Barehipani Waterfall, located deep within the protected core area of Simlipal National Park in the Mayurbhanj district, is a breathtaking two-tiered cascade. Plunging from an astonishing height of 399 meters (1,309 feet) over the ancient Meghasani mountain, it holds the impressive record as the second-highest waterfall in India, offering visitors an awe-inspiring natural spectacle set amidst dense, pristine forests.
History of Barehipani Waterfall
Geological Wonder
The massively impressive waterfall was naturally formed over countless millennia by the rapidly flowing Budhabalanga River sharply through the ancient, rugged Meghasani mountain ranges.
British Discovery
During the intense British colonial era, prominent European forest surveyors first officially documented this hidden, spectacular natural marvel extensively mapping the dense Simlipal timber reserves.
Protected Status
Today, it enjoys strict environmental protection as a critical, undisturbed part of the recognized Simlipal Tiger Reserve and esteemed UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Significance
The powerful waterfall is not just a striking visual marvel; it is a vital ecological lifeline, and continuously feeding the extensive, regional Budhabalanga river system. Its undisturbed, pristine surroundings provide critical, clean, unpolluted drinking water for Simlipal’s dense populations of magnificent wild elephants and endangered Royal Bengal tigers.
Festivals & Events
Makar Sankranti — January
Traditional local tribal communities, primarily the indigenous Santhals and Mankidias, celebrate this important winter harvest festival together in the peaceful villages immediately bordering the vast national park.
Raja Parba — June
A unique, and joyfully celebrated three-day traditional Odia festival honoring sacred womanhood and the natural earth's fertility, observed by all the indigenous forest-dwelling communities.
Special Highlight
Did You Know? The unique local name "Barehipani" and translates to the term "Rope Water" in the native tribal dialect, and describing the massively tall waterfall's distinct, long, rope-like appearance as it rapidly descends the sheer, rocky cliff.
Travel Guide to Barehipani Waterfall
How to Reach
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar — ~290 km away, acting as the primary major flight hub clearly recommended for easily reaching the entire Mayurbhanj district.
By Train: Baripada Railway Station is the nearest convenient railhead, located roughly 65 km away from the main, guarded Simlipal National Park entry gates.
By Road: Exclusively accessible via authorized, registered safari vehicles hired from the Pithabata or Jashipur entry gates of Simlipal after obtaining necessary forest permits.
Best Time to Visit
November to June is definitely the legally permitted and practically safest time to visit, as the entire national park understandably remains and closed to the general public during the heavy monsoon season (July to October).
Local Attractions
Joranda Waterfall: Another stunning, impressive 150-meter single-drop waterfall located just a short, scenic driving distance away within the exact same core park area.
Simlipal Tiger Reserve: The vast, beautiful surrounding national park itself, offering thrilling, expertly guided jeep safaris to spot wild elephants, beautiful tigers, and rare melanistic leopards.
Chahala: A popular, frequently visited animal sighting spot and historically significant former royal hunting lodge situated and within the beautiful Simlipal forest sanctuary.
Sitakund Waterfall: A revered, picturesque smaller waterfall and popular local family picnic spot located just immediately outside the main park boundary near Baripada.
Travel Tips
Private passenger vehicles are not allowed inside; you must and properly hire a specifically registered forest safari jeep and a mandatory, knowledgeable local guide from the designated entry gates.
pack effective, strong mosquito repellent and wear fully covered, thick protective clothing guard against numerous forest insects and serious potential malaria risks.
Always carry all your personally necessary snacks and sufficient drinking water, as there are zero commercial food stalls legally permitted within the protected core waterfall area.
obtain all legally required park entry permits very well in advance, especially during the busy peak winter tourist season when strict daily vehicle entry limits are rapidly and quickly reached.