Odisha360 Blog
Gajapati is a beautiful district in southern Odisha. The easiest way to reach the district headquarters, Parlakhemundi, is by train or road.
Gajapati is a beautiful district in southern Odisha. The easiest way to reach the district headquarters, Parlakhemundi, is by train or road. Gajapati is located approximately 300 km from Bhubaneswar.
Rail Connectivity
The nearest railway station to Gajapati Town is Parlakhemundi Railway Station (PLH), located approximately 1.5 km from the town’s main landmarks. Gunupur Railway Station also provides major travel facilities for the region. Whereas, Brahmapur Railway Station offers convenient access to larger cities. Most long-distance travelers find it most efficient to board an express train to Palasa in Andhra Pradesh, which lies just 40 km from Parlakhemundi. From Palasa, frequent local transport and taxis bridge the final gap in under an hour. Alternatively, the Raja Rani Express provides a direct and comfortable daily link from Bhubaneswar, depositing visitors right in the heart of the district.
Road Connectivity
Gajapati is located approximately 300 km from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. National Highway 16 serves as the primary connectivity to the rest of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Regular bus services operated by the OSRTC, including deluxe and AC coaches, run daily from Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, and Cuttack. Within the district, the connectivity between various tourist landmarks like the Gandahati Waterfall, the Tibetan settlement at Chandragiri, and the Mahendragiri hills relies on a network of well-maintained state highways. However, public buses and auto-rickshaws are available for short distances. Hiring a private vehicle is often recommended for those wishing to explore the more remote mountainous terrains or the Buddhist monastery at Jirang.