Odisha is a state crisscrossed with numerous rivers primarily fed by the monsoon rains. These rivers create gorges, river valleys, fertile basins and spectacular waterfalls as they cut through the state’s undulating topography to join the Bay of Bengal. There are several waterfalls in Orissa that tumble down the imposing heights of the steep hills of the Eastern Ghats and accentuate the beauty of the natural landscape. The waterfalls nestled in the midst of the dense jungle clad foothills of the state present a wondrous vista that enraptures spectators. Whether prominent tourist attractions or popular with locals, all these waterfalls have a story to tell - of history and mythology - besides being apt for picnics, sight-seeing, treks and outings.
Barehipani Falls:- Barehipani Falls is located at the central region of Simlipal national park in the district of Mayurbhanj. It is one of the tallest falls in India. It is known to be flowing from a height of around 399 metres. It is a beautiful two-tiered waterfall, famous for its breathtaking beauty.
Joranda Falls:- Joranda Falls, close to the Barehpani falls, is located in the prime region of Simlipal national park in Mayurbhanj district. It gushes down into a pool of clear water from a height of 150 metres.
Badaghagra Falls:- Badaghagra Falls is almost 10kms away from the district of Keonjhar. It is located on the river Ghagra and falls from a height of 60 metres. The region around the Badaghagra waterfall is an ideal place for picnic and trekking.
Sanaghagra Falls:- Located at a stone’s throw distance of just 5 km from the district of Keonjhar, the cascading Sanaghagra falls come down with a splash from an altitude of 30 metres. One of the worth seeing Orissa waterfalls, Sanaghagra is endowed with natural scenic beauty. The visitors can bath in the crystal clear water of the swift flowing fall of the area.
Khandadhar Falls:- The 244 metres Khandadhar Falls is believed to be the second highest after the Barehipani Falls. A jewel in the tourist circuit of the Sundargarh region, the beauty of the Khandadhar Falls multiplies during the monsoon months when the water from the Koprani Nala, a rivulet, overflows and it drops down as a fall. Khandadhar is located at a distance of 60 kilometres from Keonjhar.
Duduma Falls:- The Duduma Falls on the River Machhakunda is one of the most popular tourist spot in Orissa. It is also known as the Matsya Tirtha and it is the site of the famous Machhakund Hydro-Electric Project. This fall in the Eastern Ghats, drops from a height of about 157 metres and is categorized as a horsetail falls.
Harishankar Falls:- The Harishankar Falls is located in Balangir, on the Southern slope of the Gandhamardhan hills. The waters of the Harishankar Falls gushes down the slopes in a series of captivating waterfalls that creates an out of the world scene. At a distance of about 81 Kilometres is located the pilgrimage site of Harishankar. The Harishankar Falls is a part of this pious place and the water of the Harishankar Falls cascades down to the granite floor of the shrines.
Putudi Falls:- Putudi falls is situated at a distance of just 15 km from Phulbani. The natural beauty of the Putudi falls on the river Bada Saluki, with dense forests and hills on either side have entranced visitors over the ages.
Nrusimhanath Falls:- On the northern slopes of the Gandhamardan hills is the temple of Nrusimhanath located 165 km from Sambalpur. A murmuring rivulet energies the shrine forming various waterfalls at different stages. Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar, Pitrudhar, Kapiladhar and Chaladhar are picturesque waterfalls at Nrusimhanath.
Phurli Jharan falls:- Phurli Jharan falls is one of the worth visiting Orissa waterfalls. Situated at a short distance of just 15 km from Bhawanipatna, the Phurli Jharan falls casts a magical spell on the spectators. The cascading waterfall of Phurli Jharan comes down with full force from a height of 16 metres. An ideal picnic spot, the waterfall is an important itinerary on the trip to Orissa.
Pradhanpat Falls:- The Pradhanpat Falls is located at a distance of 100 Kilometres from Sambalpur and also at a reasonable distance from the city of Deogarh. With rolling hill and green woods creating the backdrop, the Pradhanpat Falls cascades down like a stream of colors.
Handibhanga Falls:- The Handibhanga falls in Orissa is located at distance of 16 km from Baripada and 70 km from Keonjhar. One of the notable Orissa waterfalls, the Handibhanga falls comes down with full force from an altitude of 30 metres.
Mruga Mahadev Falls:- The Murga Mahadev falls of the district of Keonjhar is one of the notable Orissa waterfalls. It is located besides the Thakurani hills in the Champua sub - division of the district at a distance of 65 km from Keonjhar.
Miriglotah Falls:- Miriglotah Fall is a beautiful waterfall and picnic spot situated 111 km from Rourkela.
Hatipathar Falls:- 3 km from Rayagada, the river Nagavali flows through a deep cut valley, forming two lovely waterfalls. An ideal picnic spot known for its scenic beauty, the place gets its name from the huge elephant shaped boulders that litter the landscape.
Khanduala Falls:- The jungles of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, situated around 32 km from Bhawanipatna, provide the setting for another of Orissa’s charming waterfall called Khanduala, so named because of the shrine of the Goddess Khanduala situated on the top of the hill.