Experiences in Nuapada
- 01
Godhosh and Beniadhus Waterfalls
Two of the roughly dozen waterfalls on the Sunabeda plateau: Godhosh, about 63 m high in dense forest, and Beniadhus on the Jonk River. Reaching them is a rough, guided outing best timed after the rains.
- Time needed
- A full day including the drive and tracks
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- September to November, when the falls still carry water and tracks are passable; the heart of the monsoon is hard going
- Tickets
- Fees and guide arrangements are not published; contact the Sunabeda Wildlife Division in Nuapada. Do not go alone: tracks are unsigned and mobile coverage is poor.
- 02
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
A roughly 600 sq km dry-forest plateau on the Chhattisgarh border, source of the Jonk River and a proposed tiger reserve. Remote and under-equipped, it suits self-reliant nature travellers.
- Time needed
- A full day at minimum; two days if you stay at a village or rest house
- Walking
- Demanding
- Best time
- Post-monsoon and winter (October to February) for roads and birding; the waterfalls are strongest in the rains
- Tickets
- Entry fees, permits and guide rules are not published here; confirm with the Sunabeda Wildlife Division office in Nuapada before you travel. Facilities inside have been limited and conditions change, so verify gate access first.
Temples in Nuapada
- 03
Pataleswar Temple, Budhikomna
A brick temple at Budhikomna that the district tourism office calls unique in Odisha for its pancharatha design. It is a pilgrim shrine with little infrastructure and a draw for architecture enthusiasts.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- October to March; morning
- Tickets
- No entry fee is published. Dress modestly, remove shoes before the shrine, and ask before photographing inside.
Landmarks in Nuapada
- 04
Patora Dam and Gardens
The Upper Jonk Irrigation Project dam at Patora, with a reservoir, a garden modelled on Brindavan and evening lighting. It is an easy lakeside stop beside the Yogeswar Temple.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon; during and after the monsoon the reservoir is fullest
- Tickets
- Entry rules for the dam and garden are not published here; ask on arrival. Parts of the dam may be closed to the public, and boating, if offered, should be checked locally.
Places of worship in Nuapada
- 05
Yogeswar (Jogeswar) Temple, Patora
A Shiva temple on the bank of the Jonk River at Patora, in a setting of green hills and close to the Patora Dam. It is the easiest and most rewarding half-day in Nuapada district.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours with the dam
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning; October to March for comfort, and Mahashivaratri for festival atmosphere
- Tickets
- No entry fee is published for the temple. Shoes come off before the shrine; follow local custom on photography and ask the priest if unsure.
