There are over 21 stunning waterfalls near Bhubaneswar, ranging from 90 km to 280 km from the city. The closest ones make for easy day trips, while the farther ones are perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you are planning a family outing or a quick escape with friends, Odisha’s waterfall trails deliver.
Bhubaneswar is better placed than most Indian cities when it comes to natural escapes. The districts of Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj surround it with dense forests, river gorges, and seasonal waterfalls that most tourists never hear about.
This guide covers every major waterfall worth visiting, with verified distances, road conditions, best travel seasons, and practical tips. No guesswork, no vague directions. Just the information you need to plan a real trip.
Bookmark this page before your next long weekend.
The Closest Waterfalls Near Bhubaneswar (Under 100 KM)
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These five waterfalls are the easiest to reach from Bhubaneswar. Most roads are paved and manageable, making them solid choices for a one-day trip without overnight stays.
Deojhar Waterfall (Cuttack District)
Deojhar Waterfall is one of the most well-known waterfalls near Bhubaneswar and sits roughly 100 km from the city near Narasinghpur in Cuttack district. The waterfall flows through rocky terrain surrounded by thick forest cover. It is especially powerful during and just after monsoon season. Local families visit regularly on weekends, so going early in the morning helps you avoid crowds. The route via NH-55 is mostly smooth with manageable road conditions.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~100 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2.5 hours
- Best for: Family day trips, nature photography
Dabarkhola Waterfall (Cuttack District)
Dabarkhola Waterfall is a lesser-known spot located approximately 90 km from Bhubaneswar in the Cuttack district. Because it gets far fewer visitors than Deojhar, it offers a quieter, more peaceful experience. The surrounding forest trail adds to the overall charm. This is a good pick if you want to avoid tourist crowds and enjoy a more raw, natural setting.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~90 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2 hours
- Best for: Solo travelers, couples, photography enthusiasts
Nandinia Waterfall (Dhenkanal District)
Nandinia Waterfall is located around 85 km from Bhubaneswar in the Dhenkanal district, making it one of the closest waterfall options from the city. The waterfall is surrounded by green hills and is particularly scenic during the monsoon months. The access road requires some careful driving on the final stretch, so a four-wheeler is recommended.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~85 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2 hours
- Best for: Quick getaways, monsoon visits
Sunajhar Waterfall (Dhenkanal District)
Sunajhar Waterfall is approximately 90 km from Bhubaneswar and is popular among trekking groups from Dhenkanal and Bhubaneswar. The trail leading to the falls is moderately challenging and passes through forested patches. Water flow is strongest between July and October. Carry your own food and water as facilities near the site are limited.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~90 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
- Best for: Trekkers, youth groups
Dalar Waterfall (Dhenkanal District)
Dalar Waterfall is around 90 km from Bhubaneswar and is often visited alongside Sunajhar since both fall within the same region. It is a moderately accessible waterfall with a scenic drop into a rocky pool below. The area is peaceful and well-suited for a short picnic stop during a longer Dhenkanal road trip.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~90 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours
- Best for: Picnics, road trips, combining with Sunajhar
Perfect Day Trip Waterfalls (100 KM to 150 KM)
This distance range gives you the best balance of accessibility and scenery. Most of these waterfalls are reachable by both bikes and cars, though some final stretches need careful navigation. Check Odisha Tourism for updated travel advisories before heading out.
Bara Kanya Waterfall (Nayagarh District)
Bara Kanya Waterfall is approximately 110 km from Bhubaneswar in Nayagarh district. The name translates to “twelve maidens,” a reference to the multiple streams that fall together. It is one of the more visually striking waterfalls in the Nayagarh region. The road condition up to Nayagarh town is good, but the final few kilometers involve an unpaved track better suited for bikes or SUVs.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~110 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- Best for: Groups, photography, monsoon visits
Rajgiri Waterfall (Nayagarh District)
Rajgiri Waterfall is around 110 km from Bhubaneswar and is often paired with Bara Kanya on a single day trip since both are in the same district. The waterfall cascades through a forested gorge and is most impressive between August and October. Bikes handle the forest trail better than sedans. Carry packed food as there are no food stalls nearby.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~110 km
- Drive time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
- Best for: Adventure seekers, bike trips
Panikhia Waterfall (Nayagarh District)
Panikhia Waterfall is located about 120 km from Bhubaneswar in Nayagarh. It is a quieter destination compared to Bara Kanya and draws fewer visitors, which means a more relaxed experience. The approach road is partially unpaved. A two-wheeler or a high-clearance vehicle works best for the last stretch into the forest.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~120 km
- Drive time: Approximately 3 hours
- Best for: Peaceful escapes, small groups
Ratnaganda Waterfall (Nayagarh District)
Ratnaganda Waterfall is roughly 130 km from Bhubaneswar and requires a bit more planning than the others in this list. The surrounding forest is dense and the trail involves a short trek. It rewards visitors with a powerful cascade and minimal tourist footfall. Monsoon and early post-monsoon months give the best water volume.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~130 km
- Drive time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
- Best for: Trekkers, offbeat travel enthusiasts
Sureswari Waterfall (Angul District)
Sureswari Waterfall is approximately 140 km from Bhubaneswar in Angul district. The waterfall is accessible via a forest road and is popular among visitors exploring the broader Angul region. Road quality to Angul town is reliable, with the forest stretch needing more caution. Both bikes and cars can reach it with moderate effort.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~140 km
- Drive time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
- Best for: Family day trips, Angul region exploration
Ogi Waterfall (Angul District)
Ogi Waterfall is around 150 km from Bhubaneswar and marks the outer edge of comfortable day-trip range. It sits within a forested area in Angul district and sees very few visitors, making it one of the more unspoiled spots on this list. Plan an early start if you want to visit and return the same day comfortably.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~150 km
- Drive time: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best for: Offbeat explorers, early starters
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Use Our Free ToolWeekend Getaway Waterfalls (150 KM to 240 KM)
These waterfalls require a longer drive and are best enjoyed over two days. The Keonjhar and Sundargarh regions are rich in forests, tribal culture, and natural scenery, making the overnight stay worthwhile. Budget hotels and guesthouses are available in Keonjhar town for comfortable stops.
Gundicha Ghagi Waterfall (Keonjhar District)
Gundicha Ghagi Waterfall is approximately 200 km from Bhubaneswar in Keonjhar district. It is one of the more popular waterfalls in the region and draws a steady stream of visitors during monsoon season. The waterfall drops into a wide rocky basin surrounded by forested hills. Basic facilities including parking and small food stalls are available nearby, making it more accessible than most waterfalls in this list.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~200 km
- Drive time: Approximately 4 to 5 hours
- Best for: Families, first-time Keonjhar visitors
Sanaghagara Waterfall (Keonjhar District)
Sanaghagara Waterfall is around 220 km from Bhubaneswar and is often visited alongside Badaghagara since both are located close to each other in Keonjhar. The waterfall is smaller in scale but sits within a scenic gorge that makes it photogenic year-round. The forested trail leading to it is part of the appeal. Combine both waterfalls into a single day of your weekend trip.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~220 km
- Drive time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
- Best for: Photography, combining with Badaghagara
Badaghagara Waterfall (Keonjhar District)
Badaghagara Waterfall is roughly 220 km from Bhubaneswar and is the larger counterpart to Sanaghagara. The falls are powerful during peak monsoon and the surrounding landscape is thick with sal forests. The area around Badaghagara has more natural facilities than many remote waterfalls, with open spaces for picnics and rest. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for the approach road.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~220 km
- Drive time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
- Best for: Picnics, nature walks, weekend groups
Bhimkund Waterfall (Keonjhar/Mayurbhanj Border)
Bhimkund Waterfall sits near the Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj border, approximately 220 km from Bhubaneswar. The site carries both natural and mythological significance, drawing visitors interested in more than just the scenery. The waterfall feeds into a deep natural kund (pool) at the base. The surrounding area is forested and relatively undeveloped, keeping the experience raw and authentic.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~220 km
- Drive time: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
- Best for: Cultural interest, offbeat weekend trips
Khandadhar Falls (Sundargarh/Keonjhar)
Khandadhar Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha at approximately 244 meters and is located around 240 km from Bhubaneswar. The sheer height and volume of water during monsoon make it one of the most impressive natural sights in the state. The area around Khandadhar has scenic viewpoints and some basic visitor facilities. This is the waterfall most worth planning a dedicated weekend trip for.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~240 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5 to 5.5 hours
- Best for: Waterfall chasers, dedicated weekend travelers
The Majestic Deep Forest Waterfalls (240 KM+)
These waterfalls demand serious planning but deliver experiences that shorter trips cannot match. Two of them fall inside Simlipal National Park, which requires permits and has strict entry timings. If you are willing to put in the effort, this region offers some of the most untouched natural scenery in eastern India.
Devkund Waterfall (Mayurbhanj District)
Devkund Waterfall is approximately 250 km from Bhubaneswar in the Mayurbhanj district. It flows through dense forest and reaches a secluded pool at its base. The surrounding area is largely undeveloped, which keeps the footfall low and the environment clean. Road access improves up to Baripada, after which forest roads take over. A sturdy vehicle and local directions are both essential for this one.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~250 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5 to 5.5 hours
- Best for: Offbeat travelers, nature enthusiasts
Sitakund Waterfall (Mayurbhanj District)
Sitakund Waterfall is around 260 km from Bhubaneswar near Baripada in Mayurbhanj. The waterfall holds religious significance for local communities and sees a mix of pilgrims and nature visitors throughout the year. The site is more accessible than most Mayurbhanj waterfalls, with a clearer approach road from Baripada town. Monsoon visits offer the most dramatic water flow.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~260 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5.5 hours
- Best for: Pilgrims, families, cultural travelers
Pradhanpat Waterfall (Deogarh District)
Pradhanpat Waterfall is roughly 270 km from Bhubaneswar in Deogarh district. It is one of the lesser-visited waterfalls on this list due to its distance and the relative obscurity of the Deogarh region for tourism. The falls cascade through rocky terrain and are best visited between August and November. The route passes through scenic highway stretches making the drive itself enjoyable.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~270 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours
- Best for: Long weekend road trips, offbeat explorers
Barehipani Falls (Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj)
Barehipani Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, dropping approximately 399 meters across two tiers. It is located inside Simlipal National Park, around 280 km from Bhubaneswar. Entry into Simlipal requires a valid permit obtained through the Odisha Forest Department. The park has defined entry timings and visitors must register at the gate. No independent trekking is allowed inside the park boundaries.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~280 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours
- Permit required: Yes, via Odisha Forest Department
- Entry timings: Gates open at 6:00 AM, last entry varies by season
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, serious waterfall chasers
Joranda Falls (Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj)
Joranda Falls drops approximately 150 meters and is located inside Simlipal National Park, also around 280 km from Bhubaneswar. Like Barehipani, it requires a forest permit and visitors must follow park rules. Both Barehipani and Joranda can be planned together in a single Simlipal trip, saving travel time and permit costs. The park’s wildlife, including elephants and leopards, adds a completely different dimension to the visit beyond the waterfalls alone.
- Distance from Bhubaneswar: ~280 km
- Drive time: Approximately 5.5 to 6 hours
- Permit required: Yes, same Simlipal permit covers both falls
- Best for: Wildlife + waterfall combo trips, serious travelers
Essential Tips & Conclusion
Quick Travel Guide for Waterfall Trips from BhubaneswarFinal Word
| Category | Details |
| Best Time to Visit | July to October (monsoon) for full water flow; November to February for safer roads and cooler weather |
| Avoid | Peak summer (April to June) as most waterfalls dry up significantly |
| What to Pack | Drinking water, packed meals, basic first aid kit, insect repellent, waterproof bags for electronics |
| Footwear | Wear grip sole shoes or sandals with straps; avoid slippers near wet rocks |
| Vehicle | SUV or high-clearance car recommended for forest roads; bikes work well for shorter distances |
| Fuel | Fill up in the nearest town before entering forest areas; fuel stations are scarce beyond that |
| Mobile Network | Expect weak or no signal in forest zones; download offline maps before leaving |
| Permits | Required for Simlipal National Park; arrange in advance through the Odisha Forest Department |
| Road Safety | Avoid night driving on forest roads; inform someone of your route before departing |
| Groups | Solo visits to remote waterfalls are not recommended; always travel with at least one other person |
Bhubaneswar gives you access to over 21 waterfalls spread across six districts, covering everything from quick 90-minute drives to full weekend expeditions deep into Odisha’s forests.
You do not need to fly somewhere exotic for a genuine nature escape. The roads out of Bhubaneswar lead to real forest, real waterfalls, and experiences that stay with you long after the drive home.
Start with the closer ones, build your confidence on the roads, then work your way to Simlipal. Every trip teaches you something new about Odisha.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nearest waterfall from Bhubaneswar?
Nandinia Waterfall in Dhenkanal district is the closest waterfall from Bhubaneswar at approximately 85 km. It is reachable in under 2 hours by car and is a solid option for a quick day trip. Dabarkhola Waterfall in Cuttack at roughly 90 km is another close alternative.
How far is Deojhar Waterfall from Bhubaneswar?
Deojhar Waterfall is approximately 100 km from Bhubaneswar near Narasinghpur in Cuttack district. The drive takes around 2.5 hours via NH-55. It is one of the most visited waterfalls near Bhubaneswar and is best experienced between July and October when water flow is at its strongest.
Which waterfalls near Bhubaneswar are best for a weekend trip?
Khandadhar Falls, Barehipani Falls, and Joranda Falls are the best options for a weekend trip from Bhubaneswar. Khandadhar is around 240 km away and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha. Barehipani and Joranda are inside Simlipal National Park at roughly 280 km and require forest permits but deliver an unmatched experience.
What is the best time to visit waterfalls near Bhubaneswar?
July to October is the best time to visit waterfalls near Bhubaneswar. Monsoon season brings maximum water flow and the forests look their greenest. November and December are good for safer road conditions and cooler weather. Avoid visiting between April and June as most waterfalls have little to no water during summer.
Do I need a permit to visit waterfalls near Bhubaneswar?
Most waterfalls near Bhubaneswar do not require permits. However, Barehipani Falls and Joranda Falls are located inside Simlipal National Park and require an entry permit from the Odisha Forest Department. It is advisable to arrange the permit in advance, especially during peak monsoon weekends when slots fill up quickly.
Are waterfalls near Bhubaneswar safe for families with children?
Several waterfalls near Bhubaneswar are family-friendly, including Gundicha Ghagi, Deojhar, and Sitakund. These spots have relatively accessible paths and open areas suitable for children. However, visiting during peak monsoon requires extra caution near the water’s edge due to strong currents and slippery rocks. Always keep children supervised and avoid entering the water at unfamiliar spots.
