Settled in the core area of the Simlipal National Park of Odisha, the Barehipani waterfall is one of India's most spectacular natural wonders and springs. As the second-highest waterfall in India, it reaches an impressive 399 meters (1,309 feet), making it a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers. Barehipani Waterfall’s two-tier waterfall creates a mesmerizing effect of natural attractions in Similipal Tiger Reserve while promising an unforgettable experience. This detailed guide on Barehpani waterfall will provide you with all the essential information you will need to make the best of your Odisha trip.
Reasons To Visit Barehipani Waterfalls In 2025:
Barehipani Waterfall is a must-see in Odisha’s best listings. And to provide you more confidence about your tour, here are some major reasons to hit the Barehipali waterfall and Similipal Forest zone in 2025.
1. Spectacular Height
With a total height of 399 meters (around 1,309 feet), Barehipani is one of India’s tallest waterfalls. Barehipani Waterfall offers breathtaking views as it cascades in two stunning tiers. The awe-inspiring beauty and tranquillity of this natural wonder will leave you coming back.
2. Peaceful-Adventurous Escape
Situated in the middle of dense forests and far from hustling city life, the serene ambience of Barehipani waterfall provides the perfect setting to unwind and reconnect with nature. The surrounding area offers various adventure activities like nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife photography. Well-maintained trails and picnic spots near the falls make it a great destination for trekking, nature walks, and family outings, making it quite accessible for adventures.
3. Rich Flora and Fauna
The nearby area of Barehipani waterfalls comprises Simlipal National Park. The national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and rare bird species. Your trip to the falls can also double as a wildlife adventure. The journey to reach the waterfall itself is an adventure, taking you through beautiful forest trails. While direct access to the Barehipani waterfall height is restricted, other spots inside the park are reachable.
4. Mythological and Cultural Significance
The region is steeped in local tribal traditions and mythological legends from Ramayana and Mahabharata, adding a unique cultural aspect to your visit. The local tribal communities have many fascinating stories about the closely located attractions like Devkund, Sitakund, Ramatirtha, Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls. These falls are considered sacred by some tribes, adding a cultural dimension to their natural beauty.
Planning your Trip to Barehipani Waterfalls:
Here is a quick guide to plan your trip to Barehipani Waterfalls
1. Location and Reaching the National Park for Barehipani Waterfall
Barehipani Falls is blessed with an amazing scenic location. Nestled in the centre of Simlipal National Park in Odisha, the waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a heaven for nature lovers and photographers. So, your trip to Barehipani Waterfalls is through Similipal National Park. To reach the waterfalls, just choose any of the following three ways:
By Air: The nearest airport to Similipal National Park is Bhubaneswar Airport, located around 196 kilometres away. Kolkata airport can also be a choice, distanced 240 kilometres from the park. Then, hire a taxi or board a bus to Simlipal National Park.
By Train: The closest railway station is Balasore distanced at 6 kilometres. Baripada is also a major town to consider, which is about 100 kilometres from the park. You can take a private taxi or bus from the station to the park.
By Road: The roads to Simlipal National Park are well-connected, so you can drive there conveniently. If not a driving fan, Baripada is the nearest major town about 70.2 kilometres. Also, Jashipur is about 30 kilometers. Regular buses and private taxis are available from there.
Inside Simlipal National Park: Visitors can enter the park through the Kaliani Gate at Jashipur or the Pithabata Gate at Baripada. Entry passes can be obtained by online or offline mode at the entry gates on the day of the visit. Once you are inside the park, follow well-designated routes to the waterfall. Better to hire forest department-approved jeeps for the journey.
2. Best Time to Visit Barehipani Waterfall
Barehipani is a year-round delight except for monsoon months. Normally, it is open from 1st November to 15th June every year. However, it is recommended to check the official website before planning your visit. The waterfalls remain open between November to mid of June. During this period, the waterfall's powerful flow creates a magnificent spectacle, with water thundering down from the impressive Barehipani waterfall height. The whole weather is comfortably pleasant during the day followed by cool evenings.
3. Accommodation at Barehipani Waterfall
While there aren't any accommodations directly at the waterfall, visitors can stay at forest rest houses within Simlipal National Park or hotels in nearby Jashipur town. For tourists having a night stay plan while visiting Barehipani Waterfall, Similipal National Park has night halt options with 5 nature camps: Barehipani, Jamuani, Kumari, Gurguria & Ramtirtha. All the camps offer an amazing stay experience to their tourists. Barehipani is the nearest nature camp to Barehipani Waterfall. All the nature camps are accessible by the Jashipur or Baripada entry gate. Check the main site for direct booking.
Key Information about Nature Camps:
Prices: ₹3500 - ₹8000
Options at 5 Nature Camps: Treetop House, Bamboo huts, Cottages, rooms, and AC & non-AC dormitories
Fooding at 5 Nature Camps: Catering & Canteen facilities with Local cuisine
4. Entry Fees
Entrance fees for entering the premises of Similipal Forest range are mainly into 2 attractions: Similipal Tiger Reserve and other sanctuaries and National parks.
1. Only for Similipal Tiger Reserve
- For a group of less than ten: ₹100 per person per day
- For a group of ten or more: ₹50 per person per day
2. Other Sanctuaries and National Parks
- For a group of less than ten: ₹40 per person per day
- For a group of ten or more: ₹25 per person per day
Things to Do Near Barehipani Waterfall
Here is a quick rundown of the top things to do while visiting the Barehipani Waterfalls:
1. Nature camping
The most fun adventure to do would be staying at a Nature camp at Similipal National Park for a day or two. There are 5 major stay options for nature camping inside the Similipal Forest area to get the best out of your journey. The whole area is a nature’s paradise. All the nature camps are well-equipped with basic amenities and affordability.
Things to do: Fun activities, Sightseeing, Campfires, Birdwatching, Star gazing,
Costs: ₹3500 - ₹8000
2. Jungle Safari
Of course, touring the whole dense forest has to be on your to-do list at Similipal Tiger Reserve. For the best views and a comfortable journey through the park and its highlights, you can book the 12-seater Safari vehicles in Online mode or Offline mode at the Entry Gates.
Timings: Morning: 5:30 AM for 5 hours | Evening: 3:00 PM for 4 hours
Costs: ₹4500
3. Sports and Adventures
All the nature camps inside the Similipal National Park are equipped with adventurous activities like Table tennis, Ludo, Chess, Carom, Badminton, Cycling, Bridge, Tree course, Canopy walk, and entertainment for children. This makes your stay more entertaining.
Timings: Daytime during your stay
Costs: Included in Nature camp Stay
4. Trekking
Last but surely not least, trekking is a must-do activity in the vast jungles of Similipal. The whole area is a one-stop answer to your expectations from a 2-3 day trip. The trails around the forest are filled with the best greenery and wildlife. For a better experience, go for a guided tour for a safe and informative experience of the whole area.
Costs: Included in Stay/Guided tours
Main Trekking Spot: Gurguria
Top Places to Visit Near Barehpani Waterfall:
The whole area of the National Park is a hot spot of nature’s beauty and significant landmarks. Check out this list of must-visit nearby attractions in Similipal Forest area:
1. Similipal National Park
When visiting the Barehipani waterfall, you might encounter diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The surrounding Simlipal National Park is home to tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species, making your journey to the waterfall even more exciting. The area around the Barehipani waterfall is protected as part of the Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism to help preserve this natural wonder for future generations.
2. Joranda Waterfalls
Joranda Waterfall is another famous waterfall near Barehipani Waterfall and is located inside the Similipal National Park. It is about 181 meters high, from where the grandeur of the mesmerizing beauty of the whole Park can be best viewed. It is within the core area of the park and open for tourists in non-rainy season.
3. Uski Waterfall
Uski Waterfall is another waterfall inside the National Park created from the fall of river Bhandan. The thick waterfall at this spot is filled with utmost greenery after seasonal downpours, making it a good time to visit the waterfall.
4. Sitakund
Sitakund, as the name tells is named after the Hindu goddess Mata Sita. The Kund is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is within the outskirts of Similipal National Park. It is a major tourist attraction that holds significance in Hinduism and natural springs. It is one of the good spots for picnics and family time.
5. Devkund
The word Devkund means ‘bathing spring of Gods and Goddesses.’ It is an important place for Hindus for it is a sacred place for them. Most travellers seek holy blessings by touching the water of Devkund. It is about 60 kilometres from Baripada. It is situated inside Similipal Tiger Reserve. The temple of Goddess Ambika at the highland of the fall makes it more popular as a spiritual spot for tourists.
6. Gurguria
Gurguria is itself a nature camp. It is a location inside the Similipal National Park, the main zone for hill trekking is Gurguria. The spot provides major trekking trails connecting the whole forest into one.
7. Ramatirtha
This can be your picnic spot inside the Similipal National Park. The zone is famous for its crocodile projects and temple. The legend behind the place says Lord Rama journeyed through the Similipal Forests along with Mata Sita and Brother Laxman, and it is the spot where Mata Sita sat down to wash her face and feet in the river that flows, making it a holy place for Hindus.
Essential Tips for Visitors
As a mandate recommendation before you visit Similipal National Park, here are some essential tips to be followed:
1. Rules & Protocols: Following the park guidelines strictly is a must. There are specific rules relating to private vehicles, children, and nature camps. Keep checking the boards and hoarding for rules & regulations.
2. Guided Tours: This would be better to opt for a hassle-free experience while enjoying park attractions like Barehipani Falls and surrounding wildlife.
3. Things to carry: Sufficient water and snacks, breathable clothes, comfortable walking shoes, rain protection (during monsoon), camera protected from water spray
4. Start early for a whole day excursion: Start in the morning to maximize your time and experience the changing light conditions on the falls. Remember to check park entry timings and obtain necessary permits in advance.
Conclusion
To fully appreciate the Barehipani waterfall and nearby attractions, plan for at least a 2-3 day tour to Barehipani Waterfall in Similipal National Park. Barehipani waterfall presents a different face in every season, rich biodiversity, and amazing cultural significance. Just get ready to visit this magnificent waterfall that promises an unforgettable experience. Remember to respect the natural environment and follow local guidelines to help preserve this magnificent natural wonder for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Barehipani Waterfall:
1. Which river forms the Barehipani waterfall?
Budhabalanga River forms the Barehipani waterfall, creating a mesmerizing view for the visitors of Similipal National Park in Odisha.
2. Which is the highest waterfall in Odisha?
Barehipani waterfall is the highest waterfall in Odisha.
3. How to reach Barehipani?
You can reach Barehipani from any of the major towns like Jashipur or Barapadi, either by rail or road. Kolkata and Bhubneshwar are the two major airports near the Similipal National Park (where the Barehipani waterfall is located).
4. Is it possible to trek to the bottom of the waterfall?
No, trekking to the bottom of the Barehipani waterfall is not permitted for safety reasons. Tourists are allowed to enjoy the view from designated viewing points only.
