Best Places To Visit In Kandhamal
Kandhamal district in Odisha, often referred to as the "Kashmir of Odisha" due to its cool climate and scenic beauty, is a treasure trove of natural attractions, particularly known for its lush green hills, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls. It's a great destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Here are some of the prominent tourist places in Kandhamal:
1. Daringbadi:
The "Kashmir of Odisha": This is the most famous destination in Kandhamal, known for its cool climate, especially during winters when it experiences occasional snowfall (making it the only place in Odisha to witness this phenomenon).
Hill View Park: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Pine Jungle and Coffee Gardens: Explore the vast pine forests and coffee plantations that add to the scenic charm.
Lovers Point: A picturesque spot amidst nature, popular for its serene environment and small natural cave formations.
Nature Park and Butterfly Park: Ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Doluri River: A scenic river flowing through the area.
Sunrise and Sunset Points: Offer breathtaking views of the dawn and dusk over the hills.
Emu Farm Sanctuary: A unique attraction where you can see emus.
2. Waterfalls: Kandhamal is dotted with many beautiful waterfalls, some of the popular ones include:
Putudi Waterfall: Situated about 18 km from Phulbani, this waterfall sees the Salunki River falling from a height of 60 ft, creating a captivating ambiance.
Ludu Waterfall: Located near Subarnagiri, this waterfall cascades in five streams over rocky platforms amidst dense forests and hills.
Midubanda Waterfall: Another beautiful waterfall in the region.
Sukedi Waterfall: A 40-foot high waterfall surrounded by hills and dense forests, located near G. Udayagiri.
Pakdajhar Waterfall: A scenic waterfall near Phulbani.
Katramala Waterfall: A picturesque waterfall amidst lush greenery.
3. Wildlife and Nature Camps:
Belghar Nature Camp: Situated at an altitude of approximately 2555 ft, it's located inside the Kotgarh Elephant Reserve and is famous for wildlife, particularly elephants. It's also home to the Kutia Kandha tribe, known for their traditional lifestyle.
Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: A significant wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Padmatala Sanctuary: Features a large pond where various animals reside, and is known for its population of Gharial crocodiles.
Mandasaru Silent Valley: This unique gorge ecosystem is considered the "Silent Valley of Odisha" due to its tranquil environment, frequent weather changes, and rich biodiversity. It also has a nature camp.
4. Religious Sites:
Birupakshya Temple: An important temple in Chakapad.
Barala Devi Temple: A revered goddess temple located at Balaskumpa, considered the presiding deity of the area.
Jagannath Temple (Phulbani): Located in the district headquarters, this temple is a significant religious site for locals and visitors.
Other Points of Interest:
Coffee & Black Pepper Gardens: Explore these plantations, especially around Daringbadi.
Pila Salunki Dam: A picturesque dam site near Barala Devi Temple, ideal for picnics.
Taptapani Hot Springs: While not directly in Kandhamal, it's a popular nearby attraction if you're exploring the broader region.
Tips for Visiting Kandhamal:
Best Time to Visit: The winter months (October to March) are ideal for visiting Kandhamal, especially Daringbadi, as the weather is cool and pleasant, and you might even experience snowfall.
Accommodation: Daringbadi and Phulbani offer various accommodation options, including nature camps and hotels.
Transportation: Kandhamal is accessible by road. Phulbani is the district headquarters and has bus services connecting it to various parts of Odisha. The nearest railway station is Berhampur, and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.
Kandhamal offers a refreshing escape into nature, with its hills, forests, and waterfalls providing a tranquil and scenic experience.

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