Tourism in Kandhamal District means a lively and memorable experience for the travellers visiting this place. Kandhamal District is bestowed with the beauty of nature. It has all the ingredients for providing a perfect tourism experience like diverse wild life, scenic beauty, healthy climate and twisting ghat roads. Tourism in Kandhamal District implies a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The major attractions include panoramic coffee gardens, pine jungles, hills, water falls, virgin forests and typical tribal village life. Almost 66 per cent of the land area of the district is covered with dense forests and towering mountains which provide shelter to the inhabitants like Kondhas, classified under the ancient Gondid race of proto Austroloid group. Kandhamal District is also famous for handicrafts such as Dokra, Terracotta, Cane and Bamboo works. The region is proud of its rich cultural heritage.
The popular places of interest of Kandhamal District are as follows -
Phulbani: It is a perfect place to relax and unwind as it is surrounded by hills. The Pillasalunki River flows on its three sides and the town is just on the grove of sal trees. Main attractions of the town are its weekly Hata, Jaganath and Narayani Temple.
Putudi Waterfall: Putudi is a place of natural beauty where river Salunki falls from the height of 60 ft forming an enchanting ambience. The roaring sound of the fall with dense forest all around creates a thrilling sensation. It is around 15 kms away from Phulbani town.
Balaskumpa: The beautiful place in the lap of nature is famous for Goddess Barala Devi who is believed to be the savior of the world. Pillasalunki Dam site which is an ideal and charming place for picnic and sight seeing is only 3 kms from this place. This spot is a good place to relax and unwind.
Chakapad: It is located on the bank of river Burtunga and offers a panoramic view of nature. This place is famous as an important centre of Saivism. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Birupakshya, Anandeswara and Jageswara with great dedication and reverence in three different magnificent temples.
The striking features of this place are that the trees around it and Siva linga inside lean towards south. The festivals like Shivaratri, Sitalsasthi and Rasha Purnima are celebrated here.
Daringbadi: Daringbadi, a vast area at the height of about 3000 ft above the sea level is gifted with natural bounties such as pine jungles, coffee gardens and beautiful valleys. It is the only place in Orissa which experiences snow fall during winter. The journey from the plains to the hills of Daringbadi is an experience in itself. This pretty hill station is located at 100 kms from Phulbani and 50 kms from Balliguda.
Belghar: Gifted with ample scenic beauty, Belghar presents a panoramic view of the nature. It is inhabited by Kondha tribe. Belghar, situated about 2555 ft above the sea level, is completely suitable for adventurous trekking. Belghar is at 165 kms away from Phulbani and 70 kms from Balliguda. This area is also famous for cane works.
Katramala: A place of natural beauty with a waterfall and pond where one can play with fibres amidst dense forest. It is an ideal place for picnic. The spot is 35 kms away from Phulbani.
Kalinga: This is a picturesque and charming place. The nearby Silviculture Forest Research Station is an added attraction. It is an ideal picnic spot located at 50 kms from Phulbani.
Kandhamal District is also known for its Archaeological Sites. There are so many evidences of Buddhism in this district. The site is rich with several archeological sites which are yet to be explored. It is believed to be a site of 8th or 9th centuries AD. Later it has been changed to a Siava site during the patronage of next Somvanshi rulers.
