The “Darjeeling of Odisha” has once again slipped into the grip of a harsh winter. On Friday night, the hill town of G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district recorded a biting 5.6°C — a sharp plunge from the previous day’s 10.4°C and the lowest temperature reported anywhere in the state this season.
Cold Wave Disrupts Daily Life
The sudden temperature drop has thrown normal life out of gear. Dense morning fog blankets the town, turning roads into misty corridors. Sharp winds and frost have pushed street vendors, forest gatherers and homeless residents to crowd around roadside bonfires throughout the day.
For families living in thatched houses and makeshift shelters, the cold wave has been particularly unforgiving, forcing them to rely on minimal heating arrangements to get through the nights.
Weather Experts Warn of Further Dip
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the agricultural research centre at G Udayagiri had earlier noted temperatures hovering between 9.8°C and 10.1°C this week. However, the clearing of clouds after recent rainfall triggered the sudden crash in mercury levels.
Meteorologists warn that temperatures may dip even further in the coming days, intensifying the cold wave and potentially impacting agriculture and local livelihoods.
A Scenic Hill Town Braces for a Tourism Boost
Nestled among lush green hills and flanked by the picturesque Kalinga Ghati, G Udayagiri rivals the charm of Darjeeling during winter frost. The chilling weather has already begun attracting tourists seeking a serene winter getaway.
With the cold wave deepening, locals are renewing their long-standing demand for a grand Winter Festival to showcase the region’s unique Shillvi Culture Garden and breathtaking hill landscapes. Many hope that the icy spell could turn into an opportunity, drawing more tourists and placing the hill town firmly on India’s winter tourism map.