Kansbahal Dam near Rourkela

Contrasting...vibrant colours of Kansbahal Dam

Hardly,4 kms from Kansbahal and 30 kms from Rourkela is Kansbahal Dam. This dam has been constructed by Irrigation Department of Orissa and is only for Irrigation purpose. This Sunday ,my department people at Larsen & Toubro went to have an outing at the place. Having got bored with Chicken and Mutton dishes,we planned to have only fish gourmet . But to my surprise I didn’t find a single fisher man boating in the area.So, it was good that we did carry full ration of Prawns,Rohu and Kerandi(Karandi) fish from Rourkela.

Where is the Boatman???....I want to sail free

I wish.... its Green and Blue every where....

There is a huge patch of forest which touches dam waters and sprawls over,covering places like Kuchinda and Bonai. Its full of wild elephants and at times cases of Elephants feasting on nearby paddy fields have been heard off.

Time captured in Lens...

Ripples......Don't exist here

Being winters,there was huge rush of picnickers all around the place.But ,we did manage to find a secluded place covered with greenery all around. Just a small descend will take you to the Dam waters and all the photographs that you are seeing have been captured in that place only. There are small small islands every where and I wish I could have gone to those ones. Since,we didn’t find any boat man ,we could not do that. But,if you are lucky enough,then one of the boats of near by villagers can be hired for a pleasant boat ride.

Did, I notice ripples???.....perhaps imagination

Collected firewood over there and we prepared a good fish curry and steamed rice. And not to forget the wild dance of Mothi alias ANNA,Jayram Das aka JRD,R K Mishra alias Sir(we call him Saaaaaaaare),never ending sarcastic comments of Murali Pattnayak aka Pattu Bhai to add to the flavour.Oooooooooh I forgot our other gang members ….fellow Ex-PGTs (now extinct species in L & T)both Amits,the cook-Raj and ever smiling Nanda Babu aka Nands….Though, we missed our big boss RSS.

Marooned Island....Waiting to be explored

But ,terrible thing ………and I go on repeating that we need to respect nature and some how people in this part of the region lack civic sense. You will find all around plastic bags and bottles……just disgusting.We are lucky that living freely in a country like India is taken for granted and we go on harming mother nature. I wish,I can go on visiting schools and colleges and tell students the ways of protecting nature as it is. That’s where basic love for nature and its gifts can be understood.This thoughts have been the gift of studying at IMDR,Pune. Though,I did my post graduation in Management,but beautifully designed courses on Science &Technology and Ecology has created a sense of indebtedness towards mother nature. But why this subject in Human Resource Management at IMDR??????.........EXPERIENTIAL Learning Man…. EXPERIENTIAL Learning…………………….Hats off IMDR.

How to Reach Kansbahal Dam:

Reach Kansbahal which is about 20 kms from Rourkela on State Highway 10 (Rourkela to Sambalpur …popularly known as L&T road).Take a left turn and road will lead to L & T Residential Colony and then reach Kansbahal Railway Station. A right turn (near the Railway Cabin)before the station will lead straight to the Dam.Its hardly 5 kms from the SH-10.

Best Time to Visit: November- February

Khandadhar Waterfalls in Sundergarh

Fresh Morning at Kansbahal...our journey begun

Generally we get disgusted by seeing potholes in roads but what if you see bits of road in potholes and that too on a stretch of 110 kms...heavenly happiness...have a experience of lifetime and come to see Khandadhar waterfalls..the second highest waterfall in Orissa after Barehipani Waterfalls of Similipal. Disgusting is the road affairs in the state. One can feel the plight of the people living in the mining area of Barsuan,Lahunipada,Kalta,Banei and Khandadhar. Absolutely unmotorable roads and criminal offence on the part of National Highway authority of India to maintain( I am finding a word to replace the word maintain) NH 215. At this stage I am least bothered about the plight of tourists planning to visit Khandadhar Waterfalls but thinking about the horrifying situations that patients and their relatives must be going through while being taken to the nearest big hospital in Rourkela. Absoultely criminal and unpardonable offence on the part of State Govt, NHAI, Local MPs and MLAs that a National Highway is in such a poor state. Sorry, I forgot to add the names of f*****g Mine owners and Truck(dumper owners) and the local police officials who are a part of this crime. Shame on you all. Sorry to those who are reading this article but I can't control my rage and anger.
Only these monsters can move on NH 215

Now about the Khandadhar Waterfall. I was little bit judicious to travel in a Bolero to the place. Reason I have already discussed earlier. We started quite early around 7:00 am in the morning from Kansbahal and reached the Waterfall at 12:30 in the afternoon. 5 and half hours for 110 kms. On the whole stretch, we didn’t find a single car. Our first stop was Lahunipada(Lahunipara) chowk. Previously this place was quite an important halt for all busses between Rourkela and other places in Orissa. They used to stop here for Dinner before moving to different places like Balasore, Baripada, Kendujhar, Jajpur Town, Berhampur etc. Reason was that at Lahunipada there are two important diversions. One towards Kalta mines and other towards Barsuan and Tensa mines. Both of these roads again meet at Kendujhar. Chuna Ghati near Kalta is little bit lesser treacherous compared to Tensa Ghats. We took some cold drinks from Lahunipada and then moved ahead. After moving for 15 kms you will come across another small chowk called Kaleiposh. Straight Road goes to Barsuan and Tensa. Here we took left turn towards Barkot. Again a drive for 7-8 kms and another small chowk. One needs to take a left turn and drive for 10kms to reach Khandadhar Waterfalls.You can actually see the waterfall from a distance of 10 kms. An Inspection Bunglow is there but it was closed. We trekked up on the Khandadhar Hills all along the rivulet Korapani Nala cascading down at a good speed.It's all lush green forest everywhere. Just by following the sound of the waterfall we finally reached the place.


First close view of Khandadhar Waterfalls

Sprawling Khandadhar Valley and gushing water...awesome


Just couldn't stop clicking...

The closest view possible of the Falls

Huge.. Awesome.. Marvelous...words are few and hard to describe...come and see to believe the aura of Khandadhar Waterfalls...But be cautious. In the past there has been reports of casualties because of the terrain and the force of falling water. When I looked upward towards the waterfall...straight away one question came to mind..."what must be there on the top of mountain and can one see the Tensa and Barsuan Mines if one treks up the top of waterfall?...If you have plans of doing so then start trekking very early in the morning...it would take around 3-4 hours. May be better luck next time for me....


Forest Flowers all around..adding to the beauty


Tall Barsuan Mountains in the background

Radio Waves dont find space to reach this place amidst thick forests...look at the Radio..searching for the nearest station

Time stops ticking at this place......

While returning back our tyre got punctured on the road to Kaleipos. As our driver was getting the repairing done we gossiped with local tribes. They were quite happy with the way local MP was taking care of their needs. Later on came to know from our friend Amit that all of them are someway connected to Naxal movement thriving in the region as everyone had a black thread on the left leg..symbol of Naxal follwers...Though not that much a concern for incoming tourists but still then its better to go in a group and come back before sunset to Lahunipada.

Darjing...on Rourkela-Rajamunda Highway

10:00 am-no plans of moving out on a boring Sunday...
10:45 am- on the way to Rajamunda...about 85 kms from Kansbahal
First plan was to just have a bike ride to Rajamunda,a road junction about 45 kms from Rourkela. Two roads bifurcate from Rajamunda-one towards Barkot and other towards Tensa Mines. When I was a kid,we used to stop at Rajamunda for lunch or dinner on the way to Jajpur Road.Around 5-6 dhabas used to be there at Rajamunda and couple of petrol pumps. Keeping same thing in mind ,me and Mothi set off towards Rajamunda for having some mutton curry at a Highway Dhaba.

Road is not that good but was better than our expectation. Riding through thick forests, our first stoppage was a Road side Railway Station..Champajharan. This is a small station on the Rourkela-Barsuan Railway line. Only one passenger train runs on this route and that too mostly filled with forest wood.This area is also affected by Naxal Movement. So liitle bit skeptical when we entered the station. But once you stand on the platform,one can see beautiful green hills all around and one or two Red coloured Goods wagons...quite contrasting and eye catching.Track is mainly for Iron Ore carrying Goods Trains which start from Barsuan Mines under Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).

Champajharan Station on Rourkela Barsuan Line

Nearby Champajharan Station is one small temple of Bhole Baba where all busses and trucks stop and offer some dakhshina before moving ahead.

Temple of Bhole Baba

The whole road is sorrounded by Lush Green hills and Streams. Its absolutely a pleasure to drive on this road as you can see the stram flowing nearby. But these streams generally dry up in summers.

Land slide due to Rains

Another Tributary of River Brahmani

Darjing

Finally, we reached Darjing. I had heard of this place but never knew that it was so close to the road. Accidentally I saw the wide river bed from a distance and in a minute we were on the banks of river Brahmani at Darjing. Such a beautiful place where you will see a lot of rocks inside the river. River is quite wide and was in full flow due to Monsoons.
After having our Lunch of Mutton Curry at Rajamunda,we returned towards Rourkela.But let me tell you that the food was far far below my expctations and is not of typical Dhaba standard.

While cominga back we halted at this superb place. So quiet and serene. Only a small Mountain stream and lush green forest.
But the ride would have been incomplete without a glass of Handia- a local drink made out of Rice Starch.I had a half glass since I was tasting it for the first time.It actually tastes good . Just for confirming the alcholic effect of the drink,I asked one of the local lads-his answer with a smile" Sir,have it and you won't come to know that you have fallen into a ditch while riding".

A glass of Handia costs only 1.5 rupees.

Ghoghar Temple At Kansbahal

It is quite hard to believe that how Tourist places in Orissa are left unexplored. One of these rarely heard places is Ghoghar Temple 25 kms away from Rourkela. Lucky fellow me that I stay at Kansbahal just 2.5 kms away from the temple. This time of the year in the month of “ Sravan” , “ Bol Bam” pilgrims from as far as Chattisgarh and Jharkhand throng this place to pour water on the Shiv Ling of Ghoghar Temple. Near by stream, Badjor flows with full speed in the monsoons to add to the scenic surroundings of the temple. Looking at the small bridge over the stream makes you recall the pictures of English County Villages in short stories books.

Ghoghar Temple

Ghoghar Bridge

Gushing Waters of the Near by Stream

God's own Musicians

Sunset near the Temple

Sunset At Mandira Dam,Rourkela

Coming Soon
Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism, Orissa Tourism,ANGUL,Angul District Headquarters, Banarpal Strategic point, Bhimkand Sleeping Vishnu, Binikei Religious Centre,Bulajhara Scenic Spot,Deulajhari Hot Spring,Handapapatrapada Scenic Spot,Hingula Pitha Religious Centre,Khuludi Waterfall,Rengali Scenic Spot,Talcher Industrial area,Tikarapara Scenic Spot & Wildlife,BALANGIR
Balangir District Headquarters,Gaikhai M.I.P. Scenic Spot,Harishankar Religious Centre,Jogisarada Religious Centre,Patnagarh Religious Centre,Ranipur Jharial 64 Yogini Shrine,Saintala Religious Centre,Turekela Scenic Spot,BALASORE, Ayodhya Religious Centre & Archaeological Site,Balaramgadi Sea Beach & Fish Trading Centre,Balasore District Headquarters,Bardhanpur Religious Centre,Bhusandeswar Religious Centre,Chandaneswar Religious Centre,Chandipur Vanishing Beach,Chasakhanda Baghajatin Memorial,Chowmukh Dagara Sea Beach,Inchudi Historical (Freedom movement),Kasaphal Sea Beach,Kupari Religious Centre,Langaleswar Religious Centre,Laxmananath Welcome point,Panchalingeswar Scenic Spot,Raibania Fort,Remuna Religious Centre,Sajanagarh Religious Centre,Talasari Sea Beach,Tripisagadia Religious Centre,BARGARH,Bargarh Sambalpuri Handlooms,Debrigarh Wildlife,Devdarha Scenic Spot,Gaisima Religious Centre,Ganiapali Historical Site,Nrusimhanath Religious Centre,Papanga Scenic Spot,Barapali Orissa Handloom,Chikhidi Scenic Spot,BHADRAK,Aradi Religious Centre,Aharpada (Bhadrakali) Religious Centre,Bhadrak District Headquarters,Chandabali Entry point to Bhitarakanika,Dhamanagar Religious Centre,Dhamara Scenic Spot,Guamala Nuasasan Religious Centre,Iswarpur (Dappanaikani) Religious Centre,BOUDH,Boudh Buddhist Shrine,Charichhak (Puruna katak) Strategic Piont,Charisambhu Religious Centre,CUTTACK,Amageikuda Scenic Spot,Ansupa Picturesque Lake,Banki Religious Centre,Bhattarika Religious ,entre,Chhapachikina Religious Centre,Choudwar Industrial Area,Cuttack Historical Site & Silver filigree,Dhabaleswar Religious Centre,Kakudiapada Religious Centre,Kukudanga Religious Centre,Lalitgiri Buddhist Shrine,Naraj Scenic Spot,Nemala Religious Centre,Niali Madhab Religious Centre,Paramahansa Religious Centre,Satakosia Scenic Spot,Simhanath Religious Centre,DEOGARH, Pradhanpat Waterfall, DHENKANAL,Dhenkanal District Headquarters,Joranda Mahima Shrine,Kapilas Religious Centre,Kualo Cluster of Temples,Ladagarh Religious Centre,Ramial Scenic Spot,Saptasajya Scenic Spot,Saranga Sleeping Vishnu,GAJAPATI,Gandahati Scenic Spot & Waterfall,Harabhangi Scenic Spot,Mahendragiri Religious Centre & Scenic Spot,Paralakhemundi District Headquarters,GANJAM, Aryapalli Sea Beach & Port,Athagada Patna Historical Site,Berhampur Tye & Dye Tasaar Textiles,Buguda Religious Centre,Chilika (Rambha) ,ake & Bird Sanctuary,Girisola Welcome Point,Gopalpur Sea Beach,Huma- Kantiagada Scenic Spot,Jaugada ,uddhist Shrine (Ashokan Rock-Edict),Kulada Religious Centre,Mahurikalua Religious Centre,Mantridi Religious Centre,Narayani Religious Centre,Nirmalajhar Scenic Spot,Pati- Sonapur Sea Beach,Potagarh Fort,Taptapani ,cenic Spot & Hot Spring,Taratarini Religious Centre,Ujjaleswar-Ghodahada Dam Religious & Scenic Spot, Antarapada Religious Centre,JAGATSINGHAPUR,Chandapur Religious Centre,Garh Kujanga (Kunjabehari Matha) ,eligious Centre,Jagatsinghapur District Headquarters,Jhankada Religious Centre,Paradeep Sea port & Fish, Paradeepgarh-Sandhakuda Historical Site,JAJPUR, Ashokajhar Scenic Spot,Baruneswar pitha Religious Centre,Chandikhol Religious Centre,Chhatia Religious Centre,Gokarnika Religious Centre,Jajpur Religious Centre,Kuransa Religious Centre,Mahavinayak Religious Centre,Patharajpur Strategic Point,Ratnagiri & Udayagiri Buddhist Shrine,Satyapira Religious Centre,12. Singhapur Religious Centre,13. Vyasa Sarobara (Jajpur Road) ,JHARSUGUDA,Gujapahar Scenic Spot,Jharsuguda District Headquarters,Kuilighugar Scenic Spot,Pikalghugar ,Vikramkhol Pictographic Inscriptions,KALAHANDI,Amathagarh Fort,Ampani Scenic Spot,Asurgarh Historical Site,,Belkhandi Religious Centre,Bhawanipatna District Headquarters, Dharmagarh Historical Site,Gudahandi (Dokrichanchara) Pictographic Inscriptions,Jakam Scenic Spot,Junagarh Historical Site,Karlapat Wildlife,Kusurla Religious Centre,Mardiguda Scenic Spot,Phurlijharan Waterfall,Rabandarh Scenic Spot,Sapagaranda Religious Centre,Talguda Fort,Thuamul-Rampur Scenic Spot,KHANDAMAL,Balaskumpa Religious Centre,Belghar Wildlife,Chakapada Religious Centre,Daringibadi Scenic Spot,Phulbani District ,Putudi Waterfall,KENDRAPARA,Aul (Ali) Religious Centre,Bhitarkanika Wildlife,Kendrapara Religious Centre,Tamala ,asan Religious Centre,KEONJHAR,. Badaghagra Waterfall,Deogan (Kosaleswar) Religious Centre,Ghatagaon ,eligious Centre,Gonasika Religious Centre,Gundichaghai Scenic Spot,Hadagada Scenic Spot,Handibhanga ,aterfall,Kanjipani Scenic Spot,Keonjhar District Headquarters,Khandadhar Waterfall,Murga Mahadev Religious ,entre,Podasingidi (GarhChandi,Chakratirtha) Religious Centre,Rajnagar Religious Centre,Sanaghagra Waterfall,Sarai (Keshari Kunda) Relirious & Scenic Spot,Sitabinji Fresco Paintings,KHURDA,Atri Hot Spring,Banpur ,eligious Centre,Barunei (Khurda) Religious Centre,Bhubaneswar State Capital & Temple City,Bhusandapur ,eligious Centre,Chilika(Barkul) Idyllic Lake,Dhauli Buddhist Site,Gadamanatri Religious Centre,Hirapur 64 Yogini ,hrine,Jayadev Kenduli Birth Place of Jayadev,Khandagiri & Udayagiri Jain Caves,12. Kosalasuni Thakuranipitha ,eligious Centre,Nandankanan Biological Park,Rameswar Strategic Point,Mundiapara (Mandangiri) Scenic Spot,Salia Dam & Berbera Hills Scenic Spot,KORAPUT,Bagra Waterfall,Deomali Scenic Spot,Duduma (Machhakund) Scenic Spot,Gupteswar Religious Centre,Jalaput Scenic Spot,Koraput District Headquarters,Nandapur Historical Site,Suai Scenic Spot,Sunabeda Scenic Spot & HAL,,,MALKANGIRI,Balimela ,cenic Spot,Chitrakonda Scenic Spot,Malkangiri District Headquarters,Motu Scenic Spot,Raja-Rani Bandha Scenic ,pot,Satiguda Scenic Spot,MAYURBHANJ,Bangiriposi Strategic Point,Baripada District Headquarters,Bhimakunda,Bisoi Strategic Point,Deokunda Waterfall,Haripur Historical Site,Jamsola Welcome point,Jashipur Entry Point to Similipal,Khiching Religious Centre,Kuchai Historical Site,Kuliana Historical Site,Manatri Religious Centre,Rairangpur Strategic Point,Similipal National Park,Samibrukhya Religious Centre/ ,cenic Spot,Suleipat Dam Sight,NAWAPARA,Budhikomna Religious Centre,Nawapara District Headquarters,Patalaganga Religious Centre,Patora Scenic Spot,Sindursil Scenic Spot,Thipakhol Scenic Spot,Yogimatha Cave Paintings,NAWARANGPUR,Kelia Religious Centre,Nawarangpur District Headquarters,Papadahandi Religious Centre,Podagarh Historical Site,Umarkote Religious Centre,NAYAGARH,Baramul Scenic Spot,Odagaon Religious Centre,Jamupatna Religious Centre,Kantilo , Kuturi Scenic Spot,Kuanria Scenic Spot,Nayagarh District Headquarters,Ranapur Religious Centre,Sarankul Religious ,entre,Tarabalo Hot Spring,Udayapur Museum,PURI,Astaranga Sea Beach,Balighai Sea Beach,Baliharachandi ,eligious Centre,Barala (Balunkeswar Pitha) Religious Centre,Biswanath Hill Religious Centre,Beleswar Sea Beach,Brahmagiri Religious Centre,Chaurasi Religious Centre,Chilika (Satapada) Lake (Dolphins),Jahaniapira ,eligious Centre,Kakatpur Religious Centre,Konark Sun Temple,Kuruma Budhist Shrine,Manikapatna Religious Centre,Pipili Applique Works,Puri Sri Jagannath Temple & Sea Beach,Raghurajpur Craft Village,Ramachandi ,eligious Centre,Satyabadi (Sakhigopal) Religious Centre,Baligaon (Bhakta Dasia Smriti Pitha) Birth Place of Dasia ,auri,RAYAGADA,Bissamkatak Scenic Spot,Chatikona Scenic Spot,Devagiri Scenic Spot,Hatipathar (Rayagada) ,cenic Spot,Minajhola Scenic Spot,Niyamgiri Hills Scenic Spot,Padmapur Religious Centre,SAMBALPUR,Chipilima ,eligious Centre,Gudguda Scenic Spot,Hirakud Scenic Spot,Huma Religious Centre (Leaning Temple),Kendhara ,irth Place of Bhimabhoi,Sambalpur Sambalpuri Handlooms,Ushakothi (Badarama) Wildlife,SUBARNAPUR,Binika Papakshya Ghat) Religious Centre,Chandalipat Puja Dunguri Religious Centre,Charada Historical Site,Khaliapali ,ahima Shrine,Kotsamlai (Patali Jagannath Pitha) Religious Centre,Sonepur Temple Town,SUNDARGARH,Chhatri ,ill Scenic Spot,Darjeeng Scenic Spot,Deodaraha Scenic Spot,Ghogar Religious Centre,Junagarh Fort,Khandadhar , Mandira Scenic Spot,Miriglotah Waterfall,Rourkela Steel Plant,Sundargarh District Headquarters,Ushakothi

Vedavyasa Religious Centre