Kandhamal

Kandhamal derives its name from the prominent Kandha Tribe. The present subdivision of the Kandhamal subdivision was an integral part of Boudh till 1855. The British rule fragmented the parts of Kandhmal District from Boudh District. The Kandhamal district was established on January 1, 1994, following the division of Phulbani District into Kandhamal and Boudh District in Odisha. Kandhamal is a district in Odisha, covering an area of 8,021 sq km. Phulbani is the headquarters of this district. The principal inhabitants of this land are the Kandha tribes. Major languages spoken in this district are Odia and Kui (tribal language).

Top 6 Attractions

1. Barala Devi Temple

Goddess Barala Devi is the presiding deity of the district. The Barala Devi Temple stands at Balaskumpa, approximately 15 km from Phulbani. Maa Barala Devi Temple is a spiritually significant Shakti Peeth and a cultural cornerstone of the Kandhamal district.

2. Belghar

Belghar rises softly at 2,555 feet above the world, a quiet highland dream tucked deep within Odisha’s Kandhamal district. Cradled by the emerald arms of the Kotgarh Elephant Reserve, it breathes serenity—where mist drapes the hills at dawn, and forests whisper stories older than memory.

3. Daringbadi

Daringbadi, a quiet jewel nestled in the Kandhamal district of Odisha, rises gently from the earth like a forgotten dream. About 100 kilometers from Phulbani and 50 kilometers from Baliguda, this serene hill station is lovingly called the Kashmir of Odisha.

4. Mandasaru Valley

The dense tropical moist deciduous forest surrounds the Mandasaru Gorge ecosystem, which lies in the eastern part of Kandhamal District of Odisha, and is one of the last-kept-secret wildernesses of India.

5. Midubanda Waterfall

Midubanda Waterfall stands as the crowning jewel of the Kashmir of Odisha, and lies approximately 16 km from Daringbadi and 118 km from Phulbani.

6. Putudi Waterfall

Putudi Waterfall lies at just 18 km from Phulbani and 120 km from Daringbadi; it is one of the most breathtaking natural landmarks in the Kandhamal District.