Devkund Ambika Temple
Devkund, which literally means "The Bathtub of Gods," is one of the most sacred and beautiful tourist spots in Odisha, located about 58 km from Baripada. Situated at the base of the Similipal National Park, it is a combination of a breathtaking waterfall and the ancient Ambika Temple. The water fal ls from a height of about 50 feet into a large, crystal-clear natural pool. The site is part of the "Pancha Sagara" (Five Oceans), consisting of five holy tanks: Bhudar Kunda, Taila Kunda, Haridra Kunda, Devi Kunda, and the main Deva Kunda. To reach the temple of Maa Ambika, visitors must climb approximately 100 stone steps. The temple was built by the royal family of Mayurbhanj and is perched on a cliff overlooking the falls. The atmosphere here is deeply spiritual, with the sound of the waterfall blending with the chanting of priests and the ringing of temple bells. The surrounding forest is dense and vibrant, often shrouded in mist during the mornings. It is believed that the goddess resides here in a "sleeping posture" on the rocks, visible only as a silhouette. Devotees and tourists alike flock here to seek blessings and enjoy the pristine natural beauty. Because it is located within the forest range, the air is incredibly pure, and the water is considered to have medicinal properties. It is a place where nature and divinity coexist in perfect harmony, making it the crown jewel of Mayurbhanj tourism. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Religious and Natural SiteEntry Fees:
Forest and Temple Charges: Entry to the site requires a forest permit, which costs around 40 to 50 rupees per person. Vehicles are charged extra, typically 100 rupees for a car. Cameras may have a separate fee of 20 to 50 rupees. These fees go towards the conservation of...Forest and Temple Charges: Entry to the site requires a forest permit, which costs around 40 to 50 rupees per person. Vehicles are charged extra, typically 100 rupees for a car. Cameras may have a separate fee of 20 to 50 rupees. These fees go towards the conservation of the Similipal South Range.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: The site is open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is strictly closed after 3 PM to ensure visitors exit the forest before dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Arrive as early as 8:00 AM to enjoy the place before the crowds arrive and to ...Regular Timings: The site is open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Entry is strictly closed after 3 PM to ensure visitors exit the forest before dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Arrive as early as 8:00 AM to enjoy the place before the crowds arrive and to see the morning mist over the water.
:Special Events:
Maha Shivratri and Durga Puja: These are the two biggest events at Devkund, where the temple is decorated and special "Yagnas" are performed. During Durga Puja in October, thousands of pilgrims visit to seek the goddess's blessings. A local fair is often organized during ...Maha Shivratri and Durga Puja: These are the two biggest events at Devkund, where the temple is decorated and special "Yagnas" are performed. During Durga Puja in October, thousands of pilgrims visit to seek the goddess's blessings. A local fair is often organized during these times near the Udala road intersection.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Temple Staircase: A photo from the middle of the stairs looking up towards the temple provides a grand perspective.
The Waterfall Base: Capturing the full height of the fall with the pool in the foreground is the quintessential Devkund ...The Temple Staircase: A photo from the middle of the stairs looking up towards the temple provides a grand perspective.
The Waterfall Base: Capturing the full height of the fall with the pool in the foreground is the quintessential Devkund shot.
From the Temple Ledge: Looking down at the people in the pool from the temple balcony offers a unique "top-down" view.
The Forest Path: The 5km stretch from the ticket counter to the falls is full of sun-drenched forest scenes perfect for nature photography.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Temple Darshan: Climb the steps to offer prayers to Maa Ambika and enjoy the spiritual vibes of the shrine.
Bathing in the Kund: Take a refreshing dip in the main Deva Kunda pool, which is safe for swimmers and devotees.
Nature Trekking: Explore the trail leading from the forest gate to the waterfall (approx. 5 km), enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Picnicking at the Entrance: While picnics are banned near the water to maintain sanctity, there are designated spots near the entry gate.
Photography: Capture the stunning contrast of the red temple against the white waterfall and green forest.
Discovering the Five Tanks: Hike further up to see the other four tanks like Haridra Kunda and...Temple Darshan: Climb the steps to offer prayers to Maa Ambika and enjoy the spiritual vibes of the shrine.
Bathing in the Kund: Take a refreshing dip in the main Deva Kunda pool, which is safe for swimmers and devotees.
Nature Trekking: Explore the trail leading from the forest gate to the waterfall (approx. 5 km), enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle.
Picnicking at the Entrance: While picnics are banned near the water to maintain sanctity, there are designated spots near the entry gate.
Photography: Capture the stunning contrast of the red temple against the white waterfall and green forest.
Discovering the Five Tanks: Hike further up to see the other four tanks like Haridra Kunda and Devi Kunda.
Bird Watching: The area is excellent for spotting forest birds like the Malabar Whistling Thrush and various parakeets.
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Information
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Why Famous:
The 51st Shakti Peetha Belief: Devkund is famous as a significant pilgrimage site, believed by many to be a seat of Goddess Sati. It is famous for its "Pancha Kunda" (five holy tanks), each with its own mythological story and unique water characteristics. The site is a ma...The 51st Shakti Peetha Belief: Devkund is famous as a significant pilgrimage site, believed by many to be a seat of Goddess Sati. It is famous for its "Pancha Kunda" (five holy tanks), each with its own mythological story and unique water characteristics. The site is a major draw for its breathtaking waterfall that drops directly into a pool where visitors can bathe. It is also famous for the Ambika Temple, which offers a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding Similipal forest. Its fame lies in its dual identity as a spiritual retreat and a premier eco-tourism destination in eastern India.
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Architecture:
Temple on the Cliff: The Ambika Temple is a small but elegantly constructed structure in the traditional Odia style of temple architecture. It features a tiered shikhara (spire) and a small mandapa for devotees. The temple's dimensions are compact, fitting into the rocky ...Temple on the Cliff: The Ambika Temple is a small but elegantly constructed structure in the traditional Odia style of temple architecture. It features a tiered shikhara (spire) and a small mandapa for devotees. The temple's dimensions are compact, fitting into the rocky ledge above the waterfall. The stone steps leading to the temple are hand-carved and winding. Below the temple, the natural architecture of the "Kunds" is fascinating; each pool has a different depth and water color. For example, Taila Kunda has water that appears dark and oily, while Haridra Kunda has a yellowish tint, reflecting the unique mineral composition of the rocks.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (250 km).
By Train: Baripada Railway Station (58 km) or Balasore Railway Station (66 km) are the best options.
By Road: From Baripada, take the road towards Udala. Th...By Air: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (250 km).
By Train: Baripada Railway Station (58 km) or Balasore Railway Station (66 km) are the best options.
By Road: From Baripada, take the road towards Udala. The drive is smooth and takes about 1. 5 to 2 hours.
By Local Transport: Private taxis are the most reliable. Buses run from Baripada to Udala, from where you can hire an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 30 km.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Post-Monsoon: October and November are best as the waterfall is at its fullest and the forest is vibrant green.
Winter Season: December to February offers the most comfortable weather for climbing the temple steps.
Read MorePost-Monsoon: October and November are best as the waterfall is at its fullest and the forest is vibrant green.
Winter Season: December to February offers the most comfortable weather for climbing the temple steps.
Part of Day: Morning is best for spiritual peace; midday is best for clear, brightly lit photographs of the water.
:Near Tourist Places:
1. Udala (30 km), 2. Baripada (58 km), 3. Sitakund (45 km), 4. Lulung (50 km), 5. Barehipani (70 km), 6. Chandipur Beach (70 km), 7. Panchalingeswar (60 km), 8. Balasore (66 km), 9. Khiching (120 km), 10. Bhimkund (110 km)Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Watch your step on the 100 stairs, as they can be steep; do not venture into deep areas of the pool if you cannot swim.
Packing: Carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe, and bring your own food as there are no sta...Health and Safety: Watch your step on the 100 stairs, as they can be steep; do not venture into deep areas of the pool if you cannot swim.
Packing: Carry a change of clothes if you plan to bathe, and bring your own food as there are no stalls near the temple.
Accommodation: Stay in Baripada or the OTDC Panthanivas in Chandipur.
Cash and Connectivity: Absolutely no mobile network or ATMs in the area; carry all the cash you need from Baripada or Udala.
Respect: This is a religious site; dress modestly and do not carry alcohol or non-vegetarian food into the temple area.
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