Posted 17 April 2024 in Travel wanderlust

Explore Jeypore travel guide to plan family getaway

While there are so many popular tourist destinations in India that are great for family trips, one hidden gem waiting to be discovered for a serene and adventurous getaway is Jeypore. Located in the heart of Odisha surrounded by lush forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls, Jeypore offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

There are several things to do and places to visit in Jeypore for a family getaway which include a scenic nature walk, exploring ancient caves and temples, and marvelling at the breathtaking vistas. There are different viewpoints in Jeypore like the Duduma Waterfalls and Deomali Hills.

If you wish to indulge in some adventure, there are many family activities to do in Jeypore. In fact, the Kanger Ghati National Park and Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary also offer a great opportunity to go for a wildlife safari near Jeypore with family. Are you hooked on the idea of booking flights to Jeypore yet? If not, you should indulge in a variety of attractions and activities for families. Secure your journey and book your flight tickets now.

Here are some places to visit in Jeypore

After you book flights to Jeypore, these are some of the top tourist places you need to visit:

1. Visit the Jagannath Temple

Start your family vacation in Jeypore with a visit to the Jagannath Temple. This is a revered Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Come and marvel at the intricate architecture of the temple and soak in the vibrant religious rituals that take place within the temple premises.

2. Explore the Jagannath Sagar Lake

After visiting the temple, take your family for a leisurely stroll around Jagannath Sagar Lake. This calm lake is located adjacent to the temple complex. Here, you can enjoy the serene ambiance, feed the fishes, and capture scenic views of the lake against the backdrop of lush greenery.

3. Discover the Gupteswar Cave Temple

Go for a family road trip from Jeypore to Gupteswar Cave Temple. This temple is located approximately an 1.5 hours drive from the town. It is situated amidst picturesque surroundings making it an ideal place to enjoy nature away from the town. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its magnificent stalactite formations and religious significance.

4. Visit the Tribal Museum

Do you enjoy history? Visit one of the museums in Jeypore to learn more about the indigenous tribal cultures of Odisha. The Tribal Museum showcases artefacts, handicrafts, and cultural exhibits related to the diverse tribal communities of the region, providing valuable insights into their rich heritage.

Here are some things to do in Jeypore

The town has a bunch of things to do from picnics to taking a walk. In Jeypore, make sure to do the following:

Shop for local handicrafts: It is a pleasure to shop no matter where you go, so before leaving Keypore, make sure to visit some of the markets in Jeypore to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs. Browse through stalls selling traditional textiles, handcrafted items, and local delicacies to take home as mementos of your family getaway.
Go for a day trip to Onukudelli: What makes a family trip interesting and unique? It is by taking a day trip to Onukadelli, a nearby village known for its vibrant tribal culture. Get your family here and interact with members of the local tribal communities, learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life, and witness traditional dances and performances.
Head out for walk at Kolab Botanical Garden: Spend a relaxing day at Kolab Botanical Garden with your family, located at a distance of almost 1 hour, near Jeypore. Drive to this enchanting destination and take a leisurely stroll through lush gardens, admire exotic flora and fauna, and enjoy boating on the serene waters of Kolab Reservoir.
Enjoy a picnic at Duduma Waterfall: Another beautiful attraction near Jeypore to visit with family is the Duduma Waterfall. It is located 1.5 hours approximately from the town. You can pack a picnic basket and head to Duduma Waterfall for a day trip. This majestic waterfall cascades from a height of 155 metres and offers a serene setting for families to relax, unwind, and enjoy a picnic amidst nature.

What is the best food to try in Jeypore?

It is said that, when you come to a new place, you need to try their food to understand the culture and get a kick out of your tastebuds. Here's a list of some of the best food to try in Jeypore:

Pakhala Bhata: Quite an interesting food to try in Jeypore, it is a fermented rice that is soaked in water for overnight or a couple of hours. It is typically served with fried or boiled vegetables.
Machha Besara: This is a traditional Odia fish curry that is cooked with mustard paste and spices. It has a tantalising taste, it's a must try if you enjoy fish.
Chingudi Jhola: Another seafood to try in Jeypore is Chingudi Jhola, it is basically a prawn curry that is cooked in flavourful spicy gravy with tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Dahi Baigana: It’s one of the specialties, brinjals that are cooked in a yogurt-based gravy with spices. It has a tantalising taste, best eaten with rotis/parathas.
Chhena Poda: Besides food, try a traditional Odia dessert which is made with paneer, sugar, and cardamom. This dish is baked until caramelised.
Rasabali: One of the most common snacks in Jeypore to try is Rasabali. It is a deep-fried paneer patty soaked in sweetened, thickened milk flavoured with cardamom and saffron.

Where to go shopping in Jeypore?

In Jeypore, there are a series of markets that sell a variety of goods from clothing to souvenirs, food and more. Some popular places for shopping in Jeypore are:

Jeypore main market: This is the main market in Jeypore which offers a wide range of goods, including clothing, accessories, electronics, and household items. It is popular among tourists and locals as well.
Jayanti market: Jayanti Market is known for its fresh produce, spices, and local delicacies. You can buy species to take back home or savour street food. Jayanti Market is a great place to experience the local flavours of Jeypore.
Bada bazaar: As the name suggests, it is a large and bustling market that is famous for its traditional Odia handloom sarees, handicrafts, and a variety of souvenirs. If you are looking to take home some authentic local products, then this is a must-visit market in Jeypore.
Weekly haats: Jeypore hosts weekly markets or "haats" in different parts of the town where local vendors gather to sell their goods. These markets offer a unique shopping experience and a chance to interact with the locals.

What are the best hotels to stay in Jeypore?

Jeypore has a series of hotels that are budget or mid-range luxury. There are also a few guest houses and Airbnbs that are to every travellers liking. Some of the best hotels to stay in Jeypore are:

The Balkrishna Palace: The Balkrishna Palace is one of the top hotels in Jeypore that offers comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and personalised service to guests. Every room is spacious, and it also houses a restaurant serving delicious cuisine.
Hotel The Square Jeypore: Located in the heart of Jeypore, Hotel The Square is a comfortable accommodation with spacious rooms, a restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and convenient access to nearby attractions. It's an ideal choice for travellers visiting Jeypore for business or leisure.
Woods Residency & Banquet Halls: This luxurious accommodation in Jeypore is not only a well-established hotel but it also offers event spaces for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings. With well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and attentive service, it provides a comfortable stay and memorable events amidst the serene surroundings of Jeypore.
Foothills Retreat (Niruvan Stays): A little away from the main town of Jeypore, Foothills Retreat is a haven for nature lovers. The hotel is a part of Niruvan Stays which offers a serene escape amidst lush greenery and scenic foothills. You can find comfortable accommodation, modern amenities, and warm hospitality.

When is the best time to visit Jeypore?

Overall, the best time to visit Jeypore is during the winter months between October and February. However, as a traveller, you can also consider other times to visit Jeypore like:

Winter in Jeypore: Winter is considered the best time to visit Jeypore as the weather is pleasant. The months between October and February is the peak tourist season, ideal for exploring the town’s attractions comfortably.
Summer in Jeypore: During summer between March and June, the town can experience hot and humid conditions. It can be challenging to explore outdoor attractions, however, if you have proper sunscreen and hats to protect from the sun, summer can be considered a good option to visit Jeypore.
Monsoon in Jeypore: Rain is always pleasant, it provides relief from the heat but it brings challenges making outdoor activities difficult. The months from July to September bring heavy rainfall to Jeypore. However, this is the time when the lush greenery of the surrounding landscapes is at its best, offering a scenic backdrop for nature lovers.

How to reach Jeypore?

Want to visit this charming town in Odisha? Here is how you can reach Jeypore, using multiple modes of transportation mentioned below:

By air: The nearest airport to Jeypore is the Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda, located approximately 240 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Jeypore.
By road: Another way you can reach Jeypore is by road from cities like Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Raipur, and Hyderabad. There are state buses as well as car rentals from these cities.
By train: The nearest railway station to Jeypore is Jeypore Railway Station, which is connected to cities like Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Raipur. You can take a train to Jeypore and then hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach your destination within the town.

Takeaway

With its blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, Jeypore offers a memorable family getaway experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come. So, pack your bags and explore this stunning gem in Odisha.