Koraput (କୋରାପୁଟ) is a hill town and district in southern Odisha, set on the Eastern Ghats plateau at roughly 870 to 890 m above sea level. The Koraput region is known for Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha, for waterfalls such as Duduma, and for the living cultures of tribal communities including the Paraja, Kondh, Gadaba and Bonda.
Why visit Koraput?
Koraput offers a very different Odisha from the temple towns of the coast: cool uplands, paddy and millet fields, and weekly markets where villages trade forest produce and crafts. The district is also the home of two products with Geographical Indication (GI) status: Kotpad handloom, woven with natural dyes, which was among the earliest GI registrations from Odisha, and Koraput Kalajeera rice, a small-grained aromatic black rice that received GI recognition in 2023. Read more on our pages about Kotpad handloom and GI tags of Odisha.
Top things to see and do in Koraput
Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha
Odisha Tourism gives Deomali's height as 1,672 m (5,486 ft). Sources differ on the road distance from Koraput town, giving roughly 60 to 70 km; Odisha Tourism also notes that it is about 35 km from Semiliguda. The summit area offers wide views over the Eastern Ghats and is popular for trekking, camping and sunrise photography.
Duduma waterfall
Duduma is formed by the Machkund river on the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh border. Sources differ on the height of the drop: Odisha Tourism describes a plunge of around 157 m, while Incredible India gives 175 m. Odisha Tourism recommends October to February, when water flow is strong after the rains.
Sabara Srikhetra
This Jagannath temple in Koraput town is described by Incredible India as the southern abode of Lord Jagannath and hosts an annual chariot festival with tribal participation, echoing the Rath Yatra at Puri.
Tribal heritage and markets
The Council of Analytical Tribal Studies (COATS) in Koraput documents the customs and history of the region's tribal communities. Many visitors also go to the weekly tribal markets of the Koraput and Malkangiri hills; the best known is at Onukudelli, traditionally held on Thursdays, where Bonda and Gadaba people come to trade. Market days can change, so confirm locally.
Other sights
- Gupteswar: a forest cave shrine with a Shiva linga; according to tradition, Rama visited during his exile.
- Kolab: the reservoir and botanical garden near Koraput town.
- Jeypore: the former princely seat near Koraput, with the palace of the Jeypore rulers and the regional airport.
- Maliguda tunnel: a long broad-gauge railway tunnel on the scenic Kottavalasa to Kirandul line.
For a multi-day route through these places, see our Koraput tribal heritage itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Koraput?
The most comfortable time is September to February, after the monsoon, when the hills are green and the air is cool. Odisha Tourism points out that Deomali is at its greenest and most misty in the monsoon, but heavy rain (July is usually the wettest month) can make roads slippery and waterfalls dangerous. Winter nights can be cold, so pack warm layers. The best time to visit Odisha guide compares the hills with the coast.
How to reach Koraput
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Air | Jeypore Airport, about 3 km from Jeypore town, has had regional commercial flights since October 2022 (operated by IndiaOne Air as of the latest reports). Visakhapatnam International Airport in Andhra Pradesh is the nearest large airport |
| Rail | Koraput railway station links the town with Rayagada, Visakhapatnam, Berhampur, Jagdalpur, Bhubaneswar, Howrah, Rourkela and Raipur |
| Road | National Highway 26 runs through Koraput, connecting it with Raipur and Visakhapatnam; buses link Koraput with Jeypore and other towns |
Air services in the region change frequently, so check current schedules before booking. See how to reach Odisha for the state-wide picture.
Local food in Koraput
Koraput's kitchen is built on what the land grows. Incredible India highlights millets, forest greens and country chicken, often cooked simply, in bamboo shoots or wrapped in sal leaves. Look for mandia (finger millet, ragi) in porridge and other dishes, and for the aromatic Kalajeera rice. Odia staples such as dalma and pakhala bhata are widely available in town eateries.
Etiquette and responsible travel
- Ask before photographing people. Tribal markets are working markets, not performances; always ask permission, and respect a refusal.
- Some communities are especially vulnerable. The Bonda, for example, are classified by the Government of India as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group. Travel with registered local guides and follow any entry rules set by the district administration.
- Do not hand out sweets, money or gifts in villages; buy crafts at fair prices instead.
- At waterfalls, stay behind barriers and avoid slippery rocks, especially in the monsoon.
- Dress modestly at temples such as Sabara Srikhetra and Gupteswar.
Nearby places
Koraput is the hub for a wider southern Odisha circuit that includes Jeypore, Kotpad, the Machkund valley and Malkangiri. Find more about the district on the Koraput district page and the neighbouring Malkangiri and Rayagada pages.
Plan your visit
Allow at least three days to see Koraput town, Deomali and Duduma without rushing, and more if you want to include tribal markets and Kotpad's weavers. For a custom itinerary that fits your dates and interests, send a request at /travel/plan.