Top 10 picnic places to cash New Year in

Bhubaneswar: The very word picnic brings thoughts of visiting a new place with family and friends coupled with lots of good food, fun and frolicking.

With 2018 about to end, everyone is getting ready to welcome 2019. In this article we shall discuss top ten picnic places in Odisha where we can enjoy our New Year celebrations.

Harishankar, Balangir

This scenic site is located on the southern side of the Gandhmardan hills. The perennial stream is quite an attraction here. A temple of Lord Harishankar brings a lot of devotees too. It is believed that bathing in the stream and a darshan of Lord Harishankar washes off all sins.

A deer park close to the adjoining the hill range is another tourist attraction here.

Nrusinghanath, Bargarh

Any tourist can vouch that Harishankar and  Nrusinghanath are twin tourist destinations.

This is also located on the foot hills of Gandhmardan hills. The King of Patnagarh, Baijal Singh Dev, laid the foundation of this historic temple in 1313 A.D. The temple of Nrusinghanath is steeped with historical and mythological references.

There are a bunch small streams and waterfalls around the temple where the helpful locals can guide you.

Patora Dam, Nuapada

This hidden natural beauty is located in Patora village about 18km from Nuapada. The dam is built across Jonk River as part of the Upper Jonk Irrigation Project. The dam is surrounded by hills covered in greenery. On the left of the dam down the slopes of hill sprawls a replica of the Brundaban Garden. This place is also famous for Yogeshwar temple. A number of tourists throng every year to enjoy Patora Dam.

Barehipani and Joranda Falls, Mayurbhanj

Barehipani is India’s 2nd highest and Odisha’s highest waterfall. The source of the waterfall is Budhabalanga River that flows over the mountain. It is a 2 tier waterfall and the scenic beauty is a relief to sore eyes.

Joranda Fallis located close to Barehipani. It is the 19^th highest waterfall in India. Both the waterfalls are in close proximity to Simlipal National Park, another amazing tourist attraction.

Khandadhar Falls, Keonjhar

Khandadhar Falls is located on Khandadhar Hill. Its name translates to the ‘edge of the sword’, most probably because of the manner in which the water cascades down. It has a “smoke-like” appearance created by the spraying of water as it cascades down the rock face. Tourists love to get drenched in the water spray. The rainbow created due to
spraying of water is quite an attraction too. The 500ft waterfall is located amidst dense forests.

Hirakud dam, Zero point

This dam is built across Mahanadi River, the lifeline of Odisha. Behind the dam extends a lake, Hirakud Reservoir.

Zero point is a 30kms on the dyke, which also acts as the entry point for Debrigarh Sanctuary. The drive on the dyke road to Debrigarh is breathtaking and tourists are suggested to take this route.

Koilighughar Falls, Jharsuguda

The waterfall is on a rivulet named Ahiraj which originates from the ‘Chhuikhanch’ forest. After the waterfall, the rivulet flows westwards to merge into the Mahanadi River. It is a picturesque tourist spot with its sylvan backdrop.

Inside the fall there is a Shivalingam known as Maheswarnath. The lingam is submerged in water and is not ordinarily visible. For the benefit of the pilgrims, another Shivalingam has been created outside the waterfall.

Bhimkund, Mayurbhanj

This sacred pool is present in the river Baitarani. The legend behind the name is that Bhima, the second Pandava used to take his bath in this pool when the Pandavas were passing their incognito life in Birat Nagar, said to be the present Kaptipada. Legend also goes that the waterfall has measureless depth. This two-storeyed waterfall attracts huge crowd of tourists every year.

Upper Kolab Reservoir, Koraput

This magnificent reservoir is located along Easter Ghats on Kolab River. Upper Kolab Reservoir has a multi-tiered park. The scenic beauty of the place is absolutely breathtaking. Boating facility is also available here for tourists.

Atri Hot Spring, Khordha

This place is famous for its natural geyser or perennial hot spring. The hot spring is reputed to have cure for skin diseases.

There is also a Bathing Complex of Govt. of Odisha located here for visiting and local tourists. Not far from the hot spring there is a shrine of Lord Hattakeswar Mahadev.

These were some of our favourite picnic places in Odisha to visit. Feel free to suggest your favourites.

Also Read: Best Of 2018: Five Natural Disasters That Rocked The World