GLOBIVOX

For years, Odisha’s tourism story revolved around temples, beaches, and festivals. But in 2025, a new narrative is emerging: the rise of its hidden villages. These pockets of untouched beauty — rich in culture, craft, and natural splendor — are becoming hotspots for travelers seeking experiences beyond mainstream attractions.

From the tribal villages of Koraput to coastal hamlets in Ganjam, Odisha is quietly showcasing the authentic India — where life slows down, traditions thrive, and visitors are welcomed not as tourists, but as guests.

This revival isn’t accidental. Government initiatives, sustainable tourism models, and community-driven efforts are turning Odisha’s hidden gems into vibrant cultural and eco-tourism destinations.

Why Villages Are the New Tourist Magnets

🌿 1. Authentic Cultural Experiences

Modern travelers crave connection over sightseeing. Odisha’s villages offer:

• Traditional handicrafts, from Pattachitra paintings to Dokra metalwork.

• Tribal dances and rituals like Ghumura, Chhau, and Danda Nacha.

• Culinary delights — local delicacies made with seasonal, homegrown ingredients.

Visitors no longer just observe culture; they participate in it.

🏞️ 2. Untouched Natural Beauty

Hidden villages often lie off the beaten path:

• Forested hills of Koraput and Nabarangpur.

• Secluded riverbanks of Malkangiri.

• Mangroves and coastal stretches of Ganjam and Balasore.

Tourism here offers not just sightseeing, but experiential immersion: trekking, boating, birdwatching, and stargazing.

🤝 3. Community-Driven Tourism

Unlike commercial destinations, many villages operate on homestays and local guides, ensuring that tourism benefits the residents directly. Travelers get authentic experiences while villages gain sustainable income — a win-win.

Key Villages Making a Mark

Odisha has over 6,000 villages — a few are now stealing the limelight.

🌸 1. Sunabeda (Koraput District)

• Nestled amidst hills and waterfalls.

• Famous for tribal crafts and rice beer traditions.

• Homestays here offer forest treks and workshops on weaving and pottery.

🪵 2. Chandragiri (Ganjam District)

• Coastal village with pristine beaches and fishing communities.

• Visitors can join daily fishing trips and learn traditional net weaving.

• Known for coastal cuisine — crab, prawns, and coconut-based curries.

🏺 3. Nuapada Tribal Villages

• Center of Dokra art and beadwork.

• Village tourism programs allow hands-on craft sessions.

• Hosts small cultural festivals where travelers witness tribal music and dance.

🌾 4. Daringbadi (Kandhamal District)

• Dubbed the “Kashmir of Odisha.”

• Pine forests, waterfalls, and strawberry farms.

• Community homestays promote eco-tourism, trekking, and farm experiences.

🌊 5. Chilika Hinterland Villages

• Lakeside communities near Chilika Lake — Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.

• Birdwatching, traditional boating, and freshwater prawn farming experiences.

These villages are not just picturesque; they tell Odisha’s story in a way cities never could.

Government Initiatives Driving Village Tourism

The Odisha government has recognized the economic and cultural potential of rural tourism. Key programs include:

🏛️ 1. Odisha Tourism’s “Rural Tourism Circuit”

• Villages with cultural and ecological significance are mapped for promotion.

• Focuses on sustainable practices, local employment, and eco-friendly infrastructure.

💻 2. Digital Integration

• Online booking platforms and virtual village tours connect travelers with homestays and workshops.

• Social media campaigns showcase hidden gems, boosting visibility without mass commercialization.

🏡 3. Skill Development & Community Training

• Local residents are trained in hospitality, cooking, guiding, and handicraft marketing.

• Ensures tourism revenue stays within the community, preventing cultural exploitation.

Eco-Tourism and Sustainability

Modern travelers are conscious of their environmental impact. Odisha’s village tourism is adapting beautifully:

🌱 1. Homestays Over Hotels

• Small-scale homestays reduce carbon footprint.

• Visitors live with families, reducing energy and resource consumption.

🌳 2. Responsible Trekking and Wildlife Tours

• Guided treks follow sustainable routes.

• Wildlife watchers are educated on minimal disturbance principles.

♻️ 3. Waste Management and Renewable Energy

• Solar-powered homestays and village-based composting projects are emerging.

• Ensures tourism does not harm fragile ecosystems.

Culinary Tourism — Taste the Village

Odisha’s villages are redefining gastronomic experiences:

🥘 Local Specialties

• Dalma: Lentils cooked with vegetables and local spices.

• Pakhala Bhata: Fermented rice served with seasonal greens — perfect for tropical climates.

• Seafood Delights: Coastal villages serve fresh fish, prawns, and crabs caught the same morning.

Cooking workshops and farm-to-table meals allow travelers to taste culture literally.

Adventure Meets Culture

Tourism in Odisha’s villages isn’t just slow-paced leisure — it’s also about adventure:

🏔️ Trekking and Nature Trails

• Daringbadi’s hills and waterfalls offer beginner to advanced treks.

• Koraput forests have hidden trails for exploration and wildlife spotting.

🛶 Water-Based Activities

• Boating in Chilika’s backwaters.

• Kayaking and fishing lessons in Ganjam coastal villages.

🎨 Craft and Art Exploration

• Learn Pattachitra painting in Bargarh.

• Weave textiles in Nuapada tribal villages.

The result: a multi-sensory journey blending adrenaline and culture.

Challenges in Scaling Village Tourism

While promising, the sector faces hurdles:

⚠️ 1. Infrastructure Gaps

• Poor roads and limited connectivity remain major issues.

• Internet access is crucial for bookings and marketing.

💧 2. Seasonal Limitations

• Monsoons can disrupt travel in remote areas.

• Villages need adaptable plans for year-round tourism.

🏚️ 3. Preservation vs. Commercialization

• Balancing tourist influx with cultural and environmental preservation is delicate.

• Community involvement and controlled visitor numbers are essential.

Technology as an Enabler

Digital tools are accelerating the village tourism boom:

💻 1. Online Booking & Virtual Tours

• Platforms like Tripoto, MakeMyTrip, and Odisha Tourism’s portal make homestays and experiences bookable online.

📱 2. Social Media Marketing

• Instagram, YouTube, and travel blogs showcase hidden gems.

• Influencers highlighting tribal art, festivals, and cuisine attract global attention.

🧭 3. AR/VR Experiences

• Virtual reality tours entice travelers before physical visits.

• Educational apps allow users to explore tribal crafts, architecture, and rituals digitally.

Technology ensures that even remote villages can compete globally.

Community Stories — Voices Behind the Tourism Boom

🗣️ 1. The Weaver of Nuapada

“Every visitor who learns a craft helps us preserve our heritage,” says Ramesh, a Dokra artisan. “Tourism gives dignity to our work.”

🐟 2. Fisherwomen of Chandragiri

They now conduct boating lessons for visitors. “We earn more than just from fish,” says Sunita, “and we teach outsiders about our lives.”

🌾 3. Farmer in Daringbadi

Hosting tourists during strawberry season has diversified income. “It’s not just money; it’s pride,” he adds.

These narratives reflect tourism as empowerment — economic, social, and cultural.

The Future of Odisha’s Village Tourism

🔮 1. Global Attention

As travelers seek authentic experiences, Odisha is emerging on international itineraries — alongside Rajasthan, Kerala, and Himachal.

🧩 2. Eco-Luxury Homestays

Luxury is meeting sustainability: solar-powered cottages, organic meals, and guided nature walks are attracting premium tourists.

🌎 3. Cultural Preservation

Tourism revenue is funding local schools, craft centers, and conservation efforts — ensuring heritage is maintained for future generations.

The villages of Odisha aren’t just tourist spots — they’re living museums and thriving communities.

Conclusion

Odisha’s hidden villages are proof that tourism can be transformative.
They combine nature, culture, adventure, and authenticity in a way that cities cannot replicate.

The journey from obscurity to tourism hotspot is not just about attracting visitors; it’s about empowering communities, preserving traditions, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

For travelers seeking experiences beyond the ordinary, Odisha’s villages offer a rare gift: the chance to see India as it truly is — timeless, vibrant, and alive.