Koraput Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Koraput with our comprehensive guide, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Koraput

Nestled amidst the lush green mountains of South Odisha, Koraput is a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its vibrant tribal cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and magnificent historical monuments, Koraput is a haven for travellers seeking an offbeat and authentic experience.

List of Places to Visit in Koraput

Here are the must-visit places in Koraput that will make your trip worthwhile:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Jagannath Temple: One of the most famous temples in Koraput, the Jagannath Temple is known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
  • Maa Rani Sati Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to Maa Rani Sati, this temple is flocked by thousands of devotees every year.
  • Nandan Kanan Zoo: Spread across an area of 400 hectares, the Nandan Kanan Zoo is home to various species of animals and birds.

Natural Attractions of Koraput: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Deomali Mountain: The highest peak in Odisha, Deomali Mountain offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and hills.
  • Gupteswar Cave: A mesmerizing cave that is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
  • Duduma Waterfall: A magnificent waterfall that offers a serene and tranquil retreat amidst the natural beauty of Koraput.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Koraput

Koraput offers a plethora of exciting hiking and biking trails, some of which are listed below:

  • Deomali Trek Trail: A challenging trek that takes you to the highest peak in Odisha.
  • Jeypore Circuit: A scenic bike trail that takes you through the idyllic countryside of Koraput.
  • Kolab Reservoir Route: A picturesque biking trail that offers stunning views of the Kolab Reservoir.

Best Things to Do in Koraput: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Koraput:

  • Visit Tribal Villages: Koraput is famous for its rich tribal culture, and a visit to the local tribal villages is a must-do experience.
  • Attend Local Festivals: Koraput has a calendar full of colourful festivals, including the famous Rath Yatra and Dussehra.
  • Explore Nature: From hiking to wildlife watching, Koraput offers a range of outdoor activities for nature lovers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Koraput

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Koraput:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Koraput, relax and unwind at your hotel
Day 2 Visit the Jagannath Temple and Nandan Kanan Zoo
Day 3 Explore the Deomali Mountain and Gupteswar Cave.
Day 4 Visit local tribal villages, discover their culture and way of life
Day 5 Trek to Duduma Waterfall, experience the natural beauty of Koraput.
Day 6 Attend a local festival or event (if any), and indulge in the local food and drink scene.
Day 7 Depart from Koraput, with memories to last a lifetime.

Food and Drink Scene of Koraput

No trip to Koraput is complete without trying the local cuisine, which is a delectable mix of authentic tribal dishes and traditional Odia food.

Must-Try Dishes

Some of the must-try dishes in Koraput are:

  • Mudhi Mansa: A popular tribal delicacy made with puffed rice and mutton curry.
  • Saru-Chakuli: A delicious breakfast dish made with rice and lentils, served with a spicy tomato-based curry.
  • Handia: A local rice beer that is a must-try for every visitor to Koraput.

Local Beverages

Apart from Handia, Koraput also offers some refreshing beverages such as:

  • Coconut Water: Served fresh by the roadside vendors, coconut water is a healthy and refreshing drink.
  • Tea/Coffee: Several small tea and coffee stalls are present in Koraput that serve piping hot tea and coffee.

Where to Stay in Koraput: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options in Koraput to suit every budget and preference. Here are some recommended options:

  • Budget: Hotel New Raj Residency, Hotel K R Leela Palace.
  • Mid-range: Apsara Residency, Hotel Srinivas, Shriya Residency.
  • Luxury: The Olive International, The Prestige Palace.

What to Buy in Koraput: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Koraput is famous for its handicrafts and local products, some of which are:

  • Sambalpuri Sarees: Handwoven sarees that are famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colours.
  • Dokra Artifacts: Tribal metalwork creations made using the age-old Dhokra art technique.
  • Chausathi Jogini Temple Stone Artifacts: Intricate stone carvings depicting the 64 female deities.

Local Culture and Customs of Koraput

Koraput has a rich and diverse tribal culture and customs that are unique to this region. Visitors are advised to respect the customs and ways of the locals, and dress modestly.

Best Time to Visit Koraput

The best time to visit Koraput is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Do’s and Don’ts of Koraput

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs: Visitors should respect the cultural customs of the locals and dress modestly.
  • Explore the Outdoors: Koraput is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors should take advantage of the natural beauty of the region.
  • Try the Local Cuisine: Koraput offers a delectable mix of tribal and Odia cuisine that is a must-try for all visitors.

Don’t:

  • Disturb Wildlife: Visitors to Koraput should not disturb the local wildlife or their natural habitat.
  • Dispose of Garbage Carelessly: Visitors should dispose of their garbage responsibly and not litter the place.

Safety and Health

Safety in Koraput

Koraput is a safe destination for travellers, but visitors should take the usual safety precautions such as not leaving their belongings unattended and not venturing out in secluded areas at night.

Health in Koraput

Visitors should be aware of the risk of malaria and take appropriate precautions such as using mosquito repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing. It is also recommended to carry a first aid kit and drink only bottled/mineral water.

Getting to Koraput: Transportation Options and Logistics

Koraput is well-connected to the major cities of Odisha and India via road, rail and air transport.

Airports Near Koraput

The nearest airport to Koraput is the Visakhapatnam Airport, located around 215 km away.

Bus Stations Near Koraput

Koraput has a well-connected network of buses that run to major cities in Odisha and neighbouring states.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire taxis, cabs, and private cars to reach Koraput from the nearby cities.

How to Get Around in Koraput

The best way to explore Koraput is by hiring a car/taxi or a motorbike. Visitors can also use local buses, autorickshaws for transportation within the city.

Where to Go Next from Koraput: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that visitors can explore from Koraput:

  • Araku Valley: A scenic valley located in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh, known for its coffee plantations and beautiful landscapes.
  • Satkosia Gorge: A picturesque gorge and wildlife sanctuary located in the neighbouring state of Odisha.

Conclusion

Koraput offers a unique and authentic experience that is hard to find in other destinations. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, a visit to Koraput is truly unforgettable. Plan your trip today, and get ready to explore this enchanting destination!

The Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath temple The Sabara Srikhetra Jagannath temple Gupteshwaar Gupteshwaar Kolab dam and garden Kolab dam and garden Koraput people like 'idlis' with peas masala. Koraput people like 'idlis' with peas masala.