Deomali: The Highest Peak in Odisha

Deomali hill :

Deomali is the highest peak on the  state of Odisha, India . It is located in the Koraput district, about 70 kilometres from the town of Koraput. Deomali is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, its rich history, and its tribal culture.

Deomali hill

Where is Deomali located?

Deomali is located in the Eastern Ghats mountain range, in the Koraput district of Odisha. It is about 70 kilometres from the town of Koraput and about 350 kilometres from the state capital of Bhubaneswar.

Why is Deomali famous?

Deomali is famous for its natural beauty. It is surrounded by lush green forests, and it has a number of waterfalls, hills, and valleys. Deomali is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and birds.

In addition to its natural beauty, Deomali is also famous for its history. It was once an important trading center, and it was ruled by a number of different dynasties, including the Chalukyas, the Cholas, and the Gajapatis. Deomali was also a major centre of the Indian independence movement, and it was the site of a number of battles between the British and the Indian freedom fighters.

History of Deomali:

The early history of Deomali is not well documented. However, it is believed that the area was inhabited by tribal people for centuries. The first recorded mention of Deomali comes from the 7th century, when it was mentioned in the writings of the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang.

In the 11th century, Deomali was ruled by the Chalukya dynasty. The Chalukyas were a powerful empire that ruled much of southern India. They built a number of temples and forts in Deomali, and they made it a major trading centre.

Deomali hill

In the 13th century, Deomali was conquered by the Chola dynasty. The Cholas were another powerful empire that ruled much of southern India. They continued to develop Deomali, and they built a number of new temples and palaces.

In the 15th century, Deomali was conquered by the Gajapati dynasty. The Gajapatis were a powerful empire that ruled much of eastern India. They made Deomali a major centre of the Indian independence movement, and it was the site of a number of battles between the British and the Indian freedom fighters.

The natural beauty of Deomali:

Deomali is a beautiful place with a variety of natural attractions. The most popular tourist destination in Deomali is the Deomali Viewpoint. The viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Another popular tourist destination in Deomali is the Deomali Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and birds. There are a number of hiking trails in the sanctuary, and visitors can also go on safaris.

Deomali is also home to a number of waterfalls. The most popular waterfalls in Deomali are the Bori Waterfalls and the Anjana Waterfalls. The Bori Waterfalls are about 10 kilometres from the town of Deomali, and the Anjana Waterfalls are about 20 kilometres from the town of Deomali.

Deomali hill

Things to do in Deomali:

  • Trekking: There are a number of hiking trails in Deomali, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Deomali Viewpoint Trek, which takes about 3 hours to complete. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Camping: There are a number of campsites in Deomali where visitors can enjoy the outdoors. The most popular campsite is the Bori Waterfalls Campsite, which is located near the Bori Waterfalls.
  • Birdwatching: Deomali is home to a variety of birds, and it is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The best time to go birdwatching in Deomali is during the monsoon season, when the birds are more active.
  • Wildlife safari: The Deomali Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and birds. Visitors can go on safaris in the sanctuary to see these animals in their natural habitat.
  • Visit the Deomali Viewpoint: The Deomali Viewpoint is the most popular tourist destination in Deomali. The viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is a great place to go for a picnic or just to relax and enjoy the scenery.

How to reach Deomali:

Deomali is easily accessible by air, train, and road.

  • By air: The nearest airport to Deomali is Jeypore Airport. There are a few flights a day from Bhubaneswar to Jeypore. From Jeypore, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Deomali.
  • By train: The nearest train station to Deomali is the Koraput Railway Station. There are a few trains a day from Bhubaneswar to Koraput. From Koraput, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Deomali.
  • By road: Deomali is well connected by road. There are buses from Bhubaneswar, Koraput, and other major cities in Odisha.

Conclusion:

Deomali is a beautiful place with a lot to offer visitors. It is a great place to go hiking, camping, birdwatching, and on a wildlife safari. The Deomali Viewpoint is also a must-visit for stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

FAQs:

  • What is the best time to visit Deomali?: The best time to visit Deomali is during the spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). The weather is pleasant during these months, and there are fewer crowds.
  • What are the must-do activities in Deomali?: The must-do activities in Deomali include trekking to the Deomali Viewpoint, camping in the Deomali Wildlife Sanctuary, birdwatching, and going on a wildlife safari.
  • How much does it cost to visit Deomali?: The cost of visiting Deomali depends on your budget and the activities you want to do. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation will vary. However, you can expect to spend around Rs. 2,000–3,000 per person per day for a basic trip.
  • Is Deomali safe for tourists?: Deomali is generally safe for tourists. However, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, such as not walking alone at night and not carrying valuables with you.
  • What are the best places to stay in Deomali?: There are a number of good places to stay in Deomali, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. The best place to stay depends on your budget and preferences.
  • What are the best places to eat in Deomali?: There are a number of good places to eat in Deomali, serving both Indian and international cuisine. The best place to eat depends on your budget and preferences.

I hope this article has given you a good overview of Deomali and what it has to offer. If you are looking for a beautiful place to go hiking, camping, birdwatching, or on a wildlife safari, Deomali is a great option.

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