Koraput is the green heart of southern Odisha. Spread across the Eastern Ghats, it is a land of misty hills, roaring waterfalls, coffee plantations, ancient cave temples and some of India's oldest tribal communities. Whether you come for a weekend of sightseeing or a slow trip through the villages, Koraput rewards every traveller.
This guide covers the best places to visit in Koraput, the best time to go, how many days you need and how to reach Koraput from Bhubaneswar.
1. Deomali – the highest peak of Odisha
At about 1,672 metres, Deomali is the highest point in Odisha. A short trek from the road brings you to grassy meadows and rocky viewpoints with endless rolling hills all around. Come early for sunrise: on winter mornings the valleys below fill with clouds and the view is unforgettable.
2. Duduma Waterfall
Duduma is one of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha, where the Machkund river drops into a deep gorge on the Odisha – Andhra Pradesh border. It is at its most powerful just after the monsoon, from August to November. Nearby Rani Duduma is a smaller, quieter fall that is just as pretty.
3. Gupteswar Cave Temple
Hidden in a forest on the banks of the Kolab river, Gupteswar is a limestone cave with a natural Shiva lingam, often called the "Gupta Kedar" of Odisha. Climbing the stone steps through the trees to the cave is part of the experience, and the temple is crowded with pilgrims during Shravan and Maha Shivaratri.
4. Kolab Dam and reservoir
The Upper Kolab reservoir near Jeypore is a wide sheet of blue water ringed by hills. It is a calm spot for photographs, a picnic and a sunset, and the drive there passes through pretty farmland and villages.
5. Sabara Srikhetra – Jagannath Temple, Koraput
Built on a hill in Koraput town, Sabara Srikhetra is a Jagannath temple that celebrates the deity's tribal roots. Its walls carry images of deities from across India, and the hilltop gives a lovely view of the town, especially in the evening.
6. Tribal Museum, Koraput
To understand Koraput, visit the tribal museum run by the Council of Analysis of Tribal Art and Culture (COATS). It displays the costumes, jewellery, musical instruments, hunting tools and daily life of the region's tribal communities.
7. Coffee plantations
Koraput grows its own coffee in the cool hills around the town. A walk through the estates, with shade trees, coffee bushes and the smell of roasting beans, is one of the most relaxing things to do here. Do take a pack of Koraput coffee home.
8. Jeypore and the surrounding villages
Jeypore, the old royal town of the region, is a good base for Kolab and Gupteswar. Around it lie weekly tribal haats (markets), terraced fields and villages where life still follows the seasons. Visit respectfully and always ask before taking photographs of people.
9. Kotpad weaving village
Kotpad is known for its handloom saris and stoles, coloured with natural dyes from the roots of the aal tree. Watching the weavers at work, and buying straight from them, is a memorable way to support local craft.
Best time to visit Koraput
October to February is the best time to visit Koraput: the weather is cool and clear, ideal for Deomali sunrises and sightseeing. July to September brings full waterfalls and very green hills, but some roads can be slippery. March to June is warmer, though the hills stay pleasant in the mornings and evenings.
How many days do you need?
Plan three to four days for Koraput. That gives you a day for Deomali and the hills, a day for Duduma, a day for Jeypore, Kolab and Gupteswar, and time for the coffee estates and the tribal museum.
How to reach Koraput from Bhubaneswar
Koraput is roughly 500 km from Bhubaneswar by road, a long but scenic drive through the Eastern Ghats. Koraput also has a railway station with direct trains from Bhubaneswar. The nearest big airport is Visakhapatnam.
Travel tips
- Carry a light jacket from October to February — mornings on Deomali are cold.
- Start early: sunrise at Deomali and morning light at the waterfalls are the highlights.
- Mobile network can be weak in the hills, so share your plans before you go.
- Respect local customs in tribal villages and ask before taking photographs.
- Keep some cash for village markets and small shops.
Explore Koraput with Ghumo Odisha
The easiest way to see Koraput is on a planned group trip: transport, stays, meals and a day-wise itinerary are taken care of, and you travel with like-minded people. See our upcoming Koraput departures on the home page, or message us on WhatsApp to plan your trip.