Kalahandi lies in the southwestern part of Odisha at the junction which is formed by the confluence of the Tel and Uttei rivers and is spread over an area of 7920 square kilometers along the Mahanadi tributaries. It remains very much a rugged region, with mostly hill terrain and some patches of flat land.
The northern limits of Kalahandi are formed by the districts of Balangir and Nuapada, while the southern boundaries by Nabarangpur, Koraput, and Rayagada. It is said to have been part of the realm of Mahakantara. This region, known as “Karunda Mandal,” had rich deposits of precious stones such as red stone, blue stone, and Alexandra.
The Gangas then ruled the district for a period. The history recounted by the Durbar of Kalahandi affirms the Nagas’ conquest of Kalahandi from Vikram Sambat 1062 or 1005 AD onward. Kalahandi thus joined Odisha and was made a district on January 1, 1948.
The popular historic places of Kalahandi include the ruins of forts and bridges dating back to the 12th century. The remains of Amathguda Fort carry immense architectural and historical significance and are among the most visited spots in Kalahandi.
Best Tourist Places to visit in Kalahandi District, Odisha
- Ghumar Waterfall
- Ret Dam, Kutingpadar
- Sospadar Waterfall
- Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lankeshwari Temple
- Dhabaleswar Temple
- Mukhipata Waterfall
- Manikeswari Temple
- Phurlijharan Waterfall
- Dokrichanchara Waterfall
- Gudahandi Waterfall
- Ambapani Sanctuary
- Uma Maheswari
- Rabandhara Waterfall
How to Reach Kalahandi, Odisha
By Road
Connected to Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Visakhapatnam . NH-26 crosses across the district
By Air
Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam are the nearest Air-Port
By Train
Bhawanipatna , Kesinga and Junagarh Road