Pradhanpat Waterfall — Attraction in Odisha

This place was a disappointment. Had heard about "Pradhanpat" and the majestic forests of "Deogarh" since childhood, hence travelled 150 km to this place with high expectations of a forested paradise with majestic waterfalls, dense forests, valleys etc. (even though a colleague from Kuchinda had suggested Gudguda waterfall instead). But it was a total let-down and we regretted coming from so far for this. For those planning to visit Pradhanpat from far, I am providing the basic detail about the place, the numerous CONs, and a single PRO.

About Pradhanpat: It's a waterfall flowing down a hill near Deogarh town. Unfortunately, that's all!! After that it's all an example of how human interference, corruption, and greed ruins a perfect place of natural beauty.

PROs:

None: There is NOTHING positive if you are visiting from far. So read on the CONs below, avoid this place, and go to other places like Gudguda instead. To be fair, this place clearly seems to have seen its better days (the relics are there), but all that is totally ruined now. Pradhanpat can be a case study how incompetent planners and commercial greed can ruin a nice place, how we shoud let natural places be natural, and how we shouldnt' let the mistake happen in places like Nrusingnath, Harishankar, etc.

CONs:

Commercialization & encroachment: The whole Pradhanpat area resembles a town's park etc. In fact, it's like a ward of the Deogarh town. Stalls, hawkers etc. have encroached almost 100 meters away from the waterfall. Even the trees have commercial hoardings and all. You won't feel like visiting a natural picnic spot. Few very tall Sal etc. trees that remain at the base of the hill are a testament to the glorious days of Pradhanpat where it was natural, full of trees and surrounded by dense forests, and when the town had not encroached this far.

Messed-up waterfall: Artificial concrete structures have been erected right next to the waterfall (just 25 meters away from waterfall), including a viewing stand where there is even a photo studio!! Not sure whom the studio owner bribes...). As a result, it nowhere seems like a natural waterfall. Not sure who permitted such violation of a natural place. Some baba had encroached and created a room for himself near the waterfall and his followers were trying to scam money from tourists.

Monkey menace: Most of us nature lovers do love mischievous monkeys and their antics, but at Pradhanpat, monkeys are a major problem, no joke, especially for children and ladies. They are super aggressive and thieving (not just adult monkeys, even the young ones). Just forget about carrying foodstuff and it's impossible to eat in the open. We had to eat breakfast inside car with closed window glasses as they were even trying to grab from any gap in the windows. We saw many kids being jumped on from behind, monkeys tearing off parked bike seat covers without any reason, and one even took away a jar a chocolates from a stall.

Nothing else nearby: There's nothing much to see nearby once you get bored with Pradhanpat and want to explore nearby. We decided to check out the king's palace in Deogarh. To his credit, the old caretaker of the palace didn't mind us entering and checking around even though it's private property and the king's family members still stay there. The palace is not that big and most of it is falling to ruins, but yeah, it does provide you a glimpse of the glorious past (we enjoyed the palace visit more than Pradhanpat).

SUMMARY: Avoid this place, it's totally overhyped and not worth it. It's no longer what it might have been in your parent's or grandparent's time, it's spoiled now. Our day was ruined, and the best part was only passing through the beautiful Badrama ghati and Ushakoti Wildlife Sanctuary. Too many better places are there in Western Odisha, don't waste...

The scenic and tranquil environment of this majestic waterfall within close proximity of the town (at a mere distance of one kilometre) makes it the place to visit in Deogarh. The waterfall itself is the biggest asset having natural panorama. The Shakti Peetha of Maa Pradhani and temple of lord Champakaswar have a strong religious significance and rich cultural heritage. People enjoy religious spectacles and worship them since time immemorial. It is a real retreat to the worshippers that the waterfall is free from clamour and chaotic disturbances. The waterfall offers peaceful glimpse and serenity of water falling breeze, it is felt as a peace and pleasure zone for all categories of visitors who return with remarkable experiences.

Close to the scenic waterfall are significant historical places like Basant Nivas and Lalit Basant, magnificent guest houses and retreats constructed by Raja Satchidananda Tribhuban Deb. Besides, Pantha Nivas of Deogarh Municipality, Forest Guest House and nursery, and well maintained Children‟s Park are also located in the vicinity of Padhanpat waterfall. People from all over Odisha come for holidaying in Deogarh. This scenic site with its natural elevation and quiet ambiance is the location of the annual Utsav Pradhanpat since 1996. Several cultural teams from all over India assuming many forms exhibit their performances and talent on the occasion of Utsav Pradhanpat. Attractive exhibition of stalls for Pallishree Mela is opened on the occasion for 5 days every year. The amazing view of one cave near the waterfall is another significant beauty of nature. This is a beautiful place for traking to the summit. There is a small temple of Maa Pradhan Pateswari inside...

This waterfall is located in Deogarh district in Odisha, right in the district headquarter. It is easily accesable by road from neighbouring districts. The place is cleaned by dedicated women staff who keep it very neat. There are in-built sheds, enough spaces are available for picnic Pradhanpat waterfall is only 1km from deogarh town. Best part is to reach waterfall, you do not have to trek. It is accessible from the road.Waterfall is very beautiful,water is falling from a height of approximately 60-70m. This is the best place for picnic.Even in summer you can not get sunlight in the picnic area, making it a ideal place

Pradhanpat waterfall is situated at a distance of 1k.m from Deogarh Town.Deogarh town is a district headquarter and it is the State Capital of erstwhile Princely state of BAMANDA. It is situated on NH-6 Kolkata-Mumbai National Highway at a distance of 475 k.m from Kolkata and 1415 km from Mumbai. Deogarh is also situated at a distance of 274 k.m from BHUBANESWAR,130 k.m from Rourkela. Nearest railway station is at Sambalpur which is 90 k.m from Deogarh town. The nomenclature of Pradhanpat is done as per the name of Goddess PRADHANPATESWARI of Deogarh. It is a picnic spot and historic place . The first hydroelectricity project of Asia was started by Raja Sachidananda Tribhuban Deb ,erstwhile king of Bamanda State in the Kurudkote waterfall which is situated at 3 k.m distance from Pradhanpat Waterfall. There are six numbers of Govt Inspection Bungalows situated...