Tourist Places In Keonjhar


Keonjhar district in Odisha is a treasure trove of natural beauty, ancient temples, and historical sites, offering a diverse experience for tourists. It's particularly known for its numerous waterfalls and mineral wealth.

Here's a breakdown of popular tourist places in Keonjhar:

Waterfalls & Natural Beauty:

  • Sanaghagara Waterfall: A perennial waterfall located about 5 km from Keonjhar town. It's a popular picnic spot surrounded by lush green forests.

  • Badaghagara Waterfall: Situated close to Sanaghagara, about 3 km away, this waterfall is another beautiful attraction. It's a picturesque spot for nature lovers and picnickers.

  • Khandadhar Waterfall: Considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Odisha, this magnificent waterfall plunges from a height of around 500 feet. The vertical drop creates a misty, roaring environment, and the surrounding mountain range adds to its charm. It's about 50 km from Keonjhar town.

  • Handibhanga Waterfall: This 200-foot-high waterfall is located amidst a beautiful natural environment with lush green forests and rolling mountains, about 45 km from Keonjhar town.

  • Gundichaghai Waterfall: Located amidst a spectacular natural setting, this cascade on the Musala River falls about 50 feet, creating a misty and attractive ambiance.

  • Bhimkund: A natural water reservoir and picnic spot, significant for its association with the Mahabharata. It's located amidst a picturesque landscape between Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts.

  • Kanjipani Ghati: A scenic natural spot with magnificent rolling mountain ranges, spread over 20 km along NH-49. It's a treasure house of rich flora and fauna, offering a unique experience for nature lovers. During the rainy season, clouds often touch the valley.

  • Keshari Kunda: Located on the bank of the Baitarani River, this spot is known for its two holes on the riverbed, attracting people for a holy dip. It's also a popular picnic and holiday spot.

  • Hadagarh Reservoir: Built on the Salandi River, this dam provides a vast water source and is surrounded by a splendid natural environment with high mountain ranges, making it ideal for picnickers.

  • Deomali: While Deomali itself is the highest peak in Odisha and located in Koraput district, the elevated terrain and natural beauty of Keonjhar offer similar serene experiences.

Temples & Religious Sites:

  • Maa Tarini Temple, Ghatagaon: One of the most revered and popular temples in Odisha, dedicated to Goddess Tarini. It attracts a large number of devotees.

  • Kushaleswar Temple (Deogaon): An ancient Shiva temple built around 900 AD, located on the bank of the Kusei River. It's a significant pilgrimage center, especially during Jagar Mela and Sravan Purnima.

  • Gonasika Temple (Brahmeswar Mahadev Temple): Situated by the side of the Baitarani River, this place is considered the origin point of the river. The river flows underground for a short distance here, appearing to jump out from a stone projection resembling a cow's nostril, giving the place its name ("Gonasika" meaning cow's nose).

  • Murga Mahadev Temple: This temple stands majestically at the foot of Thakurani Hills, with a perennial spring and a gorgeous waterfall nearby, offering a scenic and spiritual experience.

  • Kichakeswari Temple (Khiching): While technically in Mayurbhanj district, it's very close to the border with Keonjhar and is a significant archaeological and religious site known for its ancient temple and museum.

  • Sidha Matha Jagannath Temple: Located about 3 km from Keonjhar town, this temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. It also features a medicinal garden and the Sidha Jhar waterfall nearby.

  • Jhadeswar Temple (Anandapur): Another significant Shiva temple in the district.

  • Jagannath Temple (Keonjhar Town): A prominent temple in the heart of Keonjhar town, built in the style of the Puri Jagannath Temple.

Historical & Cultural Sites:

  • Sitabinji Fresco Painting & Rock Inscription: Located by the holy Sita River, this site features ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter called "Ravan Chahaya," depicting the legendary battle of Lord Rama and Ravana. It also has rock inscriptions and archaeological remains suggesting an ancient civilization from the Gupta period.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Keonjhar is during the winter season (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring waterfalls and outdoor attractions. The monsoon season (July to October) also makes the waterfalls particularly vibrant, but accessibility might be a challenge in some remote areas.

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