📍 Odisha, India
Odisha · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Core area, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj district
Located deep inside the core of Similipal National Park, Barehipani is India's second-highest waterfall, plunging 1,309 feet (399 m) in two tiered leaps over a dramatic red cliff. Nearby Joranda Falls drops in a single uninterrupted veil of 492 feet into a mist-shrouded gorge.
Chandipur, Balasore district
A one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon where the seawater recedes up to 5 kilometres twice a day during low tide, allowing visitors to safely walk, cycle, or even drive right onto the seabed. Teeming with tiny red ghost crabs and horseshoe crabs left behind by the receding waves.
Khiching, Sukruli block, Mayurbhanj district
An architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of lustrous black chlorite stone, originally built between 920 and 925 CE by the Bhanja dynasty rulers. Dedicated to Goddess Kichakeswari, the exterior walls are adorned with refined carvings of celestial maidens, dancers, and floral scrolls.
Hidden Gem
Nilgiri block, Balasore district
A tranquil dense forest corridor of 272 sq km linked with Similipal, renowned for wild elephant herds, leopards, giant squirrels, and hornbills. Offers secluded nature camps and watchtowers at Rissia Dam where wildlife gathers at dusk to drink.
Hidden Gem
Nilagiri, Balasore district
Perched on the verdant Nilagiri hill range, this sacred shrine is famous for five naturally sculpted stone Shiva lingas continuously washed by a cold perennial mountain spring. Devotees lie flat on the rock slab and feel the sacred lingas underwater amidst dense green forest canopies.
Mayurbhanj district (entry via Pithabata or Jashipur gates)
A massive 2,750 sq km UNESCO World Network Biosphere Reserve comprising dense sal forests, meadows, and rolling hills. Shelters Bengal tigers, wild elephants, leopards, four-horned antelopes, and over 1,000 plant species including 96 species of rare wild orchids.
