Mahendragiri

Mahendragiri is one of the prominent Orissa attractions. The 5,000 feet high Mahendragiri hills, situated in the middle of Eastern Ghats  in the Paralakhemundi sub-division of Gajapati district is 175 km from Berhampur. Though the major part of this hill range now comes under Andhra Pradesh, the 4,943 feet high peak Mahendragiri is actually located within the district of Gajapati, 51 km. to the south-west of Brahmapur. The place is 26 km. from the sea and lies exposed to the sea-breeze. Mahendragiri offers a breathtaking view of the picturesque surrounding regions.

Exotic mountain ranges, lush evergreen forests, the swift flowing rivulet of Mahendra Tanaya and the pleasant weather represent the beautiful place of Mahendragiri.The river Mahendratanaya flows down the mountain in the east through Mandasa and joins the Bay of Bengal at Barua which was once an important ancient port . Mahendragiri is foremost of the seven Kulagiris or principal mountains of India. The reference of Mahendra mountain in the ancient literature, accounts and epigraphy  is wide-ranging and vivid.

Mahendragiri bears relics to the rich religious and mythical history of the region. The legendary poets Sarala Das, Radhanath Ray and Kalidas composed several poems in praise of the beauty of the high mountains of Mahendragiri. The ancient site of Mahendragiri boasts of several archaeological relics that reflects the antiquity of the beautiful place. Far from the hustle bustle of the maddening crowd of the cities, the serene and calm surrounding of Mahendragiri relieves the tourists from the stress and strains of daily life.

The local indigenous inhabitants of Mahendragiri celebrate the religious festival of Shivratri with great enthusiasm and fervor. Many tourists coincides their trip to Mahendragiri with the special festive occasion of Shivratri.

The Mahendragiri is a place of great scenic beauty. The place is surrounded on three sides by hills and thick growth of wild trees. The surrounding forests abound in peacocks, flying squirrels,elephants, spotted deer and even leopards and talking mynahs The view of the surrounding area from the top of the hill is enchanting. The range of granite hills on the north-west and south succeed one another like huge waves and the passage of clouds from peak to peak produces an ever-changing scene. The clear waters of the sacred Mahendratanaya, the blue sea at a distance and the mountain with its majestic beauty make Mahendragiri a trekker’s dream come true.For those tourists who want to add a bit of adventure with their trip, Mahendragiri provides them with a scope to trek up the undulating mountainous regions of the place.

There are also three temples on the top of the mountain. These temples are named after the Pandava brothers and their mother Kunti. Sarala Dasa, the author of Oriya Mahabharata, attributes the establishment of the Gokarnesvara Sivalinga to Pandava brothers who visited Mahendragiri during the period of their exile.

How to go

Mahendragiri is approachable from Brahmapur by three routes. The first route, the  route currently in use, is upto Paralakhemundi, 115 km. from Brahmapur via Ichhapur – Palasa. The second route is from Brahmapur to Paralakhemundi via Digapanandi-R.Udayagiri and Rayagada which runs over a distance of 173 km. The third route is 126 km from Brahmapur via Ichhapur-Jarada-Kaipur and Paralakhemundi.

To go to Mahendragiri one has to go to Paralakhemundi which is about 120 km. from Brahmapur via Palasa( Andhra Pradesh). From Paralakhemundi one can travel by bus for 46 km. i.e. upto Kainpur, 14 km. from Mahendragiri and then to Burkhat pass (5 kms) by jeep and finally proceed to the Mahendragiri hill (10 kms) on foot. Now the communication has improved and one can go upto the foothill by jeep.

Where to stay

There is no accommodation facility for the tourists. The nearest places where accommodation is available are Jeranga where there is an Inspection Bungalow of Works Department and Paralakhemundi where there is a circuit house, a Works Department Inspection Bungalow and other private hotel. Lack of communication and accommodation facilities forbid many interested tourists from visiting this place. If there shortcomings are removed the place will attract a greater influx of tourists.