Mayurbhanj in Odisha - Travel Guide, How to Reach & Attractions

Today we are going to tell you about Mayurbhanj in the Indian state of Odisha. It used to be a royal state during the British rule. This area was under the control of the Bhanj dynasty from the beginning. Legend has it that the Bhanja dynasty originated from the peacock's eye. The coastline of Mayurbhanj turns from the Bay of Bengal and Mayurbhanj is situated at an altitude of about 1083 feet above sea level. Tropical humid climate is seen here. The average temperature of Mayurbhanj remains up to 37 ° C during summer. 

There are many places for tourists to visit in Mayurbhanj. Here one can see Mayurbhanj Palace, Barehipani Waterfall, Simlipal National Park, Jorakund and Sitakund Waterfalls as well as Belagadia Palace. There is a large number of tourists visiting these places during the holiday season.

How to reach Mayurbhanj

By Air: The city of Baripada is the major city of Mayurbhanj district. The nearest international airport to Baripada is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, also known as Kolkata's Dum Dum Airport; Which is about 195 km away. Apart from this, Biju Patnaik Airport of Bhubaneswar is also about 207 km from Baripada. 

Jharkhand’s Birsa Munda (257 km) and Sonari (133 km) airports and Rourkela Airport (282 km) are also included in the airport near Mayurbhanj. 

By Rail: Baripada is connected by the Howrah-Chennai Railway Corridor when it comes to the railway station. Regular trains run here for Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. It is better to take a flight from Kolkata to Baripada in Mayurbhanj by train. Baripada is connected to other Indian cities like Balasore, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Cuttack and Jamshedpur. 

By Road: The road system in Mayurbhanj is quite good and air-conditioned buses ply to the towns and cities of Mayurbhanj. Baripada is 60 km from Balasore, 163 km from Jamshedpur, 103 km from Kharagpur, 231 km from Cuttack, 368 km from Rourkela and 255 km from Bhubaneswar. 

Regular bus facility is available by Sambalpur, Puri, Bolangir, Jhargram, Angul, Ranchi as well as Road Transport Corporation of Kolkata and Odisha State. From these nearby cities, you can also come to Mayurbhanj in a private vehicle. 

The right time to visit Mayurbhanj

The right time to visit Mayurbhanj between September and March. In these months, the weather of Mayurbhanj is very pleasant and tourists are also easy to move around. 

Places to visit in Mayurbhanj

Simlipal National Park

Simlipal National Park. This national park is only 17 km from the district headquarters of Baripada. This sanctuary and national park is spread over a large area. There is also a tiger reserve area. The lush green forests of Simlipal and distinctly different species of animals attract innumerable tourist attention. 

In this national park, birds of different species are fascinating to see, while mowing the grasslands, trees. Stroll inside the park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the place. Don't forget to see Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.

Jungle jeep safari is one of the most attractive activities for tourists visiting the park without which the journey is considered to be halfway. That is why if you are going on a trip to Simlipal Tiger Reserve with your friends or family, then enjoy the jeep safari. This safari gives you an opportunity to feel the wildlife and beauty up close.

Simlipal National Park opens only from November to mid-June and is closed for tourists to visit before the arrival of the monsoon. That is why only this national park can be visited from November to mid-June. But if we talk about the best time to visit here, then it is considered to be the time between November to March (winter). Winter is the time when you can see various wild animals including tigers, deer roaming here. During summer, the temperature here reaches 45 degree Celsius, hence summer time is not considered suitable for a trip to Simlipal Tiger Reserve.

Lulung

It is one of the grandest gateways of Simlipal National Park and is situated on the eastern border of this National Park. The other welcome point is from Jashipur. Lulung lies on the banks of the tributary Palpala. The entire Barahamas water flows in this river. The water of this river is so clear that even a small pebble is visible in it. 

It is also surrounded by old forests on both sides. This place is very special for nature lovers and serves as a beautiful picnic spot. Lulung is located at an altitude of 300 meters on the radar. Walking here you can see the mesmerizing hills. This place is only 52 km from Mayurbhanj. The sheer glow of this place is like a paradise for nature lovers. 

Devkund Falls

This beautiful waterfall is located in Udala Division of Simlipal Forest Range. It can depart from Panchalingeswara via Udala or Nilgiri. It is 69 km from Kuldiha, 87 km from Balasore and 90 km from Lulung. You can easily reach Udkala from Devala by jeep which is about 28 km from Devkund. 

Panch Kund consists of a total of five lakes. Apart from Devakund, four other springs form the lake or kund. When you walk 100 steps from Devkund, you find the source of the river. A strong Durga temple or temple of Goddess Ambika Mata is also located here.

You will be surprised to know that the temples of Mayurbhanj built this temple in the year 1940 and even today it is worshiped and rituals with full devotion. Sweet chirping of butterflies and birds are heard around the temple. 

Devkund Falls is one of the popular places for just like the Phulara Ridge Trek, this is also a casual trek among casual trekkers as well as novice trekkers. Here a beautiful fresh lake is formed by the confluence of three streams of the Kundalika River and falling from a height of about 80 feet. Due to the beautiful forests on the banks of the river, mountains and Sobti, this place is ideal for spending time in the lap of nature and trekking and camping.

After trekking another kilometer through the rocky periphery, we reach the waterfall and watch the rotating waterfall fall down. It is worth seeing the springs playing with different colors as it falls into the lake from a height. This trek can be experienced with friends and family. With the increasing number of tourists, of course, accidents are also increasing to some extent. So now the administration has brought some restrictions. Plan to go to the middle ward if possible to avoid the crowds. If you are listing places to go after lockdown, be sure to include Devkund Falls.

The Joranda waterfall is also located in Simlipal National Park in Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha, India. Even the Behripani waterfall flows close to the Jornda waterfall. It is the 19th highest waterfall in India. 

Devagram

A popular village called Devagram of Mayurbhanj is also known as Devgaon. This village is situated on the banks of the Sono River. One can see ruins of many ancient temples in this village, including the temples of Shivalingam, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati. The deities enshrined in these temples are worshiped with full reverence in this village. Devgaon, Barip It is 50 km away from Dada and you can come here to have a picnic with your family or friends. 

Manatri Baidyanath Temple

This sacred abode is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located about 40 km from Baripada. The grand architecture of the temple is quite attractive and the pictures and stories of Mayurbhanj royal family in Odia script are carved on the walls in detail, which is the biggest and special attraction here. Surrounded by water on three sides and Gangahar river on one side, this stunning temple looks very beautiful. 

Every year in Devghar, a grand procession of Baba is organized on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri. On the occasion of Shivbaraat, the tableau of the deities comes out with full decoration and realizes the landing of Devaloka on the earth. There is a crowd of lakhs in the procession. But this year, due to the Corona epidemic, it has been decided not to carry out the procession on the Mahashivaratri festival.

Baba is offered peacock crown on Mahashivratri. At the same time, many people greet Baba by offering peacock at the conclusion of marriage and it is believed that the marriage of unmarried people is expedited by Baba's offering of peacock peacock on Mahashivaratri.

Khiching

Khiching is the capital of Bhanj. It is about 205 km from Balasore and 111 km from Mayurbhanj. Many temples are located at this place. These temples are worshiped even today. Kichakeshwari, the principal goddess of Mayurbhanj, is worshiped in Khiching. 

The temples located at this place are examples of amazing art. Decorated with chlorite slabs, it is the only place of its kind in the whole of India. The devotees are astonished to see the beauty of the idols. Khiching also has a small museum which displays various historical pieces of sculpture and art.