Tourist Places In Kalahandi

Kalahandi, a district in Odisha, is rich in natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural significance. Here are some of the prominent tourist places to visit:

Waterfalls & Nature:

• Phurlijharan Waterfall: One of the most popular attractions in Kalahandi, located about 16 km from Bhawanipatna. It's a perennial waterfall of about 30 feet (9 meters) height, known for the multi-colored rainbows formed by the sun's rays on the scattered water droplets. It's a fantastic picnic spot.

• Dokrichanchara Waterfall: Situated near Kokasara village, on the border of Kalahandi and Nabarangpur districts. It's a scenic spot with two prominent waterfalls, Dokaridara and Bhanyaraghumara (or Bhairavdhar), and offers clear water pools.

• Gudahandi Waterfall & Caves: Located near the Dokrichanchara Waterfall, the Gudahandi hills are home to ancient caves with pictographic paintings, indicating prehistoric human habitation. The waterfalls here are also very picturesque.

• Rabandhara Waterfall & Cave: A place of great scenic beauty, about 12.8 km from Bhawanipatna, with a beautiful waterfall and a cave.

• Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 12 km from Bhawanipatna, this dense patch of dry deciduous forest is home to various wildlife like leopards, gaur, sambar, nilgai, and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. It also features several smaller waterfalls like Khandual fall, Ghusurigudi, Dumri Jhulla, Kamla Jharan, Kuang, and Ghusurigudi.

• Ampani Hills & Sanctuary: Situated about 77 km from Bhawanipatna, these picturesque hills offer panoramic views. The "Haladigundi" valley here exhibits peculiar features due to reflected sun rays, making objects appear yellow in the morning and evening. The area is rich in wildlife, including spotted deer, sambar, and black panthers. Pre-historic cave paintings are also found nearby.

• Hello Point: A picnic spot and valley viewpoint, offering views of a significant part of Kalahandi district, including Junagarh and Kalampur block, from the top of the Eastern Ghats. It's named "Hello Point" because all telecom services receive signals here.

• Other Waterfalls: Mukhipata Waterfall, Karak Waterfall Ampani, Badghumar Waterfalls, Benakhamar Waterfall, Ramkasi Waterfall, Sospadar Waterfall.

Historical & Religious Sites:

• Manikeswari Temple, Bhawanipatna: A revered Shakti shrine and the main deity associated with the royal family of Kalahandi. The famous Chhatar Jatra festival is celebrated here during Dussehra.

• Lankeshwari Temple, Junagarh: Situated about 15 km from Bhawanipatna, this is another significant Shakti Peetha, known for its black chlorite stone idol of Maa Lankeshwari.

• Asurgarh Fort: An ancient fort located in Narla, about 30 km from Bhawanipatna. It's a historically significant site, believed to have housed a civilization about 2000 years old, and home to the Stambeswari Temple, one of the earliest brick temples in Eastern India (around 500 AD).

• Belkhandi Temple Complex: Located at the confluence of the Tel and Uttei rivers, Belkhandi is an important archaeological site. Ruins of 12th-century monuments have been excavated here, including sculptures of Sapta Matruka (Seven Mother Goddesses) and Uma Maheswar. A small museum preserves these ruins.

• Junagarh: The old capital of the former Kalahandi princely state, it features a well-built fort with several ancient temples like Dadhibamana Temple and Kanakdurga Temple. It also has sculptural evidence of the "Sati-Rite."

• Mohangiri: A village near a hill stream called Kali Ganga, it houses a dilapidated Shiva temple believed to be one of the oldest in Odisha (6th century AD).

• Amathguda Fort: An ancient fort situated on the right bank of the Tel river, now in ruins, but holds architectural and historical significance.

• Madanpur Rampur Palace: A historical palace in Madanpur Rampur.

• Dhabaleswar Shiva Temple: Located at Mohangiri, around 85 km northeast of Bhawanipatna, on the bank of the Kali Ganga stream.

Other Attractions:

• Bhawanipatna: The district headquarters, an old city with a rich history and several temples. It serves as a base for exploring other attractions in the district.

• Indravati Lake (Mukhiguda): A beautiful lake formed by the Indravati Project.

• Mardiguda: Believed to be the origin point of the Indravati river, where three streams emerge from beneath a mango tree.

• Bhatrajore Dam: A dam located in the district.

• Royal Palace (Koksara): A historical royal residence.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kalahandi is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.