Kila Dalijoda - Lodging in Ambilijhari - Cuttack, India

Had just been to this quaint place tucked away in lush greenery away from din and hustle of urbanisation. It is a labour of love of Mr. Debajit and his family which is transforming a former royal hunting lodge brick-by-brick into a cozy place to unwind with your friends and family.

If you have been to India a few times and are looking for something different consider staying at Kila Dalijoda. Tucked away on the fringe of the forest and tribal areas north of Cuttack, this is the place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the cities, major tourist sites and clear your pipes with fresh air. Debjit and his family will welcome you into their former hunting lodge which is being restored as much as a labour of love than a business. You can sleep in a suite once used by the Maharaja at much lower cost than Udaipur! Your visit helps preserve this local landmark. With lively conversations you can discover much about the heritage of the area as well as so much more about the mythology, culture and history of India. The food is superb. Most of the dishes can't be found in restaurants being local and family recipes. In season, much of the produce is grown in the garden but everything else is sourced locally including the rice growing in the nearby fields on the estate. Meals are plentiful. You won't be hungry. Debjit can organise trips near and far whether trekking the 5km into the forest to meet tribal people (whilst we didn't see elephants, we saw droppings and footprints), a nearby step well or arrange transport to take you to other sites. The weaving village in particular is a very special experience. I saw a piece I'd seen started in 2019. In 2023 it has maybe five more years until it's ready for hanging in the Jagganath temple in Puri. Exquisite. You may come away with textiles from the manufacturer. Otherwise you can just use a bike or just wander into the neighbourhood. It's a friendly place. And if sitting around reading is your thing, where better? Going to the wetlands to be punted through the lotus gardens whilst abundant birdlife is in motion around you is not just a tranquil pleasure. Debjit has convinced the local people to stop trapping birds for food with the alternative income which tourism offers. You make a difference by showing up. In fact birdwatching, if that's your thing, is an activity you can really indulge here. We came in the monsoon time, which is quiet and the weather makes planning difficult but everything is so lush and green, the dust is washed away and after a downpour, the cooler air brings a great sense of well-being so don't let it put you off. Getting here is easier than you'd imagine and Debjit can advise or arrange transport to fill the gaps. This is my second visit. I'm hoping it's not my last.

A beautiful place to spend time with family and friends in solitude. If one is adventurous and and moves around in the night time, he may encounter wild animals.

Very nice place to spend the time with family anf friends and the hosts are very nice you should really go and visit this beautiful place amazing place

"I had a great experience with Kila DLijodA.The service was quick, and the billing was transparent. I have no doubt that I will come back again. Highly recommend."

My wife and I stayed 3 nights at Kila Dalijoda and loved every bit of our visit. It's very rare to stay in a magnificent home with such authentic charm. The owners, Debjit and Namrata shared amazing stories about the history of the area and their family. There is lots to do in the area, including superb birdwatching. Great food too! Highly recommended, especially for a multi-day stay.

The place is really good !!! One must choose this place whenever you visit city ...Great hospitality

Good place, nice staff, deserted place, excellent food delivered in roomGood Room service and ambiance