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Our Forest
Story

53 years of living beside the wild — and learning from it.

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Similipal forest at dawn

Our Beginning

Born from a Love
of the Forest

Da'Orchid Ecotel, nestled in the heart of Similipal National Park, is the dream project of Deepak Kumar Ray. Envisioned in 2008, the resort began its development journey in 2018 and was successfully completed in December 2023

Designed to blend luxury with nature, the ecotel offers unique stays in beautifully crafted Bamboo Houses, Tree Houses, and Wooden Houses, providing guests with an immersive forest experience.

Surrounded by Similipal’s rich biodiversity, Da'Orchid Ecotel stands as a perfect retreat for nature lovers, offering sustainable hospitality, comfort, and unforgettable wilderness experiences in Odisha’s pristine natural paradise.

Deepak Kumar Ray, Founder
Deepak Kumar Ray Founder & Forest Guide
53+
Years of Heritage
Since 1997
42
Forest Cottages
Each one unique
304
Bird Species
Documented on site
98%
Guest Satisfaction
Verified reviews

Our Journey

Milestones in the Wild

2008
The Vision Begins

Deepak Kumar Ray envisions a nature-inspired eco-resort in the heart of Similipal, aiming to create a perfect blend of luxury and wilderness.

2018
Development Phase

The dream project officially begins construction, focusing on sustainable architecture and eco-friendly design principles.

2023
Grand Completion

Da'Orchid Ecotel is successfully completed, welcoming guests to experience a unique forest retreat in Odisha.

2024
Immersive Eco-Stays

The dream project officially begins construction, focusing on sustainable architecture and eco-friendly design principles.

2019
Conservation Trust

Da'Orchid Ecotel is successfully completed, welcoming guests to experience a unique forest retreat in Odisha.

2024
Immersive Eco-Stays

The resort offers thoughtfully designed Bamboo Houses, Tree Houses, and Wooden Houses, allowing guests to stay close to nature without compromising comfort..

What We Stand For

Our Guiding Principles

01 🌿
Leave No Trace

Every structure, trail, and experience is designed with a single question: what does the forest need? Not what does the guest want.

02 🐯
Wildlife First

Safari routes are closed when animals are resting. Photography hides are built around animal behaviour, not human convenience.

03 🤝
Tribal Partnership

Over 70% of our team are from local Santali and Kolha communities. Their knowledge of the forest is irreplaceable and rightfully compensated.

04 ♻️
Zero Waste Kitchen

Our kitchen produces zero food waste. Every vegetable scrap feeds the compost heap that grows the garden that feeds the next meal.

05 ☀️
Solar Energy

100% of our electricity comes from rooftop solar arrays and a small river micro-turbine installed in consultation with the forest department.

06 📚
Forest Education

Every stay includes one guided nature walk with a junior naturalist from our conservation school — your curiousity is the curriculum.

The People Behind It

Our Forest Family

Deepak Kumar Ray
Deepak Kumar Ray
Founder & Head Guide

Best stay in Similipal. It is situated just after the entry gate in Similipal from Lulung/Baripada side. Nice ambience and great views. This ecotel comprises of beautiful gardens, badminton court, archery and picturesque spots. We stayed in Jungle house for 4 people with attached bathroom and verandah all made of wood and on wooden stills. There is an option for barbeque and fire with dedicated spots. Lighting and environment felt so calming and relaxing. There is ample space and playground for children. The inhouse restaurant serves delicious food, although price is slightly higher. Although, we didn't like the breakfast buffet, as only upma, chana curry and puri were served, that too was not tasting good. Don't carry high hopes for breakfast buffet. All other amenities were fine and restaurant orders were delicious, so was the barbeque.

Meera Mahapatra
Meera Mahapatra
Co-Founder & Hospitality Director

Trained chef and Odishan cuisine scholar. Every meal at the resort carries a recipe she collected from village grandmothers.

Arjun Murmu
Arjun Murmu
Chief Naturalist · Santali

Third-generation forest guide from the Murmu Santali lineage. Speaks to the forest in Ol Chiki and translates it into stories you'll remember forever.

Priya Soren
Priya Soren
Conservation Programme Lead

Runs the forest school and anti-poaching data programme. Former wildlife researcher at WWF India, returned to Similipal for the tigers.

"
The forest does not need us to protect it. It needs us to stop forgetting that we are part of it.
Deepak Kumar Ray · Founder, 2008

Recognition

Awards & Certifications

Award
India's Best Eco Resort
Travel + Leisure · 2023
Award
Green Certification Gold
Eco India Council · 2022
Award
Responsible Tourism Award
Ministry of Tourism · 2021
Award
Top 10 Wildlife Lodges
Condé Nast Traveller · 2020
Award
Carbon-Neutral Certified
ClimatePartner · 2024

Come Stay With Us

Your Wild Awaits

The jungle is most honest at 5 in the morning, when the mist sits low on the Budhabalanga and the first hornbill calls. Come and hear it for yourself.

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