Post News Network
Udala, Dec 12: The Machhakandana waterfall, situated deep inside the world-famous Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district, has all the hallmarks of a first-rate tourist place, but hardly finds place on tourists’ itinerary as it is hard to reach due to a lack of proper roads and other facilities.
Located deep inside a verdant forest, with the stream gently snaking its way through the rocks and cascading off the top of a steep precipice, wild flora and fauna and serene sylvan surroundings are a tourist’s delight and a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore Orissa’s natural beauty in all its glory.
Regrettably, such breathtaking natural scenery, which is in Podadiha forest as core part of the Similpal under Kaptipada block, has not been tapped to boost tourist sector with the department concerned allegedly having done little for its development, especially communication.
Tourists do come to Similipal, but most of them always miss the opportunity to go near the place and enjoy it ethereal beauty.
In tourist season, only people of the nearby areas, not in large numbers, just trek to the place.
For tourists, they have to take the 15-km Udala-Podahida main road from Uda Thana Chhak. From there, they have to cross Thakthaki river bridge to reach Hatachhak.
Machhkanda is just 3-4 km from Hatachhak. The tourists have to trek on rut track under canopy of arching tree branches to reach the waterfall. Two other waterfalls—Chingudia and Mainsigila–also rush down from rocky cliffs within a radius of a few kms, which are most enjoyable.
Another attraction of the place is a Shiva Linga, perhaps the biggest one in the country, under Samibrukhya ( a kind of tree).
A legend had it that Pandavs during their exile had taken shelter in the tree.
Chingudia waterfall is just xi km from Machhkandana. This waterfall has remained far from the sight of tourists for lack of a proper road.
Locals said that government spends in crores to develop several other tourists place, but has given short shrift to this potential one. Nature lovers and conservationists wonder why the tourist department does not take any measure for its development.
Locals have long been demanding a road to the tourist place, which has potentials enough to emerge an important tourist hub in the country. They have also partly blamed the problem on the political leadership in the district.
