Things To Do
in Gunupur
Gunupur is a small, quiet town in Rayagada district of Odisha that serves as a local market and administrative center for surrounding villages. It sits amid gently rolling hills and paddy fields, with visible influence from nearby tribal communities and a blend of Odia and Telugu cultural elements. The town is a gateway for exploring nearby forests, hills and rural life in the Eastern Ghats fringe.
Visitors come for relaxed village-level experiences, local markets, regional cuisine and access to nearby natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey in Gunupur by visiting a local village market, where you can engage with the community and experience the vibrant colors and flavors of the region. Try local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts to support local artisans. Don’t miss the chance to interact with the friendly locals and learn about their daily lives.
After lunch, head to the nearby temples, such as the famous Padmatola Temple, to soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Marvel at the intricate architecture and enjoy the serene environment that these sacred spaces provide. Take your time to reflect and appreciate the cultural heritage of Gunupur.
As the sun sets, return to the market area for a lively evening filled with folk music and dance performances. Engage with street food vendors and try various dishes that showcase the culinary diversity of the region. Conclude your day by enjoying a cup of chai at a local stall while mingling with fellow travelers and locals.
Begin the day with an invigorating nature walk at the nearby Kolab Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can witness the rich flora and fauna of the region. Be on the lookout for native species and enjoy the sounds of nature. The fresh morning air sets the perfect tone for an adventurous day ahead.
After your morning hike, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush surroundings of the sanctuary. Take time to relax and absorb the beauty of the landscape, or embark on birdwatching to spot some of the rare migratory birds. The tranquil atmosphere will rejuvenate your spirits.
As the day winds down, return to Gunupur and visit a local craftsman’s workshop to see traditional handicrafts being made. Engage with the artisans and understand the skill that goes into their work. End your day with a quiet dinner at a local eatery, savoring the flavors of home-cooked meals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍛Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-3 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (two people) | $6-12 |
| 🚌Local bus ride (short) | $0.10-0.30 |
| 🚕Short auto-rickshaw/taxi ride (3–5 km) | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / hotel per night | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, uncrowded small-town and rural experiences.
- Close access to Eastern Ghats scenery, tribal culture and local markets.
- Affordable food, transport and accommodation.
- Pleasant winter climate for outdoor activities.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few formal guides.
- Public transport connections and long-distance access can be slow.
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities.
- Monsoon rains can make rural roads difficult to navigate.
- "ନମସ୍କାର (Namaskar)" - Hello / Greetings
- "ଧନ୍ୟବାଦ (Dhanyabad)" - Thank you
- "ଦୟାକରି (Dayakari)" - Please
- "ମୋତେ ମାଫ କର (Mote maaf kara)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "ଏଠା ଥିଲେ କେଉଁଠା? (Etha thile keuntha?)" - Where is this place?
Places to Visit in Gunupur
Visit one of these nice places.
Vivid daily life scenes with colorful produce, textiles and people—excellent for street photography and portraits.
Surrounding rice paddies and low hills create peaceful landscapes with dramatic light at golden hours.
Temples and any local puja or festival offer opportunities for cultural and ritual photography—respectful permission is recommended.
Small hilltops and forest edges around the town give panoramic shots of the Eastern Ghats fringe and village clusters.
Portraits of artisans, weavers and everyday rural scenes—seek consent and offer a small token for time if photographing individuals.
Food in Gunupur
Gunupur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented rice dish served with fried or mashed vegetables—cooling and popular in warmer months; available in local dhabas and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
A classic Odia vegetable-and-lentil stew seasoned with panch phoran and coconut bits; commonly served with rice at local eateries.
Odia cheese-based sweets and local jaggery-based confections found at sweet shops and markets in town.
Street-food snacks—spiced chickpea curry (ghugni) and fried fritters (pakora) sold in evening markets and stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market day (check local schedule) where villagers bring fresh produce, fish, local greens, millet and tribal handicrafts; great place to sample homemade savories and sweets.
Evening stalls selling tea, pakora, ghugni and regional snack items—perfect for quick, inexpensive bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or villages—cover shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
Remove shoes before entering temples, ask permission before taking photos inside holy sites, and avoid touching deities or ritual objects unless invited.
Be polite and ask permission before photographing people or homes; gift small tokens (like school supplies) rather than money if you want to give something directly.
A simple 'Namaskar' / 'Namaste' goes a long way; use two hands when offering items to elders and accept refreshments politely.
Safety
Tipping in Gunupur
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is informal; small tips (₹20–100) for restaurant staff, drivers or guides are appreciated but not always expected. In small eateries and markets tipping is uncommon—round up or offer a small tip for exceptional service.
Cash is king, especially in markets, taxis and small restaurants—carry enough Indian rupees for daily expenses. Larger hotels or tourist services may accept cards or UPI; mobile payment apps are increasingly common but reception and connectivity can be unreliable in rural spots.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid from March to June with daytime temperatures often high; mornings and evenings are best for outdoor activities. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing and plan market visits early.
June to September brings heavy rains in some years—roads to rural and hilly spots can become muddy or slippery and some attractions may be harder to reach. The landscape is green and waterfalls/streams swell, making it attractive for nature lovers with the right gear.
November to February offers pleasant, cooler weather (comfortable days and cooler nights)—the best time for hiking, village visits and photography. Expect clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures.
Festival dates vary but can be vibrant times to visit—expect crowded local temples, processions and cultural performances; book accommodation early if your visit coincides with major local festivals.
Gunupur at Night
Hiking in Gunupur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes on the nearby low hills and ridgelines offer panoramic views of villages and rice fields; trails are often unmarked—hire a local guide or ask villagers for directions.
Gentle treks through forest fringes near the town provide birding opportunities and contacts with local flora—best visited in the dry season for safer footing.
The larger Niyamgiri hills region (accessible as a longer day trip or overnight) offers more extensive hiking and cultural insights into sacred tribal landscapes—check road access and permissions before visiting.
Airports
How to reach Gunupur by plane.
One of the nearest major airports with frequent domestic connections; expect a several-hour drive (roughly 200–300 km depending on route) to reach Gunupur—consider hiring a taxi or taking a bus from Visakhapatnam.
The state capital's airport provides many domestic connections; it is farther away (several hours by road/train) but a reliable option for onward travel to Gunupur by bus or train followed by road transfer.
There are smaller regional airstrips in the Koraput/Jeypore region with limited flights; these can shorten road travel if services are operating—check schedules in advance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents speak Odia and follow mainstream Odia cultural practices.
The district has significant tribal populations (local Scheduled Tribes) with distinct languages, customs, festivals and handicrafts—these communities contribute strongly to the region’s cultural fabric.
Due to proximity to Andhra Pradesh, there is some Telugu-speaking population and cultural influence in food and daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across ages—informal street games and village matches are common.
Played at school and community levels, with local tournaments and interest among youths.
Traditional team sports including kabaddi are popular, especially in rural communities and during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gunupur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available—rice, dal, vegetable curries and snacks are common. Specify 'shakahari' (vegetarian) and avoid dishes that may include fish or meat stock. Carry a translation card if you have strict restrictions.
Vegan choices exist (rice, lentils, vegetable curries), but clarify use of ghee or yogurt. Gluten-free diets are manageable since rice is the staple; check fried snacks for wheat content.
Tell vendors about allergies; many small kitchens use peanuts and mustard oil. For serious allergies, carry medication and consider eating at cleaner, established eateries.