Most Coldest Place in Odisha: 8 Cool Hill Stations and Destinations in 2026

The most coldest place in Odisha is Daringbadi, a hill station in the Kandhamal district set at 3,000 feet above sea level in the Eastern Ghats, where winter temperatures drop to near freezing and summer temperatures stay between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Known as the Kashmir of Odisha, Daringbadi is the only place in the state that records snowfall and is far cooler than any other destination in Odisha across all seasons. Beyond Daringbadi, Odisha has several other remarkably cool destinations including Deomali, Mahendragiri, Dumuriput, and G Udayagiri, all set in the forested hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats.

This guide covers the 8 most coldest places in Odisha, with temperature details, things to do, and practical tips for planning a cool weather Odisha trip in 2026.

Most Coldest Place in Odisha: Quick Overview

Daringbadi is the coldest place in Odisha year round. In winter, temperatures drop to near zero. In summer, it stays between 15 and 25 degrees while the Odisha plains bake above 40 degrees. The other cold places in Odisha are concentrated in the Eastern Ghats hill belt of Koraput, Kandhamal, Gajapati, and Keonjhar districts.

Odisha has extraordinary offbeat destinations across its tribal hill belt and coastal plains. Read our guide on Offbeat Places in Odisha for the most rewarding destinations beyond the standard tourist circuit.

Why Odisha Has Such Varied Temperatures

Odisha has two completely different climate zones. The coastal plains of Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Cuttack bake above 40 degrees in summer. The Eastern Ghats districts of Koraput, Kandhamal, and Keonjhar are entirely different, with high elevation and dense forest cover that can drop to near zero in winter. The most coldest place in Odisha, Daringbadi, sits at 915 metres in a forested valley that traps cool air and shields it from the hot plains below.

1. Daringbadi: The Most Coldest Place in Odisha

Daringbadi is the most coldest place in Odisha and the only hill station in the state that records snowfall. Set in the Kandhamal district at 915 metres, the hill station is surrounded by pine forests, coffee plantations, and tumbling waterfalls. Winter temperatures drop to 0 degrees and below, creating frost-covered landscapes that are completely unlike anything else in Odisha. In summer, Daringbadi stays between 15 and 25 degrees while the Odisha plains reach 40 to 44 degrees, making it the most dramatic temperature refuge in eastern India.

As the most coldest place in Odisha, Daringbadi has pine forests, a coffee research farm, the Belghar Reserve Forest for wildlife, and the Doluri River for picnics and walks. Lover’s Hill viewpoint gives panoramic views across the surrounding valleys. The local tribal culture, primarily Kondh and Kuti communities, adds an authentic cultural dimension to the visit.

• Temperature: 15 to 25 degrees C in summer; 0 to 10 degrees C in winter; snowfall possible in December and January
• Things to Do: Walk through pine forests at Daringbadi; visit the coffee plantations and the Coffee Research Station; explore Belghar Reserve Forest for elephant sightings; photograph Lover’s Hill viewpoint at sunset; swim at Emu Farm and Putudi Waterfall; visit the tribal villages near Raikia
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 280 km, around 5 hours by road
• Best for: Couples, honeymooners, nature lovers, anyone seeking the most coldest place in Odisha

2. Deomali: Odisha’s Highest Peak

Deomali in Koraput district at 1,672 metres is Odisha’s highest peak and ranks among the most coldest places in Odisha for trekkers and nature lovers year round. The summit and surrounding area are significantly cooler than the Koraput plains below, with summer temperatures often staying below 22 degrees. Dense forest cover, tribal villages, and the dramatic Eastern Ghats landscape make Deomali one of the most rewarding trekking and nature destinations in the state.

• Temperature: 15 to 22 degrees C in summer; 5 to 12 degrees C in winter
• Things to Do: Trek to the Deomali summit for panoramic Eastern Ghats views; explore the surrounding tribal villages of the Kondh and Gadaba communities; birdwatch in the dense forests; visit the Koraput Botanical Garden nearby
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 460 km, around 8 hours; or directly from Koraput city (50 km)
• Best for: Trekkers, adventurers, tribal culture enthusiasts, photographers

3. G Udayagiri: The Officially Coldest

G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district regularly records the lowest official temperatures in Odisha during winter, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department. The IMD has recorded temperatures as low as 3.2 degrees Celsius here, making it the most coldest place in Odisha by official thermometer records. G Udayagiri is a quieter companion to the most coldest place in Odisha, Daringbadi, sitting at 750 metres in a forested setting, offering a quieter version of the Kandhamal hill experience.

• Temperature: 18 to 27 degrees C in summer; 3 to 10 degrees C in winter (coldest officially recorded in Odisha)
• Things to Do: Explore the forested trails around G Udayagiri; visit the ancient Udayagiri rock-cut Buddhist caves (some of the oldest in India); walk the quiet forested roads; combine with a visit to Daringbadi on the same trip
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 300 km, around 5.5 hours by road
• Best for: History lovers, offbeat travelers, those wanting the coldest and quietest hill experience in Odisha

4. Dumuriput Hills

Dumuriput in Koraput district is one of the most coldest places in Odisha in summer, set at 1,000 metres in the forest-covered hills between Koraput and Sunabeda. The hill station is known for its panoramic valley views, the forested plateau landscape, and the famous large Hanuman statue at the hilltop. It is significantly less visited than Daringbadi, making it one of Odisha’s most rewarding offbeat cool destinations.

• Temperature: 18 to 26 degrees C in summer; 5 to 12 degrees C in winter
• Things to Do: Climb to the Dumuriput hilltop for valley panoramas; see the famous kneeling Hanuman statue at the summit; walk through the forested plateau; explore the Koraput tribal market on the way
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 430 km; or from Koraput city (40 km)
• Best for: Offbeat travelers, pilgrims, nature lovers, photographers seeking an uncrowded cool destination

5. Mahendragiri

Mahendragiri in Gajapati district is Odisha’s second highest peak at 1,501 metres and one of the most coldest and most spiritually significant hill destinations in the state. The mountain is considered sacred by both Hindus and is mentioned in the Mahabharata, where it is associated with the sage Parashurama. The forested slopes and hilltop temple complex attract pilgrims and trekkers, and the cooler temperatures at altitude make it a rewarding summer destination from the hot coast.

• Temperature: 18 to 28 degrees C in summer; 8 to 15 degrees C in winter
• Things to Do: Trek to the Mahendragiri summit and the Parashurama Temple at the top; birdwatch in the rich Eastern Ghats forest; explore the rolling meadows and rocky outcrops; attend the Shivaratri festival when thousands of pilgrims climb the hill
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 340 km, around 6.5 hours; or from Berhampur (120 km)
• Best for: Pilgrims, trekkers, nature lovers, tribal culture enthusiasts

6. Malayagiri

Malayagiri in Keonjhar district is the highest peak in northern Odisha at 1,187 metres and one of the most coldest places in Odisha in its region. Set in the Garhjat hills, the mountain is covered in dense forest with rocky trekking trails and excellent birdwatching in the surrounding forest. The climate is significantly cooler than the Keonjhar plains and the forested approach road is scenic year round.

• Temperature: 20 to 28 degrees C in summer; 7 to 14 degrees C in winter
• Things to Do: Trek the Malayagiri trails to the summit viewpoint; birdwatch in the surrounding forest (sambhar deer and monkeys commonly spotted); visit the Shiva temple at the Malayagiri hilltop; combine with a visit to Keonjhar town’s temples and the Khandadhar Falls
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 230 km, around 4.5 hours
• Best for: Trekkers, birdwatchers, photographers, offbeat northern Odisha travelers

7. Taptapani

Taptapani in Ganjam district is one of the most coldest and most unusual hill destinations in Odisha, known primarily for its natural hot springs set in a forested hillside. While not as cold at altitude as Daringbadi or Deomali, the forest cover and elevation make it noticeably cooler than the Ganjam coast, and the hot springs create a dramatically atmospheric destination with steam rising from the ground in the cool forested air. The Odisha Tourism Resort here makes it accessible for overnight stays.

• Temperature: 24 to 32 degrees C in summer; 10 to 18 degrees C in winter
• Things to Do: Soak in the natural hot springs; walk the forested trails; visit the Kandhen Durga Devi Temple; explore the Taptapani Lake and picnic area; take a day trip to Berhampur and the Gopalpur beach on the coast
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 210 km, around 4 hours; or from Berhampur (50 km)
• Best for: Couples, families, nature lovers, those wanting the unusual hot spring experience

8. Khandadhar Falls and Sundargarh Hills

Khandadhar in Sundargarh district is home to Odisha’s highest waterfall at approximately 244 metres, set in the forested hills of northern Odisha near the Jharkhand border. The forested hill setting keeps the area significantly cooler than the Sundargarh plains, and the waterfall area is one of the most dramatically scenic natural sites in the state. The surrounding Bonai Forest Division and the forested plateau make the entire area a rewarding cool nature escape.

• Temperature: 22 to 30 degrees C in summer; 8 to 15 degrees C in winter; waterfall spray keeps the immediate area very cool
• Things to Do: View and photograph Khandadhar Falls from the multiple viewpoints; walk the forested trails in the Bonai hills; birdwatch in the surrounding forest; visit the nearby Sahajkhand and Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Distance from Bhubaneswar: 330 km, around 6 hours; or from Rourkela (100 km)
• Best for: Waterfall lovers, trekkers, photographers, nature enthusiasts

Best Time to Visit the Most Coldest Places in Odisha

• For Winter Cold: November to February at Daringbadi and G Udayagiri for the most coldest temperatures, possible snowfall in December and January, and frost-covered pine forests.
• For Summer Escape: March to June at Daringbadi, Deomali, and Dumuriput for the best temperature contrast with the hot Odisha plains.
• For Trekking: October to February at Mahendragiri, Malayagiri, and Deomali for the best trail conditions and clearest views.
• For Waterfalls: July to October at Khandadhar and Daringbadi area waterfalls when monsoon rainfall fills them to maximum flow.
• For Overall Experience: October to March across all destinations when the weather is most comfortable, clear, and rewarding.

Practical Tips for Visiting Odisha’s Cold Places

Daringbadi and the Kandhamal hill destinations are best reached from Berhampur (200 km) or Bhubaneswar (280 km) by road. The Koraput destinations including Deomali and Dumuriput are accessible from Koraput city, which has train connectivity from Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam. Pack warm clothing for winter visits to Daringbadi as temperatures can drop unexpectedly and the local market has limited options for warm gear. Most hill destinations in Odisha have basic government rest houses or eco-tourism facilities. Book accommodation in advance for the December to February Daringbadi peak season. Our guide on Historical Places in Odisha covers the extraordinary archaeological and heritage sites that can be combined with a hill station itinerary, and our guide on Best Time to Visit Lingaraj Temple covers Bhubaneswar’s most iconic heritage site for those starting or ending their trip in the state capital.

Conclusion

The most coldest place in Odisha is Daringbadi, the Kashmir of Odisha, with near-zero winter temperatures and 15 to 25 degree summer temperatures that make it the finest cool weather escape in eastern India. G Udayagiri records the lowest official temperatures in the state. Deomali at 1,672 metres is the highest and among the most dramatically cool. Mahendragiri, Dumuriput, and Malayagiri are outstanding offbeat alternatives for trekkers and nature lovers. Odisha’s cold places are among the most underrated hill destinations in all of India, combining cool temperatures with tribal culture, Eastern Ghats forest, ancient pilgrimage sites, and dramatic waterfall scenery that rewards every traveler who makes the journey into the interior.

Frenzy Holidays ensures a smooth and enriching travel experience from start to finish. You can visit us at Haware Centurion, S07/34, Nerul East, Sector 19A, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400706. For bookings or more information, call +91 7400453140, email [email protected], or visit www.frenzyholidays.com. So pack up and explore India with Frenzy Holidays for an unforgettable journey.

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