The short answer
Khandadhar Falls: what visitors should know first
Only if you enjoy a long day and a good climb. Go in or just after the monsoon for the best flow, start early, and expect many steps. It is not suitable for those with knee or heart problems.
Useful facts
Khandadhar Falls facts at a glance
- Location
- Nandapani, Bonaigarh; about 50 to 60 km from Keonjhar
- Experience type
- High waterfall with a long stepped approach
- Height
- About 244 m (801 ft) in a single drop
- Rank
- Odisha's second-highest waterfall
- Access
- Long flight of steps; limited facilities
- Best season
- Monsoon and just after
Why it matters
Why Khandadhar Falls is worth your time
Khandadhar is the second-highest waterfall in Odisha, after Barehipani in Mayurbhanj, and it is among the highest in India. Its forested surroundings make it one of the more dramatic natural sights reachable from Keonjhar.
It also shows how difficult it is to draw administrative lines on the map of this region: the district tourism listing treats it as part of Keonjhar's circuit, even though the village lies near Bonaigarh. Treat distance figures as approximate and confirm routes locally.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The plunge
A single tall drop whose spray often hides its base.
- 02
Forest hills
Dense forest and hills surround the fall.
- 03
The climb
A stepped approach rewards effort with a clear view.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Hire a car and driver in Keonjhar and leave early. Quoted distances range from about 50 to 60 km by road, so allow at least a couple of hours each way. The falls are in the Nandapani area near Bonaigarh, which lies in Sundargarh district, although Keonjhar's own tourism listing includes them.
From the end of the road, a long flight of steps leads to the viewing point. Take it slowly, carry water and rest on the way. The fall drops about 244 metres in a single plunge, and in the monsoon its spray can hide the lower portion.
There are few facilities, so carry food. Return before dark and check the weather; heavy rain can make the road and steps difficult.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Start early with a driver
- Carry water and food
- Skip the steps if you have knee or heart problems
- Check road and weather conditions
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Nandapani, Bonaigarh, near the Keonjhar-Sundargarh border; about 50 to 60 km from Keonjhar
- Time needed
- Full day
- Best time
- July to November for flow; winter for comfort
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- Travel accounts mention a long flight of steps, about 500, to reach the viewing point, followed by a short descent. The drive is long and facilities are limited.
- Tickets and access
- Fees and timings are not published reliably. Confirm road conditions and access with local drivers or the district office before setting out.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khandadhar Falls
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Travel accounts mention a long flight of steps, about 500, to reach the viewing point, followed by a short descent. The drive is long and facilities are limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How high is Khandadhar?
About 244 metres, a single drop. Local sources quote about 500 feet, so treat heights as approximate.
Is Khandadhar in Keonjhar district?
Keonjhar's tourism listing includes it, but the falls lie at Nandapani near Bonaigarh, in Sundargarh district.
Is it suitable for seniors?
Not for most, because of the long stepped approach.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
