There are around eighteen known waterfalls in Orissa. The picturesque falls of Barehipani (399 m) and Joranda (150 m) situated close to the wildlife sanctuary of Simlipal are perfectly complementary to their surroundings and are a beautiful bonus to the visitors of the sanctuary. As a cool resort in the lap of nature, Harishankar is a panacea for the heat in the summer. A perennial waterfall of about 16 meters, Phurli Jharan, has a special charm of its own. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sun-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall, create a thrilling and magical ambience. The evergreen forests around provide ample opportunity for picnickers.

Badaghagra
The Badaghagra falls (about 60 metres) situated around 10 km from Keonjhar is amongst the most popular picnic sites in the region. One look at the beauty and serenity of the place is enough to understand why visitors make a beeline for it!

Barehipani
These picturesque falls (Barehipani - 339 m and Joranda - 150 m) situated in the core area of Similipal National Park are perfectly complementary to their surroundings and are a beautiful bonus to the visitors of the sanctuary.

Duduma (Machhkund)
Developed as a hydro-electric project with a beautiful township amidst deep greenery of nature, Machhakund forms a precipitious waeterfall of a height of more than 150m.

Harishankar
On the southern slope of the Gandhamardan hills, around 81 km from Balangir, stands Harishankar, a place of pilgrimage, famous for its uncommon scenic charms and the presence of Hari and Shankar, the dual deities of the Vaishnav and Shaivite sects of Hinduism. A perennial stream gushes forth onto its granite bed to form cascades at different stages, the last fall providing a natural water slide to bathers! As a cool resort in the lap of nature, Harishankar is a panacea for the heat in the summer.

Hatipathar Falls
3 km from Rayagada, the river Nagavali flows through a deep cut valley, forming two lovely waterfalls. An ideal picnic spot known for its scenic beauty, the place gets its name from the huge elephant shaped boulders (in Oriya, Hati means elephant and Pathar means boulder) that litter the landscape.

Joranda
These picturesque falls (Barehipani - 399 metres and Joranda - 150 metres) situated in the core area of Simlipal National Park are perfectly complementary to their surroundings and are a beautiful bonus to the visitors of the sanctuary.

Khandadhar
One of the prettiest districts on the tourist circuit is the Sundargarh region. Located amidst its lush forests is Orissa's most famous waterfall, the Khandadhar fall (about 244 metres). The beauty of this place makes it a site not to be missed.

Khanduala
The jungles of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, situated around 32 km from Bhawanipatna, provide the setting for another of Orissa's charming waterfall called Khanduala, so named because of the shrine of the Goddess Khanduala situated on the top of the hill.

Miriglotah Falls
A beautiful waterfall and picnic spot situated 111 km from Rourkela is another of Orissa's lovely offerings to visitors.

Nrusimhanath
On the northern slopes of the Gandhamardan hills is the temple of Nrusimhanath located 165 km from Sambalpur. A murmuring rivulet engirdles the shrine forming various waterfalls at different stages. Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar, Pitrudhar, Kapiladhar and Chaladhar are picturesque waterfalls at Nrusimhanath.

Phurli Jharan

A perennial waterfall of about 16 metres high, Phurli Jharan located around 15 km from Bhawanipatna, has a special charm of its own. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sun-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall, creates a thrilling and magical ambience. The evergreen forests around provide ample opportunity for picnickers.

Pradhanpat
The Pradhanpat hill, with its picturesque waterfall, offers a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh, and are around 100 km from Sambalpur.

Putudi Falls
Located 15 km from Phulbani, the natural beauty of the Putudi fall on the river Bada Saluki, with dense forests and hills on either side have entranced visitors over the ages.

Sanaghagra
The Sanaghagra falls (about 30 metres) situated around 5 km from Keonjhar is one of the most popular picnic sites in the region. One look at the beauty and serenity of the place is enough to understand why visitors make a beeline for this place.

WATER SPORTS IN ORISSA

The best option to explore the depth of water is the Water Sports Complex situated at the Chilika laketo create the largest brackish water lake in Asia and a spot of enchanting beauty. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands and islands.

A number of islands dot the expanse of the lake. A large fishing community adds flavour to the lake with the lake with their traditional colorful sailboats, which move across the water.

While Chilika is worth visiting round the year, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon, & Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where the boats can be hired.

At Barkul, OTDC has organized a Water Sports Complex where facilities for canoeing, kayaking & boating are available. The complex has also got water scooters.

Dhabaleswar

Tucked in the bosom of river Mahanadi, is an idyllic island called Dhabaleswar. It is so called because of its presiding deity, Lord Dhabaleswar, is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This island is a place of great religious significance. Sculptures dating back to the 10th century A.D. stand testimony to the antiquity of the temple.

While Dhabaleswar attracts tourists round the year, thousands of people throng the place on special occasions like Shivaratri. Located far from the maddening crowd, and surrounded by the Mahanadi, it provides a magnificent ambience for visitors.

To promote water sports, OTDC has provided two water scooters and two boats at the island.