It was Tuesday. A weekly haat was in full sway and doing robust business. The local Kandhas with tattoos on their face and arms rubbed shoulders with the city bred. The tribals wore thick necklaces and many earrings in their ears, which had been pricked several times. They carried small knives and had tucked in flowers tucked into their hair. The young men carried bows and arrows. From forest produce and vegetables to cows and goats, all were sold at the haat. We also found ice cream vendors and other eatery shops doing brisk business.

A veteran among us rued that Daringibadi has lost its pristine charm. We shifted our destination to Belghar’s lush forests.

But as soon as we passed the haat, the government quarters, forests, the habitation and nature appeared in their glory. It was the onset of winter; the undulating pattern of uplands and valleys, the rolling hills took our breath away with their unspoilt heavenly landscape. Daringibadi appeared tranquil and aloof and serenely beautiful, with shades of green and blue. The meadows burst into bright yellow alasi (niger) flowers. White clouds sailed above the tall blue mountains. The air was soothing and cool.

Half an hour later, Daringibadi greeted us from a distance. The green meadows transformed the landscape dramatically. There were plenty of salapa and palm trees. The metalled road on the rim of the cliff, overlooking the valley, was flanked by majestic patches of red pine plantations. Pinewood thrives at elevation and in a salubrious climate.

Daringibadi is situated at a height of 3,300 feet in the Baliguda subdivision. The entire subdivision of Baliguda is a plateau with varying height of 300 metres to 1,100 metres. On the southern side of the plateau lies Daringibadi. The subdivision is separated from the adjoining Ganjam district by Kalinga Ghat.

Luxuriant growth of sal forests distinguishes the place. It is infested with wild animals like tigers, jackals, bears, deer and other animals. Scenic beauty marks the place. It is not only beautiful to look at; the place is very calm and invigorating for the tired mind and ailing body. That is the reason why the Britishers chose the place as a summer retreat and fondly likened it to Darjeeling.

In the winter months, the temperature sinks below five degrees Celsius and often frost covers the sleepy town. People say they also experience snowfall occasionally.

At barely three kilometres from here is the Dolary forest, known for coffee plantation, pineapple, and silviculture. Eight kilometres away is the village of Kalinga from where the Rishikulya river originates. Every winter, devotees throng here in lakhs to have a dip during the holy Baruni Snana Yatra.