Are you planning a vacation in a hill station? India has all the perfect options for you. One of these is Odisha. Apart from its regard for Indian culture and history, it has some of India's most beautiful and popular hill stations. It can provide a cost-effective way of having a quick vacation.

Are you wondering about the best hill stations in Odisha? Here is our hand-picked list to help you out.

Planning for a weekend in the hill stations in Orissa? Find out the best destinations that you should check out here.

1. Daringbadi

If you are a fan of scenic beauty, Daringbadi will surely win your heart. It is often considered the Kashmir of Odisha. Tourists are attracted to the beautiful hills with surrounding lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and pine trees. You will find coffee plantations in this area's captivating valleys and plateaus and enjoy stunning sunsets from the lofty hills.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March is ideal for visiting this place, as it offers a pleasant winter.
• Top Things to Do: Tourists enjoy trekking, jungle safari and bird watching in this area. You can also explore the tea gardens and go for picnics in the valleys. 
• Top Places to Visit: Rushikulya River, Lovers’ Point, Hill View Point, Doluri River, Pataudi Waterfalls, Belghar Sanctuary, Gopalpur beach, Dhabaleshwar temple and beach, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 1,590 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

2. Taptapani

Taptapani is often considered one of the best hill stations all over India. It has attracted tourists with many enchanting hills and surrounding thick, lush forests. Furthermore, the beautiful hot springs of this area have added to its beauty. Tourists can also enjoy the rich culture of this area with the excellent tribal dance and music performances.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March can be the ideal time to visit here. The monsoon season can be monotonous with heavy rainfall.
• Top Things to Do: You can enjoy trekking and photography at this station. Moreover, you can go exploring the forests and hot springs.
• Top Places to Visit: Hot Water Spring, Gopalpur-on-Sea Beach, Deer Park, tribal villages, Hindu temples, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 850 - ₹ 9,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

3. Mahendragiri Hills

If you are looking for some religious and mythological significance in a hill station beside the beauty of nature, you should check out the Mahendragiri hills. This beautiful hill station is popular for the rolling meadows, green hills, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife. Apart from trekking, you can also explore this area's temples and ancient ruins, especially if you enjoy photography.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February will be an ideal time to visit this place. The weather is pleasant in the winter seasons.
• Top Things to Do: You can enjoy trekking, camping and sightseeing here. Moreover, you can go exploring various parts of this area.
• Top Places to Visit: Burakhat Pass, Gajapati district of Odisha, Kunti Temple, Yudhisthira Temple, Bhima Temple, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 2,293 - ₹ 9,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

4. Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal is a popular tourist spot. It has successfully maintained an amalgamation of religion, history, and culture. Multiple palaces and forts have made this place look royal and an abode for history enthusiasts. It also features cascading waterfalls, abundant fauna and flora, and thick forests. This area's old hill temples and wildlife have attracted photographers across India.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal time to visit this area.
• Top Things to Do: You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping in this area. Additionally, you can also go camping.
• Top Places to Visit: Deer Park, Kapilash Temple, Science Park, Tikarapara, Gharial Sanctuary, Ganesh Khola, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 750 - ₹ 10,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

5. Olasuni Hill

Located in Kendrapara, Olasuni Hill is known for its deeply religious and mythological significance. Residents believe that it is the abode of Goddess Olasuni, which attracts devotees and pilgrims from across the globe every year. Tourists also enjoy traditional festivals like Magha Ekadasi. Beautiful hills and thick green forests surround the area.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March will be the best time to visit this hill station. Rainy seasons might not be safe.
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing is the most popular activity here, with the mesmerising sunset views. You can also go trekking in the hills.
• Top Places to Visit: Olasuni Temple, Swayamsiddha Continental, Olasuni Caves, Ambika Mandap and Hotel Kalinga Palace
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 750 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

6. Tensa Hill

Located in the Bonai Forest Division of Sundargarh, Tensa is known for the hills and sprawling green meadows in its surrounding. Tourists are also attracted to this region's glorious cultural and historical significance. There is also a nature camp on the Tensa Hills, an initiative from the Odisha government. It can be a perfect camping experience while enjoying the natural beauty.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March will be ideal, as this area maintains pleasant weather even in winter.
• Top Things to Do: Tourists mostly enjoy sightseeing and shopping around here. Moreover, it is also a great spot for camping.
• Top Places to Visit: Shanti Stupa, hills and forests, Zero Point, picnic spot
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 3,500 - ₹ 10,000 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

7. Deomali Mountains

If you are a fan of trekking and hiking, Deomali will give you one of the highest peaks in this area. The stunning flora and fauna accompanied by thick green forests have attracted tourists from all over the country. Apart from the scenic beauty and misty trekking experiences, Deomali also offers a peep at the tribal villages and their traditions.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March will be the ideal time to visit Deomali, as the roads get dangerous during the rainy seasons.
• Top Things to Do: Sightseeing and trekking are common activities for tourists. They like to visit the beautiful hills and the enclosed forests.
• Top Places to Visit: Jagannath temple, Sabara Srikhetra, Rani gumpha, Subai, Shiva lingam, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 3,293 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

8. Bonda Hills

If you are looking for the best hill stations in Odisha, you can consider the Bonda hills under the Khairput Block. It is a tribal community, a living place for the Bondas. Surrounded by spectacular hill views and thick forests, Bonda has a history of Indian mythology. There is a Sita Kunda here, and people believe Ram's wife Sita had bathed here. There are also primitive festivals like Patkhanda Vatra, which tourists enjoy.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March can be ideal if you plan a holiday around Bonda.
• Top Things to Do: You can enjoy shopping and sightseeing. Moreover, you can participate in traditional festivals.
• Top Places to Visit: Vairabi and Mallikeswar Temple in Malkangiri, Sita Kunda, Amakunda, Satiguda dam, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 1,659 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

9. Dumuriput

A quaint village with beautiful hills and sprawling valleys, Dumuriput can be your perfect holiday destination. Its pleasant climate and picturesque natural beauty have attracted tourists. Moreover, it is popular among tourists for its deep religious significance, with the tallest kneeling Hanuman statue on the hills. The residents celebrate the Hindu festival Ram Navami, which can be a great attraction.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the ideal time to visit Dumuriput. Winters are usually pleasant here.
• Top Things to Do: You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping in this area.
• Top Places to Visit: Rani Duduma Waterfalls, Sri Ram Temple, Jagannath Temple, Kolab Dam, and Tribal Museum
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 1,050 - ₹ 9,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

10. Mandasaru

Surrounded by moist deciduous forest, Manda hills can help you escape from the hustles of urban life. A Mandasaru nature camp is located here to cater to the requirements of the tourists. The Mandasaru Gorge, on the other hand, houses six waterfalls. These add to the striking natural beauty of this area besides the hills and valleys.

• Best Time to Visit: October to February will be an ideal time to visit this area.
• Top Things to Do: Camping is probably the best option here with the Mandasaru nature camp. Tourists also enjoy picnics and sightseeing.
• Top Places to Visit: Bhanjanagar Dam, Phulbani, Kaliamba Forest, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 950 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

11. Gandhamardan Hills

The name should be considered while listing the top hill stations in Odisha. It is filled with rocky terrains and mountains, making it the perfect destination for safe trekking and hiking. Moreover, tourists can also explore the beauty of lush green forests, which contain multiple medicinal plants and herbs.

• Best Time to Visit: Considering the pleasant climate, October to February will be ideal for visiting this station.
• Top Things to Do: Tourists enjoy sightseeing and shopping in the mesmerising valleys of Gandhamardan. You can also enjoy trekking in the safe hillocks.
• Top Places to Visit: Harishankar waterfall and temple, Nrushinghanath Temple, Gupteshwar Temple, wildlife reserves, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 1,590 - ₹ 10,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

12. Chandragiri Hills

Located in the Gajapati district of Odisha, Chandragiri Hills is popular for its deep Tibetan culture. Multiple Buddhist monasteries make this area spiritually uplifted, attracting tourists worldwide. They also take an interest in this station's thick-forested areas and spellbinding mountain trails. Those who are interested in trekking and hiking can find ample opportunities here.

• Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November are the ideal months to visit the Chandragiri Hills. The rainy season might be dangerous here.
• Top Things to Do: Shopping and sightseeing are common activities tourists prefer here. Trekking and hiking are also popular here.
• Top Places to Visit: Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Buddhist Monastery, Padmasambhava Mahavira Monastery, fruit orchards, horticulture plantations, Tibetan settlements, tribal hamlets, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 2,590 - ₹ 10,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

13. Kapilash Mountain Range

If you are planning to escape a crowded, busy lifestyle, the Kapilash mountain range located near the Dhenkanal district will help you recover. It is a quaint mountain range packed with several temples and religious sites. Moreover, tourists can explore the beauty of nature through the rocky maintains, hillocks and lush green valleys.

• Best Time to Visit: You should consider visiting this place from September to March, as this is the ideal time.
• Top Things to Do: People mostly enjoy sightseeing and shopping. If you enjoy camping, this will be an ideal vacation for you.
• Top Places to Visit: Kapilash Science Park, Dandadhar, Saranga, Saptasajya, Joranda, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 1,050 - ₹ 7,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

14. Kanjipani Ghati

Kanjipani is about 30km from the Keonjhar town in Orissa, which helps you maintain contact with the urban lifestyle even on vacation. It is mainly known for the picturesque views of the rolling up mountain ranges. There is a long trail of the mountain range, spreading over 20km. It is also a rich source of flora and fauna. Driving on the circuitous roads will give you a glimpse into the tribal villages and lifestyles.

• Best Time to Visit: September to November will be ideal if you expect a pleasant climate. Winters can be cold, and rainy seasons will come with slippery roads.
• Top Things to Do: You can consider sightseeing and trekking here. Taking long drives will also help you appreciate the natural beauty.
• Top Places to Visit: Keshri Kunda, Murga Mahadev Temple, Gonasika Temple, Handibhanga Waterfall, Hadagarh Reservoir, Gundichaghagi Waterfall, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 850 - ₹ 10,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

15. Devagiri Range

You will enjoy a vacation in the Devagiri Range if you enjoy religious and spiritual influences. One of the biggest attractions here is a religious cave temple at a height of above 400 meters. Pilgrims visit this cave regularly for its spiritual significance. Trekking on the hills can be a fun activity here. Once you reach the hilltop, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Bhargavi and Indradyumna.

• Best Time to Visit: If you wish to enjoy nature, visit Devagiri from October to February. The winter is pleasant here.
• Top Things to Do: People enjoy sightseeing and exploring the temples. Shopping and camping are also popular here.
• Top Places to Visit: Shiva lingam, Kalyansingpur village, Sukhuakhai, etc.
• Average Hotel Cost: ₹ 650 - ₹ 10,500 per room
• How to Reach: By rail, road and air

Therefore, as you can see, there are various hill stations in Odisha. You must consider this list if you plan to spend a vacation in a beautiful yet cost-effective spot. These places are known for having enormous natural beauty while also providing spiritual and cultural values to tourists.