ODISHA WHISPERS : 10 Places You Should Never Miss Out !
Odisha is like a deep tunnel, where you could dig in to explore deeper and still find something new every time. You can visit from the North to deep down in the south and find so much to delve into. As it’s popularly said, every place has its own story. We all need to embed that new story and add some freshness into our lives while manifesting something new yet raw.
Here is a list of best-untrodden locations in Odisha filled with surprises for the wanderlust. Do add these places to your itinerary the next time you are on a voyage.
1. Khanduala Waterfall
Through the shrublands and the mixed deciduous forest of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kalahandi district, flows the mesmerising waterfall, Khanduala which takes travellers by awe with its charm. It derives its name from the shrine Goddess Khanduala which is located on top of the hill.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March.
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 400 KM
2. Pir Jahania Beach
The golden sandy beach, 6 KMs away from Astaranga in Puri district, should be your go-to place, if you are in search of some tranquility. In its close proximity stands the famous shrine of Sufi saint Pir Jahania, which welcomes people from all religions. The handicraft market is a pure delight to get hands on some exotic designs.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 65 KM
3. Duduma Waterfalls
One of the highest ‘plunge’ type waterfalls in the country, with a height of more than 550 feet, the Duduma Falls glides down the towering mountains in the Badigada village of Koraput. Emerging from River Machkund, this waterfall has two branches, one side of which falls into Odisha and the other side falls into Andhra Pradesh. Apart from serving as the habitat for “the Bonda” tribe, this enigmatic fall is the backbone of the Machkund Hydro Electric Power Project.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to November
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 541.3 km
4. Potagada Fort, Ganjam
Potagarh, which translates to “buried fort” in Odia, indeed justifies its meaning as the wreckage stands, witnessing foreign rulers come and go, since time immemorial. Built in 1768 on the confluence of the river Rushikulya and the Bay of Bengal, the construction of this star-shaped fort was started by Edward Costford, the first resident of Ganjam. The architectural design was planned with regards to river fortification. The ancient monument is actually a cluster of forts, which greatly interests scholars and historians. You will also find a British-era cemetery in close proximity to the fort, which has graves of British soldiers who died in the First World War.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to March
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 142.8 km via NH16
5. Rushikulya Beach
The pristine beach is an absolute weekend retreat. If you are fond of sea creatures, then you will certainly like this beach. While taking a stroll along the beach, you might even spot the endangered Olive Ridley turtles.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to February
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 167.6 km via NH16 and SH30
6. Barehipani Waterfalls
The second highest waterfall in India is situated in Simlipal National Park. Barehipani waterfall is a two-tiered waterfall that drops down from a height of 399 m with a reverberant crashing sound. Originating from the River Budhabalanga it gushes through the gargantuan Meghasani mountain and settles in the pool below.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 289.1 km via NH16
7. Badaghagara Waterfall Odisha
Providing a soul-stirring experience to every traveller who traverses through the Kendujhar district is the Badaghagara Waterfall. Set some 9 km away from the district headquarter of the town Kendujhar which is a part of the Kendujhar district, Badaghagara is one of the famous waterfalls in Odisha. Dropping from a height of 60 m, Badaghagara is a special part of the Ghaghara River which itself is a tributary of River Baitarani. One special thing about this waterfall of Odisha is its never-ending flow of water which is the reason why a dam was constructed close to the downstream side. The greenery around adds a soft touch of magic to the already charismatic waterfall and hence tourists swarm here in numbers to spend some leisure time.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to February
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 205.4 KM via NH16
8. Leaning Temple of Huma
Located on the banks of River Mahanadi, this temple was built in 1670 by King Baliar Singh, the fifth king of the Chauhan Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vimleshwar (Lord Shiva), one of the Ashtasambhu (8 Shiva-Lingas). The uniqueness of this temple is attributed to its tilted structure which was deliberately designed to safeguard the arena from the ferocious tides of Mahanadi and Dhulijore. The slanting mould is no miracle but pure science involving the principle of ‘center of gravity’ and over the years, the skewed paragon has become the temple’s identity.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 285.7 km via NH55
9.Chandragiri
Located in the Gajapati district of Odisha, built in the Atanpuri style of architecture, Chandragiri is famous for Tibetan settlement and for the Buddhist monastery adjacent to it, which is popularly known as Jeerango Temple. It is referred to as “Phuntsokling”, which means “Land of Happiness and Plenty”, by the Tibetian refugees living there. The rare scenic beauty and the picturesque landscape surrounded by luxuriant tropical forest, gurgling rivers, exquisite mountain slopes and roaring hilltops makes it a perfect adobe for travellers. The place is also famous for seasonal fruits, Tibetan woollen garments, carpets and dogs of various breeds.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 255.5 km via NH16
10. Beaches in Brahmapur
Pati Sonepur Beach
In Sorala of Ganjam district lashes the hypnotic beach untainted by humankind. Its location at the convergence of the river Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal adds to its aura. It is one of the cleanest sea beaches in Odisha & also a picnic spot for gathering friends & family.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to June
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 198 km via NH16
Dhabaleswar Beach
While most of the people move toward the Gopalpur beach, there remains the secluded beach in Dhabaleshwar, in the Ganjam district of Odisha, untouched by plastics. In the neighbouring region stands the Dhabaleshwar temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. Devotees from all over India and abroad flock here during the Kartik Purnima and Panchula festival to experience the spiritual aroma.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to March
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 179.4 km via NH16
Aryapalli Beach
Far away from the rat race of city life, the silver sand coated beach is a perfect sub-bathing destination for relaxation. In the vicinity lies the Sand Mineral Project which is another attraction that you should not miss. The coastline of Aryapalli beach lies in the rain-shadow region, so there is no tension of untimely downpours too.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October and June
DISTANCE FROM BHUBANESWAR: 161.5 km via NH16
Odisha has got many interesting and unexplored places, traversing which will add a life time memory to your travelogue. So, what are you waiting for ? Dive into the adventure and have a great time exploring the hidden gems.
https://rtdjournal.com/odisha-sea-devours-parts-of-beach-roads-on-puri-konark-coast/
