In all our road trips, we go chasing waterfalls – some that are well known, and others that are hidden gems that we come across accidentally. Every waterfall-viewing also involves either walking uphill or downhill, often over rough terrain, and that provides our legs with a thorough workout without having to go on a hike just for the sake of exercise.
On our 3-week driving trip through the states of Odisha and Chhattisgarh in Eastern India, we took the inner roads passing through villages and small towns, enjoying the countryside scenery. We came across a few beautiful waterfalls that are worthy of mention.
CHITRAKOTE WATERFALL
Located on the river Indravati in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state of India, Chitrakote Waterfall is a spectacular waterfall. It is a short (40 Km) drive from Jagdalpur and a long (275 Km) one from Raipur. Chitrakote Waterfall is considered the largest fall in India (due to its width that goes upto 300 metres during monsoon season) with water throughout the year – a pride of the state of Chhattisgarh and of the Bastar district.
Due to its horse-shoe shape (seen only in monsoon all along the curve when there is most water at the falls), it is referred to as the Niagara of India. Dense forest surrounds the picturesque waterfalls, which further enhances its natural beauty.
Falling from a height of about 90-feet, it is a lovely sight during summer and fall, especially at night due to its stark white color. In contrast, It is almost reddish during the monsoon season.
Although it is impressive in every season, Chitrakote falls are magnificent during the Monsoons (July to October) when there is a roar of water from the height. There are about 2-3 to 7 streams depending on the season.
We visited during November and there were two wide lovely white streams and a number of smaller streams. It was still beautiful, and we could see it from our hotel balcony.
Things to see and do at the falls:
Apart from admiring the falls and taking photographs, take the fun boat ride that takes you closer to the falls and lets you feel the water spray.
There is an interesting Nature Trail that starts and ends at the waterfall site. It involves steep steps and narrow paths with dense trees around, with a lovely bonus of grand views from various perspectives.
SANAGHAGARA WATERFALL
Located about 6 kms from the city of Keonjhar in Odisha is the beautiful Sanaghagara Waterfall. It is about 223 kms from the city of Bhubaneswar.
The waterfall is about 100 feet high and looks very impressive. The nature park is very well maintained and has several walking trails and scenic views. The area around the waterfall has diverse flora and fauna, making it ideal for photography and nature walks.
The adjoining Nature park is a popular weekend picnic spot for tourists and local visitors near Keonjhar. There are remote cottages and food options for those who wish to stay overnight.
There is also a large artificial lake and boating facilities. A walk around this lake is quite pleasant with good views. Overall, it is a very pleasant spot, though crowds build up at times, and we suggest you visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
BADA GHAGARA WATERFALL
About 9 kms from Keonjhar town and not too far from Sanaghagara waterfall is another lovely natural attraction – Bada Ghagara waterfall. The area surrounding this fall is very tranquil and has good flora and fauna, and students visit this place to study the large variety of plant life.
Bada Ghagara reservoir was built on the Machakandana River. It serves as one of the major sources of water supply to Keonjhar town. The waterfall is formed by this river – a tributary of Baitarani River. Monsoon season is the ideal time to see the fall at its best.
The fall itself is about 100 feet high and is in a dense forest area. The best part is the sound of gushing water and the mist created by the falls.
The area around is like a nature reserve with slopes through the forest for quiet walks admiring the birds and fauna. Small bridges and streams add to the beauty of the place.
There is a dam on the downstream side of the fall covered with green forest and hills. Mornings and evenings are good times to visit to view sunrise and sunset.
RANI DUDUMA WATERFALL
Located in the Koraput district of Odisha, Rani Duduma waterfall is truly a treasure of Koraput. Tucked away amidst forests and rolling hill, this 70 foot high waterfall creates a picturesque cascade effect as the water tumbles down from the Nandapur hill.
The site was a short (26 Km) drive from Semiliguda where we were based.
A lot of work has been to make it convenient for the tourists to visit this waterfall. There is a good parking lot for quite a few cars, adjacent to the ticket counter and the main entrance. You have to climb up a long winding flight of steps, flanked on both sides by shapes of large ‘color pencils’. In between you will be passing under a huge statue of a gorilla !! In some places the steps are quite steep, and we were huffing and puffing by the time we reached the viewpoint – a good workout.
When you finally reach the river and the falls, you will really enjoy the majesty of the falls, the crystal clear water, and the quiet charm of the surrounding hills and jungles. You can take a dip if you like – there is no restrictions on getting into the stream. As you may expect, this attracts more people, especially youngsters.
It is always preferable to choose a weekday rather than a weekend for quieter visits. Winter is a better season to visit rather than the monsoon period when it can get slippery near the falls.
En route to the fall, there is a beautiful park with slides and swings for children. There are some lovely walking paths too. You can have a great picnic here if you wish.
Urma Garh Waterfall
Not so easy to get to, but totally worth the visit!
The Urma Garh waterfall is located in the Kandhamal forest, nestled in serene and natural surroundings. It is a perfect peaceful getaway with walking and climbing opportunities, and a nice weekend picnic spot if you are so inclined. There are a number of rocky steps to reach the falls.
The waterfall cascades down the hills and flows through large rocks and forest for a long distance. It was lovely to sit at the viewpoint and watch the falls flow below.
We had to drive 25 kms from Phulbani (the closest town), quite a bit off the main road along a narrow but scenic road, flanked by trees. There aren’t any sign boards directing you to your destination, and you need to be careful not to get lost.
LOVER’S POINT
Lastly, although this may not qualify as a proper waterfall, Lover’s Point is a must-visit spot located en route to a popular hill station called Daringbadi. It is about 13 kms from Daringbadi and it is best to stop here either on the way to or from Daringbadi. There is a small parking lot for 4-5 cars.
It is a very pleasant place with lots of rocks and spring water flowing over and around the rocks spread out here and there. There are paths in between to walk and admire the beauty. There are a few natural cave formations nearby, too, for you to check out if you feel adventurous.
Dense forests and hills surround the place. It’s just a peaceful place to walk around, take in the views and do photo-ops.
We also came across a random field of brilliant sunflowers en route!
HADAGARH & SALANDI DAM
An impressive dam and I had to include it here!
Salandi Dam is located about 35 kms from Anandapur and about 122 kms from Keonjhar. The reservoir of Hadagarh was built on the Salandi River, which is a major tributary of the Baitarani river, which originates from the Meghasani Hills of the Similipal forest.
This dam is a huge source of water especially for irrigation purposes supplying to the agricultural fields in the area. There is also a Wildlife sanctuary here.
The location has a tranquil environment with high mountain ranges. It’s an ideal place for photographers and picknickers.
India has a number of places like the ones described above and these are not always part of tourist lists. These are best explored with a car and some impromptu, and adventurous, drives.
We had a great time chasing waterfalls in Eastern India and look forward to doing more in other parts of the country!
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All of these waterfalls look stunning! Love your photos.
I love the idea of chasing waterfalls and it’s not something that would have come to mind to do in India. I have not traveled to India but now I would consider doing do for the beautiful natural landscape. Thanks for sharing.
The waterfalls in Eastern India look amazing — each one so unique and surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Chitrakote really caught my eye. I’d love to see it in person someday. Thanks for sharing!
What a great experience! I love chasing waterfalls too, and if I ever find myself in East India, I will follow your lead. They all look so peaceful and beatuiful
What an amazing post! I’ve been to India three times but never had the chance to see Chitrakote, Sanaghagara, or Bada Ghagara Waterfalls—they all look absolutely incredible. The way you described the scenery and countryside roads makes me want to plan a trip just to explore these natural wonders. The changing colors of Chitrakote and the lush greenery around the Ghagara waterfalls sound truly magical!
I LOVE waterfalls ….these are great, and the nature walks look such fun. Not what most visitors to India expect on their tourist trails …. all the more reason to visit these wonderful places!
Oh, I love chasing waterfalls. Sometimes to reach them it’s a lot of climbing or walking, but so much fun and rewarding. I love it if you cans wim near the waterfalls, so the rani duduma waterfall would be on the list. The Urma Garh waterfall also looks amazing, just sitting at the view point and watching the water fall down, mesmerizing.
What a beautiful guide to chasing waterfalls in Eastern India! Your detailed mix of iconic falls (like Chitrakote Falls and Barehipani Falls) with the driving-route tips makes it easier to plan a trip to see them.
These waterfalls look beautiful. The trails around them seem very well developed too!
Hello! I know that there are a huge number of picturesque natural attractions in India but I’ve never thought of waterfalls! What a useful list of truly beautiful places to visit!
I used to spend a lot of time planning trips around waterfalls! I’d love to check out all of these and take some long exposures of them 🙂