Jirang Waterfall is the popular name for Khasada Waterfall, a crystal-clear natural waterfall in Gajapati District, Odisha. Where: Near Chandragiri, 4–6 km from Jirang Monastery. Worth it? Yes safe for bathing, great for picnics, surrounded by Eastern Ghats forest.
Most people searching for “jirang waterfall” never find the right name. That is because the waterfall’s real, official name is Khasada Waterfall.
It got the nickname “Jirang Waterfall” simply because it sits just 4 to 6 km from the famous Padmasambhava Mahavihara, commonly known as Jirang Monastery.
The monastery is well-known. The waterfall is not. That gap is exactly why so many visitors miss it.
Where Exactly Is It?
Khasada Waterfall is located near Chandragiri in Gajapati District, Odisha. It falls under dense Eastern Ghat forests, far from the usual tourist crowds.
It is roughly:
- ~90–100 km from Berhampur
- ~265–270 km from Bhubaneswar
Why Do People Love It?
The water is crystal clear. The depth is manageable. Families come here specifically because it is safe for bathing and ideal for a quiet picnic.
No loud crowds. No ticket counters. Just forest, water, and fresh air.
That combination is rare in Odisha’s tourist spots and that is exactly what makes Khasada Waterfall worth the drive.
Why Jirang Waterfall is a Perfect Picnic Spot
Khasada Waterfall does not try to impress you. It just does.
The waterfall drops from a height of 50 to 100 feet straight into a natural pool below. The water hits the rocks, turns white, and settles into a clear, calm basin. You can see the bottom.
That kind of clarity is rare.
The Setting
The waterfall sits deep inside the Eastern Ghats forest. Tall trees on every side. The sound of water drowns out everything else. No highway noise. No city smell.
Just green, rock, and moving water.
Is It Safe to Bathe Here?
Yes absolutely.
This is one of the few waterfalls in Odisha where bathing is genuinely safe. The natural pools at the base are calm and clear. Families with children wade in comfortably. Bikers and road-trippers make it a ritual stop for this exact reason.
Key features that make it a top picnic spot:
- Crystal-clear water safe for bathing
- Natural shade from dense forest cover
- Flat rocks near the pool perfect for sitting and eating
- Peaceful atmosphere no commercial overcrowding
- Open every day, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
A Weekend Escape That Actually Works
Berhampur residents drive 90–100 km for this. Bhubaneswar travellers plan overnight trips around it.
The reason is simple. Khasada Waterfall gives you nature without the noise and that is harder to find than most people think.
How to Reach Jirang (Khasada) Waterfall
Getting here takes planning. But the route itself is part of the experience.
Distance at a Glance
| Starting Point | Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
| Jirang Monastery | 4–6 km | 10–15 mins |
| Berhampur (Brahmapur) | ~90–100 km | 2.5–3 hours |
| Bhubaneswar | ~265–270 km | 5.5–6 hours |
| Biju Patnaik International Airport | ~270 km | 6 hours |
By Train
The nearest railway station is Berhampur (Brahmapur) Railway Station, about 94 km from the waterfall.
Berhampur is well-connected to Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam. Book your train tickets in advance at IRCTC.
From Berhampur, hire a private cab or take a shared vehicle towards Chandragiri.
By Bus
The nearest bus stop is Mohana Bus Stand, roughly 30 km from Khasada Waterfall.
Buses from Berhampur to Mohana run regularly. From Mohana, hire a local auto or cab to reach the waterfall.
By Flight
Fly into Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar. From there, drive down via NH59 a smooth, scenic highway through the Eastern Ghats.
For Bikers and Road Trippers
This route is a biker’s favourite.
Berhampur → Mohana → Chandragiri → Khasada Waterfall
The NH59 stretch offers:
- Winding Eastern Ghats roads
- Dense forest on both sides
- Clear signage near Chandragiri
Start early. The road gets busier after 9 AM.
Pro Tip
Carry enough fuel before Mohana. Petrol pumps get sparse closer to Chandragiri. A full tank from Berhampur is the safest bet.
Planning a Road Trip in India?
Stop guessing! Calculate your exact fuel cost for Petrol, Diesel, CNG, or EV trips instantly.
🚗 Calculate Fuel Cost NowBest Time to Visit & Timings
Planning your visit right makes a big difference here.
Opening Timings
Khasada Waterfall is open every day 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Arrive before 9:00 AM for the best experience. The light is soft, the crowd is thin, and the water looks its clearest.
Best Season to Visit
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
| Best | October – March | Cool weather, safe bathing, perfect picnics |
| Dramatic | July – September | Heavy water flow, lush green forest |
| Avoid | April – June | Harsh heat, reduced water flow |
Season-wise Breakdown
October to March Top Pick
- Pleasant temperatures
- Crystal-clear pools ideal for bathing
- Best for families, bikers, and group picnics
July to September Monsoon Magic
- Waterfall is at full force
- Forest turns deep green
- Warning: Rocks near the base get extremely slippery avoid bathing during peak monsoon
Quick Planning Checklist
- Reach before 9:00 AM
- Leave before 5:00 PM for safe return drive
- Avoid monsoon bathing if travelling with children
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
The 1-Day Master Itinerary: Monastery to Waterfall
Two incredible stops. One seamless day. Here is exactly how to do it.
9:00 AM Padmasambhava Mahavihara (Jirang Monastery)
Start your morning at Padmasambhava Mahavihara, the iconic Tibetan Buddhist monastery that put Jirang on the map.
- Walk through the monastery grounds slowly
- The architecture is striking colourful, detailed, and unlike anything else in Odisha
- Morning light makes it ideal for photographs
- Spend 60 to 90 minutes here comfortably
The atmosphere is calm and meditative. Do not rush it.
11:00 AM Drive to Khasada Waterfall
The waterfall is just 4 to 6 km from the monastery. A 10 to 15-minute drive through forest roads.
Park safely near the entry point and follow the trail to the waterfall.
11:15 AM – 1:30 PM Waterfall Time
- Take a dip in the crystal-clear pools
- Explore the rocks and forest around the waterfall
- This is your longest stop enjoy it fully
1:30 PM Lunch Break
There are small, simple roadside eateries near Chandragiri and along the Mohana route.
Expect simple Odia meals dal, rice, sabzi, and omelettes. Nothing fancy. Completely satisfying after a morning outdoors.
- Carry packed snacks and water as backup
- Hot tea is almost always available roadside
3:00 PM Head Back
Start your return journey by 3:00 PM.
- Berhampur travellers reach home comfortably before sunset
- Bhubaneswar travellers can plan an overnight stay at Tibetan Bungalow, Chandragiri
This itinerary works because it is tight, realistic, and leaves no time wasted.
Essential Safety Tips & Facilities
Khasada Waterfall is raw nature. It is beautiful because of that but it also means you come prepared or you regret it.
What Facilities Exist?
Do not expect tourist infrastructure here.
- Basic roadside eateries available near Chandragiri
- Simple changing areas reported near the site
- No medical kiosk or lifeguard on duty
- No ATM nearby carry cash
The waterfall is largely untouched. That is its charm and its challenge.
Your Pre-Visit Checklist
Carry these no exceptions:
- Minimum 2 litres of water per person
- Packed snacks and a light meal
- Anti-slip footwear rocks near the pool are wet and mossy
- First aid kit (basic)
- Fully charged phone with offline maps downloaded
- Extra cash card payments unlikely
Monsoon Safety Warning
This is serious.
- Water currents become dangerously strong during July–September
- Rocks near the base get extremely slippery after rainfall
- Do not enter the water during or after heavy rain
- Keep children away from the edge at all times
Respect the water. It changes quickly.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Khasada Waterfall is the highlight but the region around it rewards exploration.
Padmasambhava Mahavihara (Jirang Monastery)
Just 4 to 6 km from the waterfall. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the most recognisable landmark in the area. Colourful prayer flags, stunning architecture, and a deeply peaceful atmosphere. Already covered in your itinerary but worth a longer visit if time allows.
Taptapani Hot Springs
Located approximately 70 km from the waterfall area. Taptapani is one of Odisha’s most famous natural hot springs. The warm sulphur water is believed to have medicinal value. A perfect add-on if you are making this a 2-day trip
Pack Your Bags
Gajapati District does not appear on most travel lists. That is exactly why you should go.
Khasada Waterfall is real, accessible, and genuinely worth the drive. Plan your trip between October and March, start early, and carry your own supplies.
Odisha’s best-kept secret is waiting.
Conclusion
Khasada Waterfall is not on every travel map yet. That is going to change.
Crystal-clear water, dense Eastern Ghats forest, safe bathing pools, and a Tibetan monastery just 5 km away very few day trips in Odisha offer this combination.
Whether you are driving from Berhampur or planning a longer trip from Bhubaneswar, this is one destination that delivers exactly what it promises. No over-hyped expectations. No disappointment.
Just nature, silence, and a waterfall that earns its reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the real name of Jirang Waterfall?
The official name is Khasada Waterfall. It is called Jirang Waterfall because it sits 4 to 6 km from Jirang Monastery (Padmasambhava Mahavihara).
Q2. Is Jirang Waterfall safe for bathing?
Yes. The natural pools at the base are calm and crystal clear. Safe for families and children except during monsoon season when currents become strong.
Q3. What are the timings for Khasada Waterfall?
Open every day 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Arriving before 9:00 AM is recommended.
Q4. How far is Jirang Waterfall from Berhampur?
Approximately 90 to 100 km. Around 2.5 to 3 hours by road.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Khasada Waterfall?
October to March is ideal cool weather, clear water, perfect for picnics and bathing. Monsoon visits are scenic but risky for swimming.
Q6. Where can I stay near Jirang Waterfall?
Tibetan Bungalow in Chandragiri is a verified budget-friendly stay option close to the waterfall and monastery.
Q7. Is there any entry fee for Khasada Waterfall?
No entry fee has been reported. It remains a free, natural attraction.
