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By Santosh SinghDeo
Bhawanipatna: The tourism season is back. Kalahandi is rich in natural beauty, surrounded by hills and dense forests, and filled with great tourism potential. Among these scenic landscapes lie dozens of breathtaking waterfalls.
Located just 12 km from the district headquarters of Bhawanipatna is the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary. The district administration, forest department, and tourism department are actively trying to develop spots like Phurlijharan, Rabandhar, and Dokarichanchara. Tourist footfall is rising every year—in 2025 alone, 72,390 tourists visited Phurlijharan.
However, many of these spots have still not found a prominent place on the official tourism map, despite being top attractions for visitors. Similarly, Dokarichanchara near Ampani in Koksara block is nothing short of a paradise of natural beauty.
Beyond these popular spots, Kalahandi's remote, hilly blocks hide many undiscovered waterfalls. Due to a lack of roads, transport, and basic amenities, visiting tourists often face difficulties. During the winter tourism season, people arrive in large numbers to picnic and enjoy nature, but many prime spots remain neglected. The government needs to formulate a clear development blueprint.
Phurlijharan is one of the district's most popular waterfalls. While locals and outside travelers visit year-round, winter brings large picnic crowds. Located 15 km from Bhawanipatna, this perennial waterfall is 16 meters high and is famous for creating multi-colored rainbows when sunlight hits the falling mist.
Because it falls under the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, the forest department prioritizes visitor safety, placing restrictions on cooking and open picnicking, which often disappoints some groups. Over 200,000 tourists visit the area annually. Karlapat starts around 10–12 km from Bhawanipatna and stretches toward Thuamul Rampur, housing other hidden waterfalls like Khandual. With the Indravati reservoir (resembling an inland sea), the source of the Indravati river, Karlapat Sanctuary, and scenic spots like "Hello Point," Thuamul Rampur offers an experience akin to Uttarakhand. Yet, local public representatives and the tourism department have shown little initiative to properly develop this entire circuit.
Located 12.5 km from Bhawanipatna amidst thick forests, Rabandhar draws visitors with its natural charm. It consists of two sections: Small Rabandhar and Big Rabandhar. Picnickers flock here throughout the year. Another key attraction below the falls is the Bhatangpadar Dam. The North Forest Division is focusing on its development, and a nature camp has been set up to offer visitors a unique eco-tourism experience.
The Towering Falls: Dokari Dar and Bhaenraghumar
Located in the Sahajkhol forest along the Kalahandi–Nabarangpur border, this site has become a major draw. At its center is an expansive stone bed surrounded by hills and forest, over which a stream flows gently. On either side stand two towering waterfalls: Dokari Dar and Bhaenraghumar. The water tumbling down creates a rainbow-like shimmer during daylight.
The area is also home to prehistoric caves at Gudahandi featuring ancient rock paintings, though these are now facing decay. Since 1972, footfall here has steadily grown. The area also holds deep mythological ties, with sites like a grand Ram temple, Punyakunda, Sitapada, Rishi Cave, a sacred banyan tree, and BibhutiKunda—local legends say Lord Rama spent time here during his exile. Connecting nearby attractions like the ancient Sri Kaleswar Shiva temple, Budharaja temple, Karaka waterfall, and the artisan village of Kandagada could boost tourism and improve the local economy.
While many know Karlapat and Phurlijharan, Sinderjhar remains largely unnoticed. Located at Balangi in Thuamul-Rampur block, this scenic waterfall first came to public attention around 1993–94 near Bada-Chhatarang village. Sitting about 13 km from Thuamul Rampur, it attracts avid nature lovers, but the lack of basic amenities and picnic arrangements leaves many visitors frustrated. Developing Sinderjhar and placing it on the tourism map could provide vital livelihoods to local tribal communities.
About 20 km from Junagarh lies the two-tiered Gobargola waterfall. Located near Poiguda and Tikarapada (toward Kalampur) at Sapaganda, the area is famous for its Shiva and Chandi temples. Crowds often gather near the stream to explore its natural rocky cavities and pools.
Seeking an Identity: Hidden Ramkashi
To reach the hidden Ramkashi waterfall, one travels 25 km from Bhawanipatna to Yugasipatna, followed by a 5 km trek through forest paths. Formed where two hills meet, the waterfall cascades roughly 100 feet down across three tiers. Because there is no motorable road, visitors must hike the entire trail on foot.
The site is rich in varied flora, fauna, and reptiles, falling under the South Forest Division. Despite authorities knowing of its existence, no infrastructure, electricity, or mobile network coverage exists. Locals note that tourists face hardships due to the lack of facilities, and most visitors leave before nightfall after enjoying a dip in its cool waters and a winter picnic along the stream bank.
Overall, Kalahandi is home to more than 30 small and large waterfalls nestled within lush forests. Many carry deep heritage and historical value. Locals believe that developing proper infrastructure and tourism facilities at these sites would not only showcase the district's natural beauty to the world, but also drive significant economic growth for local communities.
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