The land around Phulbani is phenomenal. Somewhere between small villages and forest edges, water begins to fall. That is where the start of Umagarh waterfall begins. Various people call it Urmagada waterfall, it’s the same place, same stream just a few different words. Many locals also call it Urmagada waterfall. Same stream. Same rocks. Only the name shifts.
Urmagarh waterfall lies in the interior side of Kandhamal district, not far from Phulbani town. Roads become narrow as you move inward. This area is often mentioned when people talk about Phulbani tourist places, though the name rarely comes first. There are no shops near the fall or sign boards or any sort of marked parking space and because of the open rocks and shallow water nearby, it slowly became a Phulbani picnic spot for nearby villages.
Families come quietly. They sit, eat and have fun. The kids play around while the adults just enjoy the beauty and the peace of this place.
Water falls in a narrow line, not wide but spectacular. During the monsoon, the current and the sound becomes heavier, continuous. You can hear the water dropping from a distance before you actually watch the stunning waterfall. In winter, the fall becomes thinner, although it is still active. Rocks tend to stay wet, but if you visit these waterfalls in the monsoon or the winter, make sure you are careful there aren’t a lot of clear steps or railing so make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
Visitors searching for quiet tourist places in phulbani often end up here after seeing busier locations. They stay longer than planned. This place does not consist of a lot of activities. Compared to other crowded Kandhamal tourist place spots, this one feels personal, cleaner water,fewer people and a softer sound.
You have to first reach the city of Phulbani town.
From Phulbani Odisha, local roads lead toward interior villages in Kandhamal district.
Shared autos go part of the way. Although people prefer their own private vehicles or cabs because they are much easier. After reaching the nearest settlement, a short walk follows an uneven path, Stones and Mud during monsoon. Local villagers guide visitors without confusion.
Morning visits work best here as there is less heat and clearer sound. That is when Umagarh waterfall feels wide and calm.
Urmagada waterfall is a beautiful off beat location that everyone should visit. Among many names written under tourist places in Phulbani, this one stays small and that’s the best part about it. It’s slow, full of life yet so secluded from the outer world. It mesmerises you through its stunning beauty so add this in your itinerary.
