Koraput, Where Nature, Culture, and Coffee Breathe as One

Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, Koraput is a treasure trove of natural beauty where emerald forests, mist-covered hills, and winding mountain roads invite travellers into a world untouched by haste. As you drive through the ghat roads, towering trees line the curves like silent sentinels, welcoming you into a landscape where mountains play hide-and-seek with the clouds. Often called the “Switzerland of Odisha,” Koraput captivates with its green valleys, cascading waterfalls, and postcard-perfect vistas.

Spanning 8,534 square kilometres, this picturesque district lies in southern Odisha, not far from the Bay of Bengal. Nature lovers find solace at Deomali, Odisha’s highest peak, the serene Putsil Mountain Point, the adventurous trails of Talamali, and the tranquil Kolab Botanical Garden, each revealing a different shade of Koraput’s beauty.

Beyond its landscapes, Koraput Valley is a living cultural canvas. Forests whisper ancient stories, terraced hills cradle generations of wisdom, and waterfalls echo the rhythm of tribal life. Tribal and non-tribal communities live here, bound by a shared Adivasi or Desia identity, where life flows in harmony with nature. Simple in living yet rich in tradition, their languages, customs, and knowledge are deeply rooted in the land they nurture.

The district is home to diverse tribal communities such as the Bhumia, Gond, Paraja, Kondh, Koya, and Bhatra, along with rare tribes like the Bonda and Didayi, whose distinctive cultures have evolved in the dense forests and rugged hills of the Eastern Ghats. Every year, the Dongar Festival (Parab) celebrates this indigenous heritage, offering a vibrant glimpse into Adivasi life—while also prompting conversations on respectful cultural representation.

Among the hills, another story ripens quietly—the story of Koraput coffee. Once admired only for the beauty of its gardens, it has now found a voice on the global stage. Coffee grown in Koraput’s mist-laced slopes has earned prestigious honours from the Coffee Board of India, its oldest varieties proving that nature, when respected, creates excellence.

Coffee cultivation in Koraput began in 1930, introduced by the Maharaja of Jeypore, Raj Bahadur Ramchandra Deo. Though it declined after the abolition of the Jeypore Zamindari, the legacy was revived in 2017 with the formation of the Coffee Development Trust. Today, coffee is grown across nearly 4,000 hectares, supported by both state and central government initiatives—bringing new opportunities for farmers and shaping Koraput as an emerging centre of sustainable, high-quality coffee production.

Koraput is not just a destination—it is an experience, where nature, culture, and heritage blend seamlessly, leaving every visitor enriched and every story deeply rooted in the land.