Top Places To Visit In Koraput
Koraput district in Odisha is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich tribal culture, and historical significance. Here are some of the must-visit tourist places in Koraput:
Natural Wonders & Scenic Spots:
Deomali: This is the highest mountain peak in Odisha, standing at 1,672 meters. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Eastern Ghats and is ideal for trekking, nature walks, and even aero-gliding. The hilltop view from the watch tower is particularly stunning.
Duduma Waterfalls (Machhkund): A majestic waterfall on the Machhkund River, falling from a height of 175 meters. It's also a significant hydro-electricity project site and is known as "Matsya Tirtha."
Rani Duduma Waterfall: Another beautiful waterfall near Nandapur, surrounded by dense forests. It's a popular spot for winter picnics.
Kolab Reservoir & Dam: Situated at an altitude of about 3000 ft, this majestic reservoir on the Kolab River is known for its scenic beauty, making it a great spot for picnics and boating.
Jalaput Dam: Located near the Odisha-Andhra border, this vast reservoir offers serene beauty and is a popular picnic spot.
Bagra Waterfall: Located near Jeypore, this waterfall offers picturesque views, with the water level often dependent on releases from the Kolab dam.
Gulmi: A scenic spot where the Kolab river forms a whirlpool, attracting many visitors.
Balda Cave: Surrounded by natural beauty, this cave is a sought-after trekking and nature-lover's spot. It is also a shrine dedicated to Goddess Nageswari.
Maliguda Tunnel Bridge: India's 4th highest broad-gauge railway tunnel, an engineering marvel offering spectacular views of trains winding through the hills and forests.
Cultural & Religious Sites:
Sabara Srikhetra (Jagannath Temple, Koraput): Often referred to as the "Southern Abode of Lord Jagannath," this beautiful temple is located on a scenic hillock and is unique for its embrace of tribal culture. It hosts a vibrant Rath Yatra where local tribes actively participate.
Gupteswar Caves: A revered Shiva shrine nestled in a lush green hill amidst a deep forest. Legend has it that Lord Rama discovered this cave. The massive Shiva Lingam inside is believed to be ever-growing, drawing thousands of pilgrims, especially during Shravan.
Tribal Museum, Koraput: Established in 1992, this museum offers an authentic display of Odisha's tribal culture, showcasing collections of traditional costumes, hand-woven clothes, musical instruments, and more.
Ram Temple & Hanuman Statue, Dumuriput: Located between Koraput and Sunabeda, this temple houses a prominent statue of Lord Hanuman, which is the second-highest kneeling Hanuman statue in Odisha.
Jain Temple Subai, Nandapur: This site is known for its Jain monastery with five ancient Jain temples dedicated to Tirthankaras like Mahavira, Parshvanatha, and Rishabhanatha.
Nandapur (Batrisa Sinhasana): The ancient capital of the Jeypore Kingdom, famous for the "Batrisa Sinhasana," a 32-step well-preserved relic linked with the fabled throne of Vikramaditya.
Towns & Other Attractions:
Jeypore: The largest town in the district, historically significant as the home of the royal family. It features an old fort and the Jagannath Sagar Lake, a large man-made lake with an amusement park and gardens, popular for water sports.
Damanjodi: Famous for the discovery of bauxite mines and the establishment of NALCO, Asia's largest Alumina complex. It also boasts the Kanta Baunsuni Temple and a towering Hanuman statue.
Sunabeda: A modern township known for its HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) factory, which produces MIG fighter planes and Sukhoi aircraft. It also has a Jagannath Temple.
Onukadelli: This small, vibrant village is known for its weekly market (Thursdays) where the Bonda tribe, a Neolithic community, comes to trade.
Koraput offers a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and cultural immersion, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking an offbeat experience.

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