5 Astonishing Picnic Spots To Enjoy In Odisha During Winters

Winter is a pleasure not just because its body brings eternal cool to civilization. It is a pleasure because it has the versatility to make its sense visible on everyone’s face. Life kicks off with another charm after a long break and picnic is the most decipherable thing which creates closeness.

Offering beautiful scenery and a fantastic experience, picnic spots in Odisha are a perfect choice for a spectacular holiday vacation.

# Darignbadi

Commonly referred to as Odisha’s own Kashmir, Darignbadi is a hill station located in the Kandhamal district. With an altitude of 3000ft, this pretty little hill station offers magnificent views of the valley and clouds during winters. There are pine, pepper and turmeric plantations that you can take a tour of. Most importantly, this is the only place in Odisha that experiences snowfall in extreme winters. Needless to say, the best time to visit is between November to March. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip this winters and you may get lucky enough to build a snowman yourself.

# Chilika Lake

Home to over 160 species of migratory birds across the Indian subcontinent, the Chilika Lake is a must on every traveler’s winter getaway list. Spread over 1100 square km (including the wildlife sanctuary), it is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine character. It offers visitors a magnificent display of avian acrobatics in countless hues in the peak season between November and February. A number of islands are present in the lagoon, prominent among which are Krushnaprasad, Nalaban, Kalijai, Somolo, Honeymoon, Breakfast and Birds Island. Tourists can take a boat/ferry and cruise across to the islands for a view.

# Simlipal National Park

With an amazing landscape speckled with perennial streams, rivers, waterfalls, gorges, valleys, and peaks, Simlipal is home to a plethora of wild animals, fishes, and birds. What was once the hunting preserves for the Maharajas of Mayurbhannj is home to three of India’s biggest animal species—the tiger, Asian elephant, and gaur. Simlipal got its share of the limelight after being recognized under the Project Tiger, initiated in May 1973 and the Mugger Crocodile Scheme that began in 1979. If you’re an adventure seeker, then Simlipal is the place to go to. With its rippling mountainous topography, it offers all grades of trekking challenges and encounters.

# Deomali

With an elevation of 1672 meters over seal level, Deomali is not only the highest peak in the state but also in the eastern ghats. Located just 35km away from Koraput, this can be an ideal destination to visit during November to March. The experience is as special as it can get. You should be there on top of the peak to see the surrounding, experience the clouds, the grassland type ecosystem, and scenic localities.

# Taptapani

Located in Ganjam district and about 60kms from the bustling town of Berhampur, this place is famous for its sulphuric hot water springs. Taptapani in English translates to hot water, “Tapta” means Hot and “Pani” is for water. This is a natural spring with a pond that is commonly used for bathing purposes. The spring is said to have medicinal properties and a winter morning dip here could be really relaxing. There’s also a deer park maintained nearby for nature lovers and an OTDC guesthouse for accommodation. Other attractions include the picturesque landscape and tribal habitations.