Ratnaganda Waterfall in Dasapalla, Nayagarh, Odisha

Ratnaganda Waterfall is a forest waterfall in the Dasapalla block of Nayagarh district, Odisha, roughly 10 km from Dasapalla town and about 58 km from Nayagarh town. Water slides off a hilltop through thick greenery into a small pool below, and the place draws its biggest crowds in winter (October to February), when families arrive with tiffin carriers for picnic season. There is no official tourist infrastructure, no ticket counter, and no published entry fee — it is a genuinely offbeat spot for a few unhurried hours among the trees.

Key Highlights

• Location: Forested hills near Dasapalla, Nayagarh district, Odisha — about 10 km from Dasapalla town and 58 km from Nayagarh town.
• Best season: October to February, when post-monsoon flow is steady and picnic season is at its peak; the falls stay pleasant through winter.
• Entry fee: No official fee has been published for Ratnaganda Waterfall; it is an open forest spot, so confirm locally before you go.
• Nearest railhead: Daspalla railway station has a direct train from Bhubaneswar (about 3 hours); Bhubaneswar is also the road and air gateway.
• Goes well with: Kantilo’s Nilamadhaba Temple, Tarabalo hot spring, and the Kuanria Dam and Park — all within a comfortable day-trip circuit.

About Ratnaganda Waterfall

The waterfall begins high on a hill in the Dasapalla forest range and works its way down through trees and mossy rock into a valley. It is not a single dramatic cliff drop like some of Odisha’s taller falls; it is a series of cascades, slides, and pools that feel intimate rather than theatrical. The sound of water striking rock carries through the trees long before you see the falls, which is part of the charm — you follow your ears through the forest.

What sets Ratnaganda apart from the better-known waterfalls of Mayurbhanj or Keonjhar is how quiet it stays. On a weekday morning you may have the pool area almost to yourself, with nothing but bird calls and falling water for company. Reviewers on Google (about 4.3 stars from a couple of hundred reviews) call it the best picnic place in Dasapalla — come December and January, weekends see groups arriving with full cooking gear for Odia-style group feasts.

The surrounding forest is the experience as much as the falls are. Sal and other native trees close in around the trail, birds are easy to spot, and a short scramble higher up opens a view over the rolling hills of Nayagarh.

How to Reach Ratnaganda Waterfall

The waterfall is reachable by road from both Dasapalla and Nayagarh towns. Roads in Dasapalla town are decent; the final forest stretch is narrow, so drive slowly where it gets uneven. From Dasapalla, hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi — drivers in the area know the falls well.

By Air

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, roughly 115–130 km from Dasapalla depending on the route. Fly in, then take a train, bus, or taxi onward. The drive from Bhubaneswar to Dasapalla takes about 2–3 hours via NH 57, passing through Nayagarh district’s countryside.

By Train

Daspalla railway station is the nearest railhead, and there is a direct daily train from Bhubaneswar that takes roughly 3 hours. If you are coming from the west, Nayagarh Town station (also called Nayagarh) sits on the Khurda Road–Bolangir line and connects to Bhubaneswar too. Book on IRCTC in advance for popular dates, since trains on this line are limited. From either station, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the falls.

By Road

State buses and private operators run between Bhubaneswar and Dasapalla (roughly 100–125 km, 3–4 hours), and NH 57 carries most of the traffic through Nayagarh town. If you are driving from Bhubaneswar, the route via Nayagarh town to Dasapalla is straightforward. From Nayagarh town to the falls, allow about an hour and a half to two hours on the road.

Best Time to Visit Ratnaganda Waterfall

October to February is the sweet spot. The monsoon has filled the streams, the falls carry a strong, photogenic flow, and the weather turns crisp and pleasant — which is exactly why picnic season here peaks in winter. This is when you will find the most visitors, especially on weekends and around New Year.

The monsoon months (July to September) make the falls thunderous and the forest gorgeously green, but the rocks turn dangerously slippery and the approach track can get muddy. If you go then, treat it as a viewing trip, not a wading trip. Summer (March to June) still works, though the flow can thin out by May — come early in the day to beat the heat.

Things to Do at Ratnaganda Waterfall

Picnic with friends and family. This is the number-one reason people come. Flat ground near the falls gives you room to spread out, and winter groups arrive with full cooking setups — rice, dal, vegetables, and the famous Odia picnic feasts.

Photography. Moss-covered rocks, forest light, and the falls themselves make for excellent photos — morning light between 8 and 10 is best.

A short forest walk. There is no marked trail, but the streamside and hill base make for an easy explore, with a wider view of the hills partway up.

A careful dip. Locals do wade and splash in the shallow pools, and on a hot day the water is inviting. Test depth and current first, stay clear of the main cascade, never go alone, and skip it entirely during or just after heavy rain.

Entry Fee and Timings

There is no published entry fee for Ratnaganda Waterfall — no tourism department page lists a ticket price, and no gate or counter is documented. There are also no official hours; it is an open forest site treated as a daytime destination. Reach the main road before dark. Because the spot is growing more popular, ask locally in Dasapalla before setting out, in case arrangements change.

Where to Stay Near Ratnaganda Waterfall

Most visitors do Ratnaganda as a day trip from Bhubaneswar or Nayagarh — leave after breakfast and you are back by evening. Dasapalla town has a handful of basic lodges aimed at travellers on the Bhubaneswar route. Nayagarh town, about an hour away, has a wider choice of budget and mid-range hotels. For a longer Odisha itinerary, Bhubaneswar has the full range and keeps you connected to the rest of the state’s sights.

Nearby Places to Visit

Ratnaganda pairs naturally with a circuit of Nayagarh’s temples, hot springs, and dams — you can comfortably cover two or three in a day:

• Nilamadhaba Temple, Kantilo — the famous Vishnu temple on the banks of the Mahanadi, one of the most important religious sites in the district. See our guide to Nilamadhaba Temple at Kantilo.
• Tarabalo Hot Spring — Odisha’s well-known sulphur hot spring, where a dip is said to ease skin and joint complaints. Details in our Tarabalo Hot Spring guide.
• Kuanria Dam and Park — a pleasant reservoir and landscaped park nearby, good for an evening stop after the falls.
• Satkosia Gorge — the dramatic Mahanadi gorge, a wildlife-rich landscape worth the detour. Read more in our Satkosia Gorge guide.
• Ladukeswar, Raghunath Jew, and Dutikeswar Mahadev Temples — a cluster of local shrines around Nayagarh that travellers often add to the same trip.
• Khambeswari Waterfall — another waterfall right in Nayagarh district; if you are chasing cascades, see our Khambeswari Waterfall guide.
• Brahman Kund Waterfall — further afield in Mayurbhanj, but if you are building an Odisha waterfall itinerary, Brahman Kund is one of the state’s finest.

Travel Tips for Ratnaganda Waterfall

• Carry everything you need. There are no shops or food stalls at the falls, so bring drinking water, snacks, and a first-aid basics kit from Dasapalla.
• Wear grippy footwear. Wet rock around waterfalls is treacherous; sports shoes or trekking sandals beat flip-flops every time.
• Leave before dusk. The forest has no lighting and patchy mobile signal — start your return while it is still bright.
• Keep it clean. Picnic groups leave waste behind more often than they should — carry your trash back to Dasapalla.
• Check locally in monsoon. Trails change with the rains; a quick word with someone in Dasapalla town saves a wasted trip.
• Fuel up and withdraw cash. Fill your tank and carry cash — UPI and card acceptance thins out once you leave the towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ratnaganda Waterfall located?

Ratnaganda Waterfall is in the Dasapalla block of Nayagarh district, Odisha, set inside a forested hill area. Most travel guides place it about 10 km from Dasapalla town and roughly 58 km from Nayagarh town, though a couple of local sources cite 17–18 km from Daspalla — the difference comes down to which forest track you take, so follow local directions once you reach Dasapalla.

What is the best time to visit Ratnaganda Waterfall?

October to February is the best window. The post-monsoon flow is strong, the weather is cool, and this is picnic season — weekends in December and January are the liveliest. The monsoon months bring a powerful, dramatic falls but slippery rocks and muddy tracks, so visit then only to view from a safe distance.

Is there any entry fee for Ratnaganda Waterfall?

No entry fee has been published for Ratnaganda Waterfall. Travel sources describe it as an open forest spot with no ticket counter or official timings, and it is treated as a daytime destination. Because the spot is growing more popular, it is worth confirming locally in Dasapalla before you go, in case arrangements change.

Can you swim or bathe at Ratnaganda Waterfall?

Locals do wade and splash in the shallow pools near the falls, and a dip is one of the pleasures of visiting. That said, the rocks are slippery, depth and current change with the season, and there is no lifeguard or safety signage. Test the water before stepping in, stay clear of the main cascade, never go in alone, and avoid the water entirely during or after heavy rain.

How do I reach Ratnaganda Waterfall from Bhubaneswar?

The most common route is by road or rail from Bhubaneswar. A daily train runs from Bhubaneswar to Daspalla railway station in about 3 hours; from there, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to the falls. By road, drive or take a bus from Bhubaneswar to Dasapalla via NH 57 (about 2–4 hours), then hire local transport for the last stretch into the forest.

Which places can I combine with a trip to Ratnaganda Waterfall?

Nayagarh district packs a lot around this spot. The best pairings are the Nilamadhaba Temple at Kantilo, the Tarabalo hot spring, the Kuanria Dam and Park, and the Satkosia Gorge — all within a comfortable day’s driving. If you are collecting waterfalls, Khambeswari Waterfall in the same district makes an easy second stop.