Escape, Explore, See
Similipal Tour
Similipal, which derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, is a national park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district. The tiger reserve is spread over 2750 sq km and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. Also, it features relatively unknown yet mesmerizingly beautiful waterfalls like Uski, Chaulabhala, Alkudar, Tunki and Devkund waterfall.At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.The park is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level).The forest dept. make arrangements for Jungle tour of approximately 170 km up & down and which takes around 9 hours of time period i.e morning 9 AM to evening 6 PM. Following are the places you can visit during this Jungle tour program.
BAREHIPANI WATERFALL
The Barehipani Falls has a total height of 399 metres (1,309 ft). It is a tiered waterfall with two drops. it is the second highest water fall in India and the highest water fall in Odisha. The tallest single drop is 259 metres (850 ft).
JORANDA WATERFALL
The Joranda Falls is located in the Simlipal National Park near Dhanaulti. It is the 19th highest waterfall in India.The Joranda Falls has a total height of 150 metres. The water plunges over a lofty cliff in a single drop, spreading out slightly as it falls. This spot is both a relaxing and stunning experience.
NAWANA VALLEY
A beautiful valley comes in between Joronda and Barehipani waterfall. It is surrounded by Similipal mountain ranges. The view from the valley is mesmerizing. It’s highly recommended to stop by Nawana Valley to enjoy the natural beauty of Similipal mountain ranges and also connect with local Aadivasi people lived in the nearby village.
CHAHALA SALT LAKE AREA
At this place one can listen the natural sound like, slow moving winds of Sal forest, resounded by the voice of birds, echo of hill myna, roaring sound of herbivores like Elephants, Deer and Sambar in the meadow and sound of dancing peocock.
Animals like Elephants, Deer and Sambar can be seen at Chahala. Peocock and Deer are wandering near the road as well as near the resort. The scene of peocock and deer is at forest road side is very charming and beautiful.
Mayurbhanj South Tour
HARIPUR GARH
"Rasika Raya Brick Temple" of Haripur Gada has such stunning looks that it can mesmerize any heritage lover. Haripur Gada, the ruined fort capital of Bhanja dynasty of Mayurbhanj, is located at about 38 kms away from Similipal Eco Cottage.
When the Mughals came to Odisha, it was also only Mayurbhanj that could save itself from the Mughal invasion, under the powerful Bhanja King Baidyanath Bhanja. Raja Baidyanath Bhanja built a splendid temple in admiration of his tutelary God Rasika Raya, inside the fort, as a mark of respect towards his Guru.
Even till this day, the Temple is regarded as one of the most splendid creations of the Bhanja dynasty. The temple is a rare example of a brick temple, of that era. In Odisha, one can hardly find a brick temple having such intricate carvings, thus making it a must-visit destination for heritage and culture enthusiasts.
KALO DAM
Kalo Dam in Mayurhanj, Odisha is one of the famous and attractive tourist spot. The place is full of greenery and natural sceneries. This spot is famous for its mesmerizing sunset view which everyone must see once for sure. Highlights of this place is Beautiful Garden & Boating.
The beauty of the Kalo Dam is its sunrise and sunset view point. The mesmerizing view of lush green forest and surrounding greenery hills attracts tourists from nearby towns and neighbouring state of West Bengal and many more.
These are irrigation project dams and located in Kaptipada. These are popular places for picnicking and boating. Currently boating facilities available only in Kalo dam.
SAMIBRUKHYA
Samibrukhya is a single vertical stone which is also a major tourist attraction. The size of the vertical stone is around 500ft. It is the place where Pandavas kept their weapons during their exile according to Mahabharata.
Locals do believe that the tree has become a big stone in Kalyug. The single stone forms a hill which is Samibrukhya. Kalo Dam is to the east of Samibrukhya while Kusabhadra flows near it. The greenery of Similipal mountain ranges on its west offers picture postcard view to the tourists.
A few meters has a way are Dubigad hill, a pond and ruins of an ancient Temple. Itagarh hill near it hasa treasure of important archaeological remnants. The prominent feature of the place is a huge outcrop protruding out of earth. A big festival is organised during Makara Sankranti
DEVKUND WATERFALL
With its mesmerizing view of the waterfall right next to the temple and the thick forest and surrounding high mountains, it is very much unlike that you won’t be awestruck by its natural beauty.
Devkund is naturally created pond with crystal clear water located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It is part of the Simlipal National Park. There is a temple called "Ambika Mandira" that was discovered by Rajkumar Prafulla Chandra Bhanja Deo, a researcher and a king during British Raj who stayed at Devkund and researched about this place.[3][4][5] Debakunda is home to lichen species like Parmeliaceae.[
Devkund is famous for its water fall that falls from the top of the hill. Devkund means the bathtub of Gods and Goddesses. So this place is very important for Hindu culture, as they believe that it the bathing place of their Gods and Goddess, so by touching this water they get blessings of their god and goddess. Devkund is situated at 80 km from Similipal Eco Cottage.