It's not your usual run-of-the-mill picnic or weekend destination, so read on before you plan a visit. I am providing the basic info about the place, as well as the PROS and CONS.
About Godhas Waterall: It's a beautiful, huge, but seasonal waterfall located 28 km from Nuapada town. It's at the periphery of the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary of Nuapada district, and around 12 km from Patora Dam, another tourist spot nearby.
PROS:
Size and height of waterfall: It's quite huge in terms of width and sheer direct height. Most other large waterfalls in Western Odisha are multi-stage, and one stage itself is not that high, but here it's one, very high stage. So the water that falls during rainy season is high in volume (we visited in February) and looks majestic. The pool at the base is very large, deep and rocky, and holds water even in summer.
Road to waterfall: The last two kilometers of the road leading to Godhas is through a narrow mud road surrounded by forest-covered hills and is really worth going through. The forests of Sunabeda Sanctuary (and of Nuapada/Kalahandi in particular) are a little different from rest of Western Odisha. They are less dense, rocky, and have a charm of their own. Those seeking to explore this forest more, can go towards Katinpani road after visiting Godhas.
Peek into remote Odisha/India: From here, some of the most remote, tribal area of Odisha starts, a part that is still not that much connected to modern world. It has a charm of its own, though area is not very developed. There are only mud roads, sparse villages, hamlets located next to or inside forests. If you want to explore such offbeat locations, this area is for you. We talked to villagers, "handia" sellers, wood collectors, and it was memorable.
Other spots nearby: There are some other tourist spots nearby, including Patora Dam, Sunabeda Wildlife sanctuary, etc.
CONS:
Location: It's a remote location. The nearest Pukka road is 6-7 km away, and even that leads through villages only. In non-tourist season, the forested stretch leading to Godhas is empty (we didn't see anyone there in February, though few MNREGA workers near the waterfall). If you are the type seeking a romantic place or a family place, then Godhas is definitely not the place, espcecially in non-tourist season. We were told snatchings and robberies happen sometimes in this route. Also, take enough food and especially water with you.
Wildlife: This is leopard territory. In the villages around Godhas, leopard attacks on elderly and on kids is regularly reported.
Seasonal waterfall: The main waterfall (one that falls from the hill) stops a few months after monsoon (though the pool at base holds water all the time). So if you are planning to view the waterfall the way you see in online videos, visit during monsoon or right after monsoon. Waterfall had stopped when we visited, but still it was worth looking at the deep pool and surroundings.
Dangerous waterfall: The pool at base of waterfall is VERY deep. Don't try to venture in and don't try to swim even if you are good swimmer (3-4 guys had died recently during Ganapati immersion there). Avoid coming to edge from top for photos as slipping will be fatal (a couple from Chhatisgarh had intentionally jumped in 2022, they...
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