Koraput, the
largest district of Odisha, is a district of meadows, forests, rapids and falls and terraced valleys thronged with
colourful tribals. It has its own appeal for the visitors who prefer relaxation
in the lap of nature. The unspoilt environment with its mystery and enchantment
and the limitless panorama of flora and fauna has made Koraput a nature lovers’
paradise. As an open book of nature for study and enjoyment Koraput spreads its
unlimited vista in a manner that defies description. Here man lives today as he
lived long thousand years ago closely closeted in the bosom of nature.
The Modern
Koraput is slowly emerging with its sophistication but the primal equipoise of
culture and nature will continue to remain undisturbed for decades to come. How
best it has been said ‘ Had I been
merely a lover of fine scenery ( of wild life and mankind ) I would have felt
little of desire to seek elsewhere its gratification. One enters the elevating
ghat roads spirally ascending the lofty hills and comes to the enchanting
Koraput plateau and infallibly discovers that the visit to Koraput is really a
rewarding experience.
ATTRACTIONS
Gupteswar
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| Gupteswar: The Hidden God |
Famous for the
cave shrine of Lord Siva, the place is ideal for natural scenery. The cave
shrine is at the top of a lime stone hill which is about 151 metres higher than
the surrounding country side. One can reach the cave by ascending a flight of
steps.
The sacred
lingam is called “ Gupteswar “ which literally means the “Hidden God “. Gupteswar is popularly known
as “Guptakedar” in Madhya Pradesh. People in large numbers come here to worship
the deity.
The sacred place
is associated with shri Ram of the epic “Ramayana”. The nearby hill has been
named “Ramgiri”.
Nandapur
Being the
ancient capital of the kingdom of Jeypore, Nandapur has earned a name in
history. The ‘Batrisa Simhasana’ ( throne with 32 steps ) in an object of
interest of the place. It arouses its association with the name of the kind
Vikramaditya, the Great. The remains of a historic mud-wall that once
surrounded the village still exists. Two beautifully sculptured boulders
and ad image of Ganapati of 1.8 meters
speak of the ancient heritage of the place. The shrine of Sarveswar which bears
inscriptions points to the antiquities of the place. Closeby there is a fruit
garden watered by the hill streams.
Suai
The place is
famous for having a Jain monastery with three cells on each side. Except a few,
the domes of other cells have collapsed. In the central cell the image of
Rishabhanatha is to be ‘found surrounded by other Tirthankaras. There is also
an image of Tara in one of the cells. The place invites attention of the
antiquarians for exploration.
Duduma ( Matsya
Tirtha ):
The river
machhakund forms here the waterfall of 157.5 meters high. Machhakund is also a
place of pilgrimage of epic fame. It is call “Matsya Tirtha”. Presently
Machhakund has developed a Hydro electric project with a beautiful township
amidst deep greenery of nature.
Balimela
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| Balimela Spillway Gate. Photo Courtesy: http://india-wris.nrsc.gov.in |
Balimela is a
small village in the Malkangiri subdivision of Undivided Koraput District. (now
in Malkangiri District). It has come to limelight with the establishment of a
Hydro-Electric project. A dam has been constructed on the river Sileru at
Chitrokonda, 35 Kms. From Balimela dna the water is utilised for generating
electricity and irrigation.
Sunabeda
The place rose
to prominence in recent past with the construction of an Aero-Engine Factory.
The modern township that grew up is neatly planned. About 14 Kms. From
Sunabeda, the Alluminium-Alumina Complex which is coming up at Damanjodi, has
enhanced its importance manifold.
Bagra
It is a pretty
little village famous for its charming waterfall of 9.9 meters high on the
river Kolab. The place is ideal for picnic. Bagra is 15 Kms. From Jeypore, 21
Kms. From Koraput and 39 Kms. From
Sunabeda.
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| Kolab Dam Photo Courtesy: OrissaTravels |
Chitrakonda
This Dam site on
the river Sileru is ideal for week end picnic. The Place is 35 Kms. From
Balimela and 177 Kms. From Sunabeda. Nearby, Khairaput Block is famous for the
Bonda Culture.
Devagiri
The Devagiri
hill rises to a height of 120.2 meters. Unlike other hills it is not narrower
upwards. The Top of the hill is a flat platform of rectangular plain which can
be approached only from the northern side. The steps are rough and one can
climb by crawling. The seven natural steps are the unique feature of Devagiri.
The Fourth step enshrines Mahalxmi, the Goddess of wealth and beauty. At the
top there are perennial pools of water called Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati,
Bhargavi and Indradyumna. There is a cave looking like two jaws. The Siva
Lingam is enshrined at the meeting point of the Jaws. Siva Ratri is its biggest
festival which draws a large crowd every year. The inscription and the carvings
all around speak of the antiquity of the place. It is 48 Kms. From Rayagada.
Regular bus services are available from Rayagada to Kalyansinghpur and the
sacred hill is close to Kalyansinghpur which is 158 Kms. From Koraput and 136
Kms. From Jeypore.
Jalaput
Jalaput is known
for its dam and reservoir. The lake formed by the dam is 68.2 sq. Kms. It is a
picnic spot. The place is 96 Kms. From Jeypore, 74 Kms. From Koraput and 56
Kms. From Sunabeda. Regular Bus service operates from Jeypore and Koraput via.
Sunabeda and Nandapur.
Hatipathar
Only 3 Kms. From
Rayagada, Hatipathar is an ideal place for picnic especially during winter. The
river Nagavali flows here through a deep cut valley. The scenic beauty is
impressive and the boulders give the appearance of huge elephants. The river
forms two waterfalls. It is 113 Kms. From Koraput, 131 Kms. From Sunabeda and
135 Kms. From Jeypore.
Minna- Jhola
Minna-Jhola, a
beauty spot of nature, has a Siva temple at the confluence of three rivers. It
is situated in the heart of the dense forest rich in wild life. Sivaratri is a
popular festival of the place. Though there is no good all weather road yet the
place is worth visiting. Regular bus service is available From Rayagada and Gunupur
up to Gudari.
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| Duduma Waterfall. Photo Courtesy: OrissaTravels |
Papadahandi
About 12 Kms, to
the north of Nowrangpur, the little village Papadahandi is a place of
archaeological importance. The Siva temple with trees of Champak Flowers all
around makes Papadahandi a place of pilgrimage for domestic tourists. It is 52
Kms, form Jeypore and 74 Kms, from Koraput. Regular bus services operate from
Jeypore and Koraput.
Padmapur:
About 24 Kms, to
the north of Gunupur, the village Padmapur is a flourishing centre of
agriculture. Closely is the Jagamanda hill. It preserves the shrine of
Manikeswar Siva at the top. The invaluable inscription dating back to 7th
century A.D. contained in the shrine reveals that the Jagamanda hill once
housed the monastery of the famous Buddhist logician philosopher Dharmakiriti.
It has a cave and a perennial water supply system.
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