Mahendragiri Mountain Peak in Odisha is a place of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and ecological importance, making it a unique destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers. Mahendragiri is located in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha state, and it is 40 km distance from Paralakhemundi. It is a beautiful hill covered with green dense forest and wildlife.
Mahendragiri is the second-highest mountain peak in Odisha. The river Mahendratanaya flows down from this hill and is an attraction to visitors. Mahendragiri mountain is famous for Red sandalwood (Lal Chandan) and medicinal plants in Odisha. Mahendragiri hill station is a top tourist destination in Gajapati and Andhra Pradesh. At the foothills of the Mahendragiri hills, many small and big waterfalls can be seen.
According to mythological and archaeological traditions, Panchupandavas and Parasuram took refuge here for some days. The Mahendragiri hills relate to Ramayana referred to as Mahendra Parvata. It is a Kula Parvata along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan. According to the Puranas and Ramayan, Parasuram was in deep meditation on Mahendragiri while Lord Rama broke the holy bow of Shiva.
This is the place where Parsuram, an eternal being, performed Tapasya eternally. Here the small and big temples are built by Pandavas. The great festival celebrated here is Shivratri. The gorgeous waterfall under Mahendragiri Hill attracts tourists to come here. Mahendragiri Hills and Mahendragiri Mountain Peak are a popular tourist place in Gajapati District.
Useful Travel Information
- Mahendragiri is the second-highest peak in Odisha, at an elevation of about 1,501 meters (4,925 feet).
- Mahendragiri Mountain Peak and its forests are regarded as biodiversity hotspots. Several rare and endangered species of plants and animals may be spotted surging the hills. The forest is an ecological zone marked with tropical deciduous forests and evergreen forests.
- An important part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, the biodiversity here is far better, with rugged terrain.
- It is also said that the Pandavas have visited the place in the course of their exile.
- There are various mythological stories associated with Mahendragiri, one of them being that this was where Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, performed penance, while others simply spoke of it in vague terms.
- There are many ancient temples on the hill, of which a good number are dedicated to Lord Shiva. These temples are of great religious significance to pilgrims, who flock to the place, especially on Maha Shivaratri.
- Mahendragiri Mountain Peak is a trekking and nature-loving spot of choice.
- The area also bears worth as a spiritual destination with temples tracing its mythological connections.
- The time most suited for visiting Mahendragiri is from October to February when the weather is congenial and ideal for trekking and stepping out into the wild.
- The area around Mahendragiri has been proposed as a wildlife sanctuary to protect its unique biodiversity.
- Given the limited choices in terms of accommodation around Mahendragiri, the visitor has to stay at either Paralakhemundi or Berhampur and should plan day trips to the hill.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Opening Time
Mahendragiri Mountain Peak open timings are everyday Morning from 8 am to Evening 6 pm
Best Time to visit
Best time to visit Mahendragiri Mountain at all times of the year.
A trip by Road to Mahendragiri Mountain Peak
From Bhubaneswar: You can drive or take a bus from Bhubaneswar to Paralakhemundi. The distance is around 230 km, and the journey by road takes about 5-6 hours.
From Berhampur: The distance from Berhampur to Mahendragiri is about 125 km, and it takes roughly 3-4 hours by road. Buses and taxis are available from Berhampur to Paralakhemundi.
Closest Railway Station
Berhampur is Located about 125 km from Mahendragiri, Berhampur is a major railway station well-connected to many cities. Paralakhemundi: A smaller station closer to Mahendragiri Hill Station, about 40 km away.
Closest Airport
The Closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 253 KM distance from Mahendragiri Mountain Peak
