Jirang – Odisha:
Jirang (also called Jirango or Jiranga) is a small village tucked away in the rural heartland of southern Odisha in Chandragiri in Gajapati district surrounded by hills of Eastern Ghats. Jirang has a long history of Tibetan settlements dating back from 1960. After the Chinese persecution in 1959 a large population of Tibetan Buddhists arrived in India and settled in several parts of India including Jirang. Jirang in Odisha is home to the largest Buddhist Monastery in Eastern India. Jirang is a treasure trove in itself and is also known as ‘Odisha’s Little Tibet’ or ‘Mini Tibet’. Jirang has grown as a popular tourist destination. The serene environment, stunning landscapes and cultural attractions of Jirang draws numerous tourists every year at Jirang. For over the years Jirang developed as a vibrant Buddhist settlement where the Tibetan people have preserved their culture and along with that added colour to Jirang upkeep the Indian traditions to attract tourists from all over. Jirang is set at an elevation of 1501 meter (4925 feet). Jirang is also known by many adjectives like Chandragiri Tibetan Settlement, the Tibetan settlement of Odisha (or Gajapati) and the Buddhist Settlement of Chandragiri. The main source of livelihood of the local settlements of Jirang is agriculture and main crop grows here is maize and hence Jirang is also referred as ‘Maize bowl of Odisha’. Apart from that Jirang is also known for its tropical forests, roaring hilltops, gurgling rivers along with renowned seasonal fruits and woolen garments. The Tibetan refugees who settled at Jirang called Jirang as Phuntsokling which means ‘Land of Happiness’.
Activities and attractions in and around Jirang:
Jirang being a small Tibetan settlement in the rural heartland on the southern part of Odisha, offers tourists will numerous local attractions and activities to experience.
Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery: Padmasambhava Mahavihara Monastery also known as Jirang Monastery or Thupten Mindolling Monastery belongs to the Ripa Lineage and is the largest Buddhists Monastery in Eastern India. Jirang Monastery was inaugurated in January 2010 by Dalai Lama. Jirang Monastery was built in Atanpuri style of architecture. This is a five-storey monastery with huge meditation shrine hall, small temples, institute and hostels. Jirang Monastery is named as Acharya Padmasambhava. The monastery is built on 10 acres land area with a height of 70 feet. The monastery features a 23 feet high statute of Lord Buddha and a 17 feet high statue of Guru Padmasambhava.
Mahendragiri Hill: Mahendragiri Hill is the second highest peak in Odisha located in Gajpati district. Mahendragiri Hill is situated within Eastern Ghats range with an elevation of 1501 meter (4925 feet). Mahendragiri Hill is situated at 24 km from Jirang via Jirang – Kainpur Road. The surrounding areas of Mahendragiri Hill are rich in biodiversity and are a haven for medicinal plants. Mahendragiri Hill is home to over 600 flowering plants along with that the faunal diversity of the region is also huge and also making it a herpetofauna hotspot.
Kunti Temple: Kunti Temple is located on Mahendragiri Hill on the way to the hill top and is located a26 km from Jirang. Kunti Temple is one of the earliest Shiva temples of Odisha and is also known as Gokarnesvara Temple. It is believed that the temple dates back to around 07 th century AD and is about 30 feet in height. The temple is built in Rekh Deul style of Odisha architecture. The idol inside the main sanctum is the form of a lingam.
Yudhisthir Temple: Yudhisthir Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord situated on Mahendragiri Hill located at a distance of 25.5 km from Jirang. It is believed that the temple was built between 10th to 11th Century AD. This is a west facing temple built in Triratha style. The temple is constructed with hard granite.
Padmasarovar: Padma Sarovar is a large waterbody or lake in Jirang located close to Jirang Monastery. Tourists can also opt to avail paddle boat rides on Padma Sarovar Lake.
Mahendragada Monastery: Mahendragada Monastery is another beautiful monastery in Gajapati district in the serene ambience of Mahendragiri range within Eastern Ghats region. Mahendragada Monastery is located at 39.5 km away from Jirang. The monastery is a lesser known site but has high spiritual and historical significance. The monastery is surrounded by dense wilderness, unknown waterfall and river contributing to its tranquil ambience. The spot is ideal for meditation and spiritual retreats.
Taptapani hot springs: On the way to Jirang from Brahmapur or Berhampur tourists can visit Taptapani Hot Spring. Located at a distance of 76 km away from Jirang via NH326A – and Narayanpur – Jirang -Ramagiri Rd, this hot sulphur spring has high medical properties with a temple complex in the Eastern Ghats region. There is deer park located nearby which is worth visiting.
Khasada Waterfall: Khasada Waterfall is one of the most amazing waterfalls in the Gajapati district of Odisha located at 47 km from Jirang. The periphery of Khasada Waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Being close to one of the popular Buddhist sites of Odisha, Khasada waterfall is a popular attraction from Jirang. Khasada Waterfall plunge from a height of 100 feet forming a pool at the bottom. Khasada Waterfall is surrounded by stunning natural wonders and lush greenery.
Gandahati Waterfall: Gandahati Waterfall is a stunning waterfall in the Gajapati district of Odisha. Gandahati Waterfall is located at 25 km away from Jirang and the waterfall is surrounded by dense wilderness. Gandahati Waterfall is coming down from a height of 20 meters. The surrounding area of Gandahati Waterfall is abundant in flora and fauna. There is an ecological park located adjacent to the waterfall. Gandahati Waterfall is ideal for those seeking serene and tranquil ambiance.
Mankada Dian Waterfall: Mankada Dian Waterfall is another popular waterfall in Gajpati district of Odisha near Jirang. Located at a distance of 13 km away from Jirang, this waterfall is coming down from a height of 100 feet and is surrounded by natural scenic landscapes and lush greenery all over. The waterfall cascades down rocky terrains making the place ideal for photography. For its off-beat location, the spot offers peaceful retreats and tranquil ambience. The word Mankan Dian means ‘Monkey Tricks’ in local dialect.
Harabhangi Dam: Haribhangi Dam is reservoir built for irrigation purpose and is a popular tourist spot in Gajapati district in Odisha. The dam is surrounded by mountains and lush green forests all over. Located at a distance of 95 km from Jirang, Haribhangi Dam offers stunning view of both Sunrise and Sunset. The dam site is also ideal for photographers and picnic goers.
Pulligummi Waterfall: Pulligummi Waterfall is also located in Gajapati district in Odisha at a distance of 76 km from Jirang. Pulligummi Waterfall is known for its fresh water cascading from a considerable height overcoming the rocky terrains. The area is surrounded by dense wilderness and is a popular picnic spot. The periphery of this waterfall is ideal for nature walks, scenic natural beauty and photography.
Daringbadi: Tourists visiting Jirang can also opt to include Daringbadi (Kashmir of Odisha) in their tour plan. Daringbadi is located at a distance of 160 km away from Jirang via NH59. To know more about Daringbadi Tour CLICK HERE
The Stupas of Jirang: The Buddhists Stupas also known as Chortens at Jirang are located close to Jirang Monastery. These Buddhists Stupas are architectural structures of Tibetan Buddhism that holds relics or represent significant events in the life of Lord Buddha symbolizing his enlightenment and teachings. The tallest Stupa at Jirang is the Stupa of Enlightenment.
Tibetan Culture: As Jirang is home to Tibetan settlements hence tourists visiting Jirang are offers to get unique experience of Tibetan culture, customs and lifestyle habits.
Experience Rural Lifestyle: Jirang is a rural based Tibetan settlement hence tourists will get to experience authentic Tibetan village life in a relatively untouched area.
Authentic Tibetan Cuisines: Tourists visiting Jirang can experience the taste of authentic Tibetan dishes which are prepared organically like Thukpa, Momos, Thentuk and others.
How to reach:
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport to Jirang located at 285 km away. Bhubaneshwar Airport is connected with regular flight services with Kolkata and other major cities of India. From Biju Patnaik International Airport by hired vehicle tourists can reach Jirang.
By Train: Brahmapur or Berhampur Railway station is the nearest rail head to Jirang located at 100 km away. Brahmapur or Berhampur is well connected by regular railway networks with major cities of India and other parts of Odisha. From Brahmapur or Berhampur Railway Station by hired vehicle one can reach Jirang. From Brahmapur or Berhampur by road it takes around 02 to 2.5 hours to reach Jirang.
By Road: Jirang is well connected by good motor-able road with Bhubneshwar (the nearest airport) and Brahmapur or Berhampur (the nearest rail head). Apart from that Jirang can also be reach from Darinbadi (160 km) via NH59 and Gopalpur (128 km) via NH16. All buses from Berhampur to Paralakhemundi pass via Chandragiri (Jirang).
Best time to visit: Jirang is best visited between November to February when the climate remains clear and pleasant offering tourists with best outdoor activities. For the best view of the waterfalls and streams located nearby Jirang pre or post monsoon will be the best time. Summers can be a bit hot and humid climate which may not suit all tourists.
Jirang Hotels