CHAPTER -XVII
PLACES OF TOURISM
Koraput abounds in the imprints of Odisha‘s glorious past. Temples,
monasteries and other historical monuments from the medieval period,
breathtaking in their beauty and of incalculable historical importance, stand
as footprints of time, telling the story of the past.
Eternal Symphony
Adorned by the majestic Deomali Mountain, Koraput is the most
fascinating manifestation of creation with her undulating meadows, roaring
rapid steams, whispering forests and terraced valleys. She offers a splendid
blending of natural beauty and ethnic treasures with a sublime sense deeply
interfused. Spread over rural tranquility and great forest lands, sprawling
grass lands and valleys leading up to verdant hills make it a cradle of nature.
The muted Song of gurgling brook with melodious call of cuckoo and
fragrance of wildflower mirrors natures own eternal Symphony.
Koraput with her golden autumn and misty mornings of the monsoon
months, her painted spring and slumbering summer provides varieties of
living perhaps unmatched anywhere in the world. The elevating ghat roads
spirally ascending the lofty hills and descending the steep valleys with blind
curves makes a journey thrilling. Railways passing through tunnels piercing
the heart of mountains, winding their way and encircling the green hills
touching different picturesque tourist spots en route bring heaven to earth.
Cultural heritage of the tribal who even in the twenty first century love
their culture with homogeneity and gregariousness has been a point of
attraction of the tourists particularly the foreigners. Many scholars visit this
district for anthropological studies and research. Some of the cultural traits of
the tribal are outlined below.
Blend of Tribal Diversity
Tribals are the original inhabitants of Koraput. We find many categories
of tribes in this region in varying numbers. This cradle of tribal culture offers
a harmonious blend of tribal diversity. The fascinating life style of Bondas,
Gadabas, Kondhas, Parajas and Sauras are incredible with their timeless
customs and traditions. They are possessive about their unique ethnic
identity. Tribal religion is an admixture of animism; animatisms, pantheism,
fetishism, shamanism, anthropomorphism, and ancestor worship.They adore
Mother Nature. Among most of the tribes the deities are believed to reside in
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sacred grooves and even the village goddesses are worshiped under a tree
at the outskirts of the village. They show utmost respect to these places and
preserve it like a precious treasure. The elegantly simple tribes with their
unique attire ornaments and appealing customs gratify the delight of
anthropologists and social scientists.
Fairs and Festivals
Traditional tribal culture has a blending of Hindu pantheon. They follow
the Hindu calendar. Many tribal after conversion to Christianity have a
change in their cultural outlook.The culture and traditions of this region are
as fascinating and diverse as the landscape. The Yearly Calendar of
Koraput is packed with Festivals. ―Bali Jatra‖ begins five days before the
Bhadra (August- September) full moon and ends five days after it. The
beginning of the festival is identified with the ‗Nua Khai (eating new crops)‘
feast. Chaitra parab is celebrated in the whole month of Chaitra (March –
April) by the tribals. It is a great time of love, joy and match making for the
tribal youths. ‗Push punei, is observed in the month of Pausha (December-
January), in which men, women and children participate. After the rituals in
front of a head of wood, the heap of wood is lit fire. During all these festivals
dance and music with traditional instruments create vibrating rhythms.
‗Parab‘ a mega festival takes place in the month of November in KORAPUT
every year organized by the district administration.
Jagara Mela
Jagara Mela, other wise knowns a Mahasivaratri is observed at the
shrine of Gupteswar, shrine of Lord Shiva in a mountain cave in the Sal
forest of Ramgiri in Boipariguda Bloc.. This festival takes place in February-
March and attended by tribal and non tribal of Koraput as well as from
neighbouring state of Chhatish garh and Andhra Pradesh. Guteswar is a
place of religious tourism and visited by tourists (mostly worshippers)
through out the year.
Splendor of Art and Craft
The joy of free life finds expression in community art and craft. The rare
artistic skill of the tribal people of Koraput is manifested in their dress,
ornaments, wall paintings, wood carvings and toy making. The painting of
tribals reflects their vibrancy and life style. The Sauras are famous for their
wall paintings or Jhotis. Wood carving, metal work, house decoration with
various icon figures & colour plastering of earth witnesses the exquisite
creativity of communities living in the area. Bonda and Gadaba weave
clothes using Keranga fiber which last for decades. These hand spun textile
of coloured yarn are example of the best artistic skill of these people.
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Dongaria Kandha, Paraja, gadaba, Mali, women are skilled in making
beautiful embroidery work in their body make tattoo designed & scarf. Almost
all the tribal communities use ornaments of brass and other metals of rare
artistic quality.
Tourist Centres in the District
SL Spot Importance Distance from
No Koraput in Kms
1 Neelabadi Religious Centre of 100 Kms
Agnigangama
2 Kanspabali (Kechela) Island inside Kolab reservoir 12 Kms
3 Birakhamba Pitha, Seat of presiding deity of 50 Kms
Kendupada Boipariguda
4 Chingudi Darha & Waterfall 46 Kms
Rangapani Nala
5 Ramagiri A mythological site 64 Kms
6 Badudi Pahada A scenic spot on the bank of 90 Kms
Saberi river
7 Tikiragarh An old ruin fort 70 Kms
8 Ambiliambaguda Siva Shrine 21 Kms
9 Bhairabsingpur Jaina Shrine and Temple of 60 Kms
Goddesses Bhandargharani
10 Rani Duduma Scenic Spot & Waterfall 48 Kms
11 Pakjhola Scenic Spot 40 Kms
12 Muran Dam Water reservoir 65 Kms
13 Doraguda Jain Shrine 64 Kms
14 Chandan Mali Patta devi Historical site 49 Kms
Gumpha
15 Hati Bari Cave and Scenic Spot 65 Kms
16 Tentligumma (via Birth place of freedom fighter 125 Kms
Gobindapali) Laxman Nayak
17 Pedapadu Jaina caves Shrine & Scenic 90 Kms
spot
18 Jalmunda Waterfall 15 Kms
Koraput is a paradise of Ecotourism that involves travelling to relatively
undisturbed or uncontaminated natural areas with specific objective of
studying, admiring and enjoying the scenery and its flora and fauna as well
as exiting cultural manifestation. The whole place is a museum in nature,
unspoiled, virgin and unexplored. It is the ultimate destination for tourist who
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love nature, sprawling grass lands, dense forest and a few days of tranquility
and serenity.
KORAPUT is situated at 2900 ft. above
sea level amidst green hills. The panoramic
view of the town and its salubrious climate
makes it an attractive health resort. Nature
speaks a variety of languages which the lover
of nature translates into joy. The breath taking
scenery brings heaven to earth. Sabar
Srikhetra, the Jagannath Temple perched atop
a hillock in the heart of Koraput town adds to
the importance of this place.
Tribal Museum, Koraput
The tribal museum adjoining to it, projects the rare cultural heritage of
the tribals of this region. The tribal museum behind the Jagannath Temple
Koraput with collections of mineral samples, tribal costumes, hand woven
clothes, musical instruments, caters to and educates the tourists about the
culture and heritage of Koraput tribals.
Gupteswar
The cave Shrine of Gupteswar nestles
on a lush green hill, 58 K.m from Jeypore,
and 80 Kms away from Koraput, amidst
deep forest. The Cavernous interior of the
Temple enshrines a huge ‗lingam‘. The
cave is a multi Chambered wonder,
Gupteswar is also Popularly known as
Gupta Kedara. Shabari a rocky stream of
great scenic beauty flows by Gupteswar. It
is believed that Lord Rama during his banishment to forest passed through
this region on his way to Panchabati in Dandaka-ranya. The heavily wooded
valley all around is a heaven for the adventure loners.
Bagra
Bagra is situated 18 km from Koraput. Three waterfalls of Kolab river at
Bagra starting from Kilkura or the 300 feet plato jump over one another with
great speed from a height of 30 feet.
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Deomali
The highest mountain Peak of Odisha
Deomali 1762 mt. high nestling in the lap of the
Eastern Ghats is an ideal spot for Aero Gliding
and trekking expeditions. It is 60 Kms away
from Koraput.
Machhkund (Duduma)
The Majestic waterfall, popularly known
as Matsya Tirtha of epic fame falls from a
height of 175 mtrs. Set in the heart of a
picturesque hill, Duduma 70 Kms. to the
South of Jeypore and 88 Kms away from
Koraput is a rocky outlet for the river
Machhkund, which flows through this rough
Terrain. Rock-climbing enthusiasts can try reaching the base of the fall from
the opposite side of the hill, a route tribals claim can be Terribly Strenuous.
Onakadelli
Three Kms away from the Duduma water fall, a small village called
Onakadelli draws the attraction of foreign tourists to its weekly market day on
Thursday where the Neolithic tribe Bonda come from inaccessible forest for
marketing. It is 90 Kms away from Koraput.
Jolaput
It is a dam reservoir over Macchkund river. It is 68.2 sq. kms in area
and an idealist place of picnic and pleasure trip. It is 77 Kms away from
Koraput.
Nandapur
The ancient capital of Jeypore
Kingdom Nandapur is famous for the
presence of Batrisa Sinhasana (thirty
two steps to the throne). It is a 32 step
well preserved relic linked with the
fabled throne of King Vikramaditya. The
arresting red image as asix-feet
Ganesha and the shrine of Bhairavnath
and other monuments of great antiquity. It is 45 Kms away from Koraput.
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Subai
Subai a road side village 16 Kms from
Sunabeda and 34 Kms away from Koraput
has the relics of a Jain monastery,
containing rare images of the Tirthankaras.
Jeypore
Jeypore, the city of victory, the
biggest town in the district and home to
royal family is steeped in history. The old
fort is encircled by high masonary wall with
an imposing gateway. Towards the eastern
part of the town is a big tank called
Jagannath sagar attracts for water sports.
It is 22 Kms away from Koraput. The old
Royal Palace which is now in ruins was a an attraction to the tourists.
Damanjodi
The town came to limelight with the discovery of bauxite mines in the
Panchapatmali hills and setting up of NALCO, Asia‘s biggest Alumina co
mplex, Nearby stands the highest peak of Orissa. It is 34 Kms away from
Koraput.
Dumuriput
A village stands between Koraput and
Sunabeda by the side of NH-43. the famous
Sri Ram Temple situated in the locality is
widely known for the highest kneeling
Hanuman Statue in Odisha. Shree Ram
Navami festival is popularly celebrated
every year which attracts a large number of
devotees. It is 12 Kms away from Koraput.
Kolab Reservoir
At an altitude of about 3000 ft. above
sea level on river Kolab, stands the
majestic Kolab Reservoir generating Hydro
Electric Power. The place is highly admired
for its scenic beauty, attracting people for
weekend picnic and boating. It is 20 Kms
away from Koraput.
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Sunabeda
It is situated 18 Kms away from Koraput. It is a model township &
famous for manufacturing of MIG fighter planes & Sukhoi factory & Museum
containing aircraft engines displayed worthy to be seen.
Gulmi
Kolab River forming a whirl pool at Gulmi and attracting large number of
visitors from the district as well as from Chatisgarh state. It is 100 Kms away
from Koraput and 25 Kms from Chandeli (Odisha border).
Raja Cave and Balmiki Ashram
Raja Cave & Balmiki Ashram in other name known as Kapat Parbat. It
is believed the ancestors of Balmiki reside in this site situated on the bank of
river Machakund and the river dividing the border of Odisha & Andhra
Pradesh. It is a scenic spot & best place for trekking in Nandapur block for
Eco & Cave tourism. Akhayaturtiya in April (Beginning of agricultural
season) is the main festival of this site.
Balda Cave
Balda Cave is situated 66 Kms away from Koraput surrounded with
natural beauty. The top of the mountain plateau is flat one. View of Jalaput
reservoir from this plateau is enchanting and scenic. Donger Dei is the main
deity of the cave worshipped by the local people during Chaitra Festival. It is
good for trekking and a place for nature lover.
Kechela
A village situated in the southern bank of Kolab at a distance of 10
Kms away from Koraput. There is a copper plate stating the fact that the
village had been granted to one Narasingha Mishra. On the occasion of the
Solar eclipse 24 September 1620 by Maharaja Krishna Dev. There is a Jain
temple about 30 ft. high contains which has five images of Thirthankars
namely Resavanath, Mahavir Jain, Ambika Devi, Jakhya & Jakhyani. The
images are chiseled with great care and achieve high standard of art which
indicates the Kechela was a seat of Jainaism in the medieval period.
Narayanpatna
This village stands 1000 ft. above sea level. An ancient Jagannath
Temple, ruins of the old mud-fort and the curious old cannon are the
additional attractions of the place. Once the capital of Jeypore Kingdom, it is
remembered for the numerous wives and mistresses who committed Sati on
the death of King Viswamber Deo. The site popularly known as ―Sati Garva‖
still pointed out by the locals. Neelabadi neighbouring to Narayanapatna
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and 102 Kms away from Koraput is famous for the presiding deity
Agnigangamma. A nine day festival of the deity is celebrated here.
Raisil
Three Kms from Laxmipur and 60 Kms away from Koraput stands on
one stone hill with a perennial stream that attracts a large number of
weekend tourists. This place is ideal for trekking surrounded by natural
scenery. ―Anla Navami‖ in the Hindu month of Kartik (November) is
celebrated every year with huge colorful gatherings.
District Museum, Jeypore
A Government Museum with antiquities and craft works, mostly famous
for Jain iconography. It is located in the town hall complex, close to the
Government bus stand, Jain images are found at several places of the
district.
Parab, Koraput
A festival of festivals! PARAB – an annual tribal festival organized by
the District Council of Culture, Koraput is a gala event of the state, organized
in the month of November every year all over the district. The whole month
of parab witnesses events on sports culture, seminar mountain trekking, boat
race and artist‘s camp. On a three day from all over the country are staged
on one platform, with crafts mela and exhibitions in the Koraput Parab
ground.
Raniguda
18 Kms away from Koraput is an ideal place for weekend picnic
adventure & Eco-tourism site.
Maliguda
35 Kms eastwards of Jeypore and
25 Kms away from Koraput is a small
village where on a hill top is India‘s
highest broad gauge Railway tunnel. The
place is ideal for weekend picnic
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Information on Koraput
Area 8807 Sq.km
Altitude 303.3 to 909.9 mt above sea level
Population 13,77,934 – 2011 Census
Rainfall 15670.2 mm (Normal)
Climate Minimum Temp 12.0 c Maximum Temp 38.0 c
Language Tribal languages, Oriya, Telugu, Hindi & English
spoken
Clothing Cotton is Summer and Heavy woolen in Winter
Latitude 17 50 N To 20 3 N
Longitude 81 27 E 84, 1E
Website www.koraput.nic.in &www. Odhishatourism.com
Distance from Koraput
Bhubaneswar 499 Kms Nandapur 45 Kms
Raipur 400 Kms Duduma 88 Kms
Jagadalpur 115 Kms Jolaput 77 Kms
Visakhapatnam 202 Kms Maliguda 25 Kms
Vizianagaram 150 Kms Nilabadi 100 Kms
Bhadrachalam 310 Kms Malkangiri 127 Kms
Sunabeda 18 Kms Rayagada 109 Kms
Jeypore 22 Kms Hatipathar 112 Kms
Gupteswar 80 Kms Nabarangpur 66 Kms
Subai 34 Kms Mudulipada 98 Kms
Ankadelli 91 Kms Sambalpur 429 Kms
Berhampur 320 Kms Titilagarh 355 Kms
How to Reach Koraput
Air - Nearest air port is at Visakhapatnam (AP) – 202 Kms from Koraput.
Train - Well connected from Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela, Delhi,
Chennai, Kolkata via Rayagada Railway Station. Rayagada is 176 K.M.
away from Koraput by Train and 109 KM By Road .
Road - NH-26 passes through the District.
Season to visit Round the year. Any time of the year is the right season to
visit Koraput.
Important Phone No. of Koraput District (Code 06852)
Collector- 250700 (O), 250255(Res).
Superintendant of Police-250901 (O)
Government Hospital-251222
DI & PRO-251286,
DTO-250318,
DCO-250298,
Police-100 & 250245,
Railway Enquiry-131 & 251442,
Bus Enquiry-251487
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