||KORAPUT SITESEEING||Koraput Diary||Deomali Highest peak of Odissa||

The Upper Kolab Dam (commonly called Kolab Dam) is one of the most scenic attractions in the Koraput region of Odisha. Built across the Kolab River, it is both an important hydroelectric project and a popular tourist destination. Highlights 📍 Located about 10 km from Jeypore and around 25–30 km from Koraput town. 🌊 A gravity dam with a large reservoir surrounded by green hills. ⚡ Houses the Upper Kolab Hydroelectric Project with an installed capacity of 320 MW (4 × 80 MW). 🌿 Features a botanical garden with hundreds of plant species, picnic areas, and viewpoints. 🚤 Boating is often available depending on the season and local conditions. Best time to visit October to February: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and ideal for photography. Monsoon (July–September): The reservoir is full and the landscape is lush, but exercise caution near the water. The Duduma Waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular waterfalls in eastern India. It is formed by the Machkund River on the border of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, surrounded by the lush forests of the Eastern Ghats. Highlights 📍 Location: About 90–95 km from Koraput and around 75 km from Jeypore. 🌊 Height: Approximately 157–175 metres (different sources report slightly different measurements). 💧 Type: Horsetail waterfall. ⚡ Located beside the Machkund Hydroelectric Project, one of the oldest hydroelectric projects in the region. Best time to visit 🌧️ August to February is the ideal season. During the monsoon, the waterfall is at its most powerful and the surrounding hills become vibrant green. Balda Cave is one of the most fascinating offbeat destinations in the Koraput district of Odisha. Known for its unique skylight cave, scenic plateau, and tranquil pond, it is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers. Highlights 📍 Location: Around 66 km from Koraput and about 15 km from Nandapur. 🪨 Skylight cave: Natural openings in the cave roof allow sunlight to stream inside, creating a dramatic effect. 🏞️ Table-top plateau: A vast, flat hilltop offering panoramic views of the surrounding Eastern Ghats. 💧 Natural pond: A serene freshwater pond lies beside the cave, adding to the beauty of the landscape. 🌄 On clear days, you can enjoy stunning views of the Jalaput Reservoir from the plateau. Spiritual significance The cave is considered sacred by local tribal communities. Devotees worship Donger Dei (Nageswari) here, and an annual fair attracts visitors from nearby villages. Best time to visit 🍃 October to February: Pleasant weather and ideal for trekking. 🌧️ Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery and seasonal waterfalls make the scenery especially beautiful, though trails can be slippery The NALCO Red Mud Pond near Damanjodi in Odisha is one of the most unusual landscapes in the state. Its striking deep red color often attracts photographers, but it is not a natural lake—it is an engineered storage facility for red mud, the alkaline waste generated during alumina production from bauxite. Location 📍 Near Damanjodi, in Koraput district, Odisha. Around 35–40 km from Koraput town. Close to the Panchpatmali Hills and the NALCO Alumina Refinery. Why is it red? The vivid red color comes mainly from iron oxide present in the bauxite residue (red mud). The material is highly alkaline, which is why it requires controlled storage and management. Can tourists visit? The pond can often be viewed from designated viewpoints or public roads around Damanjodi. Do not enter the pond area or cross safety barriers. Much of the site is within or adjacent to industrial property and may have restricted access. The Hanuman Vatika is one of the most popular attractions in Damanjodi, located inside the NALCO Township in Koraput district, Odisha. It is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, landscaped gardens, and a towering statue of Lord Hanuman. Highlights 🛕 108.9-foot Hanuman statue, regarded as one of the tallest Hanuman statues in India and among the tallest in the world. 🌳 Beautifully maintained gardens with fountains, sculptures, and walking paths. 💧 Sarayu Pushkarini, a decorative pond featuring a seated Hanuman idol on a lotus in the center. 🙏 A serene temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, making it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists. Visitor information 📍 Location: NALCO Township, Sector 2, Damanjodi, Odisha. ⭐ Visitor rating: 4.7/5 from hundreds of reviews. 🎟️ Entry fee: Free. Hanuman Vatika Best time to visit October to February: Pleasant weather for sightseeing. Early morning or around sunset: Cooler temperatures and excellent light for photography.