Parlakhemundi: The Gandahati is a marvelous perennial (continuous) waterfall, located in the Gajapati District, of Southern Odisha, which has been attracting large number of visitors during winter.
However, the lack of proper road to the picture postcard site has affected visitors flow to the glittering waterfall that flows throughout the year.
Located 30 km from district headquarters Paralakhemundi, The Gandahati waterfall is enclosed by dense green forest. The waterfalls amid forests of sal, blackberry, mango and asan trees add charm to the place rich in flora and fauna. Local people link that place of divinity. The breathtaking view of the wildlife-rich area is most sought-after place for tourists.
Its scenic beauty amidst forest coverage has been attracting visitors from different parts of Odisha, neighboring Andhra Pradesh and other parts. Water crashing down on rocky floors creates sonorous sounds amid serene sylvan setting, which are charming enough for any visitor.
Another major attraction is a beautiful Hindu temple present near to this waterfall. With stunning cascades, Gandahati is attracting every tourist for a combination of scenic beauty and waterfall.
However, the area is not easily accessible, due to absence of proper road connectivity. People who want to enjoy the scenic natural beauty will have to trek narrow hilly foot tracks surrounded by bushes.
Despite, poor road network, tourists and picnickers throng these places. Expressing their unhappiness over the lack of road connectivity to the place, locals have demanded basic infrastructure to boost tourism.
Moreover, there is no direct bus from the district headquarters to the picnic site. Locals have to shell out a lot of money to hire buses. So, locals demanded the administration to ensure bus services direct from Parlakhemundi to the waterfall.
On the other hand, the administration is yet to renovate the destruction caused during Titli.
Local Sarpanch said, “No one can go there without the help of the locals. There is no permanent road connectivity to the sites. Trekking on foot tracks is not safe. If the government lays roads to these sites, they will help in generating revenue from the tourism sector.”
Other major spots of attraction in Gajapati district are Gandahati Ecological Park, Gajapati Palace (Kings Palace), Chandragiri (Buddhist palace) and the Khasada Waterfall.
PNN