Gajapati

Mahendragiri

Mountains and Valleys

Mahendragiri Mountain is located near Parlakhemundi in the Gajapati district of Odisha. Rising to an elevation of about 4,997 feet (1,501 metres) above sea level, it is part of the Eastern Ghats. Mahendragiri is also recognized as the 'second-highest motorable mountain' and the 'eighth-highest peak' in Odisha. The hilly tract between the Mahanadi and Godavari rivers is known as the Mahendra Region. Due to its lush forests and cool climate, people often refer to Mahendragiri as the Himalaya of Odisha.

Mahendragiri is declared the second Biodiversity Heritage Site of Odisha, is ecologically significant and closely associated with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The region hosts around 1,348 plant species, including several endemic and medicinal plants such as the rare Sati Amba, a distinctive mango variety. The mountain is also the source of the perennial Mahendratanaya River and its tributaries, the Ghodahada and Bahuda. Mahendragiri holds immense mythological and cultural importance, with ancient temples dedicated to Gokarneshwar, Kunti, and the five Pandavas. According to the Puranas, the Pancha Pandavas stayed here during their exile. The mountain also houses the Dattatreya and Gorakhnath Pithas and is identified in Hindu mythology as Mahendra Parvata, one of the seven Kula Parvatas. Improved road connectivity has made Mahendragiri more accessible while preserving its religious, cultural, and ecological sanctity. Mahendragiri is located about 30–35 km from Parlakhemundi and approximately 100 km from Brahmapur. Visitors can reach the mountain by hiring a taxi or using a private vehicle, as the road is motorable almost up to the temple area.