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Daringbadi is a small hill town in Kandhamal district of Odisha. Most people come here, see the town, take a few photos, and leave. What they miss are the tribal villages around it. These villages are about 10 to 40 kilometers away and sit between forests, hills, and farmland. This is where everyday life actually happens. People here depend on farming, forest food, and local work. Tourism has barely touched these villages.

People wake up early, work through the day, and sleep once it gets dark. Phone signals come and go, and in many places they do not work at all. Electricity is there, but not all the time.

First, you need to land at Bhubaneswar airport. This is the closest airport with good connections. From Bhubaneswar, you should travel by road to Daringbadi town. This drive takes most of the day and passes through small towns and forest areas. The road is mostly fine but slow in some parts. From Daringbadi town, you should travel by local vehicle to the nearby tribal villages. Depending on the village, this can take anywhere from half an hour to one and a half hours. All travel should be planned during the day because roads are narrow and signs are limited.

This journey has three different types of stay, and each one serves a purpose. In Bhubaneswar, staying in a normal city hotel works best because it gives rest before the long drive. This is the place to sleep properly, shower, and reset after travel.

Daringbadi town is not a destination for staying long. It is mainly a stop. The lodges and small resorts here are basic. People stay one night, eat, and leave the next morning. These places are useful because they are close to the road and easy to access.

The villages around Daringbadi are where you’ll be staying actually. Here, staying means living inside a local home. These are homestays run by villagers. A room is given to you, usually inside the house or next to it.

Food in the villages around Daringbadi is fully local. What people eat depends on the season and what grows nearby. Rice is eaten every day and is the main part of every meal. Millets like mandia are also common and are eaten as porridge or soft dough. Vegetables come from small farms or nearby forest areas. Leafy greens are cooked almost daily. Lentils made from local pulses are eaten regularly. Chicken is cooked only sometimes, usually during gatherings or special days. Fish is eaten only if available. Food is lightly cooked, not spicy, and eaten together. Wasting food is not liked.

This is a quiet area and people are generally welcoming. Problems with crime are rare. The main things to be careful about are health and weather. During the rainy season, movement can become slow. Medical facilities in villages are basic, so it would be better if you carry your personal medicines. For serious issues, travel to larger towns like Phulbani is required. It is safer to enter forest areas only with local guidance.

Life in these villages is community focused. Elders are respected and their advice matters. It is better to ask before taking photos of people or homes. Some daily activities should not be photographed. Dressing simply and behaving calmly helps avoid discomfort. Loud behavior, arguments, or wasting food are not appreciated. Alcohol exists in some communities, but misuse is not respected. Patience and respect go a long way.

First, you need to land at Bhubaneswar airport. This day is kept only for rest because the road journey is long. After landing, you should check into a hotel near the city, eat properly, withdraw cash, and sleep early.

The next day, you start early from Bhubaneswar by car and travel to Daringbadi town. The drive takes most of the day. You pass small towns, villages, and forest roads. You stop on the way for food and short breaks. By evening, you reach Daringbadi town. You stay here for the night because driving further in the dark is not safe.

The following morning, you leave Daringbadi town and travel by a local vehicle to a nearby tribal village. The drive takes between one and one and a half hours depending on the village. Roads are narrow and slow. You reach the village by late morning or afternoon. After reaching, you settle into the homestay, meet the family, and understand basic house rules. The rest of the day is slow. You walk around the village and stay nearby.

The next two days are spent inside the village. These days are not for sightseeing. You stay close to the village. You watch how people work, cook, farm, and spend their day. You sit with locals, talk to them, and understand how life works here. Short walks are done only around nearby paths with local help. Evenings are quiet, and nights end early.

After that, you leave the village in the morning and travel back to Daringbadi town. You rest there for the night because the next day is another long drive.

On the final day, you drive back from Daringbadi town to Bhubaneswar and end the trip.

International flight to India and back: $1,000

Domestic travel within India: $300

Accommodation and food: $500

Local transport and guide support: $350

Permits and local fees: $100

Miscellaneous expenses: $150

Total estimated budget per person: $2,400