Posts filed under ‘Deogarh-Pradhanpat’
Tourism plans for Deogarh
Following is from expressbuzz.com:
DEOGARH: THE erstwhile capital of Bamanda estate, Deogarh, that has a glorious cultural heritage and literary tradition finally got a place on the tourism map of the State.
Bamanda which has to its credit the first ever printing press, hydro power project and telephone line under Raja Sudhal Deb, saw Tourism and Culture Minister Debi Prasad Mishra lay a foundation stone of Pradhanpat tourism project.
On the occasion, Mishra said that an estimated budget of `1 crore has been planned for development of the project and `60 lakh allocated in the first phase.
He said the State Government was mooting development of a tourism circuit comprising waterfall at Pradhanpat, Kurdokot, Deojharan in Deogarh besides Khulundi in Pallahara and Gudguda in Sambalpur.
He said development of tourism would boost growth of parallel economy and provide employment opportunities.
In his address, Deogarh MLA Sanjib Pradhan said in the absence of industrialisation, the development of tourism would provide an alternative to take the district ahead.
He also drew the attention of the Minister for renovation of Basant Niwas, the rest house of the erstwhile rulers of Bamanda estate.
Go chase waterfalls of western Orissa
Following item are from The Telegraph
Bhubaneswar, Feb. 6: If you thought of Orissa as a home to beautiful beaches, awesome temples and exotic wildlife sanctuaries, do not forget to add waterfalls to the list.
Almost all the districts of the state have one or more falls, but some are associated with popular destinations like protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries and temples because, in most cases, tourists are not interested to see just waterfalls, feel officials of the tourism department. But the recent rise in the interest of people in getting into eco-tourism sites, there could be a chance to get serious travellers to do some trekking around waterfalls.
Alok Mishra, marketing manager with the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), said that apart from the regular packages, emphasis was also given to promote waterfalls as major destinations as done in states like Maharashtra and Kerela, but connectivity through roads and infrastructure facility for tourists to stay should be upgraded to explore their potential.
Former joint director of the tourism department Biranchi Mishra, who is also a well-known travel writer, felt that waterfalls do attract tourists at places like Hrishankar, Pradhanpat, Barehipani, Jorandha, Khandadhar and Sanghagra and Badaghagra, but these need to be clubbed and packaged with other religious, historical, forest areas so that tourists could be more interested to include the places in their travel list.
“Like Barehipani and Jorandha in Similipal Tiger Reserve are two beautiful waterfalls of the state. But they are attached to the tourists’ travel plan who want to visit the protected areas. But people coming to see the falls in Keonjhar district — Sanghagra and Badaghagra — might be interested in coffee plantations and observing the lifestyle of the tribal families. So we have to integrate them.
Likewise, the waterfalls of Nrusinghanath and Harishankar have other nearby attractions like temples and medicinal plants. Pradhanpat falls in Deogarh district had the first hydroelectricity generating unit when there was no hydro-electric power concept in Orissa. It showed the foresightedness of the then ruler of the princely state called Bamanda. We have to have a complete database on such things and inform the travellers,” he said.
Barehipani
Orissa’s pride among all the reserved forests, Similipal Tiger Reserve, has got this stepped waterfall which descends from the Meghasani hills in Mayurbhanj district. It is the highest waterfall of the state coming down from a height of 400 metres. Barehipani’s beauty from the viewpoint on the other side of the hill is a thing to remember. As the birds in the forest become quiet at dusk, the sound of the waterfall become very prominent. The waterfall looks breathtaking in full moon.
Jorandha
Similipal is also home to Jorandha (150 metres) amidst the rich Sal vegetation. The tall trees around the fall create a wonderful ambience.
Devkund
Devkund falls, in periphery of Similipal Tiger Reserve, has a series of beautiful waterfalls and the shrine of goddess Ambika. It is situated at a distance of 65km from Baripada and 140km from Chandipur. On the outer periphery of the Sal forest, the perennial waterfall is situated under the Udala block. The waterfalls from the hilltop in five stages by creating five “kundas” or reservoirs named Amrita Kunda, Ghrita Kunda, Haladi Kunda, Devi Kunda and Deva Kunda. On the banks of the river Dev festivals like Raja and Makar Sankranti are celebrated every year.
Khandadhar
This beautiful waterfall in the mineral-rich forests of Sundargarh district descends from a height of 225metres and is the second highest waterfall in the state.
The magnificent view of the cascading waters also makes for a good picnic spot and the entire area is a treasure trove of rare medicinal plants. The place is 114km from the steel township of Rourkela.
Badaghagra/ Sanghagra
Part of the Ghagra river, a tributary of Baitarani, the waterfall is 10km away from Keonjhar town. The 60metre fall is also near the Sanghagra falls (30metres), lying 5km from the district headquarters town. These two falls are popular picnic spots near Keonjhar town. However, another picturesque spot is Gonasika (45km from Keonjhar) where the river Baitarani goes underground briefly and emerges further down over a stone projection shaped like the nose of a cow.
Nrusimhanath
The sacred hills of Gandhamardan in Bargarh district enshrines the temple of Nrusimhanath. Waterfalls like Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar and Chaladhar are beautiful locations.
Besides the falls, tourists also love to see ancient archaeological remains present in the area. The spot is 20km from Nuapada.
Harishankar
On the southern side of Gandhamardan hills, Harishankar shines with a series of beautiful waterfalls cascading on the hill slopes and the last one provides a water slide to the amusement of bathers. An added advantage to the two places of Nrusimhanath and Harishankar is the 16km trekking route by which travellers can go from Harishankar to Nrusimhanath and vice-versa and the journey ensures meeting many rare, endangered and precious medicinal plants. Even historians say that influence of Buddhism was also seen in the archaeological works in the entire area. According to Chinese scholar Hiuen Tsang, the belt might be the seat of a Buddhist university called Polo-mo-lo-ki-li.
Phulrijharan
The 16metre high waterfall is only 15km from Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district. The rainbows created by sun rays playing with the water spray creates a special charm.
Pradhanpat
This beautiful fall is part of Pradhanpat hill, which offers a scenic view and the water comes with several steps from the top creating several natural swimming pools on the hill itself. Close to the Deogarh town, the place is 96km from Sambalpur on NH-6. This waterfall had the first hydro-electric power unit in the state. This region was previously under the princely state of Bamanda.
Duduma
The southern-most district of the state, Malkangiri, has got this beautiful waterfall besides several beautiful lakes spread across the region. The fall is situated 70km from Jeypore town. Duduma waterfall descends from a height of 155metres and feeds water to Machhakunda Dam.
Apart from the waterfalls listed in tourism packages, Gandahati in Gajapati district and Khandadhar, Gundichaghai and Handibhanga in Keonjhar district also draw large crowds.
Travel to Deogarh – ‘The natural paradise of western Orissa’
Following report is from http://www.oktatabyebye.com:
Western Orissa is a very important part of the state and it has eternal beauty which can be proved anytime. Various place like Sambalpur, Bolangir, Jharsuguda, Nrushingnath, Harisankar, Burla dam, Deogarh are the best examples which enrich their value.
I was lucky enough to take a glance of this wonderful part of Orissa. Leaving behind the hectic schedule of my workplace in Delhi, We reached Sambalpur on a very sunny day in June…. Sambalpur has a very good railway station and has also a very good connectivity to all part of India. We boarded Hirakud express to reach Sambalpur. We have booked otdc niwas well in advance. Otherwise you can find a very good number of lodging option at a cheaper rate. The people were very helpful. We thought of not wasting our time in the town and straightaway went to see the famous long Hirakud dam (hydro energy). The stretch was simply awesome. The main attraction was the road to the area. One side you will feel the affection of the village wind and the other side will give you the touch of urbanism.
On the way we visited Jyoti Vihar , sambalpur university….a real huge infrastructure sprawling over acres. …We spent 2-3 hrs on Hirakud dam. These days general public is not allowed to move on the dam. You can only take the charm from a high tower standing just near to it.
We visited Samleswari temple and Huma temple (tilted temple at 75 deg) …really awesome place for picnic and get-together. We explored the sambalpur market in the evening and tried some good food there. The night was a cushion for us as we were very much tired.
The next morning we left for Deogarh…The place of Gangdev empire sometimes back… The town has an excellent history..The road was not very good for 30-40 kms, otherwise it’s a standard road. You will enjoy the combination of plain road and hilly curves. The drive is of 3 hrs with tea breaks ofcourse…hehe…Reached Deogarh at 11 am. Searched for a good lodging….It was not a tough task as we have some known people staying there. But anycase….Hotel mamta & hotel Kiran will be a good option to stay in touch with the town. Otherwise book the circuit house in the world famous waterfall’Pradhanpat’. You will miss everything if u don’t visit Pradhanpat waterfall. Mind blowing and simply wonderful. Based on a hilly area it is around 8 kms from the town.You can hire ricksaw, taxi to reach there. The route is excellent and you will gradually feel the cool breeze….awesome..awesome…we felt like walking and running down the track….There was a very good nursery of excellent flowers. And next to its left the road will take you to the circuit house which is named as Lalit Basant…A palace inside the dense jungle. You will feel as a royal visitor once you sit on the courtyard of this palace…It is said that the king was coming to this place to hunt tigers…. It was the base station of the Bamanda Kingdom…I also got to know that this place generated the 1st hydro power from waterfall in the state….
Then we started walking and finally reached the footstep of the waterfall. Wow…simply wow….You just cannot believe the beauty of nature until you see it with your own eyes…..When we climbed up and up…the temperature was going smooth. It was like heaven in the tough summer of Orissa…hehe..
After staying the whole day by trekking, bathing & strolling we came down in the evening and reached our place by 7 pm…..Then we were served the typical deogarh food….taste was different but really good…It was made in clay oven……
The next moring we visited the local market and some nearby villages to feel the typical style and look….We also visited one very big mango garden…The food like chaat, golgoppe, typical ‘karadi’ (bamboo product)and pakhala rice….were really great ….
Finally after spending a nice break we came back to Sambalpur and took the train at 3 pm….This journey was really awesome …we could have extended our stay and could have also visited Harisnakar and Nrusinghanath..but due to some emergency we had to come back to the busy schedule again…..
Friends…if you are visiting western Orissa, do not forget to visit Deogarh for sure…..You will enjoy this place……wait for the next episode.
Important place to visit :
Pradhanpat waterfall, Kudurkut waterfall, Olta bara (banyan tree with inverted leaves) at Purnagarh, Lalit basant, Kings palace, ushakothi sanctuary, badarama ghati
Accomodation : lalit basant, Hotel mamta, Hotel Kiran
more info : soumyajitmishra.wordpress.com
Pradhanpat waterfall of Deogarh
Following information is taken from http://www.mapsofindia.com:
The Pradhanpat Falls is located at a distance of 100 Kilometers from Sambalpur and also at a reasonable distance from the city of Deogarh. The Pradhanpat Falls is a picturesque waterfall which is surrounded by some of the rarest scenic sights of nature which makes it one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Orissa.
With rolling hill and green woods creating the backdrop, the Pradhanpat Falls cascades down like a stream of colors. A treat for the eyes, the Pradhanpat Falls is one of the greatest treasures of nature. There are two guest houses near the Pradhanpat Falls, the Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta and they are the perfect places from where the beauty and charm of the Pradhanpat Falls can be enjoyed most intimately.
Following Pictures are taken from satyeshnaik.blogspot.com:
A map of Deogarh district (Pradhanpat indicated as a red dot).
Kosal Discussion and Development Forum 