Hills of Gajapati: Mahendragiri Trek

Trip details

Mahendragiri is one of the tallest peaks in Odisha, rising to about 1,501 m in the Eastern Ghats of Gajapati district. This 2-day trip takes you from Berhampur on the coast to the hill town of Paralakhemundi and up to the summit, where ancient stone temples stand among the clouds. It is the perfect plan for travellers who want cool hill air, forest drives, a short trek, sunrise views and a dose of mythology in one weekend.

Trip at a glance

• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Route: Berhampur → Paralakhemundi → Mahendragiri
• Best time: September to February
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (motorable road most of the way, short walks and steps at the top)
• Ideal for: Nature lovers, photographers, families with older kids and pilgrims

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Berhampur to Paralakhemundi

• Morning: Leave Berhampur after an early breakfast. The drive to Paralakhemundi takes about 3 hours through farmland and small towns of Ganjam and Gajapati.
• Afternoon: Check in at Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters of Gajapati. See the Gajapati Palace from outside and walk through the old town market.
• Evening: Rest early. Confirm your vehicle for the hill drive and buy water, snacks and fruit for the next day, as there are few shops on the mountain.

Day 2: Mahendragiri summit and return

• Early morning: Start before sunrise for the drive up the hill. The road climbs through dense forest, and on clear mornings you can watch clouds drift below the ridges.
• At the top: Visit the old stone temples associated with the Pandavas, including the Kunti, Yudhishthira and Bhima temples, and the Gokarneswar Shiva temple. Take the short walks between them and enjoy the views over the Eastern Ghats.
• Afternoon: Head back down after lunch, so you finish the hill road in daylight. Continue to Berhampur or stay another night in Paralakhemundi if you want a slower trip.

What makes Mahendragiri special

• Mythology: The peak is identified with Mahendra Parvata of the epics, one of the seven great mountains of ancient India. Local belief holds that the sage Parashurama meditated here, and the Pandavas are said to have stayed on the hill during their exile.
• Ancient temples: The stone shrines on the summit are among the highest temples in Odisha and have stood on the hill for centuries.
• Biodiversity: The hills are home to hundreds of species of flowering and medicinal plants, and the area has been proposed as Odisha’s second biosphere reserve.
• Maha Shivaratri: The biggest festival on the hill, when thousands of devotees climb to the temples.

Best time to visit

September to February is ideal. Just after the monsoon the forest is green and the hills are often wrapped in clouds, while winter brings clear skies and cool weather. The summit gets cold in December and January, so carry warm layers. Avoid heavy monsoon days, when the hill road can be slippery. If you want to see the festival, plan around Maha Shivaratri, but expect crowds.

How to reach

• By air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar. Visakhapatnam is another option from the south.
• By rail: Berhampur (Brahmapur) is the main railway station for this trip. Paralakhemundi also has a station with limited trains.
• By road: Buses and taxis connect Berhampur with Paralakhemundi. For the hill itself, hire a local jeep or SUV in Paralakhemundi, as the road is steep and public transport is very limited.

Where to stay

Paralakhemundi has simple hotels and lodges and is the best base for the trip. Facilities on the mountain are very basic, so plan to stay in town and do the summit as a day trip. Book ahead if you travel during Maha Shivaratri.

What to pack

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• A warm jacket or sweater (the top is much cooler than the plains)
• Rain jacket in the monsoon and post-monsoon months
• Drinking water, snacks and a small first-aid kit
• Power bank and offline maps, as mobile signal can be weak

Travel tips

• Start early. Mornings give the best views, and clouds or fog often roll in by afternoon.
• Use an experienced local driver for the hill road and avoid driving down after dark.
• Respect the temples: remove footwear where asked and dress modestly.
• Carry your rubbish back down. Mahendragiri is an ecologically sensitive area.
• Check local road and weather conditions in Paralakhemundi before you go up.

Add more to your trip

With an extra day you can add the Gandahati waterfall near Paralakhemundi or a quiet picnic at Harabhangi Dam near Adava. Read our full Mahendragiri Hill guide and explore more places in the Gajapati district guide.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Mahendragiri?

Mahendragiri rises to about 1,501 m (around 4,925 ft) and is one of the highest peaks in Odisha.

Can I drive to the top of Mahendragiri?

A motorable road goes up the hill, but it is steep and narrow in places. A local jeep or SUV with an experienced driver is the safest option, and some short walks and steps are needed at the top.

How many days are enough for Mahendragiri?

Two days are enough from Berhampur: one day to reach Paralakhemundi and one day for the summit. Add a third day to include nearby waterfalls and dams.

When is the best time to visit Mahendragiri?

September to February, with clear views in winter and green forests after the monsoon. Maha Shivaratri is the busiest time on the hill.

Want help planning this trip? Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, or fill in the “Plan this trip” form on this page, and we will suggest the best route, stay and transport.