Kandhamal: Waterfall, Forest and Temple

Kandhamal can be considered in terms of two themes when planning a trip: landscapes with water and forest, and religious sites. If you are planning a hotel stay in the district, first consider which of these interests you would like to focus on most.

Waterfall, Gorge and Forest

At Putudi, the Salunki River plunges 60 feet. The Mandasaru Gorge ecosystem lies in the eastern part of Kandhamal district in Odisha and is surrounded by dense tropical moist deciduous forest. This brings together distinct landscape features: the waterfall at Putudi and the forested gorge at Mandasaru. For comparison within the broader destination of Orissa, the Baheripani and Joranda waterfalls in Similipal Tiger Reserve plunge about 400 and 150 metres, respectively.

Mandasaru Valley Nature Camp is situated on a hilltop and offers a panoramic view of the Mandasaru Gorge. The view adds a specific perspective on the gorge to the description of the ecosystem. Daringbadi is also worth considering when comparing geographical details: the town is located at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level. This approximate elevation describes Daringbadi itself, while the 60 feet at Putudi refers to the river’s drop.

Elevation and Getting There

The nearest bus stop to Daringbadi is in Daringbadi. Check transport arrangements before your trip. This information relates to Daringbadi and is a separate point of orientation alongside the landscape details. Duluri is also a designated tourist destination in Kandhamal district, making it another of the named destinations in the district.

Religious Sites in Kandhamal

The Barala Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Barala Devi. The Birupakshya Temple is a religious shrine in Kandhamal. The descriptions emphasize different aspects: the dedication is central to the Barala Devi Temple, while the Birupakshya Temple is described as a shrine. These religious connections add a cultural perspective on Kandhamal to its landscape themes.

Orissa as a Broader Context

In the broader destination of Orissa, Odissi dance developed from the ancient Mahari dance tradition, which dates back thousands of years. Devadasi dancers performed this tradition at the Temple of Jagannath in Puri. Odissi later developed into the classical dance form of Odisha. This history of dance offers a broader cultural perspective on Orissa.

Culinary traditions are also part of this broader context. Mahaprasad is the offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri. It is prepared in earthen pots stacked on top of one another over a hearth; the topmost pot cooks first. Pakhala is fermented rice, soaked in water overnight and eaten with fried vegetables and fish. In Odisha, Pakhala is considered a typical summer dish. The history of dance and food culture thus show further facets of the broader destination of Orissa.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Phulbani, Kendrapara, Ganjam, Bargarh, Bhadrak, Sambalpur, Angul, Jagatsinghpur.

For the broader travel overview: Odisha.