Barehipani Falls, Location, Formation, Geographical Features, Significance

Barehipani Falls is the highest waterfall in Odisha and is widely regarded as the second-highest waterfall in India by total height, after Kunchikal Falls. It is located within the Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Formed by the Budhabalanga River, the waterfall descends about 399 metres (1,309 feet) in two distinct tiers. 

Barehipani Falls Location

• Barehipani Falls is located in Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
• It lies in the Similipal Hills, which form part of the Eastern Ghats.
• The waterfall can be viewed from designated viewpoints inside the protected area and is accessible through forest safari routes.
• It is located close to Joranda Falls, another prominent waterfall of Similipal.

Barehipani Falls Formation

Barehipani Falls is formed where the Budhabalanga River descends over the steep slopes of the Meghasani (Meghasuni) massif in the Similipal Hills. Flowing across the elevated terrain of the Eastern Ghats, the river encounters a sharp change in elevation and drops in two distinct tiers, forming a tiered waterfall. Over time, continuous river erosion has shaped the valley and cliff face, giving the waterfall its present landform.

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Barehipani Falls Geographical Features

• The Barehipani waterfall has a total height of about 399 metres and descends in two distinct tiers.
• It is classified as a tiered waterfall, where water flows in successive stages rather than as a single uninterrupted plunge.
• The surrounding landscape consists of steep valleys, rocky cliffs and dense tropical forests of the Similipal landscape.
• It represents the erosional action of a river flowing across the elevated terrain of the Eastern Ghats.
• Water discharge reaches its maximum during the Southwest Monsoon (June-September).

Barehipani Falls Ecological Significance

• The Barehipani waterfall lies within the Similipal Tiger Reserve, which is also a National Park and part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
• Similipal is one of India’s important biodiversity hotspots and is known for the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Elephant, and the rare melanistic (black) tiger population.