Khandadhar Falls, Bonaigarh, Odisha

Khandadhar Falls, Bonaigarh, Odisha

Khandadhar Falls is a waterfall located in Nandapani Village near Bonaigarh Town in Sundargarh District in the Indian state of Odisha. The waterfall looks like a sword from a distance. Hence, it is named as Khanda (sword) Dhara (waterfall). It is the 12^th highest waterfall in India and 2^nd highest waterfall in Odisha.

Legends

As per legend, the Sundargarh branch of the Pauri Bhuiya tribal community was once possessed by a goddess named Kankala Devi, who consumed trees, soil, and everything else. In despair, the Pauri Bhuiya placed her on a rock, which she ate through as well. Thus, creating a deep hole from which poured out the Khandadhara (split-rock waterfall). So, they had water. Then a couple from the community went to visit relatives at the eastern end of the Khandadhar mountain range. Their prospective hosts were away but a pile of grains had been left outdoors and amazingly, not even the birds were eating it. Inside the heap, the couple discovered a small goddess, Kanta Kumari, protector of the region’s prosperity. They stole her and brought her back to Sundargarh, and so her bounty became theirs.

The Waterfall

This falls is a horsetail type waterfall, created by a perennial stream called Korapani Nala. It plunges from a height of 244 metres (801 ft) in a single drop. It is situated amidst dense forest. The falls can be reached after trekking of about 2 Kms. The best time to visit this waterfall is during post monsoon.

Connectivity

The falls is located at about 20 Kms from Bonaigarh, 20 Kms from Bonaigarh Bus Stand, 81 Kms from Rourkela Junction Railway Station, 85 Kms from Rourkela Airport, 86 Kms from Rourkela, 90 Kms from Kendujhar, 132 Kms from Talcher and 259 Kms from Bhubaneswar Airport. The falls is situated at about 20 Kms to the south east of Bonaigarh on Rourkela to Kendujhar route via Bonaigarh.

Location