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Khandadhar Waterfall is situated at Nandapani, Bonaigarh in the Sundergarh District of the Indian state. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India. The Khandadhar Waterfall lies at a distance of 15km from NH215 near Lahunipara. It is an enchanting sword shaped waterfall that drops on the ground from a height of 244 m. The waterfall resembles a sharp sword, hence it has been named Khandadhar. ‘Khanda’ means sword, and ‘Dhara’ means the flow of water.
Reaching here can be a bit of a hassle, and we will throw more light on it in the later section of the article. But once you lay your eyes on it, you will know that the entire journey was worth the effort. Situated amidst a dense forest, this waterfall is like a breath of fresh air. It is a treat to sore eyes. It is nature’s miracle!
The Khandadhar Waterfall is not only visually appealing but also has a piece of history and legend attached to it. The Pauri Bhuiya tribes inhabit the area around the waterfall, and they have a legend associated with it. According to them the Sundergarh branch of their community was enchanted by Kankala Devi, a goddess. The goddess did not leave anything in that area. She consumed even the soil particles, along with trees, leaves, and everything else. Distraught, the Pauri Bhuiya tribals placed her on a rock, which she ate through as well. This created a deep hole through which poured out the Khandadhar (split-rock) waterfall. And this is how it is believed that they found water in their area. Later a couple from the community had to visit their relatives who lived in the eastern part of the district. But the relatives were not at home then but a pile was kept outside their house instead. When they searched the pile, they discovered Khand Kumari, the goddess of prosperity and the protector of their land. Without further ado, they brought her back with them. All of this resulted in the Goddess’ strength being bestowed upon the couple.
The Khandadhar Waterfall is truly a delight to watch. The sparkling waters of the fall come gushing down creating an incredibly enchanting sight. The most captivating sight is the rainbow which is formed at the base of the waterfall, and the rainbow appears to dance as the waterfall oscillates. It is the perfect picnic spot. You can come here with your friends or family, and spend some quality time here in the midst of nature in its purest form.
If you are an adventure lover, you are in for a treat. You can go hiking here or enjoy the flora and fauna in the nearby forests.
The Khandadhar fall is a little bit tricky to reach. The nearest airport to this place is Bhubaneswar Airport, which is 230 KM from Khandadhar. The nearest railway station is Kendujhargarh. Khandhadar lies 60kms from Keonjhar Town. Tourists visiting Khandadhar have to book a bus plying from Bhubaneswar to Keonjhar. From Keonjhar, they can hire a private vehicle to Khandadhar.
The months from October to February are ideal to visit the Khandadhar Falls, but you can visit it all year round. Khandadhar Waterfall is situated at a distance of 100km from Rourkela. The area around it lies dotted with many exciting places to visit. If you are here, you should explore the area around Khandadhar Waterfalls for an exciting travel experience. The places around the waterfalls combine nature, spirituality, and history in the most efficient way possible.
The Khandadhar Waterfall is a bewitching and unique place to visit. It not only gives you a sense of tranquillity but also allows you to marvel at the wonderful creation of nature. Plan a trip to this out-of-the-world place for an unforgettable experience. Travellers often fall short of words to describe the beauty of Khandadhar Waterfall located in the Sundergarh district of the state. Khandadhar is best described as a horse tail type waterfall dropping from a height of 244 m, and hence takes the spot of the 12th highest waterfall in the whole country.
If you are a nature lover and also an adventure enthusiast, you can hike in the wilderness here. While you are enjoying the wilderness at Khandadhar, hear the cacophony of chirping birds and trek up the terrain and witness nature at its very best. From the Khandadhar Waterfall, visit the enchanting Tensa Valley.
Tensa is a small hill station which is surrounded by dense evergreen forests and green hills. The hill station is located at a distance of 110 km from the city of Rourkela at an altitude of 3700 m above sea level. Due to its high altitude, the place offers spectacular and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the mesmerizing attractions here include the Shanti Stupa, the Khandadhar Waterfalls, and a couple of natural springs and falls.
Unlike most other hill stations, the hill stations of Odisha are not filled with tourists, which make them unique and even more beautiful. The hilly retreats of the place are indeed the perfect locations for one to rejuvenate away from the mundane cities and work life.
Another enticing site near the Khandadhar Waterfall is Gudguda. Gudguda is one of the most beautiful places to visit near the Khandadhar Waterfall. Gudguda comes under Sambalpur District, and attracts travelers from neighboring towns and faraway places alike because of its sheer beauty. From Jharsuguda, it takes only 1.5 hours to reach the spot. The roads are fantastic after you cross Kolabira Village. The journey to this place is very pleasant. You can hardly find any vehicles after Kolabira Village. This place is fully covered with dense forest. As soon as you are about to enter the spot, you can find many Mango and Lichi Orchards on both sides of the roads. Be ready to be mesmerized by the beautiful sight and the sound of gushing water and chirping birds. You will love this place as it is a very peaceful place to spend your day away from your hectic and busy life. On the way to Gudguda, you would need to cross a small waterfall, which can easily be done in a vehicle. The journey to this fascinating place is as enchanting as the destination itself. This place has three step by step waterfalls, these Waterfall have beautifully carved through the rocks. If you wish to partake in an exciting mountain trekking experience, this is the right place to enjoy it.
Visit the beautiful Khandadhar Waterfall in Odisha to witness the beauty of nature in its most pristine form. Immerse yourself in the wonders this place has to offer and forget all the worries and flurries of life while you are here. This waterfall is your perfect retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city-life.
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April 15, 2024 
