The Monsoon
Road Trip Guide to
Odisha's Secret
Waterfalls
When the skies open and the Eastern Ghats turn an impossible shade of green, Odisha's hidden waterfalls transform into something otherworldly. Here's how to find them — safely.
Most travellers wait for the skies to clear before they hit the road. But Odisha's most jaw-dropping waterfalls aren't waiting for sunshine — they're alive, roaring, and completely untamed between July and September.
The best waterfalls in Odisha to visit in monsoon aren't on every travel blog. They're tucked behind thick forests on slick mountain roads, hidden in tribal heartlands, and accessible only to those willing to get a little muddy. This guide is your permission slip.
We've combined years of driving Odisha's roads with local knowledge to bring you an honest, practical, and visually rich guide to chasing waterfalls this monsoon season. From the sheer thundering drop of Barehipani to the serene jungle pool at Devkund — these are the experiences most visitors never find.
The Best Waterfalls in Odisha to Visit in Monsoon
Three hidden gems, one spectacular road trip, and everything you need to do it safely.
Odisha's Secret Waterfalls, Unveiled
These aren't Instagram-famous spots with selfie queues. These are places where the forest speaks louder than your phone signal.
Barehipani
Waterfall
Standing at a staggering 399 metres, Barehipani is the second highest waterfall in India — and in monsoon, it is nothing short of biblical. The twin cascades, fed by the Budhabalanga River, explode with volume after the rains, sending a permanent veil of mist across the surrounding forest that blurs the line between land and cloud.
Getting here means driving through Simlipal Tiger Reserve, which requires permits. The forest roads are flanked by sal trees and occasional wildlife sightings. In July, you'll spot families of elephants cooling down just kilometres from the falls.
- Book Simlipal forest entry permit at least 48 hours in advance online.
- Reach the viewpoint by 9 AM — afternoon mist can completely obscure the falls.
- 4WD or high-clearance vehicles strongly recommended for forest roads post-rain.
Khandadhar
Waterfall
At 244 metres, Khandadhar is Odisha's tallest waterfall — and unlike Barehipani, you don't need a forest permit to reach it. The cascade falls in a single, unbroken sheet of white over a cliff of reddish iron-ore rock, a striking visual contrast that seems almost surreal during the green fury of monsoon.
The Khandadhar region sits in the mineral-rich plateau of northern Odisha, near the Jharkhand border. The route from Rourkela passes through tribal villages and dense forest. The last 12 kilometres are on a narrow road — beautiful, but demanding. Local tribal communities often sell bamboo crafts and local rice beer (Handia) near the trailhead.
- Road from Bonaigarh is navigable by most cars; last stretch needs caution on wet days.
- Carry cash — no ATMs within 40km of the falls.
- Combine with a visit to Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary (15km) for a fuller trip.
Devkund
Waterfall
If Barehipani is drama and Khandadhar is grandeur, Devkund is intimacy. Tucked within the thickly forested tribal belt of Koraput, this tiered cascade feeds a brilliant turquoise natural pool that glows an almost unreal shade of aquamarine in the monsoon light. Very few tourists ever make it here.
The trail to Devkund requires a short but steep forest walk — roughly 2.5km on an unmarked path. Local guides from the nearest village are essential, not optional. The Kondh and Bondha tribal communities in this region have a deep reverence for the site, and visiting respectfully matters here.
- Hire a local tribal guide from Lamtaput village — they know the path in all weather conditions.
- Do not swim in the pool during heavy monsoon — upstream flash floods are unpredictable.
- Carry out all waste; this is a zero-litter sacred site for local communities.
"The forest doesn't wait for clear weather to be beautiful. In Odisha's monsoon, the waterfalls aren't a destination — they're a force of nature that finds you."— OdishaRide, Road Journal 2025
The 5-Day Monsoon Waterfall Road Trip
Starting from Bhubaneswar, this loop covers all three waterfalls with enough buffer for weather delays — because in monsoon, weather always has the final say.
Bhubaneswar — Base & Prep
Vehicle check, permit applications for Simlipal, pack waterproof gear. Overnight in Bhubaneswar. Book your OdishaRide SUV or self-drive vehicle — monsoon roads demand a capable car.
Bhubaneswar → Barehipani (via Baripada)
Early 6 AM departure. Enter Simlipal via Pithabata gate. Reach Barehipani by noon. Spend 2–3 hours at the falls. Overnight at Simlipal Forest Guest House (book in advance).
Simlipal → Khandadhar (via Rourkela)
Exit forest via Jashipur, drive west through Baripada–Rairangpur–Panposh corridor. Stop in Rourkela for lunch and fuel. Reach Khandadhar base by late afternoon. Budget hotel in Bonaigarh.
Khandadhar → Devkund (via Koraput)
The longest drive — but one of the most scenic in Odisha. NH326 through the Eastern Ghats is breathtaking in the green flush of monsoon. Reach Lamtaput by evening, arrange local guide.
Devkund Morning → Return to Bhubaneswar
Early morning trek to Devkund (most magical before 8 AM). Drive back via NH26 through Rayagada and Phulbani. Expect a long day — but a deeply rewarding one.
When Do Odisha's Waterfalls Peak?
Waterfall intensity by month — based on average rainfall and river flow data for the Eastern Ghats region.
Pro tip: The very best window is the last two weeks of July through August, when flow is maximum but cyclone risk is lower than in September. Always check India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts 48 hours before departure.
Essential Monsoon Road Trip Safety Tips
Beautiful and wild — monsoon Odisha demands respect. These aren't scare tactics; they're the difference between a great story and a bad one.
Vehicle Preparation
- Inspect tyres thoroughly — monsoon roads demand 5–6mm tread depth minimum.
- Check brakes, wiper blades, and headlights before every long drive.
- Carry a full-size spare tyre, not a space-saver.
- Keep a tow rope, jumper cables, and basic toolkit in the boot.
- Opt for SUVs or crossovers — sedans struggle on forest approach roads.
Road Safety in Rain
- Never cross flooded roads — 30cm of flowing water can sweep a car off course.
- Reduce speed by 40% on wet forest roads; visibility drops suddenly.
- Watch for landslide debris — especially on NH326 (Koraput section).
- Check road status via Odisha State Road Transport before departing.
- Drive with headlights on at all times in forest areas.
At the Waterfalls
- Never swim in waterfall pools during active rain — flash floods can appear without warning.
- Stay behind all official barriers and marked safe zones.
- Wet rocks are deceptive — wear proper grip footwear, not sandals.
- Keep children in hand-held contact near all water edges.
- If water level rises suddenly, move uphill immediately.
Planning & Permits
- Simlipal requires entry permits — apply via the official Odisha Forest portal.
- Share your detailed itinerary with someone who isn't travelling with you.
- Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Offline) — mobile signals are patchy in forest zones.
- Emergency contacts: District Collector offices, SDRF Odisha (+91-674-2534177).
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
The Monsoon Waterfall Packing List
Pack smart. Monsoon conditions change quickly and lightweight waterproofing makes the difference between a comfortable adventure and a miserable one.
🎒 Clothing & Gear
- Quick-dry hiking pants (2 pairs)
- Full-length quality rain poncho
- Waterproof jacket (windproof)
- Grip hiking shoes (not boots)
- Dry-fit base layers (3 sets)
- Lightweight fleece for evenings
- Waterproof day pack
- Dry bags for electronics
🩺 Health & Safety
- ORS sachets (heat + humidity)
- Anti-malarial medication
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
- Basic first aid kit
- Antifungal cream (moisture risk)
- Water purification tablets
- Oral rehydration salts
- Prescription medicines in sealed bags
📷 Photography & Tech
- Waterproof camera bag/sleeve
- Lens rain cover or zip-lock bags
- Power bank (20,000 mAh min.)
- Headtorch with extra batteries
- Offline maps downloaded
- Emergency whistle
- Satellite communicator (optional)
- Polarising filter for waterfall shots
Capturing Waterfalls in Their Monsoon Glory
Forget golden hour. In monsoon, the magic lives in the mist, the deep greens, and the chaos of white water crashing into black rock. Here's how to capture it honestly.
Embrace the Mist — It's the Story
Don't try to eliminate atmospheric haze from your shots. The mist surrounding a monsoon waterfall is the soul of the image. Let it wrap your foreground subjects, shoot through it, and embrace blown-out whites at the waterfall's core. Authenticity beats clinical sharpness every time.
Long Exposure Without a Tripod
Wet and muddy terrain makes tripods impractical. Instead, brace against a tree or rock, use burst mode at 1/60s or slower, or try your camera's built-in stabilisation at its limits. Shoot RAW — underexposed frames in monsoon light recover better than you'd expect in post.
The Forest as Frame
Odisha's monsoon forests are an impossible, saturated green that doesn't exist anywhere else. Frame your waterfall shots with foreground leaves — the contrast between the vivid green canopy and the white cascade creates the kind of composition that tells a real place story, not a postcard.
Protect Your Gear, Always
Keep your camera in a waterproof sleeve between shots. Use a UV filter as sacrifice glass for mist exposure. Bring a microfibre cloth in a zip-lock bag — constantly wiping your lens is part of the workflow in this environment. Salt sachets or silica gel in your bag help fight sensor moisture overnight.
Ready to Chase Odisha's
Monsoon Waterfalls?
OdishaRide has been navigating these roads since 2014. Whether you want a self-drive SUV, a driver for the forest roads, or a fully guided waterfall tour — we've got you covered for every kind of monsoon adventurer.