Orissa is a state crisscrossed with numerous rivers primarily fed by the monsoon rains. These rivers create gorges, river valleys, fertile basins and spectacular waterfalls as they cut through the state's undulating topography to join the Bay of Bengal in the pursuit of a larger water body - the Indian Ocean.

There are countless waterfalls that dot the landscape of Orissa. Barenhipani, Joranda, Badaghagra, Sanaghagra and Khandadhar waterfalls are the prominent ones in Orissa. Duduma, Harishankar, Handibhanga, Hatipathar, Khanduala, Miriglotah, Mruga Mahadev, Nrusimhanath, Phurli Jharan, Pradhanpat and Putudi are other minor waterfalls in a state that can be include in your tour to Orissa, by Tourism of Orissa, on your tours to the concerned region nearby these waterfalls.

Whether prominent tourist attraction or popular with locals, all these waterfalls have a story to tell - of history and mythology - besides being apt for picnics, sightseeing, treks and outings.

The 399m Barenhipani and 150m Joranda waterfalls within the core area of the Simlipal National Parks are stunning in their raw force and alluring in their picturesque setting amidst the dense forests and diverse flora and fauna.

The 244m spectacular Khandadhar Fall in the heavily wooded areas of the Sundargarh district of Orissa is another popular tourist destination that shouldn't be missed on your tour to Orissa and its invigorating waterfalls.

Keonjhar, with its cool and hilly terrain, is a popular tourist destination in Orissa. Keonjhar is also home to two of the most sought after waterfalls in Orissa. The 60m Badaghagra Falls and the 30m Sanaghagra Falls are popular with tourists as picnic spots and apt for short trekking excursions.


Badaghagra : 10 kms.from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small (200 ft. high) but exiting waterfall on the river Ghagara. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district.

Duduma : A charming waterfalll on the river Machhakunda,70 kms. from Jeypore,a waterfall of 155mt high is also a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty.

Harishankar : is located on the southern side of Gandhamardhan hills in Balangir. The Harishankar dazzles with a series of bewitching waterfalls cascading on the hillslopes.

Hathipathar : Nearly 3kms. away from Raygada.

Khandadhar Falls : Khandadhar, a famous waterfall of about 800 mt. high is located amidst lush green forest of Sundergarh. It is the highest waterfall of the state. It is 60 kms. from Keonjhar. The magnificient sight of the fall makes it ideal for a great picnic spot.

Mirig Khoj : Aproximately 110 kms from Rourkela, a beautiful waterfall of Orissa.

Phurli Jharan Falls : Waterfall near Bhawanipatna is about 16mts high. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sun-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall has a special charm of its own.