Keonjhar is a small town in the Keonjhar district, Odisha that is popular among tourists for the panoramic landscape full of natural beauty. The region around Keonjhar is full of scenic tourist spots including bustling waterfalls, lakes, and hills covered with greenery.
Keonjhar district is also home to some of the highest peaks of Odisha including Gandhamardan, Mankadnacha and Thakurani. The natural beauty of this region is uncomparable with its majestic hills and valleys covered with wide variety of flora and fauna.
The main city has multiple old shrines including Vishnu temple, Jagannath temple, and the shrine of Siddhakali. One of the main tourist attraction around Keonjhar is Gonasika, which is the source of River Baitarani, also known for the temple of Lord Mahadev. The other important shrines near Keonjhar are Mrugamahadev, and Ghatagaon, which is known for the shrine of Goddess Tarini.
There are also other nice picnic spots near Keonjhar surrounded by greenery including the waterfalls of Sanghagara and Badaghagara. A must visit destination for travellers is Sitabinji, which is popular for its rock shelter and the fresco paintings here. The Makar Fair is also popular among local travellers, which is held during the Makar Sankranti festival.
Keonjhar is also home to many industries as it is a mineral rich area. The distance of Keonjhar city is around 235 km from Bhubaneswar (Capital of Odisha ) and 220 km from Sambalpur.
Keonjhar city has religious attractions Vishnu Temple, Jagannath Temple and on its outskirts the shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali and Panchabati amidst picturesque settings.
Mrugamahdev, known for the Shiva temple on the picturesque Thakurani hill, is located at a distance of 65 Km from Keonjhar.
Gonasika, the source of River Baitarani, is located at a distance of 45 Kms from Keonjhar. There is also the temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev. A little away from the point of its origin, the river goes under ground, and seen after jumping a short distance over a stone projection looking the nostril of a cow.
Sanghagara, another beautiful waterfall, is at a distance of 6 Kms from Keonjhar.
Badaghagara, famous as a picnic spot for the beautiful waterfall, is at a distance of 9 Kms from the Keonjhar.
Sitabinji, famous for the fresco paintings on a Rock Shelter called Ravan Chhaya, lies at a distance of 30 kms from Keonjhar.
Ghatagaon, known for the shrine of Goddess Tarini, lies at a distance of 50 km from Keonjhar.
Keonjhar Travel Tips
By Air- The nearest airport to Keonjhar is Biju Patnaik Airport situated at Bhubaneswar.
By Rail- The nearest railhead to Keonjhar is J K Road (114 Km).
By Road- Keonjhar is well connected with Bhubaneswar ( 235 km) , Ranchi and Kolkata by Bus services.