. Katramal is densely surrounded with tall trees of all kind that have grown around the rocky hills. This breathtaking hinterland is one of the favourite getaways for tired souls.
 

Ludu Waterfall is situated at 165 kms from Phulbani. It is located inside the Kotagarh Sanctuary along with various other minor falls. The majestic waterfall is surrounded by thick and lush green forest and rocky hills all around. The drive to Ludu Waterfalls may become very exhausting due to bad road conditions but after reaching the place one will surely get swayed away by the exquisite beauty of the place. The fall is flanked by sal trees all around. The Kotagarh Sanctuary also consists of a good number of huts which are dwelled by local tribal of the place. Far off from the noise of the city, the serene location of the spot offers peace of mind and soul. One will get spellbound reaching here and do nothing than to sit and admire the natural beauty of the place. A must visit for shutterbugs.
 

Pakadadarh is located at a distance of 18 kms from Phulbani. The water plunges from a height of 30 mts. It is situated near Sudurukumpa village on Panisal and Baghipada road. This place is nestled amidst lush green forest and lofty hills. The panoramic view of the waterfall on the backdrop of dense greenery is breathtaking. This place acts as one of the preferred picnic spots. People interested in photography must make it a point to visit this place.