Punjisil Waterfall Koraput

A Perfect Spot for Nature Lovers and Peace Seekers

Punjisil Waterfalls is just about 25-30 km away from the Koraput main town. It is a cascading waterfall that flows down multiple sloping rock formations and is modest in height. It sits on the Muran River or Machkund. Punjisil Waterfalls is one of the most popular attractions in Koraput. As it is not too far away from the main town, many people come here on the weekend for picnics. Tourists across Odisha and nearby states also visit this beautiful, hidden gem in the lush forest. 

You can hire a rental car service in Koraput and explore the other points of attraction alongside Punjisil. Though officially not registered under the itineraries of Odisha Tourism, it is frequently visited by locals and tourists because of its dense forests, rolling hills of Eastern Ghats, surrounding water bodies, and tribal villages, offering breathtaking views and a refreshing environment.

Best Time To Visit Punjisil Waterfalls

Monsoon to winter (September to June) is considered to be the best time due to the full flow of water and the boundless greenery. It becomes a haven for photography. But, it is recommended to avoid heavy rainfall times as the rock might become slippery, leading to tragic accidents. 

Winter and early spring is no doubt pleasant and stunning, offering breathtaking panoramic views of sunrises and sunsets. 

It is often recognised as the ideal destination for day trips with families or friends from Koraput and Jeypore, where you can enjoy nature, bathe in the crystal clear fall water sitting on the flat rock surface, and unwind the majestic charm of the atmosphere.  All you need to do is come prepared with essentials and take a deep dive into the heart of nature.

How To Reach

By Road

Jeypore: 46 km away

Koraput Town: 22-25 km

The route is through Mundar village along NH 326, passing by Koraput direction.

It takes 1.5 hours from Jeypore and a little shorter from Koraput.

Well-connected to nearby Andhra Pradesh via the national highway.

Bus Services:

There are daily private and government bus services.

The first and last departure times of Odisha State Road Transport Corp (OSRTC) is 5 am in the morning and 11 pm at night, respectively.

The service is frequent and has both AC and non-AC coaches.

There are several services daily from Andhra Pradesh State RTC ( APSRTC) with fares starting as low as Rs 21/-.

Rental Taxis

Hire Ride Koraput's taxi service in Koraput for a scenic journey en route to Punjisil Waterfalls. Expert drivers ensure safe navigation on hilly terrains and prevent you from driving or transportation stress.

By Rail:

Jeypore- Koraput direct train service available with 5 to 6 daily trains. Typically takes 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Via Koraput ( KRPU): The Best Rail Head

Well connected to:

Bhubaneswar (via Hirakhand Express)

Rayagada, Jeypore, Visakhapatnam, Jagdalpur

Raipur, Bilaspur, Rourkela, and Howrah

Via Jeypore Railway Station (JYP)

Connected to Koraput, Rayagada, Jagdalpur, Visakhapatnam

By Air

Nearest Airport:

Jeypore Airport : 50 km. Regional flights.

Visakhapatnam International Airport : 200 km.

Recommended route if flying from other states.

Excellent connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad

Daily flights by major airlines.

Raipur Airport: 400 Km.

Bhubaneswar International Airport: 470Km. State capital. Long distances with scenic routes.

Tips for Traveler

• 1

  The height of the waterfall is 5-10 feet, ideal for scenic natural slides and casual dips.

• 2

  Carry your own drinking water, snacks, extra clothes, high gripped shoes (avoid boots or leather shoes), and an umbrella.

• 3

  Do not throw plastic bottles, packets or cans in the water.

• 4

  Roads are patchy, hire a sturdy rental car. Avoid early monsoon after heavy rain.

• 5

  Rani Duduma Waterfall which is a trek-in cascade is 50-56 km away.

• 6

  Odisha's highest peak, Deomali Hill is at a distance of 30-35 km.

• 7

  Other attractions: Bagra Waterfall, Ratibali, Talamiting, Galigabdar.

What To Do & Expect

• ⦿ Swimming & Paddling: Shallow, crystal clear water, ideal for dips and splashing using feet and hands.
• ⦿ Picnic & Nature Walk: Favourite picnic spot for locals with scope for hearty walks amidst nature.
• ⦿ Photography: A photographer’s delight with charming backdrop, rocky-tiered cascade, and pleasant winter sunrises and scarlet spring sunsets.
• ⦿ No Hiking Trails: Easy-to-access with very short walks, no trekking required. Suitable for all age groups.
• ⦿ A scenic drive to the waterfall from Koraput, Jeypore, Visakhapatnam, or other Odisha states, offering heavenly landscapes covered in forests, hills, and countryside terrains all around.

Facilities

The surrounding area of the waterfall has limited infrastructure and lacks fancy shops, restaurants, cafes, or hotels. You might find basic sources of drinking water (like taps, tube wells, or natural water from Punjisil ) and dimly functional resting places.

Best Time to Visit Punjisil Waterfall, Koraput

Monsoon & Post-Monsoon (July through February): The monsoon season is best due to the waterfalls being really strong with lots of water; also, after the monsoon season and before winter starts, is when there is cool weather and great visibility. So, there is little to no fog, and great views. It is a great time to go see the waterfalls as a family picnic, or just to go see the waterfalls in the monsoon season.

Winter (December through February): Going in winter would be nice (mild temperatures) because all will be calm and relaxed, so there will be beautiful pictures taken. However, the waterfalls will have some water flow, just not as much as there would be in the other two seasons.

Summers (April – June): Avoid the summer months; the amount of water flow at that time is just about nonexistent. Only if you go early morning or late afternoon during the summer months can you see and visit the waterfalls.

Popular Tourist Attractions Near Punjisil Waterfall

• ⦿ Deomali Hill Station
• ⦿ Duduma Waterfall
• ⦿ Maliguda Tunnel
• ⦿ Tribal Museum
• ⦿ Kolab Dam
• ⦿ Jalaput Dam
• ⦿ Bagra Waterfall
• ⦿ Nandapur Batrisa, Koraput
• ⦿ Subai Jain Temple
• ⦿ Damanjodi City
• ⦿ Balda Cave