Khandadhar Falls is located at Nandapani in Sundergarh district of Odisha. It is the 12th highest waterfall in India and second in Odisha. It looks like a sword, so it is named as "khanda" (sword) "dhara" means waterfall. This waterfall is created by a small rivulet named Korapani Nala and plunges from a height of 244 metres (801 ft) in a single drop.
Legend associated with Khandadhar Waterfall
An interesting legend is associated with the Khandadhar Waterfall and the Pauri Bhuiya tribals who inhabit the area around Khandadhar. The Pauri Bhuiya tribals state that once the Sundergarh branch of their community was enchanted by Kankala Devi, a Goddess. The covetous Goddess was known to consume even the soil of the area. With helplessness taking over the tribe, they placed her on a rock, which much to everyone"s surprise, the Goddess consumed and that resulted in the forming of a deep hole from where the Khandadhar streamed out. With that incident the tribe got water. Later a couple from the community had to visit their relatives who lived on the eastern part of the district. It so happened that the relatives of the couple had to meet were not around but interestingly a pile was kept outside their home. When the couple looked inside the pile they witnessed Khand Kumari, Goddess and protector of the prosperity of the area and brought her back with them. All of this resulted in the Goddess" strength being bestowed upon the couple.
Activities at Khandadhar Waterfall
The area is a popular picnic spot. It is best visited after monsoon and presents beautiful view of untouched natural scenery. Hiking and trekking is also undertaken by adventurous tourists to view the waterfalls from the top of the hill.
Impact of Mining on Khandadhar Waterfall
The Kalinga Commercial Corporation Limited (KCCL) Odisha operates the Kurmitar mine on the Khandadhar hill range spread over133 hectares. It exports iron ore to China and manganese ore to Korea. The diversion of a mountaintop stream has resulted in partial drying up of the Khandadhara Falls. The state owned Odisha Mineral Corporation has mines for supply of iron ore in the area spread over 1,212 hectares. There have been protests locally and the matter has gone to court.
Visiting Information of Khandadhar Waterfall
Khandadhar Waterfall is 104 kilometres (65 mi) from Rourkela via Bonaigarh, and 132 kilometres (82 mi) from Kendujhar. Nearest rail head is at Rourkela and nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar. From the foot hill the mountain top is around 1.6 K.M which can only be approachable by foot.