Explore the most beautiful, untouched Keonjhar, Odisha’s secret gem

Keonjhar remains an untouched destination filled with majestic waterfalls, dense forests, tribal heritage, and spiritual calm. Perfect for slow travellers, weekend explorers, and eco-tourism seekers, this itinerary promises a blend of serenity and adventure, away from the tourist crowds. If nature is what attracts you, then welcome to one of the most beautiful offbeat destinations in India – Keonjhar.

Day 1: Arrival in Keonjhar – Nature & Spiritual Welcome

Morning: Arrival and Check-in

• Arrive at Keonjhar town by road or train. The nearest railway station is Joda or Keonjhar Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (220 km).

• Check in a local hotel or eco-resort.

• Freshen up and have a hearty Odia breakfast.

Late Morning to Afternoon: Sanaghagara Waterfall and Park

• Visit Sanaghagara Waterfall, just 5 km from the town. Surrounded by sal and teak forests, the 30 ft cascade is perfect for a short trek and picnic.

• Explore Sanaghagara Nature Park: boating, swings for kids, tribal sculptures, and a well-maintained nature trail.

  

Evening: Gonasika (Brahmeswar Mahadev Temple & Baitarani Origin)

• Drive 40 km to Gonasika Hills, the origin of the sacred Baitarani River.

• Visit the Brahmeswar Mahadev Temple, believed to be over a thousand years old.

• Witness the mysterious river origin, where water gushes out of a cow-shaped rock (Go-Mukh).

• Return to Keonjhar town for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2: Hidden Gems – Waterfalls, Forests & Tribal Culture

Morning: Badaghagara Waterfall

• After breakfast, drive 10 km to Badaghagara Waterfall, a 60-metre (approx. 200 ft) high cascade, more powerful and scenic than Sanaghagara.

• Enjoy photography, short trekking, and quiet moments in the lap of nature.

Late Morning: Murga Mahadev Temple

• Head to Murga Mahadev Temple, located amidst dense forests and rolling hills.

• It’s a sacred Shiva temple where both tribals and Hindus offer prayers.

• The nearby stream, rock formations, and peaceful setting are ideal for meditation and spiritual reflection.

Lunch: Packed lunch or return to town (or pre-arranged tribal meal in a village).

Afternoon: Tribal Village Experience (Optional)

• Visit a nearby Ho or Juang tribal village to learn about local customs, houses, cuisine, and handicrafts.

• Watch tribal dance or handicraft making (can be pre-arranged via local tourism groups).

Evening: Local Market & Keonjhar Palace View

• Explore Keonjhar town market for handwoven textiles, bamboo crafts, and local snacks like Chhenapoda.

• View the Keonjhar Palace from outside – the royal residence of the Bhanja rulers (not open for public interiors but beautiful to see).

• Return to hotel/resort for dinner.

Day 3: Khandadhar Waterfall and Mining Belt Exploration

Morning: Early Drive to Khandadhar Waterfall (80 km / 2.5 hrs one way)

• Start early for Khandadhar Waterfall, one of Odisha’s highest (500+ ft).

  

• Located near Telkoi or Baneikala, it’s a spectacular cascade through rocky cliffs, especially in post-monsoon months.

• Enjoy a light trek through forest trails and bamboo groves.

Picnic Lunch at Khandadhar or nearby forest rest house

Afternoon: Drive through Iron Ore Mines Belt (Optional)

• Take a detour through Joda–Barbil mining region, one of the richest iron ore belts in India.

• If interested, view open-cast mines from a safe distance, or visit Tata Steel’s Eco-Park in Noamundi (Jharkhand border).

• Alternatively, return to Keonjhar by early evening and relax.

Evening: Tribal Folk Show or Bonfire Night (On Request)

• Some eco-stays or resorts offer folk dance evenings featuring tribal performers.

• Enjoy local cuisine around a bonfire or simply stargaze in the peaceful hillscape.

Day 4: Departure – Scenic Drive and Last Stops

Morning:

• Visit Jhadeshwar Temple or Ghatgaon Tarini Temple (approx. 45 km) en route to Bhubaneswar or back to your next destination.

• Maa Tarini Temple is a revered Shakti Peetha and a must-visit for spiritual travellers.

Midday:

• Stop at roadside dhabas for lunch (try Odia thali with saag, dalma, and fish curry).

• Depart for Bhubaneswar / Rourkela / Sambalpur or your onward connection.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: October to February (for waterfalls and greenery). Avoid peak monsoon due to slippery paths.

• Stay Options: Eco-resorts near Sanaghagara, budget hotels in Keonjhar, forest guest houses (pre-booked).

• Local Delicacies: Chhenapoda, pakhala bhata, dalma, mutton curry, tribal chutneys.

• What to Carry: Trekking shoes, light woollens (for winter), mosquito repellent, and a flashlight for off-grid areas.

• Permits: Not required, but inform local forest department if entering deep forest or tribal zones.

• Language: Odia, Hindi, and some English are spoken; locals are friendly and hospitable.

Treat yourself to tailor-made Group Tours and Individual Tours to Keonjhar (Kendujhar) in Odisha. Also, take an opportunity to go around Odisha, West Bengal, Kerala, Goa and Delhi, Agra, and a whole lot of other destinations within India with Excursion2India! Excursion2India has customized tour packages for groups and individuals to explore Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Thailand, Bali and Malaysia. 

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