The Indian state of Odisha is home to the pilgrimage site Bheemkund. It is known for the Bheemkund Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Bheemeswar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is in the Daringbadi region of the Kandhamal district. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and can be found at the base of the Bheemkund waterfall. Every year, thousands of devotees flock to the temple, which is widely regarded as one of the region’s most significant pilgrimage destinations. The scenic beauty of the Bheemkund waterfall as well as the natural pools that form at its base make it a popular tourist destination.
History
Legends and myths abound in the background of Bheemkund’s history. Local legend says that Lord Bheem, one of the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, dug a big pond (kund) here with his own hands when he was in exile. It is believed that Lord Bheem dug the pond to provide the locals with water and that it has healing properties. It is believed that Lord Bheem himself constructed the temple at Bheemkund as a token of appreciation for the community’s hospitality during his exile.
Bheemkund’s precise historical background is unknown, and the temple’s construction date is unclear. However, it is common knowledge that the temple is regarded as a sacred site and serves as a significant place of worship for the local tribal communities.
The Kondh tribe, who have lived in this area for centuries and have their own version of the stories that surround Bheemkund, views both the temple and the waterfall as sacred sites.
Places To Visit
There are several places to visit in and around Bheemkund, including:
- Bheemkund Temple: The main attraction of Bheemkund, the temple is dedicated to Lord Bheemeswar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located at the base of the Bheemkund waterfall and is surrounded by lush green forests.
- Bheemkund Waterfall: The waterfall is one of the main tourist attractions in Bheemkund. It is located near the temple and is known for its scenic beauty and the natural pools that form at its base.
- Daringbadi: A hill station located near Bheemkund, Daringbadi is known for its beautiful tea gardens and scenic views.
- Koilighugar Waterfall: This is another beautiful waterfall located near Bheemkund, it is also a popular tourist destination.
- Phurlijharan Waterfall: This waterfall is located around 10 km from Bheemkund and is known for its picturesque surroundings and natural pools.
- Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves: These are ancient caves located near Bheemkund, they are known for their historical and architectural significance.
- Daspalla: This is a small town located near Bheemkund, it is known for its beautiful temples and scenic views.
- Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary: Located around 60 km from Bheemkund, it is known for its wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and various species of birds.
These are some of the popular places to visit around Bheemkund, depending on the time and interest of the visitors, they can plan their trip accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
From October to June, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and trekking, is the best time to visit Bheemkund. Due to heavy rainfall and landslides, the trek to the temple and waterfall can be challenging during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September. Additionally, the waterfall may not be as strong during the monsoon season as it is during other times of the year.
How to Reach
Depending on where the traveler is located, there are a variety of ways to get to Bheemkund. Bheemkund can be reached in a few different ways:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is around 230 km from Bheemkund. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bheemkund.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is the Phulbani Railway Station, which is around 70 km from Bheemkund. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bheemkund.
- By Bus: Bheemkund is well-connected by road, and there are regular buses from nearby cities and towns. The nearest bus station is the Daringbadi Bus Station, which is around 10 km from Bheemkund. From there, you can take a taxi or trek to reach Bheemkund.
- By Car: Bheemkund can also be reached by car, it’s around 70 km from Phulbani and 230 km from Bhubaneswar. You can also hire a taxi or book a car rental service to reach Bheemkund.
It is important to note that the last few kilometers of the journey to Bheemkund can be difficult due to the poor condition of the road, but a vehicle with four wheels can handle it.
