Nuapada: Sunabeda Plateau, Yogimath Rock Art & Khariar

Carved out of undivided Kalahandi in 1993, Nuapada is one of Western Odisha''s most offbeat, tribal-influenced destinations, dominated by the high-altitude Sunabeda plateau along the Chhattisgarh border.

Top Places to Visit

• Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary (proposed tiger reserve) — a plateau of waterfalls, caves and archaeological sites; tigers, leopards, sloth bears and a key elephant corridor between Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• Pataleswar Temple, Budhikomna — a 9th-century brick-built Pancharatha temple.
• Patalganga — a perennial spring believed to have healing properties.
• Godhas / Beniadhus Waterfalls, Yogimath Caves (prehistoric rock art near Khariar), Patora Dam, Manikgarh on the Jonk river and the museum-housing Khariar Palace.

Festivals

Nuakhai and Chhatar Jatra — a grand deity procession during Durga Puja — alongside Rath Yatra, Diwali, Holi, Kartik Purnima, Chaitra Parva and Bhai Juntia.

Food

Favourites include Pakhala Bhata, Kardi Bhaji (bamboo shoot), prawn curry, Chuda Kadamba and festival sweets like Chakuli Pitha and Arisa Pitha. Dalma remains a daily staple.

Culture & Crafts

Nuapada is a handloom centre known for Sambalpuri and Nuapatna-style sarees. Dalkhai and Karma folk dances are closely tied to harvest festivals, reflecting the district''s substantial tribal population.

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