I was on an epic journey by road from Tamilnadu to Kolkata. And so odisha was on also on my list of that journey.

I took a bus from Vishakapatnam(AP) to reach Bhubaneshwar(OD). And it was my very first in this state. Though i'm from Bengal(Kolkata) which means Puri the 2nd home for all bengalis but i was not that lucky to roam with my families during my childhood.

Anyway i reached BBSR and my plan was to mainly explore the hidden destination of India & to promote it for tourism. I was in Bermunda Bus Stn in BBSR & came to know that there is only two buses which plies to Daringbadi daily. So booked my ticket instantly which costs me Rs-250 the ticket conductor told me to come at 20:00hrs sharp. I nodded.

I checked my mobile and it was just 10:30hrs so i boarded a local bus and reached Puri. Puri is one of the most sacred & religious place in India. It is also one of the Char Dham Of India.

Puri is famous for its pristine beaches & Jagannath Temple. I some how managed the long queue and entered the temple premises and did the darshan quickly and then walked to the beach which is just of 1min & enjoyed the local odisha thali(meal) and sat for some time.

Around 15:00hrs i boarded a bus & back to BBSR around almost 18:00hrs as its stops everywhere to take passengers.

Now i'm excited & ready to board my bus which will take me to the only hill station of Odisha - Daringbadi. The bus left BBSR at 20:00hrs & due to the whole day tiredness i slept within no time.

It was 04:30-05:00hrs when i woke up and it was cold outside suddenly i realised. The road looks amazing as it was covered with big trees both the sides. Around 06:00hrs it reached the last stop & how chilly morning it was i still remember.

I asked the bus driver if they can assist me with budget stay option and he shown me a guest house but it was locked at this point of time. So the bus driver along with the conductor told me to come with him as he knocked that guest house person by his name & and thats gives an amazing feeling for a travellers know.

The guest house person shown me a room and i generally dnt bother much about any room so it was ok for me. When asked for the room tariff he told me to relax first and dnt worry about the fare. I thanked the bus driver and asked him the time for the BBSR bus for today evening and he told me at 18:30hrs.

Daringbadi - The Kashmir of Odisha is the one & only hill stn surround by lush green sal forests. It is located with an altitude of 950mtrs. Also i came to know that during peak winter time this place receives snowfall & thats why the name of Kashmir came here. This area is full of Kandh Tribal population.

The owner asked me for a tea and yes i was also looking for that. During our conversation i asked him what are the places to see here and he told he will arrange an auto for the same.

The place will give a feeling of a predominant tribal feeling where snacks in near by shops was served in leaves and no plastics or plates. The hot jalebis & samosas are just mouthwatering or may be that leaves which is actually adding flavours to it but it was awesome.

Here one can feel that time was stopped and it was 11:00hrs when my auto came for my sightseeing. So the places in & around Daringbadi is :-

1.Hill View Park - There is a watch tower from where one can enjoy the view of endless hills & beautiful valleys & the pine forests from its cradle. The fountain & the garden add colour to it. I spent my afternoon here.

2.Coffee Garden - This is an another main attraction of Daringbadi. One can see coffee seeds plantations as well with the help of local persons there.

3.Dadubada - Also known as Lovers's Point. A little far from the main town but one can met many local tribals over there also i tried a couple of local hand made spirit there. There are a few natural cave formations in its vicinity. The place is surrounded with dense green forests & the river flows with a gush over rocks.

4.EMU Farm - It is a private farm with a big flock of Emu birds

5.Mdiubanda Waterfall - It is located deep inside the forest with breath taking splendor on the way to Bamunigam.

The owner asked me for a tea and yes i was also looking for that. During our conversation i asked him what are the places to see here and he told he will arrange an auto for the same.

The place will give a feeling of a predominant tribal feeling where snacks in near by shops was served in leaves and no plastics or plates. The hot jalebis & samosas are just mouthwatering or may be that leaves which is actually adding flavours to it but it was awesome.

And my trip was over & paid Rs-300 to that Auto driver and he was happy with it. He dropped me to my guest house. Before that i went to the bus stn and booked my seat for BBSR.

I stayed at Badachandra Nivas (Near the bus stn) at Rs-300/-.

I boarded my bus to BBSR and bids adieu to this unexplored destination of Odisha. Really i was amazed with the hospitality of tribal peoples here and wish to go back to this place soon.