The area experiences temperatures that occasionally drop to near freezing during the peak winter month of January, causing localized frost.
Daringbadi is the only place in Odisha to host significant commercial coffee plantations, which are integrated into the forest landscape.
The forest range is part of the Eastern Ghats, a discontinuous mountain range along India's eastern coast.
The name 'Daringbadi' is derived from 'Daringbadi', an early tribal leader of the local Kui-speaking community.
The region experiences higher annual rainfall compared to surrounding districts, contributing to its lush green cover throughout the year.
The Daringbadi Udayagiri Forest Range is a high-altitude forested region in Odisha's Kandhamal district, often referred to as the Kashmir of Odisha due to its cool climate. The landscape consists of dense pine forests, coffee plantations, and silver oak trees located along the NH 217 corridor. It serves as a biodiversity hotspot featuring undulating hills, waterfalls, and steep valleys at an elevation of approximately 3,000 feet. The range is characterized by a subtropical highland climate that distinguishes it from the surrounding coastal plains. The forest area is managed by the Odisha Forest Department and serves as a natural habitat for varied avian species and wild flora. The region is notable for its winter frost occurrences, which are rare in most parts of the state.
The elevated view points along the NH 217 highway that offer panoramic vistas of the layered pine-covered hills.
Carry warm clothing even during transition seasons, as temperatures drop rapidly after sunset.
Stick to designated forest paths and marked trails to avoid getting disoriented in the dense, undulating terrain.
Ensure your vehicle is fueled before entering the forest range, as service stations are sparse along this stretch of NH 217.
Attempting to trek into deep forest areas without a local guide or forest department permission.
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Do not litter in the forest, avoid playing loud music that disrupts wildlife, and do not pick coffee or forest produce.
