khandadhar
The Legends of Khandadhar
The deep forests of Sundargarh and Kendujhar districts are home to the gigantic Khandadhar mountain range. If there is anything that can dwarf this towering red and black mountain that is the roaring Khandadhar waterfall jumping off its cliff creating an animated misty and foggy atmosphere that will leave you spellbound. The 244 meters high Khandadhar is the twelfth highest waterfall in India and second highest in Odisha.
Major Attraction
The Khandadhar waterfall is popular as a destination for family picnic. Nearby, the tribals worship goddess Maa Kanteshwari. The ancient forest range has spectacular biodiversity that includes elephants, bison, leopards, tigers, sloth bears, pythons, peacocks, rare limbless lizard, among others.
Legends
The place is home to Pauri Bhuiya tribals, one among the 75 groups in India classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. The tribals believe that the awe evoking waterfall was a creation of goddess Kankala Devi.
How to go!
Khandadhar Waterfall is about 285 kms from Bhubaneswar and 55 kms from Kendujhar or Keonjhar city and the place is connected by good roads. There are options of some budget hotels, state-run Panthanivas and Ecotour Resorts available for stay. There is also an Eco-tour complex by OFDC at Khandadhar. The other approach road is via Bonaigarh, from where Khandadhar is about 19 kms connected by a fair-weather road but the final 2 kms is negotiable only on foot.