Jeypore

Jeypore is a famous tourist destination. It is an ideal place for history learners. It is forms part of the Koraput District. It has hills on all sides. It is the biggest town in the district and is also a business hub. The dynasty of King Vikram Dev played an important role in the history of Jeypore. Old palaces are present all over the town which mark the rich history of the place. The major languages spoken here are Oriya, Telugu, Hindi and Bengali.

Temples form an integral part of the rich architectural background of Odisha. Two dams, namely Kolab Dam and Machkund Dam, present near Jeypore generate huge amount of electricity for the state. The outskirts of Jeypore have many natural parks, forests and waterfalls. High class hotels and restaurants are available for accommodation. Winters are the best time to visit Jeypore as summers are very hot.

                                                    Places to visit:

The three hill temples: There are three different temples present on three different hilltops of varying heights. These are very significant in Jeypore. The temples are Lord Shiva Temple, Lord Jagannath Temple and Swami Vivekananda Temple.

Bagra: On the River Kolab, this waterfall is an ideal picnic spot.

Papadahandi: This is the place with the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Nandapur: A large throne with 32 steps is present here. It is also called the “Batis Simhasan”.

Sunabeda: This place is famous for two prime reasons. One is its breath taking beauty and landscapes. It is filled with lush green valleys. The second reason is the establishment of the Aero-Engine Factory. This brings out the modernization level of the region.

Duduma: The Machhakund River gives rise to this glittering waterfall. The average height of this waterfall is 15.5 meters. A huge hydroelectric project is supported by this waterfall. It is an important place for pilgrimage as well. It is referred to as ‘Matsya Tirtha’. Duduma is about 92 kilometers away from Koraput.

Gupteswar: There is a very famous cave shrine situated on a huge limestone hill. Lord Shiva is the presiding God of the place. This lingam is referred to as ‘Gupteswar’. It means hidden God. This place is also called the ‘Gupt Kedar’ by the local people.

Hatipathar: Tthere are certain natural boulders present in the beautiful environs. These appear to be like elephants in certain light. Henc, the name of the place. The Nagavali River flows through a deep valley. It gives rise to two waterfalls. This offers some lovely picnic spots. This place is about 112 kilometers from Koraput.

Minna Jhola: Minna Jhola experiences the confluence of three rivers. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy. Shiva Ratri experiences huge crowds and bustling crowds owing to the presence of a Shiva Temple.

                                                  How to reach

By air: The nearest airports are Visakhapatnam (220 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Bhubaneswar (521 km) 

By rail: The nearest railhead is Rayagada.

By bus: It connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and other important towns of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh & Chhatisgarh.