Keonjhar is a town in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the most scenic place in Odisha with so many gorgeous waterfalls, temples and Dams. You can never really run out of places to visit here. It’s a tourist hub and if you’re planning to visit Keonjhar, we have curated the 10 best places to visit in Keonjhar.
kanjipani ghati
This place is Odisha’s well-kept secret. Hidden in the Keonjhar district is a road that can be called the driver’s paradise. This 20 km stretch of highway passes through the picturesque Kanjipani Valley at a height of 610m above sea level. A part of AH-46, this section of road is only about 30 km away from Keonjhar city.
The best time to visit here is during winter and rainy seasons. During this time, clouds touch down on the valley itself, giving it the look that can be seen above. Don’t forget to bring warm clothing as temperatures can plummet below OC in winter.For the best photographs, bring a camera armed with telephoto lenses. Drones are also a good idea if you want to take aerial photos. Unfortunately, NH46 itself is under repair and sections of the road are dangerous enough to have caused multiple accidents. There is also not much space by the road to park your vehicle, so prior panning is needed if you wish to stop somewhere along the way.
Keshari kund
Keshari Kunda is only 50 km away from Keonjhar town. The Keshari Kunda has two holes in the bed of the river Baitarani. The Kund draws in individuals to get a holy dip and offer their homage to Lord Shiva. On its back, the landscape provides a fun little outing to the tourist. You can come here for picnics and click pictures near the water. Adventurous individuals try to go into one hole of the river bed and turn out in the other opening to show their faith.
The Murga Mahadev temple
Murga Mahadev Shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Nuamundi mines area under the Champua subdivision of Kendujhar district. Lakhs of devotees visit this place during the month of Shraavana, Kartik and during Shivaratri. It is an ancient shrine where both tribal and Brahminical system of worship is followed. The waterfalls nearby make the place marvellous. Every winter people come here for recreation and picnic.
Gonasika temple
Brahmeswar Mahesh Temple is located at Gonasika village and is 45 km from Keonjhar. Gonasika’s temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by a valley and wooded hills. It is the centre of pilgrimage for the temple of Brahmaswara Mahadeva, which sits on the banks of the Baitarani River. Mahashivratri is the main festival of the Gonasika temple, and on this day thousands of devotees and visitors come to celebrate this Jagar Mela. Brahmeswar Mahesh Mandir is a famous temple in Keonjhar, Odisha.
Hadagarh reservoir
This is a large water body on river Salandi, also known as Hadagarh dam. It’s located inside the sanctuary and is an important wetland of this sanctuary that attracts a variety of water birds both migratory and resident. Hadagarh Sanctuary is linked to Similipal Tiger Reserve. It has a splendid natural environment with high hills surrounding the reservoir, which is eye-catching for nature lovers. The scenic beauty of the reservoir and flowing stream makes it an ideal place for weekend trips throughout the year.
However, the monsoon we suggest is the best time to enjoy this beauty. Everything would be lush green and beautiful along with those never-ending stretches of the turquoise water of the reservoir!
Handibhanga waterfall
Handibhanga is situated in between the lush green forest with a huge mountain range, a gorgeous resort is a huge resort filled with rich biodiversity. The humongous waterfall has a height of 200 feet and it’ll sweep you away because it’s that stunning to look at. The landscape is beautiful and it’s worth visiting. The best is that there are other spots to visit nearby so all in all, you should definitely visit this roaring waterfall.
Bhimkund waterfall
Bhimkund is Located on the border of the Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts of Odisha, this waterfall can be accessed from both sides. It is About 40 Km from Karanjia and 18 Km from Swampatna. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls of Keonjhar. You can access the waterfall from the lighthouse as well. The view from both the sides is majestic and it is a perfect spot for picnics far from the city’s hustle.
Sanaghagara
“Sana” means small and “ghagara” means waterfall. Sanaghagara is an exotic eco-tourist spot, located only 8 kilometres from Keonjhar town. The waterfall with a stream adds to the natural beauty of this forest and attracts a large number of visitors throughout the year. It is located at an average elevation of 1950 ft. And experiences a comparatively cool summer and cold winter.
It has a well-maintained place with a huge parking space, boating facilities and a small park. Entry fees and parking fees are there. The trail is well-developed and covered with trees. The fall is covered with fences for safety.
Bariapathara Fall
It is a beautiful picnic spot and a hidden waterfall located at a distance of 71 km from Brahmapur. This Bariapathara waterfall flows from the Mahendragiri hill. 8 km Distance from Mahendragiri Entrance Gate, Burakhat towards Berhmapur. It is a popular tourist place near Berhampur. The waterfall flows from the Mahendragiri mountain. The beautiful place is surrounded by hills and dense forest. The scenic beauty of the Baria Pathara Waterfall is so beautiful that tourists have come to see the falls in the winter.
Kanjhari Dam, Keonjhar
Located just 24 km from the town, it’s one of the most beautiful dams around Keonjhar surrounded by lush green forests and mountains. It’s also a major tourist attraction in Keonjhar and the best time to visit this dam is during the winters. And don’t miss the golden hour. It’s a peaceful and extremely beautiful dam, with a forested road and serene surroundings. You can just sit on the dam and gaze at the water and the hills surrounding it. It’s so soothing.
It’s a picnic spot too, and might get crowded during evenings, especially on weekends.
But when we visited, few people were passing by and in the morning sun, we had a lovely time. If you are returning from Keonjhar towards say Cuttack or Bhubaneswar, you can visit this dam on the way.
We hope you liked the list curated by us and hopefully, this list will help you in making a spectacular itinerary for your next time here in Keonjhar.
