Covered with thick forests and dotted by pristine waterfalls and deep valleys, Koraput, in Odisha, is a natural retreat with a languid pace of life. Home to various tribes of the state of Odisha, Koraput showcases the colours of tribal life and a rich folk culture. The region's bustling and lively tribal market is at the heart of Koraput, where one can soak in the vibrant culture of tribes. The popular Jagannath Temple here draws devotees from far and wide. From exploring the natural beauty of Koraput and experiencing energetic festivities to paying obeisance at various temples, this off-beat destination, lying along the Eastern Ghat mountains, offers a lot of variety to travellers. In ancient times, Koraput was under the rule of tribals, following which it was taken over by the Solar dynasty, whose king Vikram Dev is said to have shifted his capital to Jeypore, about 23 km from Koraput. Deomali With an elevation of about 1,672 m, Deomali mountain peak, in the Chandragiri-Pottangi subrange of the Eastern Ghats, is the highest peak in Odisha. It is surrounded by deep green forests and dotted with brooks and deep valleys. One can find a rich variety of flora and fauna. This off-beat attraction is a serene stopover for those who want to witness nature at close quarters. Adventure lovers also find this place appealing as they can indulge in various activities like hang-gliding, mountaineering and trekking. The top of the mountain has a 5-km-long flat surface from where an M-shaped peak can be spotted. From here, one can avail picturesque views of surrounding areas. Deomali is predominantly inhabited by tribes such as Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis and Bhotias. Duduma One of the highest waterfalls in the country, falling from a height of 157 m, the gushing Duduma Waterfalls is a sight for sore eyes. Located inside a dense forest and offering enchanting views of surrounding areas, it is a beautiful spot. The falls, which has been formed by the Machkund river, has two sub falls, one of which drops in Andhra Pradesh, and the other in Odisha. Many believe that the enigmatic Bonda tribe also lives near this falls. Tourists can pay a visit to the nearby popular pilgrimage place of Matsya Tirtha, where they can take a dip in the water, which is believed to absolve people of their sins. The waterfalls is situated about 88 km from Koraput and 70 km to the south of Jeypore. The water from the falls is a backbone to the Machkund Hydro Electric Power Project, operating on a dam built here. Gupteshwar Located on a lush green limestone hill, the Gupteshwar cave shrine of Lord Shiva, is a much-revered pilgrimage site. The shrine is called Gupteshwar, which means the hidden god. It is named so because the temple was hidden in the cave for a very long period. One can reach it by climbing 200 steps flanked with rows of champak trees. The cavernous interior of the temple enshrines a huge lingam and the cave is a multi-chambered structure. Its entrance is about 3 m wide and 2 m high. Inside the second cave, there is a large stalactite that is worshipped as the udder of Lord Kamadhenu (the divine cow). Devotees wait patiently under it with outstretched palms to collect drops of water that fall only at long intervals. The shrine is visited regularly by people from nearby villages of neighbouring states. Jeypore A city steeped in history and spirituality, Jeypore around 23 km away from Koraput, is an ideal stopover for those wishing to delve into the historical riches of the state of Odisha. The history of the heritage town of Jeypore goes back to the fabled throne of king Vikram Dev, of the Solar dynasty. The city has several old palaces, temples and other heritage sites, standing testament to the bygone era. Three well-known temples are perched atop three hillocks in three different directions and are dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Shiva and Swami Vivekananda, respectively. The city offers a mix of cultures, with a significant number of people speaking different languages such as Odia, Telugu, Hindi and Bengali. One major attraction in Jeypore is the Bagra Waterfalls on Kolab river. It is a group of three waterfalls that descend from a height of 30 ft. A scenic picnic spot, it also offers options for trekking, hiking and nature walks in tribal villages. Nandapur Lying about 45 km away from Koraput, Nandapur was the ancient capital of Jeypore kingdom. It attracts visitors for its historical heritage and the famed Batrisa Sinhasana, which is a 32-step, well-preserved relic. It is believed to be linked to the fabled throne of Vikramaditya, a legendary emperor of the Solar dynasty. Major attractions here are a Shiva temple at Papadahandi, an arresting 6 ft red image of Lord Ganesha and the shrine of Bhairavnath. One can also explore other areas of Jeypore that are speckled with old palaces and temples, standing testament to the bygone era. Tourists can take a detour to the Bagra Waterfalls that are a popular picnic spot. Plummeting from a height of 30 ft, Bagra is a group of three waterfalls lying near the Kolab river. Onakadelli A small and idyllic village surrounded by beautiful views and major tehsils, Onakadelli lies about 70 km from Jeypur, near Duduma. Though it is a quiet place, it wakes up to liveliness every Thursday, when a local market is organised that sees villagers selling medicinal plants, wildflowers, vegetables and local wines. One can also shop for souvenirs to take back home. However, what stands apart is the draw the market has over tribes like Bonda, Mali, Kondh, living in the upper reaches of the area and known to be very secretive. Besides letting visitors indulge in shopping for tribal products and art, the market also presents a ripe opportunity to interact with these elusive tribes and learn interesting tidbits about their lifestyle. Parab Popularly known as the festival of festivals, Parab is an annual tribal celebration organised by the District Council of Culture in the month of November. The festival witnesses sports and cultural events, seminars, mountain trekking sessions, boat races and art camps. It showcases the cultural heritage of various tribal communities and provides a fabulous opportunity for locals as well as tourists to catch glimpses of the rich cultural heritage of various tribal communities. One of the key highlights of the Parab tribal festival is that it provides a platform to the small tribal groups of Odisha, with different cultural values and life experiences, to come into focus and thereby help in the preservation of their indigenous culture. Sunabeda Ideal for summer holidays, green Sunabeda enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year and is relatively cooler than its surrounding areas. Located in the valleys of Koraput, Sunabeda has lush landscape that draws tourists for its beauty. It also holds sites of spiritual significance and one can pay obeisance to Maa Banadurga, whose idol is housed in an old temple at Shantinagar. The place also houses a temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Ayyappa. Another attraction nearby is the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to animals like tigers, leopards and barking deer, and several species of birds. Sprawled over an area of 600 sq km, it is a stretch of dry deciduous forests peppered with waterfalls.
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