Khandadhar Waterfall
The Khandadhar ( Edge of sword ) Falls is whispered to be the second highest after the Barehipani Falls, if not the tallest waterfall in Orissa. The Khandadhar Falls is categorized as a horsetail waterfall. This perpetual waterfall of Khandadhar Falls is one of the most outstanding gifts of nature. A jewel in the tourist circuit of the Sundargarh region, the Khandadhar Falls is located amidst the lush greenery of unpolluted forests and virgin nature.
Located amidst the lush green forests of Sundargarh district is Orissa’s most bewitching waterfall, the Khandadhar fall(244 meters). It lies about 104 from Rourkela via Bonaigarh which is 19 km from the waterfall. The last couple of meters is purely a trekker’s delight. It is a pleasant spot amidst thick jungles and mountains ideal for lover of nature.
A perennial rivulet, called Korapani Nala, creates a remarkable waterfall known by the name Khandadhar, with a few kilometers of its origin. The fall lies in 21045’N. and 8507′ E., in village Nandapani under Bonaigrah Police station, in Sundergarh district. The scene created by the glittering waters that trickle down the magnificent waterfall can best be enjoyed form the mountain-top. The beauty of the fall increases during the monsoon months when the water from the Koprani Nala River overflows and it drops down as a fall from a height of 800 feet. The 800 feet (244 meters) high waterfall is said to be the 2nd highest in Orissa. As the volume of water discharged is far too little, there is no prospect of it being harnessed for power. The nearby forest of the fall is filled with vast variety of flora and fauna. Goddess Kanta is a known deity of the tribals of the locality. It is a pleasant spot amidst thick jungles and mountains ideal for nature lovers. On reaching, a weary visitor would soon forget the strain of the arduous journey. In the nearby area a guest house is there for the tourists under Paudi Bhuyan Development Authority for VIPs.
The majestic Khandadhar Falls presents an impressive chiaroscuro that is certainly worth an artist’s pencil and a photographer’s lens. The waterfall, gushing through the charming Sundargarh district is probably the most famous amongst the numerous falls that lace the state’s landscape.
Things to do and see:
Picnic: It is a famous picnic spot where one can come with family and friends & enjoy in the welcoming arms of nature.
Trekking: This place is also a well-known spot for trekking accompanied by friends and family.
How to go
It lies about 104 from Rourkela via Bonaigarh which is 19 km from the waterfall. It is 19 km. (12 miles)to the south-east of Bonaigarh and can be reached by a fair-weather road, the last 1.6 km. is, however, negotiable by foot. Rourkela has direct train from New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, Chennai, Bokaro, Tata, Ahmedabad, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Puri. It is 470 km from Bhubaneswar and 192 km from Sambalpur by road.
Where to stay
OTDC’s Panthanivas, Sector 5, Rourkela, (Ph:643280, 646568)
Hotel Ajanta (Ph:522836)
Hotel Chandralok (Ph:510622)
Hotel Shyam (Ph:510337)
Hotel Mayfair (Ph:502013)
Hotel Radhika (Ph: 510234)
