A Guide To Duduma Waterfalls In Odisha

Duduma Waterfalls, situated deep within the stunning Malkangiri district of Odisha, exhibit wild natural beauty and grandeur. Being the 26th tallest waterfall in India, Duduma attracts many nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers with its striking 155-meter (509-foot) drop and is fed by the Machkund River.

The enigmatic atmosphere of the Duduma Waterfalls in Odisha is enhanced by the presence of tribal communities nearby, which adds to its cultural significance. Let’s explore this waterfall more so you can visit it on your next trip to Odisha.

Best Time to Visit Duduma Waterfalls

Monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is the ideal time of year to see Duduma Waterfalls. This season is one of the busiest because of the powerful water flow and the vibrant display of lush vegetation. Driving through these hilly areas during the monsoon season can take advantage of fog-filled, routed landscapes.

Duduma Waterfalls, during the winter months from October to March, offers outdoor adventurers like trekking and photography because the skies are clear and the temperatures stay cool. However, the water stream will probably run weaker during this time.

Nearest Railway Station:	Jeypore Station(65.4km,1hr40min)
Nearest Airport:	Vishakhapatnam(200kms)
Nearest Town:	Onukudelli(3.1kms,42mins)
Nearest Market Place:	Onukudelli(4kms ,50mins)

What Makes Rani Duduma Waterfalls in Odisha Unique?

What Duduma Waterfalls offers to visitors gives it an exceptional status, making it a perfect spot for every nature lover, adventurer, and photographer.

Height and Volume

The spectacular height of Duduma Waterfalls is the best attraction for visitors. The waterfall ranks as the second tallest in Andhra Pradesh, ranking 26 among Indian waterfalls that reach 155 meters in height. Duduma Waterfalls creates an exquisite viewing experience by displaying its height through a powerful water plunge and audibly announcing its presence across vast distances. The monsoon period increases the volume of this waterfall so sharply that it creates a magnificent force that batters the rocky terrain with extraordinary power. The site showcases natural power in its grandest display.

Seasonal Beauty

You will find Duduma Waterfalls wow-worthy at any time yet the field reaches its absolute peak of beauty during the June to September monsoon season. Visitors can experience the waterfall at its peak during this time and the dense and multicoloured environment surrounding it. The mist that collects during waterfall runoff gives the whole region a remarkable otherworldly feel. A visit during the winter months from October through March offers visitors a peaceful experience. Though the waterfalls provide less volume during the winter, the surrounding natural beauty shows no change.

Scenic Surroundings

Wandering through the forest area of the Eastern Ghats has made Duduma Waterfalls an irresistible attraction for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. The waterfall’s surrounding area contains a wide range of plants along with important animal species that face extinction risk. Duduma Waterfalls’ natural forest surroundings magnify its beauty while creating a peaceful, serene atmosphere throughout the surrounding area. 

Tribal Culture and Local Communities

Duduma Waterfalls exists within an area occupied by three indigenous tribes: the Dongria Kondh tribe, the Bonda tribe, and the Gadaba tribe. These indigenous tribes have cultivated the region for centuries by preserving their cultural legacies. Visiting Duduma lets people discover the lively tribal traditions of Odisha by living like a local. You can meet residents through your excursion while observing their regular tasks and exploring their traditional customs and ceremonial rituals. This traditional tribe shows unique characteristics and deep forest relationships while maintaining its ancient heritage.

Places To Visit Near Duduma Waterfalls

There are many places to visit near these waterfalls, like dams and markets, that make for a perfect outing.

Machkund Dam

Machkund Dam is one of the top-ranking hydroelectric projects over the Machkund River, which constitutes part of the boundary between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Inaugurated in the 1940s, the structure was a major player in generating electricity and irrigation in the surrounding areas. The dam comes within the broad-based Machkund Hydroelectric Scheme to help with industrial and agricultural requirements in the two states. 

Entry Fees:	Free
Location:	5 km from Duduma Waterfalls
Best Time To Visit:	October to March

Jalaput Dam

Jalaput Dam is situated on the Kolab River in Odisha and forms part of the Jalaput Hydroelectric Project. Lying amidst green hills, this reservoir provides hydroelectric power and irrigation. The big water body of the dam’s reservoir supports different water-related activities, hence being a place of interest for nature lovers and adventure-seekers. The serene landscape of Jalaput Dam further denotes its importance in providing power and water supply, stating the importance of this place for infrastructure and tourism.

Entry Fees:	Free
Location:	15 km from Duduma Waterfalls
Best Time To Visit:	November to February

Onukudelli Market

Onukudelli Market is pretty colourful and busy in the Koraput district in Odisha. It has long been considered the central meeting place for trading goods and where the two Indigenous tribes, the Bonda and Gadaba people, get together with their respective cultures. One would be amazed by the brilliant hues of costumes and adornments, along with some unique traditions being followed by the members of the tribes, which may allure many visitors to the Onukudelli Market.

Entry Fees:	Free
Location:	10 km from Duduma Waterfalls

Things to Do Near Duduma Waterfalls

While Duduma Waterfalls is the primary attraction in the area and is considered one of the best Indian tourist attractions, there are several other activities and nearby attractions that can make your trip even more enjoyable:

Trekking and Nature Walks

Locals have ample nature walking and trekking options throughout the forests and hills in the surrounding areas. Fans of nature will genuinely appreciate the many hiking paths that take you into thick forests to see picturesque parts of this territory. Short trails throughout the waterfall enable visitors to explore local natural sites, while more ambitious hikers can discover further hikes through the hills.

Travellers can spot monkeys, various bird species, and other native animals in this region. Birdwatchers are attracted to this forest because it supports many migratory and resident bird species.

Tribal Village Visits

Traditional indigenous tribal communities reside in the area surrounding Duduma. Readers seeking to learn about a tribal culture during their trip can follow visits to villages within the region. Through guided tours, you will discover these communities’ cultural heritage by observing their art traditions, ceremonial customs, and dance forms. Your support for purchasing handcrafted items made by artisan communities doubles as a way to protect their cultural heritage.

Photography

Duduma Waterfalls is a photographer’s dream location for photographic ops. Every photographer seeks out this breathtaking scene, which offers unparalleled photo opportunities as lush forests meet cascading water. Photographs can be taken here without interruption because of the forest vegetation, the ethnic village residents, and the falling waterfall mist. This stunning location offers many photo opportunities for novice and expert photographers.

Camping and Picnic

Like-minded outdoor enthusiasts can camp and have group picnics at the waterfall area. Because the natural surroundings provide an unparalleled outdoor experience, choose a camping location near the waterfall or the nearby forest. With the perfect winter air temperature, this spot is ideal for a leisurely family picnic. The area’s natural surroundings produce an atmosphere that combines serene serenity with breathtaking views, making it a great place to spend time in nature.

Explore Duduma Waterfalls in Odisha with TripzyGo

Duduma Waterfalls is not just a sight to behold; it’s also steeped in history and mythology. The local tribes and Hindus revere it as a sacred site, and its connection to legends like Shri Chaitanya adds to its mystique. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or someone seeking spiritual solace, Duduma Waterfalls offers something for everyone. 

With TripzyGo, you can plan your trip to Duduma Waterfalls seamlessly, ensuring you don’t miss out on any exciting experiences this place offers. From trekking through the lush forests to exploring the vibrant tribal culture, every moment at Duduma Waterfalls will leave you enchanted and inspired. So, pack your bags and let TripzyGo guide you to hidden gems like Ladakh or take a trip to Thailand with our customized package. Keep exploring, keep travelling!