Just came back from an intoxicating visit to Kila Dalijoda. This is a palace that belongs to my school senior by the name of Debjit Singh Deo.

He went on to convert his amazing Palace at the famous Dalijoda Hill Range at Odhisa, into one of the most beautiful home stays one can come across anywhere.

Since he himself is an artist, he has painstakingly redesigned the palace into one of the most comfortable and aptly designed homestays.

This place is just 1.2 hrs ride from the Bhubaneswar Airport and has now become one of the more famous properties in the Lonely Planet.

The best part is how the Singh Deo family ensures that you are cared for just as you would be at home.
From home grown fruits, vegetables, paddy straw mushrooms (they are to die for) to Milk and butter, all made at home.

The surroundings are the most serene that I have ever been to.

This place also falls on the million year old elephant migration route and you will see these majestic (a bit smaller than their counterpart in UP and UK) herds around late Dec, Jan and Feb months.

Nature trails, Tribal village tours, canoe boat sails in the nearby marshland for birding (this area has over 200 species of birds and Debjit Singh Deo knows them by their sound), angling, fishing, walkways for just loitering around without any fear or vehicular traffic, and absolutely mind blowing food, this place has it all.
Even the mighty hills are there for your explorations if you are into climbing.

This was the first time I had stayed there and while coming back I wanted to throw tantrums like a baby “I don’t want to go anywhere …. “. 

This place has history, stories, caring, serenity, nature and above all the warmth of a home and family members.

Next time I am going to stay a lot longer and come along with my trekking boots and my camera.

Amazing place, green and serene, away form the hustle and bustle of a busy city life. Excellent hospitality and great food. Lots of activities- birding, angling, jungle trek and swimming.
Refreshing and rejuvenating experience
Must visit site for offbeat travelers

I have spent almost five years travelling in India and yet had never been to Odisha - something I was happy to correct in August 2021.

Very happy that I did so. It's a fascinating place, distinct from any where else I have been and a chance to explore further.

Debjit's hospitality was key to that. He helped organise the day trip to puri and konark as well as local trips near KD - to tribes and backwaters - that I'd never have been able to see otherwise.

And of course the home is a fantastic, atmospheric place, affordable and comfortable with delicious food too.

I would very much recommend a stay here if you are looking for something interesting, special and different.

Thanks again Debjit!

Dalijoda Palace was a wonderful Experience. Such warmth and care shown by the host Debjit, Mrs Singhdeo and their daughter Sribidya is very very rare. We felt like a part of the family. The food was excellent homely and cooked under the personal supervision of Mrs Singhdeo. Treckking to a small Sabar hamlet with Debjit in the midst of a dense forest was too good. My 7 year daughter cried when we left the wonderful place. A nice experience of staying in a hunting Palace with this wonderful family.

Sanjeev Mahapatra