Toshali Sands

Rayagada A Small Scenic Wonder of Orissa

Previously a town in the Koraput district , Rayagada, now a new district, has the district headquarter situated on the way to Koraput from Berhampur. It has the facilities to serve as a base for visiting the nearby place of interest like Hatipathar. Devagiri, Minajhola and Padmapur.

Access
By Air: The nearest airport is Vishakkapatnam.
By Rail: Rayagada is a vailhead on the
Rapur - Vizianagarm rail line of S.E. Railways.
By Road : It is connected by regular bus services from Berhampur, Koraput (110 kms) and Bhubaneswar (390 kms.)

Where to stay
The places where to tourist can stay while at Rayagada are:
Hotel Swagat Ph: 222208
Hotel Kapilas Ph: 222280
Hotel Ashok Ph: 223246
Hotel Jyoti Mahal Ph : 223015

Information and Assistance : Koraput tourist Office at Koraput Club, Ph: 240318, Gram: Orissatour: or Tourist Counter, Rayagada Railwasy Station: Ph: 222248; or Tourist Counter, Vizianagarm Railway Station, Ph. 23582.

Hatipathar, a place of impressive science beauty with two waterfalls on the course of river Nagavali, is an ideal Place especially during winter. It is situated at a distance of 3 kms from Rayagada, 113 kms. from Koraput, 131 kms. form Sunabeda and 135 kms. form Jaypore. The river Nagavali flows here through a deep cut valley forming tow waterfalls and leaving huge boulders precariously perched on rocky beds. The boulders here appear like huge elephants. River gravel accruing two hundred feet above the valley shows a rapidly cutting river through soft soil. A visit to Hatipathar does not become unavailing for aesthetic that envisage to commune with nature and to get rid of clutter, suffocation and pollution. Natural boulders strewn amidst Hatipathar’s beautiful environs appear to be elephants in certain light. Flowing through a deep valley, the waddling Nagavali river caves out two wondrous water falls in its path way offering some lovely picnic spots.

Padmapur, housing the shrine of manikeswar Shiva, is situated at a distance of 94 kms. from Rayagada, identifies to be the seat of Dharmakirti, the Buddhist Logician-Philosopher.

Minajhola is a scenic spot as well as pilgrimage centre, situated at a distance of 134 kms. on the confluence of three rivers.

Devagiri, the 120 meter hill flattened at the top unlike other hills, it situated at a distance 48 kms. form Raygada. The unique features of this hill are its seven naturals steps, out of which the fourth step enshrines Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty.

Devagiri
This is a hill situated close to Kalyansinghpur, 48 km from Rayagada, 136 kms form Jaypore and 158 kms. from Koraput. Devagiri hill rises to a height of 120.2 meteres. Thenunique features of the hill is that it is not narrow upwards like other hills. The top of the hill is a flat platform of rectangular plain, which can be approached only from the northern side. The seven natural step are yet another unique feature. The fourth step enshrines Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and beauty. At the top, there are perennial pools of water called Ganga. Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhargavi and Indrayaumna. There is a cave looking like tow jaws. The Siva Lingam is enshrined at the meeting point of the Jawas. Sivaratri is the biggest festival here, which draws a large crowd every year. There are some inscriptions, which speak of the antiquity of the place. Regular bus services are available from Rayagada to Kalyanisinghpur.

Minajhola
Mina Jhola, a beauty spot of nature on the confluence of three rives and situated in the heart of the dense forest, rich in wild-life, is a Saiva centre. Sivaratri is the most popular festival of the place. It is 33kms from gudari by a kacha road which is 134kms. from Rayagada via Gunupur.

Padmapur
The village Padampur is a flourishing centre of agriculture. Padmpur is 24ks from Gunupur two and 94 kms. from Raygada close by the Jagamanda hill adorned with 5 Shiva temples dedicated to Manikeswar. Dhavaleswar, Mallikeswar, Nilakantheswar and Podukeswar. A 7th century inscription found here revels that the Jagmanda hill once housed the monastery of the famous Buddhist Logician Philosopher. Dharmakirti. A perennial water reservoir is on he top of the hill. Regular bus services are available from Rayagada.

The hill district of Koraput is 116 kms. away from Rayagada. It covers most of the hills at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level with a forested area of 1,834.15 sq.km. The most common trees are Sal, Piasal, Teak, Mauha, Mango, Rose-wood and Bamboo etc. The district is not only rich in flora but also in fauna. Birds of various kinds the jungle flow, parrot, Peafowl, Quail, Snipe, Pigeon and Partridge etc. are found. The spotted deer, Sambhar and Wild bear are also very common. There are a large variety a tourist centres in Koraput which are welcome ground for the tourists whether in search of recreation, adventure, study or relaxation.

Duduma (Machhakund) - Water Fall
The enhanting waterfall of Duduma bas a special charm of its own. The glittering waterfall of 157.5 metre has been formed by the Machhakunda river here at Badigoda. It is said to be one of the highest waterfalls. Eternal calmness of the surrounding is thrilling by the murmuring of this fall. The most fascinating aspect of this fall that it move in a sloppy serpentine manner. Located about 88 kms from Koraput, Duduma is perched in greenery and offers picnickers a gorgeous view of the huge perennial water fall.

Machhakund is an important place for pilgrimage. It is called ‘Matsys Tritha’ Her is a tank named ‘Matsyakund’ having mythical importance.

Accommodation - Inspection Bungalow Machhakund and Rest Hosue Anakadelli, Reservation Authority-Executivie Engineer Civil operation Division, Jolpur.

Nandapur
The ancient capital of the kingdom of Jaypore. Nandapur is situaed at a distance of 44 km south west from Koraput. The ‘Battisa Siomhasana’ (throne with 32 steps is an object of interest of the place. It is traditionally believed to be built in the line of the Battisa Simhasana of the great Vikramaditya of Ujjain. Besides a big image of a sitting Ganesh speaks of its ancient heritage. Nandapur, on the foot of hill “Kotnimala’ is not only rich in historical and tiquities of extravagant beauty of the forested hill. It has natural landscaped and murmuring steams flowing down the forest clad hillside, make up just a few of the destination wondrous attractions.

Suai
Soul Famous for a Jain monastery, it is situated at a distance of 34 kms from Koraput. The jain monuments of the village are notices at the foot of the Panagiri hill. Within an oval enclosure near the main road one can notice a series of Jaina Trithankara and Sasanadevi Aero-engine factory named Hidustan Aeronautic Limited. The establishment of this factory speaks of the modern township that view up. Adding to its beauty, its climate is salubrious. A Panthika is in operation by the State Tourism Department with the pleasant Reservation and Authority Manager. About 14 kms from Sunabeda, the Aluminium Aluminia Complex by National Alumiumium Limited Corporation which is at Damanjodi has enhanced its importance manifold.

Sunabeda
Enscounsed in the lush vallyes of the Koraput region, Sunadebad (18 kms) is a wonderful example of Orissa’s gorgeous landsapes verdant and energizing. The place rose to prominence in the past with the construction of an Aero-engine factory named Hindustan Aeronautic Limited. The establishment of this factory speak of the modern township that grew up. Adding to its beauty, its climate is salubrious. A Panthika is in operation by the State Tourism Department with the pleasant Reservation and Authority Manager. About 14kms from Sunabeda, the Aluminium Limited Corporation which is at Damanjodi has enhanced its importance manifold.

Deomali Hill
Amidst rich scenic beauty of the evergreen forests - Deomali: 5486 feet high from sea level, stands in its unrivalled glory as the highest hill. It is situated close to a vilalg named Doodhari in Patangir Tashail 35 kms away form Koraput. Coming close to the foot of the hill when one looks at the Iftiest sky kissed peak, one look at miles of nature.

Kolab
Only 156 kms from Koraput, the river Kolab shelters a reservoir called the upper Kolab irrigation project. Above Zero feet from sea level this artificial lake can be compared with the ‘Dal’ lake in Kashmir. An ideal place for an outing , A number of islands, hills in between this reservoir dot its expanses. The most spectacular is the vision of a running train on the track over this gauge railway in India. Adding to these, the garden with a variety of flowers intoxicates the visitors for a while. Boating this lake is an unique experience for tourists.

Maliguda
77 Kms eastwards Koraput is a small village where on a hill top stands India’s highest broad gauge Railway Tunnel. The place is ideal for weekend picnics.

Raisil
56 kms away from Koraput stands a one stand hill with a perennial stream that at tracts a large number of weekend tourists. The place is ideal for trekking surrounded by natural scenery. “Amal Navami” is celebrated every year with huge colorful gatherings.

Jaypore
Jaypore the nerve center of the district is 22 kms away from Koraput. Here the old place encircled by a high masonry wall with all imposing gateway. A mile and a half wide great water tank, west of the town, known as Jagnnath Sagar, is ideal for water sports. A Govt. Musuem with antiquities and craft works, mostly famous for Jain inconography, is located in the town hall complex, close to the Govt. bus stand, Jain imags are preserved here which are found at several places of the district.

Dumuriput
A village stands between Koraput and Sunabeda by the side of NH 43 the famous Sri Ram Temple situated in the locality is widely know for the highest kneeling Hanuman Status in Orissa. The Shree Ram Navami festival is popularly celebrated every year which attracts a large number devotees.