Keonjhar

PLACES TO VISIT IN KEONJHAR

The Keonjhar District emerged as one of the District on 1st January, 1948. The District is bounded by Mayurbhanj District and Bhadrak District to the east, Jajpur District to the south, Dhenkanal District and Sundargarh District to the west and West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand State to the north.

Covering a geographical area of 8303 sq kms, the Keonjhar District lies between 21º 1’ N to 22º 10’ N latitude and 85º 11’ E to 86º 22’ E longitude.

Here below are some of the places to visit in Keonjhar:

Ghatagaon Tarini: Ghatgaon Tarini temple, which is inside deep forest of Keonjhar district, is one of the famous Hindu Goddess temples dedicated to Maa Tarini with historical consequence. People throng the temple throughout the year to seek blessing. Patua Yatra is one of famous festivals famous here in the month of April.

Gonasika Temple: Surrounded by a series of valleys and wooded hills of varying colors, the place is famous as a center of pilgrimage for the temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev established by the side of river Baitarani. In fact, this is the place where the river starts flowing. A little away from the point of origin, the river goes underground and hence called Gupta Ganga only to be seen jumping after a short distance over a stone projection looking like the nostril of a cow.

Kushaleswar Temple: The temple, Deogaon is sanctified owing to the presence of a shrine dedicated to Lord Kusheleswar Mahadev built in 900 AD. The temple located on the bank of river Kusei is an excellent pilgrimage center of the area. Maha Shivaratri or Jagar Mela & Sravan Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This temple has corroborated the saga of the Koshal Empire of western Odisha.

Murga Mahadev Temple: Murga Mahadev Temple stands majestically at the foot of Thakurani Hills is an important tourist spot in the district. A picturesque perennial spring of Thakurani Hills with the lush green forest has gifted a gorgeous waterfall to the nature lovers which flows nearby the temple area facilitating holy bath to the devotees.

Sanaghagara and Badaghagara: Bada Ghagara and Sana Ghagara waterfalls have been named after their size. Both the waterfalls located deep inside forest covered with numerous type of trees. Tourists reside here and appreciation the nature’s handiwork. One can plan a visit to these sites any time in a year.

Rajnagar: It is famous for the ruined palace of Keonjhar King. Also, Raghunath Jew Matha, Dadhibaban Jew temple and Chadhei Kudoor are other attractions of the spot. Different kinds of birds from different places gather here(Chadhei Kudoor) in winter which is most enjoyable. It 27 km. from Keonjhar.

Keonjhar Hill: A quiet hillside town, Keonjhar district is the playground of nature, away from secretes of tourists that host to popular hill stations. The place thus presents an interesting mix of natural beauty along with hard peace and quietness of humming river to the visitors which remain to be explored by the visitors.

Bhimkund: It is a beautiful natural water lake on the River Baitarani. It is located exactly on the boundary line between the districts Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, at a distance of about 100 km from Keonjhar. This reservoir is two-storeyed which resulted in the founding of two waterfalls one above another.

It is being told that Bhima, the second Pandava had taken bath in this reservoir and hence it was named after him. During the Makar Festival in the month of January thousands of people gather here to take their holy dip.

Hadagarh: Hadgarh is famous for its Wildlife Sanctuary covering an area of 191 sq. km. Established in 1978, the sanctuary witness flow of Salandi River along with several streams like Ghagara stream, Bentokholi stream, Mukta stream, Pitanau stream, Suranga stream and Chakratirtha stream. The Hadagarh reservoir inside the Sanctuary attracts several migratory birds. Toursits can drop in here and enjoy the feeling of being roaming inside nature’s lap.

Handibhanga Waterfall: This waterfall is situated in a picturesque natural environment amidst the lush green forest with the up rolling mountain range. The nearby area is a huge reserve of rich biodiversity & ecology. Handibhanaga Waterfall with a height of 200 feet high mesmerizes the visitors for this stunning landscape.

Gundichaghai Waterfall: ‘Small is beautiful’- this phrase goes in parlance with the 50 ft high Gundichaghai waterfall which has a mesmerising scenic beauty. The waterfall is on the Mudala River amidst lush forest. Several guest houses and Panthanivas are there for tourists with much to explore.

Keshari Kunda: Keshari Kunda which has two holes on the bed of river Baitarani invites people to get a holy dip and people offer their homage to Lord Siva on its bank. The landscape provides an interesting scenario for picnics and holidays.

Kanjipani Ghati: Kanjipani Ghati is a picturesque natural panoramic spot with magnificent up rolling mountain ranges. Trail of Kanjipani Ghati spread over 20 km long along NH-49 which offers a unique experience to nature lovers above 610 meter high ghat. The place is the treasure house of rich Flora & Fauna. The winter temperature goes to 0°C while clouds touch the valley during the rainy season to the delight of tourists.

Location: Keonjhar Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (200km) Nearest Railway Station: Keonjhar Railway Station Nearest Bus Stand: OSRTC Bus Stand, Keonjhar