Journey To Khandadhar Waterfall

About Khandadhar:-               


Khandadhar waterfall is a famous tourist destination in Western
part of Odisha. Khandadhar Waterfall is situated at Nandapani, 

Bonaigarh in the Sundergarh District Of Odisha .It is one of the

highest waterfalls in India.Its height is about 224 Meters.





‘Khanda’means sword, and ‘Dhara’means the flow of 

water looks like sharp sword , So it is named as ‘Khandadhar’.

Situated in the dense forest , this waterfall is free from 

pollution making it a ideal place. It is nature’s miracle and 

it’s view is just mesmerizing. However if you plan for a picnic 

then separate arrangement and ample space has been allotted,

which can be booked at the entrance gate. Odisha Tourism 

department provided Nature Camp cottage facility to have the 

best experience of this place . The food quality at the nature 

camp is quite best as all the food is prepared from fresh 

produce from the local area. The booking of the Natures camp 

can be done at :- https://www.ecotourodisha.com//.   

History of Khandadhar:- 

       There is no written history over Khandadhar origin, but The Pauri Bhuiya inhibit at their area around the waterfall has an interesting story to tell about the fall. The story is: -an avaricious goddess Knakala Devi consumed trees , soil, and everything else. Losing all hope the Pauri Bhuiya placed her on a rock and she ate through as well , creating a deep hole from which Khandadhar started to flow. And the community had water. Then a couple from the community went to visit relatives which were present at the end of the Khandadhar mountain range. When they reached there no one present at that place.They found a pile, of grains had been left outdoors and, amazingly, not even the birds were eating it. Inside the pile they discovered  Khand Kumari, the goddess of prosperity and the protector of their land. Without any hesitation they brought her back with them to Sundergarh. All of this resulted in the Goddess’s  strength being bestowed upon the whole community.  

My Journey Experience:-  

    Early morning we have started our journey from Bhubaneswar. It is better to have your vehicle while you travel to a place like Khandadhar to enjoy all the moments. From Bhubaneswar to Khandadhar there are two routes (1st through Pallahara Road and 2nd through Deogarh). On the way, we choose the Deogarh Route so that we can explore another famous waterfall 'Pradhanpat' . Whenever you plan for a long journey and you have the time it is better to plan properly to enjoy more.    

     At 9 AM we reached Dhenkanal and we had our breakfast, the famous Dhenkanal bara and Ghuguni. This bara is so famous because of its authentic taste. this is due to the use of pure toor dal. Also the Ghuguni(a dish made with dried yellow peas) made with simplicity and mostly eaten with snacks .

       

    After that, we move forward to Kaniha. On the way to Kaniha you find a beautiful place that is Samal Barrage where you can click some beautiful moment and if you are lucky you can see some rare birds especially during winter.  

   

Some random Clicks of Samal Barrage

   Now it was time to move to Deogarh through Budhapal road . On the way we have enjoyed the scenic beauty when we move parallel with Tikera River. At 4 PM we reached to towering waterfall surrounded by stone cliffs & tumbling into a pool ,with a lookout area is named as 'Pradhanpat Waterfall'.  

 Brief Of Pradhanpat Waterfall :-

    This waterfall is the heart of Deogarh town .For water-supply ,Deogarh town depends upon this waterfall (since-1959) . Pradhanpat is a calm and quite place in midst nature. If you want to feel free and breathe the moist oxygenated air forgetting all tension in your life for some time then this is the best place .Sit near the waterfall and you can feel it . You have to walk through 50 to 60 stair, to reach the waterfall. At the entrance of the waterfall stair you can see the temple of goddess 'Pradhanpateswari' from which the waterfall got its nomenclature. Bath is restricted inside the waterfall pool by the government to prevent pollution. Even in the summer, the sun-ray could not enter to this place due to dense forest.While you sit near the waterfall area you can here sweet sounds of birds which gives peace to your mind. Surprisingly during our visit, we found a chameleon in its natural habitat. Before this we have seen this reptile in zoo and TV only. This is also a preferable place for a picnic lover. Here facility like children park, toilet,2 nos of Dak bungalow  is also present developed by the government. In Deogarh town you can find some decent hotels and the food quality is also quite good.

      

  

At the Entrance

Pradhani Patneswari Temple

                                                                    Near Waterfall

Small cave At The Waterfall

After spending some good moments at the waterfall we return back at 5.30 PM. We had already traveled about 252 KM and feeling tired. But we have decided to move forward on NH-49 towards Khandadhar waterfall as it was our ultimate destination. After traveling about 80 KM we reached Barkote and decided for night stay there. Surprisingly we got a lodge there and that was the only lodge there whose quality was not up to the mark. However, after having a bath we relaxed and came out for dinner. In front of the lodge, we found a Dhaba. The food quality was average but cheap. 

           

    Next morning we move forward to Khandadhar waterfall. Due to dense fog we are facing problems to drive because of lower visibility level .

          

      

       

On The Foggy Road

       At 9AM finally we reached our destination the Khandadhar waterfall .There was a huge crowd we found for picnic. At the entrance gate there was a decent breakfast stall run by local people. After completing our breakfast we move towards the waterfall. The place was well maintained and clean enough. The cottages run by Eco tour Odisha are looks awesome, and we had the regret that we missed staying there. Near the water stream, there was bridge well decorated and the lawn was with sitting arrangement. In every corner there was a facility of the dustbin to maintain cleanliness. Near to that separate route was present for picnic. 

       

     Now the main part, that is the 1.5 KM straight trekking to reach the waterfall. While climbing the steps we were feeling more tired. I suggest people having knee problems and suffering from high blood pressure issue should avoid this. But before 300 meter to reach the waterfall when you see the full view of the waterfall you will forget all your pain. When there is pain there is gain, and yes the view of waterfall sure hypnotizes you.   

  

    When I get  into the Waterfall pool, the water was too cold that my legs are not allowing me to move . However I just went closer to the fall and the heavenly experience I couldn't explain  in words.

      

    While returning I met a Sage(Sadhu Baba), on the way while resting near his hut. From him, I came to know that the amount of water discharge from the fall is decreasing in recent years due to heavy mining near the mountain. It also affect wildlife near this area. 

Some Random Clicks

     After 2 Hours we return back at 12.15 PM and started our return journey . This time we choose the Pallahara Road to return. We just stay by the road side to have a tea break after 15 KM and there was a beautiful mustard field . I could not wait and suddenly enter the field and taken some clicks as memory.    

Near about 2.15 PM we just took rest near a reservoir named as 'Dadraghat Dam'. 

        

         

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