Deomali-The highest peak of Odisha
Deomali – The Highest Peak of Odisha
Standing tall at 1,672 meters above sea level, Deomali proudly holds the title of the highest peak in Odisha and the tallest in the Eastern Ghats. This natural wonder is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, offering breathtaking views in every direction.
The mesmerizing sunrise and sunset from the mountaintop make Deomali truly unforgettable. Well-maintained roads and scenic viewpoints along the way invite travelers to pause and soak in its majestic beauty.
A short one-hour trek to the peak rewards you with a sense of peace and a deeper connection with nature.
📍 Distance: 41 km from Semiliguda | 65 km from Koraput
Gupteshwar Shiva Caves & Temple
Gupteshwar Shiva Cave – The Hidden Abode of Lord Shiva
Known as the ‘Hidden God’, the sacred Gupteshwar Temple and Shiva Caves invite you to explore their mystical depths and divine atmosphere. According to local legends, the Shiva Lingam remained hidden inside the cave for centuries until it was discovered by a tribal hunter. It is also believed that Lord Rama visited this cave during his Vanavasa and worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Nestled deep within the dense forests of the Ramgiri Hills, the temple exudes a sense of mystery and spiritual energy. Apart from the main cave, there are several smaller caves nearby — each offering a unique experience for explorers. The Swayambhu Shivling here is said to be growing in size over the years, a phenomenon that continues to amaze devotees. References to Ramgiri and this sacred place can even be found in Kalidasa’s Meghadutam.
As you step into this holy sanctuary, surrounded by nature’s tranquility and the soothing sound of the Sabari River flowing beside the caves, you’ll feel the divine presence that makes Gupteshwar truly special.
📍 Distance: 99 km from Semiliguda | 117 km from Koraput
Balda Cave
Balda Cave – The Plateau of Endless Views
Perched atop a vast flat plateau, Balda Cave is so expansive that it’s said to fit five full-sized football fields at once. From this height, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of lush green hills and the nearby Jolaput Reservoir. A serene pond beside the cave enhances its natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
The locals regard Balda Cave as a sacred site, worshipping the local deity Donger Dei. For trekkers and adventure seekers, the surrounding forests and hills offer thrilling trekking trails, while the wide plateau serves as a perfect camping ground. The cave’s most fascinating feature is a natural hole in its ceiling, allowing sunlight—and even glimpses of the sky—to stream in, creating a magical effect inside.
Renowned as one of the best sunset points in Koraput, Balda Cave promises an unforgettable experience amid nature and spirituality.
📍 Distance: 40 km from Semiliguda | 60 km from Koraput
Putsil-Pendajam
Putsil–Pendajam – The Switzerland of Odisha
Often called the Switzerland of Odisha, Putsil–Pendajam is a breathtaking destination surrounded by lush green valleys and rolling hills. The Pendajam Table Mountain, also known as Talamali Hilltop, is famous for its camping experiences and majestic plateau-based landscapes, setting it apart from other destinations in Koraput.
Every winter, Odisha’s famous Eco Retreat takes place at Putsil, attracting countless nature lovers and adventure seekers who come to enjoy its pristine beauty and cool mountain air. Nearby, Pendajam offers equally stunning views and is easily accessible by road, making it a perfect scenic drive route for travelers exploring Koraput.
📍 Distance: 25 km from Semiliguda | 45 km from Koraput
Upper Kolab Dam
Kolab Reservoir – The Jewel of the Hills
Perched at an altitude of 914 meters (3,000 feet) above sea level on the Kolab River, a tributary of the Godavari, the Kolab Reservoir stands as a remarkable feat of engineering and natural beauty. The Kolab Dam, stretching 646 meters in length and rising 55 meters in height, is the highest man-made dam at this elevation, generating vital hydroelectric power for the region.
Surrounded by serene hills and lush greenery, the dam area is a popular weekend picnic spot, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The nearby Botanical Garden, home to over 200 species of flowering plants, along with boating facilities, adds to its charm—making Kolab Reservoir a must-visit destination in Koraput.
📍 Distance: 36 km from Semiliguda | 18 km from Koraput
Sabara Srikhetra
Sabara Srikhetra – The Divine Abode of Unity
Regarded as the second most important temple of Lord Jagannath after Puri Dham, Sabara Srikhetra was built in 1972 by the Sabara tribe, from whom it derives its name. The temple stands as a symbol of universal harmony, embracing people of all castes, creeds, and faiths in devotion.
What makes this temple truly unique is that it is the only place in the world where all incarnations of Lord Jagannath can be seen together, and where three distinct chariots are used during the grand Rath Yatra celebration.
Right beside the temple lies the Tribal Museum, offering fascinating insights into the rich heritage, culture, and traditions of the tribes of Koraput.
📍 Distance: 18 km from Semiliguda
Maa Kantabaunsani Temple
Maa Kantabaunsani Temple – The Sacred Bamboo Grove
Nestled near NALCO Township in Damanjodi, the Maa Kantabaunsani Temple is a truly unique and sacred grove dedicated to Goddess Kantabaunsani, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Unlike traditional temples, this holy site has no idols or grand structures—its divinity lies in the serenity of nature itself.
The grove is surrounded by an ancient bamboo forest, untouched for centuries, where the bamboo trees grow and wither naturally without human interference. According to local belief, a hidden divine sword (Patakhanda) protects the forest, revealing itself only to those with pure hearts.
📍 Distance: 15 km from Semiliguda | 22 km from Koraput
Damanjodi(Hanuman Vatika, Eco park, Red mud & Ash pond, Mines view point)
Damanjodi – The Industrial Gem Amidst Nature
Cradled in the lap of lush greenery, Damanjodi stands as the heart of bauxite mining in Odisha, managed by NALCO, which contributes to over 51% of India’s production. Beyond its industrial significance, Damanjodi is a place of beauty and wonder, offering a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and innovation.
The town features several must-visit attractions — the world’s third-tallest Hanuman statue, the elegantly built Sai Mandir, a fascinating Dinosaur Eco Park, and the mesmerizing Panchpatmali Hills viewpoint, where clouds seem to drift right beneath your feet.
Adding to its uniqueness, Damanjodi is home to Asia’s longest magnetic belt, stretching over 18 kilometers, used to transport bauxite from the mines to the factory. Nearby, the Red Mud and Ash Pond creates an otherworldly landscape, often described as “Mars on Earth,” offering panoramic views of the NALCO Factory.
📍 Distance: 15 km from Semiliguda | 22 km from Koraput