Odisha is one of the most culturally rich and vibrant states of India. Every year tourists visit the state to see the majestic Jagannath Temple in Puri. But there are many other places in the state other than Puri that are unexplored. These beautiful places in Odisha have something to offer to every travel junkie. We’ve listed seven must-see sites that you need to check out, next time you visit this state.

Chandragiri

Chandragiri is located in the green valley of Gajapati district of Odisha, Chandragiri is famous for the Tibetan settlement and for the Buddhist monastery located by the side of it. Chandragiri, one of many diverse places that you can find in Odisha, is also called by many as ‘Mini-Tibet’.

The rare scenic beauty and the picturesque landscape surrounded by luxuriant tropical forest, gurgling rivers, exquisite mountain slopes and roaring hilltops makes it a perfect adobe for travelers.Bestowed with bounties of nature, this place is famous for seasonal fruits, Tibetan woolen garments, carpets and dogs of various breeds. The large-scale horticulture plantations, as well as cultural activities of the Tibetan refugees, make this place more colorful and attractive.

HISTORY ABOUT THE PLACE:

The story goes back to 1960’s, those first refugees arrived here in the early 1960s after fleeing into exile with Dalai Lama, following the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959.According to Indian government resettlement program several number of camps were established around India ; today the refugees number between 110,000 and 120,000 all over the country and one of the place being Chandragiri.

HOW TO REACH CHANDRAGIRI:

The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (254 Kms by road via Mohana). From Bhubaneswar, you can travel by road or by train to reach Berhampur. Berhampur is one important railway station in Howrah-Chennai rail route. From Berhampur Take a cab or public transport to reach Chandragiri.

If you are traveling from Berhampur take the road towards Digapahandi, Taptapani. You can visit the hot spring at Taptapani and then travel towards Mohana. At the entrance of Mohana town take the left turn and travel 18 KM to reach Chandragiri

Pir Jahania Beach

Its Jahania beach, right on the same road, which takes you to Konark beach, but instead of taking the right turn from Nimapara chowk, you will need to keep straight right to the Kakatpur road. It is situated 80kms from Cuttack, 35kms from Konark, 65kms from Bhubaneswar and 91kms from Puri. It lies in the coast of bay of bengal. It is famous for the lovely and long sandy beach.

The destination is very much accessible by motorable roads. I had taken my Audi A4 and others cars and we never had any issues, except me struggling with plenty of speed breakers in every 500 meters.

It is a beautiful beach located in Astaranga. Famous shrine of Pir Jahania is just near the beach. Both Hindu and Muslims comes to this for taking blessings of Pir Jahania. This beach is a local attraction for picnikers. A lot of sheds developed by Govt for picnickers. Few handicraft items are also sold here. It is famous for the lovely and long sandy beach.
Ignore the picture quality, as they were shot with a very low resolution camera, since I did not carry my main cameras. But enough to show you, what it feels like to be there.

Barehipani Waterfall

Barehipani waterfall is located in Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district, Orissa. The water cascades down from a height up to 399 m, in two separate tiers and settle down in the pool below.

The picturesque beauty and the height of the fall leave you awestruck. Moreover, the falls create a thrilling and magical ambience.

Renowned as the second largest waterfalls in India, the Barehipani falls originate from the river Budhabalanga. Therefore, it’s a perfect place to relax and relish the good time.

The river Budhabalanga falls from the stiff heights of the Simlipal ranges to create these majestic falls 1200 foot (399 meters) high. Situated close to the Barehipani waterfalls is the Joranda falls. Though not as massive as the Barehipani, this fall is known for its beauty. Both of these waterfalls are full of water throughout the year. Located within the contours of the Simlipal national park, that hosts the majestic Bengal tiger as well as the rare white tiger species in Orissa, the water gushing down from the falls that run in small streams in the entire forest, serve as the lifeblood of the animals living in the forest. The waterfall Barehipani is a major tourist attraction and a large number of tourists come to visit this matchless beauty every year. A visit to Simlipal is incomplete without having a glimpse of the majestic Barehipani falls.

This waterfall has been claimed as the tallest of India. While this claim is most likely untrue, it is, thus far, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country which we’ve documented. The falls appear to drop over a wide cliff, in two tiers, ending in a broad pool below. The lack of vegetation around the falls seems to indicate that during the monsoon season this waterfall becomes extremely violent, and moves a very large amount of water. The falls are located within Simlipal National Park, which functions as one of the major Bengal and White Tiger preservations in India.

Khasada Waterfall

Located 5 KM from Chandragiri– is an ideal setting for an outdoor picnic. The rocky terrain and the forests offer a very good option for short excursions. One can have a bath at the crystal clear waters and as the water isn’t too deep it’s safe.

The water falls is a popular picnic destination of the region, but one has to carry all the essential items from Chandragiri and cook there. Locals throng the area during the weekends and holidays.
It’s an ideal place for bathing as the waters aren’t too deep, so carry your bathing gear.
There are a few shops selling snacks, cold drinks, bottled drinking water and biscuits. Other than that not much is available.
Carry essential items and food with you.
The nearest ATM and petrol pump is located at Chandragiri.
To visit Khasada, its better to hire cab from Taptapani ( OTDC Panthanivas can be contacted for the same) or one can hire an auto from Chandragiri. Buses ply to Chandragiri from Taptapani.

Debrigarh

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, an important site for in-situ conservation of wildlife and its habitat in the state of Odisha is home to an immense array of biodiversity, a large number of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, odonates, butterflies and spiders are found here.The sanctuary is famous for its sylvan beauty and pristine wilderness. The dry deciduous forests with varied flora and fauna attract the nature-lovers of Odisha and neighboring states every year. The combination of dry deciduous mixed forests with rich wildlife, Hirakud reservior and attractive topographical features are the important features of Debrigarh wildlife sanctury.It is said to be one of the vibrant wildlife sanctuary of the state.

Quick Facts

• It is one of the important sanctuary in Odisha, this is also known for the waterfalls falling down the hillsides in the monsoon season.

• The Hirakud reservoir attracts large number of migratory birds during winter.

•   Chausingha,Gaur,elephant,Sambar and Spotted Deer, Bear, Leopard, porcupine, Jackal, Fox, Wolf, Hyena, Wild Dog are the main species found only at the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach

By Road : The Sanctuary can be entered through Dhodrokusum by the Hirakud reservoir and is situated 60 kms from Baragarh and 40 kms from Sambalpur.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is Sambalpur which is 40km Away.
By Air : The nearest airport is Raipur and Bhubaneswar.