KEONJHAR
Keonjhar or Kendujhar is a landlocked district situated in the northern part in the Indian state of Odisha. The small town of Keonjhar is within Kendujhar district of Odisha and is bounded by Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in the North, Jajpur in the South, Dhenkanal and Sundargarh in the West and Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak in the East. To the western side of Keonjhar there are ranges of lofty hills, some of which are highest peaks in Odisha namely Gandhamardan (3477 feet), Machakandana (3639 feet), Gonasika (3219 feet) and Thakurani (3003 feet). Keonjhar is spread on 4043 sq. km area and half of the district of Keonjhar is covered with forests of Northern Tropical moist deciduous type which includes Sal, Asan, Jamu, Arjuna, Kusum, Kangada, Mahua, Mango, Kendu and others. The highlands of Keonjhar consists of clusters of rugged crags and the mountain tops appears to be sharply ridged or peaked, though there are extensive tablelands on the summits. In some areas of Keonjhar isolated hills rise abruptly from the plains with most areas have an average elevation of over 600 meter. The highlands of Keonjhar form the watershed for a number of rivers including River Baitarani. The earlier history of Keonjhar or Kendujhar district was uncertain. During 02nd century CE to 04th Century CE Keonjhar was ruled by the Nagas of Vindhyatabi. During 05th Century AD fresco paintings were found in the cave shelter of Ravana Chhaya. The district of Kendujhar or Keonjhar functioned as a princely state before its amalgamation with Orissa. Post Indian independence the whole of Keonjhar was integrated into the state of Odisha in 1948 and it became one of the 13 districts of Odisha. Before that during the reign of Jyoti Bhanja, the territorial jurisdiction of Keonjhar encompassed solely the northern precinct of the contemporary district. Keonjhar evolved into an independent state during the early half of the 12th century. Later during 15th century Keonjhar extended its territorial boundaries from Singbhum in the north to Sukinda (in Cuttack district) in south.
Activities and attraction in and around Keonjhar:
Keonjhar offers tourists with multiple places to visit and number of activities to experience.
- Kushaleshwar Temple: Kushaleshwar Temple is set on the banks of river Kusei and is at a distance of 90 km from Keonjhar town. Kushaleshwar Temple at Keonjhar was built during 09th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Kushaleshwar Mahadev. An important monument of stone is built on one side of River Kusei to protect the temple from corrosion and is the second of its kind in the state of Odisha.
- Kanjipani Ghati: Kanjipani Ghati is a hidden treasure of Keonjhar district rich in varied flora and fauna. The natural panoramic spot of Kanjipani Ghati (valley) is a 20 km long stretch of highway that passes through picturesque Kanjipani Valley set at a height of 610 meter above sea level. Kanjipani Ghat is at a distance of 30 km away from Keonjhar or Kenduajhar.
- Keshari Kunda: Keshari Kunda is located at a distance of 50 km from Keonjhar town and is known for two holes on the river bed of Baitarini River in which devotees can take a holy dip in order to offer their homage to Lord Shiva. The surrounding landscape of Keshari Kunda is very picturesque and is an ideal spot for picnic nearby to Keonjhar.
- Murga Mahadev Temple: Murga Mahadev Temple is an important tourist spot in Keonjhar or Kenduajhar district set at the foothills of Thakurani Hill. Just beside Murga Mahadev Temple there is a perennial spring with beautiful waterfall and lush greenery all around. The temple is at a distance of 70 km away from Keonjhar.
- Gonasika Temple: Gonasika Temple is set on Gonasika Hill and is dedicated to Lord Brahmaswara Mahadeva and is at a distance of 45 km away from Keonjhar. Here at Gonasika River Baitarini originates from the two nostrils of a cow and the place is amidst lush greenery all over. Gonasika Temple is a sacred place and it takes around 30 minutes to reach here by car from Keonjhar town.
- Hadagarh Reservoir: Hadagada or Hadagarh Reservoir is built on river Salandi and is situated in Anandapur sub-division of Keonjhar or Kenduajhar district. Near Hadagada Reservoir on Salandi River there is Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Hadagada Reservoir is located at a distance of 122 km away from Keonjhar and is set amidst high mountain ranges and dense wilderness all around. Hadagada Reservoir is a treat for nature lovers.
- Handibhanga Waterfall: Handibhanga Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall located at a distance of 45 km away from Keonjhar. Handibhanga waterfall is set amidst lush green forests and up rolling mountain ranges with a temple of Lord Vishnu situated nearby. Handibhanga Waterfall is coming down from a height of 200 feet and tourists can also opt for bathing in the water of Handibhnaga waterfall.
- Gundichaghai Waterfalls: Gundichaghai waterfall (also known as Gundichaghagi) is a spectacular waterfall amidst lush green forests and natural environment. Gundichaghagi waterfall is located around 55 km from Keonjhar town and 12 km from Ghatagaon. The source or emergence of Gunchighagi waterfall is Musala River and the waterfall is over-coming a height of 50 feet from the river surface. There are three waterfalls seen at one spot and there is a watch tower located nearby.
- Sitabinji: Sitabhinji or Sitabinji are group of rock shelters located at a distance of 25 km away from Keonjhar and are also referred as Ravanachhaya Mural Rocks. Sitabinji is a 04th to 06th century rock-cut oval shaped (or half open umbrella) has a height of about 150 feet with major fresco painted murals and inscriptions those depicts a royal procession are also compared with that of Ajanta and Ellora. Sitabinji is set on the banks of River Sita and the presiding deity Goddess Sita along with her two sons Luv and Kush are worshipped here. Sitabinji is also set amidst lush greenery and is a popular tourist site nearby Keonjhar.
- Bhimkund: Bhimkund or Bhimakunda is a spectacular waterfall situated on the border between Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. This unspoiled spot Bhimkund is set amidst lush green forests and white marble mountains. Here at Bhimkund two eminent waterfalls namely Sanakunda and Badakunda emerged from River Baitarani. Bhimkund is located around 60 km away from Keonjhar town.
- Maa Tarini Pitha Ghatagaon: The temple of Maa Tarini is dedicated to goddess Tarini and is in Ghatgaon. Maa Tarini Temple Ghatgaon is at a distance of 45 km away from Keonjhar town and the temple is surrounded by Sal trees all over. Devotees offer coconut to the goddess and is known as a popular Hindu pilgrimage spot near Keonjhar and of Odisha as well. Maa Tarini is known to be merciful and benevolent to her devotees and is still worshipped by the tribal priests.
- Khandadhar Waterfall: Khandadhar Waterfall is one of the popular waterfalls of Keonjhar and the state of Odisha as well. Located at a distance of 52 km away from Keonjhar. Khandadhar Waterfall is set amidst lush green forests and is a 152 meter (500 feet) high waterfall. As the water of Khandadhar Waterfall cascades down the rock face it creates a smoky appearance. The most attractive part is the two layer rainbow that forms at base of the waterfall.
- Badaghagara Waterfall: Badaghagara Waterfall is another spectacular waterfall of Keonjhar town situated amidst lush green forest and the place is rich in exotic flora and fauna along with tribal life. The Badaghagara Waterfall is at a distance of 09 km away from Keonjhar and 03 km downstream of Sanaghagara Waterfall. Being a perennial source of water, a dam is constructed at the downstream side of Badaghagara Waterfall. The height of Badaghagara Waterfall is 100 feet high.
- Sanaghagara Waterfall: Sanaghagara Waterfall is one of the popular tourist attractions of Keonjhar town. The word Sana – small and ghagara – waterfall, it is an Odiya term which means ‘small waterfall’. Sanaghagara Waterfall is at a distance of 05 km away from Keonjhar town. Sanaghagara Waterfall is a perennial stream at a height of 1950 feet surrounded by lush green forests and hills. The area is spread on 488 Ha. Sanaghagara Waterfall is 05 km upstream of Badaghagara waterfall.
- Kichakeshwari Temple: Kichakeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chamunda or Kali. Kichakeshwari temple is located in Khiching village of Mayurbhanj district and is at a distance of 58 km away from Keonjhar town. The temple is 100 feet tall and the original temple dates back to 07th to 08th century and is still exists with repairs done over centuries.
How to reach:
By Air: Bhubaneshwar Airport is the nearest airport to Keonjhar located at a distance of 230 km and it takes about 05 hours to reach. Bhubaneshwar Airport is well connected by regular flight services with all the major cities of India. From Bhubaneshwar Airport tourists can either hired private vehicles or can also opt to avail bus services to reach Keonjhar.
By Train: Kendujhar Garh is the nearest rail head to Keonjhar located at a distance of 06 km away via NH49. Kendujhar Garh is well connected with rest of Odisha along with Kolkata, Delhi, Visakapattanam, Mumbai and few others by good railway networks. From Kendujhar Garh it takes about 20 minutes to reach Keonjhar town by a local transport.
By Road: Keonjhar is well connected with rest of Odisha by good roadway networks. Apart from that Keonjhar is also well connected with Kolkata, Ranchi and Jamsedpur by good motor-able road. There are five national highways running in the district viz. NH49, NH20, NH520, NH215 and NH220.
Best time to visit Keonjhar:
Though Keonjhar can be visited throughout the year, but tourists are advised to avoid the monsoon season due to messy road condition. November to February is the best time to visit Keonjhar as during this time the weather remains clear.
Fairs and Festivals of Keonjhar:
Sarhul: A tribal festival of flowers and is divided into domestic festival and public festival.
Sohrai: Celebrated in the month of October – November this is festival is mainly for the Munda cattle owners.
Karmapuja: This festival is mostly celebrated by the tribal in Keonjhar and Champua sub-division and it commences on Thursday in the month of Margasira (November – December).
Bodam: This festival is celebrated by all communities and adivasis in particular and is mainly occurs during Pousha.
Chaitra Parab or Uda Parab: Celebrated on the last day of Chaitra and is dedicated to worship of goddess Basuli.
Makara Sankranti: Makara Sankranti is held every year on the last day of Chaitra to the worship of Lord Shiva.
Naukhai: Naukhai is referred to the ceremony of eating new grains and is held on in the month of Bhadrab.
Raja Parab: This is an important agricultural festival celebrated in the last day of the month of Jyestha.
Baruni Yatra: Baruni Yatra or Baruni Jatra takes place in the month of Chaitra (March – April) and the main festival is held at Gonasika near Brahmeshwar Mahadev Temple at Keonjhar.
Ratha Yatra: The chariot pulling festival is mainly held between the months of June – July.
Sivaratri: Shivaratri is the festival dedicated to Lord Shiva and is mainly held in the month of Feb – March.
Folk dances of Keonjhar:
Changu Dance: This dance form is mainly derived from the name of a drum called Changu.
Chhau Dance: Chhau dance is mainly performed during Chaitra Parab in the month of Chaitra.
Juang Dance: The Juang dance is performed to the accompaniment of tambourines.
Ho Dance: This is a purely agricultural tribal dance form and mainly performed in the month of January.
OTDC PANTHANIVAS – KEONJHAR
OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar is so far the best budgeted property available at Keonjhar. OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar is located on the outskirts of Keonjhar town far away from the hustle and bustle of city crowd. The property of OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar is set on the highway and tourists can get access to all the tourist spots in and around Keonjhar. OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar has well appointed staffs and also offers top-notch services towards tourists. OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar as wide lawn beautified with numerous species of flowers and plants hence making the ambience more attractive. The roof top of OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar offers clear view of distant hills along with the surrounding greenery and the highway. OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar is set on a plateau amidst lush greenery and hills. OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar has 14 well appointed rooms which can accommodate about 30 people at a time. Rooms of OTDC Panthanivas at Keonjhar are divided into both AC and Non AC rooms.
Amenities available:
Well appointed rooms.
Attached western toilets.
Front desk service.
Parking area available.
Free Breakfast.
Both AC and Non AC rooms.
Free Wi-fi.
Travel desk available.
Tariff:
AC Deluxe Suit: 2300/- (October to June) / 2000/- (July to September)
AC Deluxe: 1500/- (October to June)/ 1350/- (July to September)
AC Double Bed: 1200/- (October to June)/ 1100/- (July to September)
GST as applicable, payable at spot.
Extra bed charge (AC) @ 450/-
Morning Tea and Breakfast are applicable only in AC rooms.
HOW TO BOOK: Call us at 9831311606 / 9830381306 to get the current availability status or use the query form furnished below with all you travel queries and submit, we will call you directly.
Or, you may also directly book from our Kolkata office at: 8C Shanti Ghosh Street, Kolkata – 700003. Nearest Landmark: Manindra Chandra College and Shyambazar Metro Railway Station (Gate No: 3).
