Known for being a home to iron and manganese ore in India, Barbil is a small semi-urban town of Orissa. Located in the Keonjhar district, Barbil quietly sits on the banks on river Karo. While being of the monetary value for generating huge amount of revenues for both state government and central government, the city of Barbil along with its vicinity is richly blessed cultural heritage too. The Keonjhar district is known for rocks dating back about 38000 years ago and has been of major attraction by the geologists and the archaeological surveyors around the globe. Here is a list of top five places which are a must visit when in Barbil.
1. Murga Mahadev Waterfalls
Murga Mahadev is a perfect blend of natural beauty and religion. The name of the place is an amalgamation of two words, the first Murugan which is another name for Kartikeya, Lord Shiva’s Son, and the other being Mahadev which is an alternative name for Lord Shiva. The place has an enchanting beauty from the two waterfalls that fall from Thakurani Hills and form a small river. The place is enclosed with forests and hence enhances the natural beauty of the place. Numerous devotees come to visit the place and also to relish the nature’s gift to the place. The waterfalls have side trees that make the entire place mesmerizing. Murga Mahadev Waterfalls is famous amongst the locals for being a favorite picnic spot.
2. Gonasika
Nestled amongst several valleys and colourful wooded slopes is famous for Brahmeshwar Mahadev, the deity worshipped by the localites. Being one of the avatars of Lord Shiva, Brahmeshwar Mahadev resides on the banks of river Baitarani. The place is also known for being the origin of River Baitarani. A little ahead from the point of origin, the river takes its course underground. The river can only be seen if one steps on a little projection which depicts the shape of a cow’s nostril and hence the place gets its name, Gonasika. The place is known for its scenic charm and attracts a lot of tourists for religious reasons as well as for witnessing the natural beauty that the surroundings have to offer.
3. Badaghagara Waterfall
Badaghagara Waterfalls are perennial waterfalls. Interestingly a local river called Machha Kandan with a single drop plunges from a height of 60 meters from this point. Being a perennial waterfall, it is a water resource to the nearby areas there is a dam built on the lower side. The place is classified picnic spot and is admired for the scenic charm that it encompasses.
4. Sanaghagara Waterfall
Being equally famous amongst the locals and the tourists Sanaghagara lies about 3 kms upstream from the Badaghagara Waterfalls. The waterfall is about 100 feet high and is surrounded by hilly tracts and pediments. Sanaghagara Falls are surrounded by a narrow V shaped valley. The hill tracts while being steep are of grantic origin and have a mixed kind of vegetation with some characteristically deciduous plantations. The place is known for its scenic charm and draws a lot of people for a day outings.
5. Deogaon
Deogaon is a small hamlet in the Keonjhar district and is a well-known pilgrimage spot. The village is situated on the banks of river Kusei. The temple of Khushaleshwar dates back to 900 AD. The place is famous for being a witness to Buddhist activities in the early days. The reminiscent of those days can still be seen in form of sculptures and images that belong to that period. The place is a beautiful combination of history and nature.
Being a small town in Orissa, Barbil still has its own charm apart from being of industrial importance. Nestled in the woods and valleys the place should be visited when in Orissa.
Other Major Tourist Destinations In Orissa:
