Are you looking for a natural wonder in Odisha that will take your breath away? If yes, then you should not miss the Khandadhar waterfall, a spectacular sight in the Sundargarh district. This is one of the highest and widest waterfalls in Odisha, and the 9th highest waterfall in India. In this blog post, I will tell you everything you need to know about Khandadhar waterfall, including how to reach there, what to see and do, and some tips for a memorable trip.
What is Khandadhar Waterfall?
Khandadhar waterfall is a 244 meters (801 ft) high waterfall that plunges from a rocky hill in the midst of a lush green forest. The name Khandadhar means “sword-like” in Odia, as the waterfall resembles a sharp blade cutting through the greenery. The waterfall creates a majestic roar as it falls down the cliff, and also forms a beautiful rainbow at the base of the fall.
Khandadhar waterfall is located at Nandapani, Bonaigarh in Sundargarh district. It is fed by the Korapani Nala, a small stream that originates from the Khandadhar hill range. There is another waterfall with the same name, Khandadhar Falls, Kendujhar, which is located on the opposite side of the hill range in Kendujhar district.
How to Reach Khandadhar Waterfall?
Khandadhar waterfall is about 104 km away from Rourkela, which is the nearest major city. You can reach Rourkela by bus or train from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, or other cities in Odisha. From Rourkela, you can hire a taxi or a bike to reach Khandadhar waterfall via Bonaigarh. The road from Rourkela passes through some tribal villages and forests, offering a scenic drive.
Alternatively, you can also reach Khandadhar waterfall from Kendujhar, which is about 132 km away. You can take a bus or train to Kendujhar and then hire a taxi or bike to reach the waterfall.
What to See and Do at Khandadhar Waterfall?
The main attraction at Khandadhar waterfall is, of course, the waterfall itself. You can enjoy the view of the waterfall from a distance or climb down some steps to reach the base of the fall. There you can feel the spray of water on your face and take some amazing photos with the rainbow. You can also take a dip in the pool formed by the waterfall, but be careful as it can be slippery and deep.
Apart from the waterfall, you can also explore the surrounding forest and hills. The area is rich in biodiversity and home to many birds and animals. You might spot some peacocks, monkeys, deer, or even elephants if you are lucky. You can also go for trekking or camping in the forest if you are feeling adventurous.
Tips for Visiting Khandadhar Waterfall
Here are some tips to make your visit to Khandadhar waterfall more enjoyable and safe:
- The best time to visit the Khandadhar waterfall is during or after the monsoon season (July-October) when the waterfall is at its full glory. However, you can also visit during other seasons as the waterfall never dries up completely.
- Carry enough water and snacks with you as there are no shops or restaurants near the waterfall. You can also pack a picnic basket and enjoy your meal near the waterfall.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you will have to walk and climb some steps to reach the waterfall. Also, carry an umbrella or raincoat as it might rain anytime.
- Be respectful of nature and do not litter or harm any plants or animals. Do not feed any wild animals as it might disturb their natural behavior.
- Do not venture too close to the edge of the waterfall or swim alone in the pool. Follow the instructions of the local guides and authorities for your safety.
I hope this blog post has inspired you to visit the Khandadhar waterfall and experience its beauty for yourself. If you have any questions or suggestions about this topic, please leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
N.B.: All these images were taken by Champakeswar Mahanta, Suraj Pattanayak, Loknath Palauri, and Manas Muduli.
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