Tucked away in the village of Kantabonia, 37km west of Balasore, this Santali-village-themed resort is chock-full of tribal kitsch and is a great getaway if you want to immerse yourself in local culture. The thatched cottages sit against the backdrop of the massive Nilgiri mountains. Rates are for a three-day package that includes meals, sightseeing and transfer from Balasore.
Built with sustainable materials, the homey thatched cottages — nearly indistinguishable from the actual surrounding villages — are adorned with tribal designs and surprisingly comfortable. You can laze about the hammocks strewn among the lush and colourful gardens and watch local villagers slap chita designs on the ground, or, if you're feeling more active, go out on local treks to visit village temples or mountain biking in the hills. Little English is spoken.