7 reasons that will make you pack your bags for a winter sojourn in Koraput

Bhubaneswar: Post Diwali, if you are looking to take a break from the usual grind of daily life, then Koraput district of Odisha, nestled in the greenery of mountains and waterfalls is the place to be during winter.

Odisha Sun Times gives you seven reasons why:

1. Gupteswar

Gupteswar, meaning the hidden god, is a limestone cave that houses a two-metre high giant Shiva linga, which is believed to be growing in size. The holy month of Srabana is when the Bol Bam yatra is held here and multitudes of Bol Bam devotees finish their walk at this temple. This Shiva shrine attracts thousands of pilgrims on the occasion of Shiva Ratri, as well.

2. Sabara Srikhetra

Bulit in the 12th century, this Jagannath Temple in Koraput is known as Sabara Srikhetra because it was worshipped by tribal community called Sabara. Entry into this temple is not discriminated on the basis of religion, caste and creed and every devotee is welcomed here. Paraja, Bonda, Lanjia Saura, ec. are few tribes that celebrate Ratha Jatra here with fanfare.

3. Deomali

Odisha’s highest mountain range with an elevation of about 5400 feet from sea level, Deomali hills close to the Doodhari village in Koraput, is a paradise in Odisha. With rare varieties of orchid, rare medicinal plants, spectacular terrain and breathtaking beauty, Deomali hills are one of the most adventurous places for mountaineers and photographers in Odisha. The rising and setting sun between the mountain peaks during winter are sights to behold.

4. Maliguda

Maliguda Tunnel, draws its name from the nearby Maliguda village, is the highest broad-gauge railway tunnel in India and coincidentally, the second highest in the world. It is also considered the biggest after Banihal-Quazigund Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir. It has turned into a picnic spot allowing people to soak in the scenic beauty in the lap of nature.

5. Kotpad handloom

Vegetable-dyed woven fabric from Kotpad village of Koraput is known to be an exquisite organic dyed fabric. It was the first product from Odisha to receive a GI tag and Kotpad sarees stoles, dupattas and dress materials have found takers all over the world.

6. Parab

The annual tribal festival of Odisha Parab is known to be a gala event held in the month of November. From arts and crafts to music and sports, this gala event gives a platform to artists of the region to portray their talent and also protect and promote the rich tribal culture heritage of the region. This year, it will be held from Nov 16 to Nov 18.

7. Waterfalls

With Duduma, Bagra,Champi, Sati, Rathibali, Jalmunda, Chingudi Dhara and Rangapani Nala, Koraput is home to quite a few waterfalls in the district. Duduma is one of the highest waterfalls in the country and supports a hydroelectric project. Similarly, Bagra waterfall with its vegetated slopes and milky white stream makes for a picturesque spot.

And if this isn’t motivation enough, this striking aerial video of Koraput made by Tapas Mirdha is the nudge you need to plan a short trip.