Mahendragiri Hills in Odisha is a place of natural beauty, spiritual significance, and ecological importance, making it a unique destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers. Mahendragiri is located in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha state, and it is 40 km distance from Paralakhemundi. It is a beautiful hill covered with green dense forest and wildlife. Mahendragiri is the Second highest mountain peak of Odisha. The river Mahendratanaya flows down from this hill is an attraction to the visitor. Mahendragiri mountain is famous for Red sandalwood (Lal Chandan) and medicinal plants in Odisha. Mahendragiri hill station is a top tourist destination in Gajapati and Andhra Pradesh. At the foothills of the Mahendragiri hills, many small and big waterfalls can be seen
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- Mahendragiri is the second-highest peak in Odisha, with an elevation of about 1,501 meters (4,925 feet).
- It is part of the Eastern Ghats mountain range, known for its rugged terrain and rich biodiversity.
- The area surrounding Mahendragiri is a hotspot for biodiversity. The Mahendragiri hill and its surrounding forests are home to various rare and endangered species of plants and animals. The forest is considered an ecological zone, with a mix of tropical deciduous forests and evergreen forests.
- Mahendragiri is steeped in mythological tales, particularly those associated with the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that where Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, performed penance.
- This place is also said to have been visited by the Pandavas during their exile.
- Several ancient temples, mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, are on the hill. These temples are of significant religious importance and attract pilgrims, especially during Maha Shivaratri.
- Mahendragiri Hill Station is a popular tourist destination for trekking and nature lovers,
- It is a spiritual destination due to its temples and mythological connections.
- The best time to visit Mahendragiri is between October and February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and exploring the area.
- The area around Mahendragiri has been proposed as a wildlife sanctuary to protect its unique biodiversity.
- There are limited accommodation options near Mahendragiri, so stay in Paralakhemundi or Berhampur and plan a day trip to the hill.
From the mythological and archaeological point, Panchupandavas and Parasuram were sheltered here for some days. Mahendragiri hills are associated with the Ramayana as Mahendra Parvata. It is a Kula Parvata along with Malaya, Sahyadri, Shuktiman, Vindhya and Malyavaan. In the Puranas and Ramayan, It is said that Parasuram was meditating on Mahendragiri when Lord Rama broke the sacred bow of Shiva.
This is the place where Lord Parsuram, an eternal being, performed Tapasya for eternity. Here are small and large temples built by the Pandavas. The main festival celebrated here is Shivratri. The natural beauty and the dense forest attract tourists to come here. At the foot of Mahendragiri Hill is a beautiful waterfall that attracts tourists. Mahendragiri Hills and Mahendragiri Mountain peak are popular tourist places in Gajapati District.
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