VISIT KORAPUT TOURIST PLACE

RAILWAYS IN KORAPUT

            When we talk about the development of Railways in Koraput district we mean undivided Koraput district, because the new districts of Koraput. Nabarangapur, Malkangiri and Rayagada were carved from the old one on the 2^nd October 1992 only.  All the Railway lines in Koraput district are under Walteir division of East Coast Zone.  The total length of Railway line in Koraput District (Excluding) is about 113 Km. The stations in Rayagada district are Jemadeipentha - Rayagada - Singapore  Road - Theruvali - Bissumcuttack Muniguda - Daikhll - Ambadola. The total length of 158 Km (i.e. in Orissa) is in Koraput district. The stations which are in Koraput district are Darliput - Padua - Bijaguda - Machkund road - Paliba - Telaput - Koraput - Manabar - Jarti - Maliguda - Jeypore - Hadia- Kusumi - Kotpad. The total number of stations in this line is 42 Nos. There are 46 Tunnels, having total length of 12.76 Km, out of which 9.81 Km are with steel concrete lining.

1.        Maliguda Tunnel is the highest broad gauge tunnel in India.  It is about 50 Kms from Koraput Railway station and 25 Kms from Jeypore Railway station.

2.        This was the highest broad gauge line in the world.

3.        Semiliguda station (Andhra Pradesh) is the highest broad gauge station in India. It is 15 Kms from Aruku.

Koraput - Rayagada Rail line :- was constructed in two phases.

(i)                 The first phase work, i.e. Koraput Damanjodi line was completed in 1985.

(ii)               The Hirakhand Express (Koraput to Bhubaneswar) started in December 1997.

(iii)             There are altogether 12 stations enroute. There are 36 Tunnels and the longest tunnel is 16 Km.

JAGANNATH TEMPLE:-

            The headquarter Town of Koraput is also famous for its for places is cerise known Sri. Jagannath Temple, as the Sabara Srikhetra, is the biggest Temple of the District, which has been constructed in the 19^th Century.  Now a days, this temple is the main attraction for this town.  The famous Ratha Yatra is also celebrated here in a grand way.  The Temple is surrounded with a boundary wall.  In order to reach at the Temple, one has to climber more than 100 steps, to see the Lord Jagannath. The height of the temple rises to about 50 feet and has a four chambered Complex with Deula, Jagamohan, Nata Mandapa, and Bhoga Mandapa, closely affixed to each other.  By 1982 all the side deities were established a round the Temple. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are worshipped in the main sanctum of the Temple.

            The Temple of Lord Jagannath, is located on the top of a hillock.  Important deities have been installed there in and around the Temple.  It attracts quite a large number of tourists from neighbouring areas each year.  A tribal museum is situated near the Temple site.  In the Museum collections of articles related to the life styles of different tribal groups, their cultural and economic life, musical instruments and mant other things. It maintains a well developed library rich with books on tribes.

            Some people go to the extent of saying that the Jagannath cult which found its highest manifestation at Puri has originated from Koraput.  The imposing Temple of Lord Jagannatha on the top of the Nisan Pabli (Pabli is the Desia term for hillock), renamed as “Nilasaila” in the centre of Koraput, dominating the structural landscape of the town, had a momentous beginning.

            The devotees steal a devotional glance of almost all major deities of the Hindu pantheon, such as Mahabira Hanuman, Maha Ganesh, Surya, Laxminrusingam, Bimala, Maha Saraswati, Patar Sauruni (Lalitambike) Mahalaxmi, and the Nabagraha and the Dolo Mandapa, as they go round (Pradaksana) the Lord in the main enclosure (Bedha).

ABOUT KORAPUT DISTRICT:-

The erstwhile Koraput district was divided into four districts, viz. Koraput, Nowarangpur, Malkangiri, and Rayagada in 1992.  This Undivided Koraput district was one of the largest districts (Second in rank) in the Country with an area of about 27,020 Sq. Kms. This un-divided Koraput district was first constituted as a district in 1^st April 1936, when the province of Orissa came into existence. Before that date it was a part of the Vizagapatam district of Madras Presidency. This un divided Koraput district is the largest with tribal concentration of 54.30% Koraput is a hilly district in the Eastern Ghats Region of South Orissa. The district Head Quarter i.e. Koraput is situated at an altitude of 966m above Sea level. 

JEYPORE :-

Jeypore town located at a distance of 22 Km from Koraput.  Is the biggest town main trading centre of Koraput Distric.  One can make it a base point to visit the other tourist places The Jagannath Sagar is situated in western of the town part.  It is a very big tank of 1.25 Km 10.75 Km size.  The presiding deity of Jeypore is the Jagat Janani. There is also an art school in the town.  The town has quite a good number of Luxury hotels where tourists can stay. Jeypore, otherwise called the city of victory is also a famous centre of Jainism.  Jeypore has a college named after Maharaja Vikramdev and three high schools the only art school is also named after the Maharaja. There is also a beautiful old Church.      The Dasahara festival is a great event of the year in Jeypore town.  It lasts for 16 days with much pomp and grandeur in honour of goddess Kanaka Durga. Jeypore was the capital of the older Jeypore community during beautiful it was an e state. It was including the state of Odisha after its formation on 1^st April 1936. 

BOIPARIGUDA:-

In the past Boipariguda was an important trade centre.  The place Boipariguda means traders settlement.  Boipariguda is 22 Km away from Jeypore.  In the dense forest of the place the tribal people worship “BiraKhamba Devi” their main deity.  This place is situated near the village Kendupoda.  In Boipariguda block remain GS of Saivism are found.  The Nilakantheswara Siva Pithe is 3 Km away from Boipariguda at the foot a hill named Birakhamba Lord Nilakantheswara worshipped has by the tribal people.

KENDUPADA:-

            The village Kendupada is lying at a distance of 3 Kilometre from Boipariguda.  Here Birukhombo is the famous forest deity of the tribal people.  Is worshipped Birukhombo is a variant form of the goddess Sthambheswari.

RAMAGIRI:-

            This place is situated by the sidi of the road between Boipariguda and Gupteswar.  The place is famous for its natural beauty and hilly areas.  It is believed that Lord Sri Ram stayed for some time in Ramagiri hill. For this reason the place is named as Ramagiri.

GUPTESWAR:-

            Gupteswar Cave is at a distance of 42 Km from Jeypore and connected by black-top road.  It is a place of natural beauty and is famous for its shrine.  Travel to the cave is an exciting journey for one has to pass through a thick Sal forest covering about 15 Km.  The cave is on the top of a lime stone hill which is about 500 ft.  Higher than the surrounding area.  One has to walk through flight of 176 steps flanked with line of champak trees. The entrance of the cave is 9 feet wide and 8 feet in hight.  There is one rougly circular chamber of about 10 feet in diameter.  There is one stalactite resembling lingam of 6 feet high and 10 feet in circumference.  The lingam is called Gupteswar Mahadev because it was lying hidden inside the cave for a long time.  There are several other caves but of little interest.  In the second cave there is a large stalactite formed by dripping of water containing carbonates. People worship it as the udder of Kamadhenu, the celestial cow and wait under it with out stretched palm to collect drops of water at long intervals. (Gupteswar is the highest Saiva Phallic in the whole of India).  Gupteswar is situated on the bank of river Saberi which divides Orissa and Chhattisgarh. People of Chhattisgarh call it Gupta Kedar.  It is said that Ramachandra of epic fame passed through these hills and worshipped here lord Siva Kedarnath.  The Lord blessed him.  A hill near Gupteswar has been named after Ramachandra and called Ramagiri where Bondas reside.  Gupteswar is located on a plateau surrounded by hills.  State tourism department has built a tourist centre in the middle of this plateau where a tourist may make night halt. 

Tirathgarh waterfall:-

Located on Mugabahar river this waterfall is inside Kanger valley Ghat. At a distance of 36 KM from Jagdalpur this waterfall is located close to Kutumsar Cave ( 10 KM upto main road and 6 KM waterfall = 16 KM ).

Good restaurants are not available near the waterfall. Locally setup stalls offer oily food and biscuit packets are sold even after expiry dates. So better to carry your food or return to Jagdalpur to have your food. There is no accommodation available and tourist visit this place for one or two hours and return to Jagdalpur. This is a best picnic spot for people of nearby areas.

This is the best place to take bath as you can climb down to the base of the water using 210 steps. It is not so difficult to climb up in steps.

Jagdalpur is the nearest city having rail and road connectivity.

If you are planning to visit Chitrakoot waterfall and Tirathgarh water fall on the  same day then visit Tirathgarh and Kutomsar Cave first ( morning ) and then visit Chitrakoot fall in afternoon around 4 PM.

Chitrakoot:-

Chitrakoot, 'the hill of many wonders', nestles peacefully in the northern spurs of the Vindhyas, a place of tranquil forest glades and quiet rivers, and streams where calm and repose are all pervading. This loveliest of Nature's gifts is also hallowed ground, blessed by the gods and sanctified by the faith of pilgrims. For Chitrakoot's spiritual legacy stretches back to legendary ages: it was in these deep forests that Rama and Sita spent eleven of their fourteen years of exile; here that the great sage Atri and Sati Anusuya meditated; and here where the principal trinity of the Hindu pantheon, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, took their incarnations.

DUMURIPUT:-

Dumuriput is a village located in between Koraput and Sunabeda by the side of N.H. 43. The famous Ram Temple is situated there over a vast field. A 32 feet kneading Hanuman statue attracts tourists passing by that road. Ram Navami festival is celebrated have with Pomp and ceremony every year.

Kanta-baunsiani (Thorn-Bamboo Goddess) –Damanjodi:-

One of the famous Adivasi’s temple, of Odisha is Kanta-baunsiani (Thorn-Bamboo Goddess) in Damanjodi of Koraput dist in Orissa. Adivasi literally translates to ‘’aboriginals’’. Adivasis have syncretic beliefs combining animism. Their pantheon has both the common Hindu gods and their own. The gods and goddesses are always attributed to various natural phenomena, objects, trees, animals, etc. Damanjodi is a valley situated among the Panchpatmali hills. Except for this bamboo forest, one can find no other bamboo tree in whole of Pancpatmali hills.

Kanta-Baunsiani Devi in Damanjodi is in the form of bamboos. These bamboos are revered as holy, not only by the aboriginals but also worshipped by other people. Like any other temple, there are no idols or a temple structure here. There are no fences for these Bamboos. This temple is located very close to NALCO, Asia’s largest Aluminum-Bauxite Mine. This Bamboo forest is the main temple for the local indigenous tribes. It is a very famous temple in Damanjodi Area. it is Kanta-Baunsiani is the reincarnation of Goddess Durga.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (H.A.L) is a Public sector company under the ministry of defence, Government of India. Today it is the largest P & U under department of defence production. It is now ranked 34^th in the list of world’s top 100 defence companies. HAL Engine division Koraput is situated in Sunabeda under Semiliguda block and about 18 Kms away from the district head quarters of Koraput.  It may be noticed here that HAL is the first public sector undertaking in Odisha. Today HAL has emerged as a major Aeronautical Complex in Asia. Today HAL has rich and enviable experience of manufacturing more than 1000 aero engines and over hauling of over 4000 aero engines.

            HAL has entered into a number of joint ventures for production and marketing of its products in India and international markets. HAL has supplied Dhruv, Lancer, Chetak and cheetah helicopters and Do-228 aircraft to international customers; over the last six decades HAL has been showing its capabilities in the field of air craft engineering catering to the needs of Indian defence. The mission of HAL to become a global player in the aerospace industry will be fulfilled. It is a pride of Odisha to have two divisions of such a prestigious company in Koraput, a backward region.

DAMANJODI:-

Damanjodi is a town came to light with the discovery of Bauxite mines in the Panchapatmali hills and setting up of Nalco, the biggest Alumina Complex in Asia. Nearby stands the highest peak of Orissa. The presiding deity “Kantabansuni” is there in the bamboo forest which offers another attraction to tourists. It is 35 Km away from Koraput. Prior permission is necessary from Nalco authority for visiting this place. 

DEOMALI:-

Deomali is the highest mountain peak of Odisha in the eastern ghat.  Its height is 5800 feet above the sea level.  It is an idyllic place for aero gliding and trekking expedition.  Tourists in large number participate in trekking.  Deomali is an important Eco tourist place of Koraput district.  Many tourists came to here to enjoy the beauty of nature from the top of the Deomali hill.  3 view point has been made for tourists to watch the beauty of the hill.

SEMILIGUDA:-

The village is the head quarters of the Semiliguda police station in Koraput subdivision.  Semiliguda is situated on Koraput Sunabeda road at a distance of 15 Kms from Koraput.  A town ship is fast growing here.  The remains of a fort named “Dumb Fort” is found in this place.  Recently an agriculture mixed farm has been established in the village.  Near Semiliguda situated the beautiful “Mali Pahada”.  Mali Pahada is surrounded by a beautiful waterfall and dense forest, which attract the tourists to this place.

SUBEI:-

Some important Jaina remains are found in Koraput district.  Among them Jain temple at Subei in the Koraput District of South Odisha is now a most important tourist place.  This is the only surviving Jain temple in Odisha of the early medieval time.  The village Subei is located at a distance of five miles from Nandapur of the Koraput District.  Near the village, at the foot of the Panigiri hill, are noticed Jaina Monuments.

Groups of Jaina temples at Subei:- It is about 35 Km from Koraput on the main road leading to Nandapur.  The site is located near the village Subei at the foot of Pangiri Hill.

Subei is situated at a place of about 15 KM on the road between Semiliguda and Nandapur is an important going a site.  There is an old Jain Monastery and some images of Tirthankars are found.  There are large number of Jaina Sculptures scattered in the forest near Subei.  There is a big Ganesh image near Subei.

NANDAPUR:-

In the district of Koraput Nandapur is a place of natural beauty.  And in the Nandapur block in Bhitargarh remains the most beautiful waterfall named as Rani Duduma in Kutunimal area.  In winter season the place attracts the tourists and nature lovers.

In the foot hill some important gods and goddesses are worshipped by the tribal people.  Till now the Sarbeswar Temple, big stone idol of Ganesh about 6 feet high, Hanumana temple and Batrishasinghasana (Throne with 32 steps) are the main attractions of Nandapur town.  Nandapur is 45 Km from Koraput.  Some important tourist places of Nandapur area are Kutunimala, Chandan Mali Pahada, Rani Duduma waterfall, Batrishasinghasana, broken image of Hati Pathara, Bhitargarh, Paruamali Gumpha (cave), A Jina remains of Khemundiguda, Chatua, Ganesh temple etc.  Near Nandapur in the places like Subai, Paliba, Chatua and Khemundiguda, some Jaina remains and images are found.  The Panthlung village of Nandapur and chandan hill of Simla also attract the tourists.

Nandapur is about 14 miles from Semiliguda town.  Historical remains and Jaina antiquities are found in Nandapur.  The village was surrounded by a mud wall the remains of which are still noticeable. Nandapur was the capital of the Old nandapur Kingdom.

In Nandapur block of Panlung Panchayat remains the famous Raja Gumpha (cave) and Valmiki Aashrama.  The Raj Gumpha (cave) is situated in the foot hill of “Nilama Hill” of Muktiamba village.  The Raj Gumpha (cave) is three stored.  The Sarveswara Siva temple of Nandapur is an old site of Saiva worship.  A  Ganesh image near the Bhitaragarh areas is another important spot, which has preserved one of the biggest sitting Ganesh images in Odisha.  The image measures 6 feet 5 inches (1.8 mtr) in height and 5 feet and 6 inches in breadth.  The Bhairavi temple in the Bhitaragarh area is nothing but a tin-roofed wooden structure.

JALAPUT:-

Jalaput is famous for a major reservoir that is Jalaput reservoir on the river Machkund.  The reservoir water is utilized for power generation at Ankadeli.  This place is famous for Scenic beauty and a very good picnic spot.  It attracts many tourists due to its natural spots of beauty.  This place is about 60 Km from Koraput. 

MACHKUND WATERFALL – DUDUMA:-

Machkund is about 49 miles to the south of Jeypore.  Near Badigoda the river Machkund falls from a mountain top of 540.  19 feet as recorded by D.W Gollan on 4^th may 1929.  Duduma is famous as the highest waterfall of Odisha.  From 1980 the place is identified as the main tourist spot of Koraput District.  The Machkund waterfall is the beauty spot and a main tourist spot of Koraput district.  A view tower is made to see the waterfall from long distance.  Near the Duduma water fall remains the Banda Pahada.  The Machkund is regarded as the famous Matsya Tirtha, a place of pilgrimage.

MACHKUND POWER HOUSE:-

This is the 1^st power house of Odisha. The next is Hirakud. It is a joint project of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. There are six units with 120 MW generating capacity. There is one Winch of 20 metric ton capacity. During construction period all men and materials were transported through this Winch. This is one of the most attractive things for the visitors.

KECHELA:-

The village Kechela situated on the southern bank of the river Kolab at a distance of 7 miles from the Bagara waterfall.  The village Kechela is in Pottangi Tahasil situated near by the Koraput town.

After the construction of modern reservoir on the river Kolab, presently one needs a boat to reach the site.  There is also a land route, but it is long and not connected by bus or public conveyance.  Remains of a Jaina temple was in existence on the south of the Kechela village, but at present submerged in the Kolab water reservoir.

Once upon a time it was a strong hold of Jaina activity.  To the south of the village under the foot of the Deo Donger hill are noticed the ruins of a stone temple and six sculptures of Jaina pantheon.  It indicates that Kechela was a seat of Jainism in the medieval period.

UPPER KOLAB:-

            The river Kolab originates from within the Pottangi plateau.  After flowing for some distance, the river flows down in several rapids and falls to the lower Jeypore plateau.  In the district of Koraput upper Kolab Dam is one of the main tourist places.  Inside the dam is beautiful park and its natural beauty attracts many people from Koraput and outside the district.  Inside the reservoir remain “Kechela Jaina Temple”.  Boating facility for the tourists is also available in the reservoir.

            Kolab Hydro Power Project has been constructed in the upstream of the river Kolab originating from within the Pottangi Plateau.  The Project is supplying drinking water to Jeypore, Koraput, Sunabeda and Damanjodi.

            It is located at a distance of 15 Km from Jeypore.  At the toe of the Dam a Brindabana type garden has been developed.  The area has been covered with a lot of decorative and fruit bearing trees, shrubs and flowers buds.  Local tourists come in large numbers for picnic and enjoy the scenic beauty by the dam site.  There is an ample scope for water sport in the dam.  Further development of dam site and its surrounding would create ample scope for development of domestic tourism besides the recreation facilities.

This tour to Koraput District is in-complete…

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THANK YOU.