Jeypore is the largest town in the Koraput District of the Eastern State of Orissa, India. Jeypore pronounced in Oriya as Joypur, literally means "the city of victory". It is a historical city and has an ancient history having witnessed King Vikram Dev's Dynasty. The ruins of Maharaja's old fort and a great tank called Jagannath Sagar about a mile long and half a mile wide which never dries can now be seen inside the town. There are ancient temples still existing in the town.This district abounds in meadows, forests, waterfalls, terraced valleys, springs and is encompassed by hills on all sides. The land of abundance is home to Orissa's vast tribal population. Koraput also offers the benefit of first hand meeting with its ancient civilization to tourists, the simple and naive tribal folks (the original settlers). There is a daily market which is attended by a large numbers of tribals. Jeypore is the commercial nerve centre and business hub of Koraput district. The languages commonly spoken here is Oriya, Telugu, and Hindi.
Best For:
The town has a lot of old palaces. It has a diverse cultural mix with significant numbers of people making it an exciting place to visit. It is among the best places to study tribal culture as out of 437 tribes in India, there are 62 tribes existing in Orissa and majority of them are found in this region. Also famous about Jeypore is India's highest Broad Gauge Station situated at Semiliguda.Turia on the Semiliguda Pottangi road. It has one of the worlds finest deposits of Chrysoberyl Cats Eye. Kotpad is the only place in India to dye fabric with Aal Madder known as Morinda Tinctoria a vegetable dye. Also interesting is that the tribes still dye fabric using annatto known locally as Jhamphura.
The climate is generally normal so the best time to visit Jeypore is in winter (October to March).
Visakhapatnam (220 km) in Andhra Pradesh and Bhubaneswar (521 km) are the nearest Airports for Jeypore which is on NH No.43. It is also connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and other important towns of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Chhatisgarh. The nearest rail head is Rayagada.
By Air: The nearest airport at Visakhapatnam is 220 Kms away and Bhubaneswar is 521 Kms away. These two cities are well connected to the other major cities of India through flights.
By Rail: Jeypore is a railhead on the S.E. Railways. While coming from Vishakapatnam there is a Vishakapatnam Kirandol passenger train which gives a picturesque and tireless journey along the hills of Koraput.
By Road: On the N.H. No. 43, Jeypore is connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and other important places of the state.
Local Transport: As Jeypore is more of a tribal dominated place and not very developed, one may find very few means of local transport.
Bagra: Charming waterfalls on the river Kolab. An ideal picnic spot. surrounded by beautiful natural scenarios. There is a rest house at the site of the falls for use of the visitors. Papadahandi: This little village is a place of archaeological importance. The Siva temple with trees of Champak flowers all around make Papadahandi a place of pilgrimage for domestic tourists.
Nandapur: The ruins of the famous, ‘Batris Simhasan’ (throne with 32 steps) is situated here. It is also the headquarters of a police station and of community development block each bearing the same name.
Sunabeda : Ensconced in the lush valleys of the Koraput region, Sunabeda is a wonderful example of Orissa's gorgeous landscapes. There is an establishment of the Aero-Engine Factory in this region.
Duduma : The glittering waterfall (157.5 mts) has been formed by the Machhakund River here. It is 70 kms from Jeypore. The water is utilised to support a huge hydroelectric project. Machhakund is an important place for pilgrimage. It is called `Matsya Tirtha'. A beautiful township has grown around this lovely place. It is also associated with the name of Shri Chaitanya who is believed to have visited this place in the early part of 16th century.
Gupteswar: Lord Shiva reigns supreme at Gupteswar, the famous cave shrine set atop a huge limestone hill surrounded by beautiful countryside. The sacred lingam is called `Gupteswar', the Hidden God and is much revered as Gupta Kedar by the people of nearby Madhya Pradesh who throng the hillside to worship the deity. The place is about 151 mts higher than the surrounding beautiful countryside. One can reach the cave by ascending a flight of steps. Popularly known as Gupta Kedar in the vicinity, this sacred place is associated with Shri Rama of the epic Ramayana. The nearby hill has been named "RAMAGIRI".
Hatipathar :Natural boulders strewn amidst Hatipathar's beautiful environs appear to be elephants in certain light. Flowing through a deep valley, the Nagavali River carves out two wondrous waterfalls in its pathway offering some lovely picnic spots.
Boipariguda: A small village situated within Jeypore Taluk nearly 14 miles from Jeypore on the way to Malkangiri. This place is famous as a trade centre. A manufacturing centre of bamboo matting is established in the village. About 2 miles from here, is a small village named Kendupoda which is known for the shrine of a forest deity called Birukhomb held in great reverence by the local people. It is said that the deity, when invoked, can kill or save any human being.
Minna Jhola : Based on the confluence of three rivers, this place offers an ideal place to relax. The Shiva Temple here is the focus of hectic activities on Shivratri.
Apart from the above mentioned places, The Jagannath Temple ,The old Dakhin Kali temple at Purunagarh ,the royal palace of Vikram Dev Maharaja, The beautiful Jagganath Sagar ,Upper Kolab Dam site Hall, Nalco Damanjod & Balimela attract tourists in good numbers too.
Where To Eat:
There are a few good hotels in Jeypore where accommodation is also available. It is better for tourists to eat in these hotels and not try out anything much in the local markets.
Where To Stay:
Hotel Madhumati, Hotel Apsara, Hotel Princess, Hotel Shankar, Manorama Lodge, Hotel Trupti Gold & Hotel Hello Jeypore are good places to stay.
Being a small but important district of Orissa, Jeypore attracts quite a few tourists to it. However, it is best enjoyed when taken as a stop in an overall trip to Orissa.
