Day trips in Chandragiri
- 01
Mahendragiri
Gajapati's highest hill, at about 1,501 m, with old temples traditionally linked to the Pandavas and a motorable road. It is a long outing from Chandragiri and best done from Paralakhemundi.
- Time needed
- A full day from Paralakhemundi or Berhampur
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Winter; avoid the monsoon months and plan Shivaratri visits carefully
- Tickets
- No fees are published. Access points include Tumba on the Berhampur side and Burkhat on the Paralakhemundi side; ask your driver which road is open before you set out.
- 02
Taptapani Hot Spring
A sulphur hot spring on the eastern slope of the Eastern Ghats, about 26 km from Chandragiri on the way from Berhampur. It makes a natural overnight stop and a restful stop for older travellers.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours; overnight if staying at the Odisha Tourism lodge
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Winter, when the hot water is most welcome; it can be visited in all seasons
- Tickets
- Check current opening, fees and bathing arrangements locally. The lodge is run by Odisha Tourism (OTDC); book rooms ahead during winter weekends.
Experiences in Chandragiri
- 03
Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
A small Eastern Ghats sanctuary of sal and mixed deciduous forest, entered through the forest office at Chandragiri. It suits quiet forest walks and birding, not guaranteed big-animal sightings.
- Time needed
- Half a day for a short forest outing; a full day or an overnight at the rest house for the birding trail
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- November to February, when the forest is cool and the roads are dry; avoid the monsoon months
- Tickets
- Entry rules, fees and guide arrangements are not published; confirm with the forest office at Chandragiri or the Gajapati forest division before you go. Staying at the Chandragiri Forest Rest House needs advance permission from the forest department.
Places of worship in Chandragiri
- 04
Padmasambhava Mahavihara (Jirang Monastery)
A large five-storey Tibetan Buddhist monastery at Jirang, opened by the Dalai Lama in 2010 and home to the Ripa lineage. It is the reason most travellers come to Chandragiri.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours, longer if you stay for prayers
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- November to February; arrive for the morning prayers and before the midday lunch closure
- Tickets
- No entry fee is published. Prayers are reported at about 5.30 am and 4 pm, and the monastery shuts around midday for the students' lunch hour. Dress modestly, keep silence in the halls and ask before taking photographs inside.
Read the Padmasambhava Mahavihara (Jirang Monastery) guide →
Neighbourhoods in Chandragiri
- 05
Phuntsokling Tibetan Settlement
The refugee settlement around Chandragiri, set up in 1963 in five camps and home to about 2,500 people. A walk through it shows Tibetan life in an Odia hill district.
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours with the monastery nearby
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- November to February; mornings are best for walking and meeting people
- Tickets
- No entry fee. There is no formal visitor centre; a local guide can be arranged through the settlement office, and a small payment is appreciated. Ask before photographing residents.
