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Memorable and unique place near Bargarh and you won't regret visiting. Below are information about the site, PROS and a few CONS (as cons are few, I am mentioning CONS first):
About the place: The place has three main features 1) A large 2-stage waterfall, 2) entirely rocky, flat, and "walkable" hills, 3) Forests on the way to the waterfall and behind the rocky hills.
CONS:
The main waterfall is crowded and facing the ill-effects of tourism. Some people even bath there and litter the place with soap/shampoo covers, polythene etc. The path leading to the main waterfall is littered with wrappers, plastic glasses, even beer bottles. Seems there is no management to clean up the place.
The parking at base of the rocky hills & waterfall is crowded and littered. Too many picnic parties (in December) camping and cooking, and loud music playing.
The place, especially the main waterfall, is unsafe if you are not careful. The edge of the 2nd stage of the waterfall is high and steep, with huge boulders at bottom. Still people go to edge for photos (a guy from Govindpali in Bargarh had slipped to his death 6 months back in July). The edge of 1st-stage is steep too, though not that high, and we saw lots of teenaged guys and girls posing for selfie at edge.
Be careful of slippery surfaces if you are visiting in rainy season. Most of the place is basically water flowing down in various streams down the rocky hills. Dont' fool around the main waterfall as one mistake will be your last mistake.
There are small pools at the 1st stage of the waterfall. They are much deeper than they look, so keep kids and short-heighted people away.
PROS:
If you are visiting from Bargarh side, the drive itself after Bhatli through Barapahad is one of the most scenic ones. It's all beautiful forests and hills once you take the turn towards "Samardhara". Samardhara itself is worth spending at least 30 minutes at.
There's a government park at the entry point to Barabakhra, where you can order meals beforehand at reasonable price (in the meantime you can continue your trip). They even cook for you if you provide the raw material and cooking charges. Even cooking spots are available for a fee in case you are a large picnic party. The restaurant area is quite neat and large, and the staff are super-friendly village ladies.
The drive up the hill towards base of Barabakhra is not-so-densely forested, and it's not steep hill. Adventurous people can even walk down the valley. It's worth it!
If you are a nature-lover and geology-buff, you will be love the view and appearance of the rocky hills, will marks of water-streams (some streams still carried water in December). These hills have been intact like this for thousands of years.
You can go trekking up the hills. As the hills are quite flat and rocky, you can easily walk towards top. The view from the above is terrific. We walked almost 1.5 km, till the forested part started (behind the rocky hills is the Debrigarh Wildlife Santuary. Very few people go up, so it's thrilling and scary at same time.
The local villagers are friendly if you can connect with them. They told us about sambar deer, wild boards and axis deer regularly coming down from the hills at morning, attracted to the crops in their field (they were upset about the damage caused by wild boars though).
This place is historic -- Indian rebels of Veer Surendra Sai used to camp in these hills during the mutiny of 1857. The government park has a museum area too, dedicated...
🏞️ Overview
Bara Bakhra (also called Barabakhara) is a waterfall + cave site located in Ambavhana, in the Barapahad hill range.
It’s about 47 km from Bargarh town.
The area is hilly and forested,
📆 Best Time to Visit & Conditions
Best time: after monsoon, when the waterfall has water but area is not too muddy.
During peak monsoon, access might be harder because of rain, slippery paths etc.
In dry season (summer), the flow can reduce, and sometimes the falls might be nearly dry.
⚠️ Access, Facilities & Things to Keep in Mind
The waterfall is seasonal / rain-fed.
The route: some portion is rough / off-road (rocky tracks), especially after certain points. A vehicle may go up to some distance; then you need to walk.
Mobile network may be spotty or absent in many parts of route.
Timing: open generally from 8 AM to 5 PM each day.
No major infrastructure (restaurants, shops) near the falls. So need to carry water, snacks.
🛣️ How to Reach
Nearest big town: Bargarh. From there by road to Ambavhana in the Barapahad hills.
A nearby bus stop: Ambabhona is about 20 km from Bara Bakhra Caves and Waterfall.
🌿 Highlights
There are two waterfalls / cascades in the area of Bara Bakhra water flow.
Good as a day outing / picnic, especially for nature lovers / photographers....
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Barabakhara Cave and Waterfall is a breathtaking spot that blends natural beauty with a touch of mystery. Tucked away near the Khandadhar region in Sundargarh district, this place is still relatively untouched, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventurers. The trail to the site is moderately challenging, but the scenic forest walk makes it worth every step.
The waterfall is serene and refreshing, especially during or right after the monsoon when the flow is strong and the surroundings are lush. The Barabakhara Cave nearby adds to the uniqueness of the location—it's small but intriguing, believed to have historical and mythological significance.
There are no major tourist facilities, so it’s best to carry your own food, water, and essentials. Mobile network coverage can be patchy, which is actually a blessing if you’re looking to disconnect and enjoy the moment.
Ideal for a day trip or a short hike with friends, this location is a perfect weekend escape. If you appreciate raw, natural beauty away from commercialized tourist spots, Barabakhara will not disappoint. Just remember to leave no trace and respect the local environment. Highly recommended for nature enthusiasts and...
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