This was one of the first trips I did just for pleasure, without any "agenda" after a long, long time! I usually end up travelling either for work, or for other causes...but there is always some "work" involved. It was the last week of November 2016 when I hopped on an overnight bus for Bhubaneswar, and then head out to "somewhere".
Kendujhar, or more commonly called Keonjhar, was not a place I was aware of at all, neither the friend who was staying in Bhubaneswar, with whom I was supposed to make the weekend escapade. But the images of the place online were pretty promising, and also that it was a little more than 5hrs away from Bhubaneswar by train. There are 3 permanent train options, along with occasional "seasonal special" trains often connecting Kendujhar. For the train station, one needs to search for Kendujhargarh.
It was a pretty uneventful quaint ride from Bhubaneswar, pretty empty compartment. We reached Keonjhar around 10pm. Before we left, we had checked online for decent accommodation options, and had finalized with Hotel Prince. We had to take a local bus from the train station at Keonjhar to Govt. Bus Stand. One needs to turn right from the main crossing, and Hotel Prince would be on the right after maybe a walk of 3mins. It is not directly on the road, but is one of the the taller buildings that area, so is visible. Another landmark would be the adjacent Hanuman Mandir.
The reception of the hotel made us rethink our decision of choosing it, but stepping up the stairs to the floors above was a different story altogether! Spacious, clean and definitely more than just some shady random small town hotel. Though, there was this issue of a non-married couple staying together in the same room, so we had to pretend that we were, lol. This is predominant with many small town hotels, and we were prepared for such a situation.
The bed was generously large for just two people, and didn't leave much vacant space in the room. The toilet cum bathroom was pretty clean, one of my main criterion while choosing a room. The only warning that one of the employees (who showed us the room) was not to open the window! That's why...
The hotel doesn't have it's own restaurant, but there are loads of eateries and restaurants around.
Keonjhar is loaded with waterfalls, temples and other holy/religious places to visit. Due to really shortage of time, we had to visit only a handful of places nearby. The hotel owner is a friendly old fellow, more than happy to help us get a 'tempo' (that's what the locals call an auto rickshaw/tuk tuk there). The tempo driver cum guide was Mihir da, and we drove us to the three below mentioned locations, and a few other unnamed temples along the way.
(a) Sanaghagara
Literally meaning small waterfall, Sanaghagara is a perennial waterfall, and the small river Maccha Kandana plunges about 100ft in two drops. I hope there is more vigor to the fall during the monsoon. This is a part of a regulated picnic spot, so one has to purchase entry tickets to go to the fall. It is the closest one to the town of Keonjhar.
Paddle boats are also available, along with larger areas for picnics, the charges are to be paid at the main gate.
(b) Badaghagara
It is about 3kms upstream from Sanaghagara, with a dam built across. This is a single 200ft drop waterfall, much more picturesque and less crowd compared to Sanaghagara. From the parking, walk along the canal to the right, and then down the steps to find the waterfall.
And, one will need to walk straight ahead from the parking towards a flight of stairs to climb up to the top of the dam.
Alternatively, there is a temple to the right, and one may follow a trail up to the top of the dam.
(c) Gonasika
One needs to climb 100 steps to reach the temple on top!
Keonjhar has a lush flora all around, and it should be at its abundant best during the monsoon. But at this time of the year, one may find occasional beautiful and vibrant patches of bright yellow in stark contrast to the greens, browns and the blue...that is the mustard fields.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel PrinceNear Govt Bus Stand, In front of SBI, Keonjhar, Odisha - 758001
+9194381 91373
WHERE TO EAT
Loads of options all around the hotel. Much better food than most of the places in Odisha, even Bhubaneswar!
WHAT TO PACK
It gets pretty chilly after sunset, it would be better to be prepared with a jacket or a pullover. It is quite warm during the day, so a thicker t-shirt does the job. Apply a good sunscreen before heading out during the daytime.
SAFETY
The shops around the hotel are open till quite late, specially the restaurants and the medicine shops. The government bus stand also sees traffic till late. And the temple right beside the hotel attracts people quite early in the morning for prayers. So, it is somewhat a bustling area throughout the day and late night, at least as per small town standards.
Hotel PrinceNear Govt Bus Stand, In front of SBI, Keonjhar, Odisha - 758001
+9194381 91373
WHERE TO EAT
Loads of options all around the hotel. Much better food than most of the places in Odisha, even Bhubaneswar!
WHAT TO PACK
It gets pretty chilly after sunset, it would be better to be prepared with a jacket or a pullover. It is quite warm during the day, so a thicker t-shirt does the job. Apply a good sunscreen before heading out during the daytime.
SAFETY
The shops around the hotel are open till quite late, specially the restaurants and the medicine shops. The government bus stand also sees traffic till late. And the temple right beside the hotel attracts people quite early in the morning for prayers. So, it is somewhat a bustling area throughout the day and late night, at least as per small town standards.
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