Bhubaneswar: Expeditions to the unexplored locations in the state getting popular among youngsters in the city.

With nature displaying its beautiful and green landscapes, an increasing of youths exploring various districts such as Mayurbhanj, Koraput, Kalahandi and to small hills in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

Accompanied by people from the tribal communities, a group of five young adventure lovers had ventured on a hiking trip to Deomali that is the highest mountain peak in the state last month.

Braving the winter chill, the trekkers travelled through the uneven terrains to enjoy the picturesque valleys of the district. Before climbing Deomali, they were taken on small treks to acclimatise with the weather. "Trekking during the winter season is soothing, because nature is at its best during this time. Our aim was to popularise the quaint district, along with letting the hikers spend time in the lap of nature," said Anant Basudev.

A number of youth groups are also taking on road trips across the state. A 23-year-old engineering student, Gokul Nayak, drove from Rourkela to Puri in an MUV with his cousins last month.

"We have been planning for a road trip since a very long time but were not able to choose the right place. We had a long weekend off, so we took up the drive. We had fun," said Ayan.

Speaking about the benefits of a road trip, Gokul said: "We had the car with us, so we could go for sightseeing around Puri. Naturally, the hassles of hiring public transport is not there in this case."

A number of youngsters have been travelling to places that are unheard of. The Talasari and Dagara beaches in Balasore district and the temples of Jharsuguda are some of them.