Visiting Bhimkund Waterfall had been on my bucket list for years. Moreover, I had heard stories—how its waters shine like sapphire, how its roar echoes through the forests of Keonjhar, and how its gorge plunges so deep that even sunlight hesitates to reach the bottom. However, nothing prepared me for the moment I finally stood before this majestic wonder.
Last winter, we decided to take our students on a field trip—part picnic, part adventure, part nature classroom. Meanwhile, what followed was a journey filled with laughter, rain-soaked trails, ancient legends, mouth-watering food, and moments of pure awe. Furthermore, every turn felt like a new chapter unfolding. In addition, the forest air carried its own rhythm, guiding us forward. Eventually, the sound of rushing water grew louder. Soon, mist kissed our faces as the trail narrowed. Ultimately, we reached the heart of it all—Bhimkund Waterfall, one of Odisha’s most magical destinations.Table of Contents
Arriving at Bhimkund Waterfall – A Journey into Keonjhar’s Green Heart
We began our trip on a chilly December evening, and the next day, after offering prayers to Maa Tarini in Ghatagaon, we settled into a guest house to prepare for the adventures planned ahead. Moreover, the calm of the night made the excitement for the journey even stronger.
We left our rooms just after sunrise. The air was cool, tinged with the smell of wet soil from the previous night’s drizzle. Meanwhile, the students were buzzing with excitement—some singing, some clinging to their packed tiffin boxes as if guarding treasure. Furthermore, every step they took seemed charged with anticipation.
As our bus rolled out, the scenery changed almost instantly. Additionally, the morning light painted everything in gentle gold.
- Paddy fields glistened in soft morning light
- Hills rose on the horizon, wrapped in thin silver fog
- Marble outcrops gleamed like giant white sculptures
Every few kilometres, we slowed to let a herd of goats cross or to watch kingfishers dart across streams. Eventually, I remember thinking, “This is not a road trip; this is a moving postcard.”
By the time we reached Tando village, the students were fully awake. Moreover, a narrow forest road led us closer to Bhimkund, the bus trembling on the last stretch as trees thickened around us. Soon, at the end of the trail, the unmistakable sound of thunder, water, life greeted us. Finally, we had arrived.
First Glimpse: When Bhimkund Waterfall Revealed Itself
I still remember the exact moment we saw it—the dramatic plunge of Bhimkund Waterfall cutting through a sheer gorge of black basalt and white marble. Moreover, the waterfall dropped like a white ribbon from nearly 150 feet, crashing into a deep blue pool that shimmered even under the cloudy sky.
The mist wrapped around us instantly. Meanwhile, the students froze, wide-eyed, and then one of them shouted:
“Ma’am, this looks straight out of a movie!”
And truly, it did. Additionally, the grandeur of that first sight felt almost unreal.
The entire Bhimkund landscape in Keonjhar is breath-taking:
- Tall Sal and teak trees canopying the gorge
- Bamboo clusters swaying rhythmically
- Bright blue water pooling in a natural bowl
- Marble cliffs reflecting light in unexpected ways
The Myth That Lives Here – Bhima’s Touch on Bhimkund
No visit to Bhimkund Waterfall, Odisha is complete without hearing the legend that gives it life. Moreover,
According to the Mahabharata, this was the place where Bhima, the mightiest of the Pandavas, struck the earth with his mace to provide water to his thirsty mother, Kunti, during their exile. Furthermore, the blow created a natural kund, an impossibly deep pool, fed by the Baitarani River.
Locals still believe:
- The water never dries
- The depth is unfathomable
- The pool remains crystal blue year-round
- Bathing here purifies and strengthens the spirit
During Makar Sankranti, thousands visit for a sacred dip, transforming this quiet forest into a vibrant, colourful celebration. Meanwhile, the atmosphere becomes filled with devotion and energy.
Standing there, listening to the roar, I felt that blend of myth and nature merge, and ultimately, the kind of feeling that makes places like Bhimkund truly timeless.
Exploring Bhimkund with My Students – A Day of Fun, Learning & Discovery
Splashing & Laughing by the Pools
The upstream pools are shallow and calm, ideal for dipping your feet. The kids squealed with joy every time a cold wave splashed over them. Some collected smooth pebbles while others tried to race leaves in the current.
Learning Lessons From Nature
- river erosion
- biodiversity
- importance of forest ecosystems
- threats to natural waterfalls
A Sudden Rain & a Magical Moment
Midway through lunch, the sky darkened. A soft rain began to fall, making the rocks glisten and the forest glow. Instead of running for shelter, we sat under large sal trees, sipping tea and watching the falls turn silver under the drizzle.
It was one of those rare, perfect moments, when nature slows time down for you.
Bhimkund Waterfall’s Tourism Facilities – Simple, Useful & Visitor-Friendly
Facilities Available
- Basic parking area
- Cemented platforms for sitting
- Paid pandals for group picnics
- Clean upstream bathing areas
- Food stalls offering tea, snacks & coconut water
- Safety signboards
What’s Not Available
- Luxury cafés
- Resorts
- Fancy restrooms
Why Bhimkund Waterfall Is So Loved – Community, Culture & Togetherness
- Families cooking rice & chicken curry on wood fires
- Children playing cricket near the banks
- Elderly couples quietly praying
- Local villagers sharing legends with curious tourists
Practical Travel Guide to Bhimkund Waterfall
Location
- Border of Keonjhar–Mayurbhanj, Odisha
Best Time to Visit
- October to February (ideal weather)
- Avoid peak monsoon, paths get slippery
How to Reach
- Keonjhar → 35 km
- Tando village → last connecting point
- Private vehicle recommended
What to Pack
- Water bottles
- Comfortable shoes
- Light snacks
- Extra clothes
- Power bank
- First-aid kit
Safety Tips
- Do not go near the main plunge area
- Swim only in marked safe zones
- Hold children’s hands on rocks
- Avoid climbing wet marble slabs
People Also Ask – Answers to Common Questions
Q1. How deep is Bhimkund Waterfall?
Q2. Is Bhimkund safe for swimming?
Q3. Which river flows through Bhimkund?
Q4. How far is Bhimkund from Keonjhar town?
Q5. Why is Bhimkund famous?
Conclusion
As we left Bhimkund in the fading evening light, the students sang songs, trading stories and laughter in the bus. But deep inside, I felt something else, gratitude. Places like Bhimkund remind us how powerful nature can be, how myths breathe life into landscapes, and how simple moments create lasting memories.
If you crave:
- untouched wilderness
- a meaningful travel story
- a place that blends beauty with legend
- quality time with friends or students
Then Bhimkund Waterfall deserves to be at the top of your travel list.
Pack your bags. Take the road. Let Bhimkund’s roar become part of your own story.
