While most tourists to Koraput tend to stumble on to Duduma or Deomali, Gulumi Waterfall in Koraput remains a secret spot for a reason – a stretch of the Kolab river where the current twists into pretty much natural whirlpools amidst rocky banks with little human traffic in comparison to other waterfalls in Odisha. It is a raw and unpolished kind of beauty, surrounded by a watchtower, thick forests, and the sheer spectacle of the river doing what it does best.
Where is Gulumi Waterfall located?
Tucked away in Koraput district of Odisha, near the state border of Chattisgarh, the Gulumi Waterfall flows on the river Kolab. Locals also claim that it is the Southern gateway to Odisha with rocky outcrops to form these natural whirlpools.
Distance From Major Cities:
- Koraput town: Approximately 100 km
- Kotapad (Nearest Bus Stand): Approximately 30 km
- Koraput Railway Station: Approximately 80 – 100 km
- Visakhapatnam: Gulumi Waterfall is about 100 km from Koraput town which is 210 km from Vizag. Therefore, one would need to cover 300+ kms for a round trip if one were to reach the falls from Visakhapatnam.
Legends & Lore about Guli Waterfall
Compared to the other waterfalls in Odisha, Gulumi Waterfall does not possess an elaborate legend about it and rather than invent one, it is better to admit that the locals have lesser folklore about this waterfall than the surrounding natural hills and rocks. Gulumi Waterfall however, has a more practical relationship with the people in the surrounding areas as the Kolab river provides for seasonal picnics in the area.
What makes Gulumi Waterfall unique?
- The cascade down rocky outcrops to form natural whirlpools.
- Natural pools at the base (however, the depth and the power varies).
- Sal and Bamboo forests surrounding the area.
- Panoramic views of Eastern Ghats from the watchtower on the falls.
- A trip to Gulumi Waterfall also involves the tribal village ambience as the area is covered with tribal population including the Bonda, Gadaba, and Paraja tribes in the region.
How to Reach Gulumi Waterfall?
- By Road: The most convenient option as there are no regular buses plying from major cities to Gulumi Waterfall. However, one can always take a taxi or a private vehicle from Koraput which is at a distance of 100 kms from the waterfall. The last stretch involves driving through forested stretches best driven in day-time.
- By Train: Koraput Railway Station is the closest and from there one can drive to the falls as well. The distance would be roughly 80 – 100 kms depending on the road taken.
- By Air: The nearest airport is at Visakhapatnam which is about 300 kms away by road, and is a recommended option to fly in as Bhubaneswar is even farther than Vizag in terms of distance.
- The final stretch to the falls: Vehicles cannot reach the base of the falls. Depending on the distance, one may need to undertake a short walk from the parking area as well as the watchtower to the actual pool area. The walk is generally easy except when the roads are muddy which may be the case during the rainy season.
When is the best time to visit Gulumi Waterfall?
The best season to visit Gulumi Waterfall would be between October – February with the temperatures being the most pleasant, and the water level not being too high to cause slippery stretches. However, the winters between December – February are the best months to actually witness the waterfall as the weather is perfect to undertake the long drive and the final walk towards the falls. While the rainy season between July – September offers the most water flow, the monsoon season is better avoided due to the dangers associated with such slippery stretches. Lastly, the summer between March – June is not recommended as the waterfalls are at their minimum and the weather becomes unbearably hot.
What to do at Gulumi Waterfall?
- Trekking through the Eastern Ghats landscape.
- Photography and videography from the watchtower.
- Birdwatching in the forest.
- Picnics near the cascades – the most popular activity among the local people.
- A meditation retreat or complete digital detox due to the remoteness of the place.
- Meeting the local tribes en-route.
- Walking trails and streams near the falls.
Nearby attractions from Gulumi Waterfall
Some of the top attractions near Gulumi Waterfall include:
- Duduma Waterfall – One of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha located on the Machkund river.
- Gupteswar Shiva Temple – A sacred cave temple close to the waterfall circuit of Koraput.
- Deomali Peak – The highest peak in Odisha located near Potangi.
- Koraput Tribal Museum – The museum serves as an insight into the tribal culture of the region.
- Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath Temple, Koraput – A local temple in the town of Koraput.
- Jeypore Palace – An architectural marvel for those visiting Jeypore.
- Kolab Dam & Reservoir – Located on the same river as Gulumi Waterfall.
Where to stay near Gulumi Waterfall?
Given the remoteness of Gulumi Waterfall, it is best to stay in either Koraput town or Jeypore as these are the closest big names that serve as good accommodation options. There is a wide range of moderate budget hotels in the region, and with more travelers opting for homestays, an increase in tribal village stays have cropped up as well in recent times. While camping is an option near Gulumi Waterfall, it is best to carry all the necessary equipment as there are no formal campsites to rely upon.
Where to eat near Gulumi Waterfall?
Given the remoteness of Gulumi Waterfall, there are practically no eating joints there. Therefore, it is essential to carry food and water with you while visiting this hidden cascade. However, Koraput and Jeypore towns offer a wide variety of local Odia and tribal delicacies at different price points.
Tips for Visiting Gulumi Waterfall
- Bring your own food and water.
- Avoid visiting during the rainy season.
- Start early as the last stretch should be driven in daylight hours.
- There are reports that a few hydel projects have been commissioned recently which have impacted the flow of the river and therefore, it is best to check the water flow before visiting Gulumi Waterfall at any specific time of the year.
- Avoid any kind of disturbances to the tribal people in the nearby villages.
- There is no network beyond Kotapad, hence it is best to download offline maps in advance.
Photography Tips for Gulumi Waterfall
The best time to click pictures would be during the early morning and afternoon as the sun would be at an angle. The watchtower provides the best vantage point to capture the falls along with the Eastern Ghats in general. Get close to the rocky base to capture the individual natural pools that have formed because of the whirlpools. Use a polarizing filter to avoid any kind of reflection, and protect your camera equipment from the water and the humidity.
FAQs about Gulumi Waterfall
Where is Gulumi Waterfall located?
Gulumi Waterfall is located in Koraput district of Odisha.
What is the best time to visit Gulumi Waterfall?
The best time to visit Gulumi Waterfall is between October – February where the temperatures are the most pleasant, and the water levels are not extremely high either. However, the winters between December – February have the best weather to actually witness the waterfall.
Is Gulumi Waterfall safe for swimming?
It is better to avoid swimming at Gulumi Waterfall given the natural whirlpools and rocky outcrops. However, locals do have seasonal access to the pools at the base of the falls.
How far is Gulumi Waterfall from Koraput town?
Gulumi Waterfall is approximately 100 kms away from Koraput town.
How far is Gulumi Waterfall from Visakhapatnam?
There is no official figure but we reckon it to be a 300+ kms drive from Visakhapatnam.
Is there an entry fee for Gulumi Waterfall?
There is no official entry fee for Gulumi Waterfall in comparison to the other waterfalls in Odisha.
What is the nearest railway station to Gulumi Waterfall?
The nearest railway station to Gulumi Waterfall is Koraput Railway Station.
Can I camp near Gulumi Waterfall?
There is no official camping site near Gulumi Waterfall but you can always carry your own equipment and set up a tent if you wish to.
Are there hotels near Gulumi Waterfall?
There are no hotels near Gulumi Waterfall. The nearest place to stay would be Koraput town or Jeypore.</span
