The Daringbadi self drive trip is not just about a weekend break it is about a delightful trip to the cool, misty hills of Odisha, where long stretches of pine forest, valleys, and tribal villages form a scenery that is unique to the state. The so called “Kashmir of Odisha” combines serenity with adventure, thereby making it one of the most rewarding routes for lovers of road trips.
In case you fancy coffee plantations or want to take the wildlife drive at the Belghar and then relax at the sunrise viewpoints that are deep in nature, a self drive is the most comfortable and engaging way to reach these places. Here is a detailed guide that helps you break down the routes. You can also plan your sighting and timing and safety tips as well as the best vehicles for the terrain, and in fact, everything that you need for a smooth journey to one of the most beautiful hill stations in Odisha.
Why Daringbadi Is the Perfect Self-Drive Destination in Odisha
A Daringbadi self drive trip would be great if you really want to experience the winding hill roads, open landscapes, and tranquil stops along the way. As a hill station Odisha fan, Daringbadi is almost always cool throughout the year and hence is great for long drives.
A)On your way, you get to see not only the dense forests and broad meadows but also the tribal settlements.
B)The journey has several visual points from where you can both take pictures and rest.
C)The self drive option keeps open a lot of possibilities for you, like you can find secret waterfalls, peaks that are not popular, and coffee gardens at your own leisure.
Visitors may also extend their trip plans to include the famous Belghar wildlife journey. This path leads through the elephant corridors, dense forests, and scenic viewpoints where the terrain changes radically a perfect delight for nature lovers.
How to Reach Daringbadi by Self Drive
Most travellers take a daringbadi self drive trip from Bhubaneswar. The good roads till Ganjam district, and then the slow climb to Daringbadi, together make the route very easy and nice for beginners.
Popular Routes
1. Bhubaneswar and Daspalla and Bhanjanagar to Daringbadi
A)Top road conditions
B)Great for families and couples
C)Lots of stops for food and fuel
2. Bhubaneswar and Khurda and Aska to Daringbadi
A)Beautiful route
b)Not many food joints, but nice forest views
c)Perfect for people who like quiet roads
3)Driving Time
A)Average: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
B)Total distance: 250 to 280 km, depending on the route
The climb is not steep, thus this hill station Odisha road trip is quite safe even for first time mountain drivers.
Best Time to Plan a Daringbadi Self Drive Trip
A carefully timed daringbadi self drive trip will definitely give you good weather, clear visibility, and comfortable sightseeing.
1. Winter (October to February)
A)High tourist season
B)Foggy mornings, cold winds, and the smell of a pine forest
C)Perfect for photography lovers
2.Monsoon (July to September)
A)Waterfalls get full of water
B)Greenery all around
C)Roads get muddy and slippery, so make sure you drive slowly and safely
3.Summer (March to June)
A)Compared to the plains, temperatures are quite pleasant
B)Ideal for slow and relaxed sightseeing
Daringbadi is still among the most satisfying hill station options in Odisha for nature loving tourists.
Top Attractions to Explore on Your Daringbadi Self Drive Trip
Daringbadi turns memorable when you get immersed in its nature. Travelling through Daringbadi on your own is full of surprises, as each place here gives you a peaceful and fresh vibe, which is different from the other. Just to mention a few, there are pine forests, waterfalls, and charming viewpoints.
1. Daringbadi Pine Forests
Before anything else, visit the tall, cool pine forests that are the main reason why Daringbadi is called “mini Kashmir.” A self drive trip through Daringbadi amidst these pine forests is very soothing and is also a great place for photography. Definitely, putting the car in a safe spot, going for a brief walk, and inhaling the fresh air is the thing to do here.
2. Hill View Park
This lookout point provides an exquisite view of the valley from the top of the hills. In the cold season, a thin mist often appears, which makes the scenery look like a dream. Quite a few visitors consider it the top point of their Odisha hill station experience.
3. Butterfly Park
A tranquil place where you can see a multitude of butterflies flying around the flowers of the tropics. It is a place that is absolutely great for families as well as for people who love nature.
4. Coffee & Pepper Plantations
Uncover the steps of how coffee beans and spices are made in this area of the earth that has a cool climate. There are small shops that offer fresh and authentic products that are made locally.
5. Khasada Waterfall
One more piece that is not easily forgettable of your daringbadi self drive journey. The waterfall is very close to where you can park your vehicle, and the trail that leads to the bottom is quite invigorating.
6. Belghar Wildlife Sanctuary
The legendary Belghar wildlife drive is definitely something you cannot miss if you are a thrill seeker. The Belghar circuit will show you:
A)old tribal villages
B)deep green forests
C)elephant reserves
D)hilltop viewpoints
Locals who know the area like to say that if you want to see animals coming out of their dens and crossing the roads quietly, then you should hit the road early in.
Why the Belghar Wildlife Drive Is a Must Do
Belghar wildlife drive is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful forest road journeys in Odisha. So, by putting it on your list of Daringbadi self drive trips, you are making your trip even more exciting.
A)On several occasions, elephants can be seen migrating along this route.
B)One can hardly find a better natural setting for a movie while driving among these towering sal and teak forests.
C)The silence and the greenery combine to form an extraordinarily rare and almost untouched trail.
It is a good idea to drive slowly, refrain from honking, and follow the instructions given by the forest department. An ecologically sensitive zone, it is a very dear and lovable place, a part of the hill station of Odisha tourism.
Where to Stay in Daringbadi
A stay that is well chosen can lift your entire trip to a different level. Daringbadi has these to offer you:
A)Eco resorts surrounded by forest
B)Simple homestays
C)Mid range hotels with modern comforts
Most of the stays are close to the major viewpoints from where you can easily and efficiently travel.
Daringbadi Safety for Your Self Drive Trip
The safe daringbadi self drive trip needs you to be prepared.
Here are some of the indispensable prompts that you should always keep in mind:
1.Road & Vehicle Safety
A)Before going up in the hills, check tyre pressure
B)For the early morning fog, keep your headlights clean
C)In your luggage, make sure there is warm clothing, especially in winter
D)Do not drive after sunset when you are in forest areas
2.Navigation Tips
A)Save the maps offline.
B)Put the petrol stations on your way to the hills
C)Slow down when you are cornering
3.Wildlife Safety
That is very crucial during the Belghar wildlife drive
A)Keep a distance from the animals
B)Do not go out of your vehicle in sensitive areas
C)Keep away from loud music or honking
What Cars to Use for a Comfortable Self Drive Trip in Daringbadi?
By selecting the appropriate vehicle, your self driving trip in Daringbadi will not only be more comfortable and safer but also more fun. Here is a detailed explanation of the perfect car for you based on the size of your group and your travel style:
1.Top Cars for Couples
Generally, couples would go for small, comfortable cars that handle smoothly.
2.Suggested by Rideez Car:
A)Hatchbacks / compact cars: Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Ignis, Maruti Suzuki Swift
B)Compact 4 seater SUV (for a bit more adventure/ground clearance): Mahindra Thar Rideez Car lists it among 4 seater options.
3.Why these fit well:
A)Excellent fuel consumption and very easy to manoeuvre on narrow village roads or sharp bends in the forest area of your Daringbadi route.
B)They are just right if you want a light and simple ride without carrying a heavy load of luggage. Getting away for a short trip would be perfect.
C)The compact size is great even on uphill or winding roads going to the hill station.
5 Seater (Small Family or 3 to 4 Friends)
Generally, 5 seater SUV vehicles are perfect for comfort, provide ample luggage space, and ride stability, which can come in handy on those long drives to Daringbadi and the Belghar wildlife drive, a small family or a group of friends might take.
1.Recommended Rideez Car options:
A)SUVs like the Hyundai Venue or the Hyundai Creta as Rideez Car featured in their’ 5 seater SUV fleet.
B)Among hatchbacks/sedans: compact cars like Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Ignis, and Swift can also be considered as 5 seaters, good for smaller groups with a limited budget friendly.
2.Why they fit your trip:
A)The higher ground clearance of SUVs enables them to better navigate uneven roads, climbs, or gravel patches in the forest.
B)There is more room for luggage, which will come in handy if you bring camping gear, warm clothes, and camera gear for the scenic spots.
They are comfortable for a group of friends/family to travel longer distances without getting tired.
7 Seater or MPV / Larger SUV (Big Family or Group)
Suppose the first scenario is you and the family, including extended relatives, or large groups, and you are carrying a lot of luggage for a long stay, then the 7 seater / MPV / large SUV will be convenient, especially if it is a road trip to Daringbadi you are planning. Rideez Car offers excellent options in this case.
1.Best Rideez Car options:
A)Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is a 7 seater, most commonly recommended for group travel.
B)Larger SUVs/MPVs such as Kia Carens or Mahindra XUV 500 Rideez Car, refer to these as their 7 seater vehicles for local tours or outstation trips.
2.Why are these good for a big group?
A)Sufficient seating and luggage space for 6 to 7 people plus bags, perfect for extended trips, larger families, or groups of friends.
B)The level of comfort is still maintained even if the journey lasts for several hours from Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi.
C)More safety and less effort on the hilly or forest roads, nice for both the main route and the Belghar wildlife drive, that is your next adventure.
Conclusion
The journey through Daringbadi by self driving is an excellent way to reboot your weekend if you are a resident of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, or Berhampur. Daringbadi not only offers the pleasure of driving you through forest roads but also the coolest and most seductive views through misty valleys and to peaceful lookouts, and the excitement of the Belghar Wildlife Drive. In case you like digging out the secret spots, Daringbadi is still one of the quietest and gorgeous hill stations in Odisha.
The vehicle you choose plays a very crucial role in making your trip hassle free. And this is exactly where Rideez Car Rental comes to your rescue and refreshes your whole experience. What if you take a small Hyundai i20 for a couple’s trip, a sturdy Hyundai Venue for a family outing, or a roomy Maruti Ertiga or Innova Crysta for a big bunch of friends and yet, you have to figure out the exact self driving car for long hill routes? Well, Rideez is the answer to that question. Not only are the vehicles spotless, but they are also kept in good condition, and are comfortable for travelling on highways and safe for driving through hills thus your Daringbadi drive will be stress free, fun, and at the very least, unforgettable.
Key Takeaways for Travellers
- A daringbadi self drive trip offers you the option to go where you want, when you want, experience nature at its best, and have all the comforts of home with you.
- Go ahead of the pack on your Belghar wildlife drive to see unspoiled forest trails and tribal villages.
- Daringbadi is one of the most attractive, family friendly, and easily reachable hill stations in Odisha. Couples and solo travellers will also find it perfect.
- Pick the right vehicle that will be comfortable and practical for your group:
- Hyundai i20 / Swift for two people, Hyundai Venue / Tata Nexon for a group of 3 to 5 travellers, Maruti Ertiga / Innova Crysta for a group of 6 to 7 travellers
- Rideez Car Rental is where you will find the most suitable range of self drive vehicles for ambitious long distance journeys in the hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indeed, the streets are in good condition, easily understandable, and safe for new drivers with only some small hills to climb.
The weather in winter (Oct to Feb) is perfect for enjoying cool air, foggy forests, and clear viewpoints.
Certainly, the Belghar wildlife drive can be part of a 2 day Daringbadi itinerary.
It takes from 6.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on the route and stops.
Yes, Daringbadi is among the most tranquil and safe hill stations in Odisha.
Small cars like the Hyundai i20 or Swift can be the right choice for couples.
Sports utility vehicles such as the Hyundai Venue or the Tata Nexon can bring comfort and steadiness while climbing hills.
