In the village of Mangarajpur, an hour's drive north from Bhubaneswar, Debjit and his family welcome visitors into their ancestral home, a rambling mansion set in the peaceful countryside. The home-cooked food is among the best we've had in Odisha, and Debjit takes his guests on walks and bicycle rides through tribal villages. Visits to tribal markets and nearby temples can also be arranged.
Lunch and dinner are usually reserved ahead and cost ₹750 for two people. Duck and quail are served instead of chicken due to a rule regarding the family deity.
The former hunting lodge of a raja originally from Bengal, this castle-like home was built in 1931 and features four well-appointed guest rooms with antique furniture and enormous bathrooms. Debjit likes to introduce his guests to the quirks of rural life, by showing them his bio-gas plant and pisciculture pond, or walking through the jungle to a tribal village of subsistence farmers who get raided nightly by wild elephants. The roads around the property are empty and ideal for two-wheeled exploration.
Kila Dalijoda can be used as a base for trips further afield. Debjit arranges day trips to Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and to the craft villages and temples north of Cuttack. Pick-up can be arranged from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack by request.
