Koraput is a tribal state in southern Odisha, known for its rich history, huge natural resources, industries, vibrant culture, handicrafts and breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we will explore the visiting places in koraput.
One will experience an unique and unforgettable experience, if he/she is seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. A district with many unexplored tourist places, offers a good platform to explore detailed about different indigenous tribes.
In this article, I will try to go in depth about the Koraput visiting places and the things and culture to be explored in each area. Even I will try to guide you, if you are planning to do picnic and stay here.
We will start the journey with a spiritual note. That’s the Jagannath temple of Koraput. Then we will check other places of Koraput to explore.
Then we will discuss the different mesmerizing places around the Koraput district center. Then I will give you an idea of the tribes of Koraput, their culture and different handicrafts produced by these tribal people.
Jagannath temple - Places to visit in Koraput
There is a beautiful Jagannath temple in Koraput and known as Sabara Shrikhetra. Mostly the Sabara tribes takes care of daily Niti of the temple.
The temple was constructed in 1972 and for the first time on 12th July, 1972 first car festival was celebrated here. One of the person of the tribal village does the Chera Panhara here during Ratha Jatra.
During Navakalebara of 1969, some woods were remained unused. Instead of floating those woods in water, they built the idol out of those woods. The Jagannath murti made from those woods are being worshipped here in Sabara Shrikhetra.
Initially in one car or Ratha all three lords were going to Gundicha Mandir, But from 2019, 3 different Ratha are being maid during Ratha Yatra.
Every day from 12.30 AM to 3.00 PM Anna Prasada is available here for 60 Rs (For parcel Rs 70). Previously in evening also devotees were able to get the prasada, but after corona, prasada is available only in day time.
There is a Bhoga Mandapa here, where people consume the prasada. There is no dining table, you have to seat on the floor only.
In the main temple, all three lords, Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra gets worshipped. In the temple premises, there is another place where you can find different Besha of lord Jagannath.
There are two ways to reach the temple. One is either through the hilly roads, where you can drive through and the other is through the stairs.
Tribal Museum - Koraput places to visit
If you are coming through road, then adjacent to the parking stand of Jagannath temple, you can find the Koraput tribal museum. This museum is playing a significant role in preserving the tribal culture, their tradition and history.
The entrance of the museum has a very beautiful and living statue of this Bonda girl. In the first room, you can find the map of Jeypore city during British rule in the museum. In the second room you will find different jewelrye6 of tribal women along with their dresses.
In the third room you will find weapons of year old tribal, which they were using to hunt animals. In forth room you will find old used agricultural equipment. In Koraput area around 235 different variety of rice gets cultivated, you will find detailed information about all these different verity with specimen.
Jeypore - Places to visit near Koraput
Jeypore is one of the biggest city in Koraput. Before the British India company defeated and start rulling Jeypore, It was being ruled by Vikram Dev and Jeypore was the capital. The city is famous for fresh water lakes, valleys, waterfalls and forests.
1.Gupteswar
This is one of the famous Shiva Pittha in jeypore, which is 80KM away from Koraput. This is on the bank of Seleru river and has around 8 cages in a radius of 4KM.
Only two cave are visited by devotees and other caves are not accessible. The main cave host the Linga of Baba Gupteswara. People of Durua tribes does most of the Daily Niti here.
Every Monday and Thurs day, many people gathers here and these two days are treared as sacred days here. In thrusday people from Darua tribe are given priority.
Every caves has thier own mystries and mythological strories assosiated with this. You are advised not to roam inside the caves without proper knowledge of the route, you can easily get confused inside the caves.
There are many naturally formed lings inside the cave and no one has proper knowleadge about their creation. You have to step over around 200 stairs to reach in the main cave.
As per the local saying, Lord Ramahas spent time here, when he was going to Pachawati in Dankaranya. You can find a Rama Kunda, Sita Kunda, Pattali Ganga in the cave.
Photo graphy is strictly not allowed iniside the temple, but in the surrounding area you can take as much photos as possible. The cages are surrounded by green thick forests.
2. Duduma Waterfall
Duduma waterfall is originated from Machkund river. From Jeypore city center, it is around 70 KM away and this is located at the border between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Height of the waterfall is 574 feet and surrounded by green forest. Goverment of Odisha has tried enough to increase the tourism in this area. If you are coming to Jeypore, then this is a must visit spot.
3. Kolab Dam
Kolab Dam is constructed over the Kolab river. Kolab river is a tributary of Godavari river.
You must visit to Upper Kolab, where there is a beautiful garden, which is well maintained and one of the most attaracting place in the area.
There are boundary, which should not be accessed by the tourists and this is written on the warning board. At every cost you must not cross those area.
Rani Duduma - Nandapur
In ancient time Nandapur, which is 23 Km from Similiguda (Takes 40-45 min to reach) has a great singificance in Odisha. King Chandrakhya Dev was rulling in Nandapur in the pre British era.
This waterfall is originated from Khuntunimala mountain. There are three different streams in the mountain. One of them can be easily accessed (Pictutre below are this watewrfall) , two access other 2 waterfalls, you have to hike and trek over the hills, which is very risky.
Once you enter the waterfall primisess, there is a park and a rest house. There are facilities available to do picnic near the rest house.
On the way to the waterfall, you have to go through the Gorilla statue. The surrounding beuties will give you a unforgottable experience.
Sunabeda Visiting places :
While travelling from Koraput to Rani Duduma, you will cross Sunabeda (HAL township) on highway. I would suggest to go inside Sunabeda and explore the visiting places.
There is a must visit deer park in the sector Vii of Sunabeda 2. Its a nice place to spend some time with family and Kids. You can force deer to come to the fence, if you have some green leaves in hand.
Its open for visitors from morning 10.00 AM to evening 6.00. There are many deers are there in the park. You can’t find any eateries near by. So before going to the park buy something with you.
After visiting to the deer park, you can explore HAL stadium, Jagannath temple, Bileswar Mahadev temple and the market complex near the stadium.
Damanjodi visiting places
Its just 20 Km away from Similiguda. You will cross some small villages side by, while going from Similiguda to Damanjodi. The road is exceptionally good and it will give a very good driving experience.
As soon as you reach near Bhejaput, find the huge gate of Nalco township. Security in the main gate may ask you about your purpose and identity before entering the gate.
After entering the main gate, on the right side you will find a huge Hanuman Statue, surrounded by a beautiful park and a temple.
This temple is there in Sector 2. In this sector only, you can explore the Rose garden, Supermall market place and Dr. Ambedker stadium.
Then go to the hilltop Jagannath Mandir in sector 1 and while going back from the temple, visit the science park (At the foot hill of Jagannath temple). After exploring these two places, go to the Sabari Lake (500 Meter from science park).
In Sabari Lake, you can spend at least 2 hours (keep eateries with you before entering the park). Attraction in Sabari Lake are an artificial lake, a huge dinosaur statue, Sudershan water fall, cages for rabbits and an open gymnasium.
Near to the Sabari lake, there is a Satya Sai temple, you can have a very Sattvic lunch here after a half day long exploration of Damanjodi. Better to inform the temple committee for lunch before your arrival there.
Now its time to explore sector 3 of Damanjodi. Most attracted place in sector 3 is the Kantabaunsuni temple, a worshipped place surrounded by a Bamboo forest. Maa Kanta Bausuni is believed to be the Ista devi of Damanjodi. You can also explore the Lion’s club and Netaji Subhash Stadium in sector 3.
There is a red mud pond, which can be accessed through a jungle road from sector 3. I guess the distance of red mud pond from sector 3 guest house (Railway passing road) is around 4 KM.
You can read here the full article on Damanjodi visting place , best tourism guide and best time to visit Damanjodi.
Tribal culture : Koraput visiting places
One of the most unique aspects of Koraput is its rich tribal heritage. The district is home to a number of tribal communities, each with their distinct traditions, rituals, and way of life. A visit to the tribal villages of Koraput is like stepping back in time, where ancient traditions are still practiced and handed down from generation to generation.
You will find many different tribal people in Koraput, but there are 7 major tribes. They are Gadaba, Darua, Paroja, Omantya, Bhumia, Saura and Bhottadas.
Every tribal community has their own style of living and culture. For example, Gadaba communities involved in Dhemsa dance, while Omantya community performs Chera Chera dance.
You can find different tribes in one area. So I would suggest to travel to some villages in the district, where you can explore all most all the different culture and tradition.
Traditional Arts and Crafts of Koraput
One of the famous and demanding craft of Koraput is Mirgan textile. Mirgan community in Kotpad district of Koraput produce these famous fabrics also known as Kotpad Sarees.
The most attracting part of this handloom is the use of natural dyes and bio degradable product. The dyes they extract is from the Aal tree, which is deep red in color. Besides the Aal tree, they also extract colors from vegetable and rocks.
You can go to these villages and explore the intricate designs and complicated method of preparing these sarees.
In some areas of Jeypore, you can find people engaged in stone carving. Also some people practice Bamboo product making, they make different Bamboo handicrafts.
To read more on different handicrafts of Odisha, you can read this article : Odisha Handicrafts . Here you can learn each handicraft, their main cluster and different handicraft products they make.
Best time to tour Koraput
It depends on your preference and the things you wish to explore here. Most of the time in Koraput, it rains and the environment is mostly cold. If you want to explore the waterfalls, then rainy seasons are best.
For trekking or hiking the lovely hills, summer and winter is the best time. During summer, the average temperature is even less than most of the Odisha. Many people come here to stay in summer vacation.
Similarly to explore tribal culture, you must come in winter. Because in rainy season, the road to the village will be very muddy as the development in these tribal villages are very less.
To make the most of your trip, it is recommended to allocate at least 4-5 days to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Koraput. This will allow ample time to visit the major attractions, explore the tribal villages, and savor the local cuisine.
Conclusion : Visiting places in Koraput
Koraput has many mountains, waterfalls and forest (along with trekking tracks), but most of them are not fully explored yet. Recently goverment of Odisha is focusing a lot in . You will enjoy every moment of your drive on the way. Most of the road are surrounded by green foerst. With misting rain, surrounded jungle and traffic free road, you will get an unforgottable experience here in Koraput.
Reference : https://koraput.nic.in/