One Day Itinerary for Keonjhar (Kendujhar):
6:00 am – Start the day with a visit to Murga Mahadev Temple
– Distance from the city center: 2 km
– Check list: Comfortable walking shoes, camera
– Historical Importance: Murga Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to have been built during the 12th century and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate stone carvings.
8:00 am – Head to Gonasika
– Distance from Murga Mahadev Temple: 50 km
– Check list: Snacks, water bottle, sunscreen
– Historical Importance: Gonasika is famous for its scenic beauty and is associated with the origin of river Baitarani. According to mythology, the river emerges from the nostrils of a stone image of a cow at Gonasika.
10:00 am – Proceed to Bada Ghagara Waterfall
– Distance from Gonasika: 15 km
– Check list: Swimwear, towel, change of clothes, water shoes
– Historical Importance: Bada Ghagara Waterfall is a majestic waterfall located amidst lush greenery. It holds significance both religiously and ecologically, as it is believed that Lord Jagannath and his siblings bathe in the waterfall during the holy month of Sravana.
1:00 pm – Lunch at a local restaurant in Keonjhar
– Distance from Bada Ghagara Waterfall: 7 km
– Check list: None
2:00 pm – Visit the Simlipal National Park
– Distance from the city center: 35 km
– Check list: Binoculars, hiking shoes, insect repellent
– Historical Importance: Simlipal National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest tiger reserves in India. It is home to several endangered species and offers breathtaking landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
6:00 pm – Explore the Tribal Museum
– Distance from Simlipal National Park: 12 km
– Check list: None
– Historical Importance: The Tribal Museum in Keonjhar exhibits the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the indigenous tribes residing in the region. It showcases artifacts, tools, traditional clothes, and artwork, providing insights into the history and lifestyle of the tribal communities.
8:00 pm – Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Keonjhar
– Distance from the Tribal Museum: 5 km
– Check list: None
9:00 pm – End of the day’s itinerary
Note: It is recommended to have a mode of transportation (car or hired taxi) to seamlessly travel between these locations. Also, the distances mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the exact location and route taken.