World Tourism Day: Explore Odisha’s ‘Hidden Gems’

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has a plethora of places of tourist interest for those who care to visit the state – pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls and exquisite temples. So this World Tourism Day, Odisha Bytes decided to unravel the mystique of the state and let tourists know more about its ‘best kept secrets’.

Harishankar Shrine

It is a unique pilgrimage site, where devotees pay obeisance two Hindu deities. The name is derived from ‘Hari’ (Lord Vishnu) and ‘Shankar’ (Lord Shiva).

It is located in Balangir district and the nearest railway station is at Harishankar Road, around 32 km away from the temple. One can take a taxi at the railway station to reach the temple. There is also a waterfall near the shrine.

Ranipur-Jharial

Ranipur-Jharial is located in Balangir’s Bangomunda block, around 110 km from the district headquarters town.

It is famous for the Chausasthi (64) Yogini Temple. It is a circular roofless temple with statues of yoginis installed in the niches of the inner wall. In the middle of the temple, there is an image of a six-handed Shiva. The Yogini Temple smacks of occult practices. Historians are of the view that these temples were built when tantric practices gained popularity during the 6th-7th century AD.

There is also an Indralath brick temple around 100 metres from the Yogini Temple. The ‘shikhar’ (top) of the temple, which stands on a high sand stone platform, is 60 ft high. Historians say it was originally a Vaishnav temple, but later converted to a Shiva shrine.

Indralath Temple is the tallest surviving brick temple in Odisha.

In Ranipur, one can also visit the Someswar Temple located beside Someswar Sagar. The place is known as Somatirtha, which finds mention in the puranas of the 3rd- 4th century AD. It is said that a Siiva Acharya, Gagan Shiva had built the temple, whose name has been mentioned in an inscription found on the lintel of the temple. The inscription also mentions the place as Somatirtha.

Gundichaghai Waterfall

The beautiful Gundichaghai waterfall is only 12 km away from Ghatgaon Tarini Temple in Keonjhar district.

When you plan to visit Ghatgaon Maa Tarini Temple, Sanaghaghara and Badaghaghara, you should not miss this beautiful waterfall. It falls from a height of 50 ft on Mudala River nestled amidst a lush green forest.

Rabandhara Waterfall, Kalahandi

Rabandhara is a place of great scenic beauty. It is located about 12.8 km from Bhawanipatna.

It is named after a small waterfall inside a mountain gorge. The panoramic view around provides some delightful contrasts of scenery. There is also a thick forest near the waterfall, adding to the scenic attraction of the place.

Duduma Waterfall

The Duduma Waterfall is located on the border of Koraput district. The 157.5-metre-high glittering waterfall is formed by Machhakund River.

The site of the Duduma Waterfall is surrounded by dense forests.