Rajgiri Waterfall & Rajagiri Hill Stations, Nayagarh, Odisha

Rajgiri Waterfall in Nayagarh district, Odisha, is a three-tier cascade in the Khandapada Forest Range, reached by a 2 to 3 km uphill trek through dense forest. About 20 km from Khandapada town and 110 km from Bhubaneswar, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the district. There is no ticket, no crowd, and no proper road to the top.

Key Highlights

• Rajgiri Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Nayagarh district, falling in three tiers from a forested hilltop.
• The trek to the falls covers 2 to 3 km uphill through the Khandapada Forest Range, starting near Malisahi village.
• The hill holds five small temples, including Gupteswar Kunda, Hanuman Mandir, and Panchalingeswar Temple.
• Entry is free and the site is open through the year, with October to June the best window for the trek.
• Rajagiri Hill is one of the best picnic and photography spots near Nayagarh town, about 13 km from the nearest railway station.

What Makes Rajgiri Waterfall Special

Rajgiri Waterfall is a series of three waterfalls on the same hill, with the primary fall near the summit and two larger falls below it. The water comes down through rock and forest, so the falls look different at every level: a thin stream at the top, wider sheets lower down, and natural pools where the water settles. For more cascades in the state, see the most popular waterfalls in India.

The setting is part of the Eastern Ghats, and the hills around the falls are covered in dense forest. The area has no shops, no ticket counter, and no paved path, which keeps the visit raw. The falls are also tied to local tribal communities who have lived in these hills for centuries, and the temples on the hill are part of their worship, not an addition for tourists.

The Trek to Rajgiri Waterfall

Reaching the falls is an adventure in itself. The route starts from Malisahi village, about 6 to 7 km from Nayagarh town towards Khandapada. From Malisahi, a narrow track runs about 9 km through jungle, passable mainly by two-wheeler, then the climb begins: 2 to 3 km uphill on foot through forest trails and rocky paths.

How hard is the trek?

The trek is moderate and suits reasonably fit beginners, but it is not a paved walk. The path climbs steadily through forest and rock, and after rain it turns slippery. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and allow 45 minutes to an hour. The trail is not signposted, so go with someone who knows the route. Near the top, a red flag marks the small Hanuman temple, and the source of the falls sits just below it.

Temples on Rajagiri Hill

The hill is as much a pilgrimage place as a nature spot. All five temples sit within walking distance of the trek route and the falls.

Gupteswar Kunda

Gupteswar Kunda is a sacred water body in the hills, where visitors stop for rest and reflection. Many travellers treat it as the spiritual centre of the climb.

The other hill temples

The Hanuman Mandir stands at the hilltop, marked by its red flag, and Hanuman Pada is another sacred spot nearby that local devotees hold in high regard. Panchalingeswar Temple draws devotees who visit the hill for worship, while the Mahavir Temple adds a quiet stop on the upper slopes. Together they make Rajgiri a combined destination for nature lovers and pilgrims. The Shiva shrine at Gupteswar in Boudh is a different temple with a similar name, so do not confuse the two when planning.

Best Time to Visit Rajgiri Waterfall

October to June is the best window, with winter the peak season. From October to February, the weather is cool, the trek is comfortable, and visibility is good for photography. March to June stays pleasant for a morning visit, though the water flow drops as summer advances. During the monsoon, the falls run at their fullest, but the trek turns slippery and the rocks near the water are dangerous, so go with a local guide and do not attempt the climb in heavy rain.

How to Reach Rajgiri Waterfall

There is no direct public transport to the falls. Reach Nayagarh town, then take a vehicle to Malisahi village and walk from there. Start early so the trek is done before the afternoon heat. For a wider Odisha plan, see the Odisha tourism overview.

By air

The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, about 101 km away. From the airport, drive to Nayagarh town and on to Malisahi village, about three hours by road from Bhubaneswar.

By train

The nearest railway station is Nayagarh Town, about 13 km from the falls, with trains from Bhubaneswar. From the station, hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to Malisahi village, the starting point for the trek.

By road

By road, the falls are about 20 km from Khandapada town and around 110 km from Bhubaneswar. The nearest bus stop is Nayagarh, about 14 km away. From Nayagarh, drive towards Khandapada to Malisahi village, then take the narrow jungle track by two-wheeler for about 9 km before starting the 2 to 3 km trek. A private vehicle or a hired taxi is the most practical option, since buses do not go to the trailhead. Pair the trip with Khandapada Palace and Jagannath Temple, about 20 km away.

Entry Fee and Timings

Visiting Rajgiri Waterfall is free, with no entrance fee, and the place is open to the public through the year. There are no fixed opening hours, but arrive in the morning: the trek takes time, the light is better for photography, and you want to be back down before dark, since the forest track has no lighting. Carry your own food and water, as there are no shops at the falls.

Things to Do at Rajgiri Waterfall

The falls suit a slow visit. Most travellers spend three to four hours, including the trek. For more forest escapes in Odisha, see the guide to Satiguda Nature Camp.

Photography

The three tiers give photographers different frames at different heights, and the hilltop viewpoints look out over forest and valleys. Morning light through the trees suits both wide landscapes and close shots of water on rock.

Picnics

Rajagiri Mountain Peak is one of the best picnic spots in Nayagarh district. Families carry food up the hill and eat near the viewpoints. Take everything back down: there is no waste collection in the forest.

Nature and birdwatching

The Khandapada Forest Range around the falls is dense and largely untouched, and the trek suits birdwatching and forest photography. Keep noise low and stay on the trail. For a bigger forest trip, see the guide to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Travel Tips for Rajgiri Waterfall

Do not swim in the falls. The pools are deep, and the currents are strong, so bathing here is risky even for good swimmers. Wade only where locals say it is safe, and keep children away from the edge. Wear trekking shoes, not sandals, and carry at least a litre of water per person. Start the trek before 9 am, tell someone in Malisahi where you are going, and hire a local guide for your first visit. Mobile signal is patchy in the forest, so download offline maps before you leave Nayagarh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reach Rajgiri Waterfall from Nayagarh?

Take a vehicle from Nayagarh town to Malisahi village, about 6 to 7 km towards Khandapada. From Malisahi, a narrow jungle track runs about 9 km by two-wheeler, then a 2 to 3 km uphill trek leads to the falls. The nearest railway station is Nayagarh Town, about 13 km away, and the nearest bus stop is Nayagarh, about 14 km away.

Is there an entry fee for Rajgiri Waterfall?

No. Visiting Rajgiri Waterfall is free, and the site is open to the public through the year. There are no tickets, no fixed opening hours, and no shops at the falls, so carry your own food, water, and supplies.

What is the best time to visit Rajgiri Waterfall?

October to June is the best window, with October to February the most comfortable for the trek. Winter brings cool weather, clear views, and the most visitors. The falls run fullest in the monsoon, but the trek turns slippery, so take a local guide if you visit in the rains.

Can I swim at Rajgiri Waterfall?

Swimming is not recommended. The pools are deep and the currents are strong, which makes bathing risky. Enjoy the falls from the rocks and viewpoints, wade only where locals say it is safe, and keep children well away from the water’s edge.

How long is the trek to Rajgiri Waterfall?

The uphill trek from the end of the motorable track is 2 to 3 km, and it takes 45 minutes to an hour. The full journey from Malisahi village includes about 9 km of narrow jungle track before the trek starts, so allow three to four hours for the round trip.

What is there to see near Rajgiri Waterfall?

The hill holds five temples: Gupteswar Kunda, Hanuman Mandir, Panchalingeswar Temple, Hanuman Pada, and Mahavir Temple. Khandapada Palace and Jagannath Temple are about 20 km away, and Nayagarh town has markets and transport links. Together they make a full day trip from Bhubaneswar.

Rajgiri Waterfall rewards effort: a forest track, a real climb, and a waterfall with no crowd at the end of it. Go early, go with a local, and leave the hill as you found it.