The Forgotten Kingdoms

Uncover centuries of royal legacy, spiritual mythology, and pristine nature on The Forgotten Kingdoms trail, an evocative full-day pilgrimage beginning at the regal Belgadia Palace in Baripada. Setting out across picturesque eastern landscapes, travelers transition smoothly into eco-friendly electric forest rickshaws for a tranquil journey through lush Similipal buffer zones to the Devkund Waterfall Gate. From here, visitors ascend 175 historic stone steps surrounded by dense woodland hills to reach the venerated Maa Ambika Temple, perched serenely above the sacred Devkund waterfall basin. Travelers can immerse themselves in the peaceful sanctity of the holy reservoir, where sparkling cascades tumble into turquoise natural pools venerated by generations of pilgrims. The afternoon continues southward through rural hamlets to Debala village, home to the striking geological formations of Samibrukhya Hills. Standing before the iconic balanced rock, guests listen to stirring local folklore narrating how the exiled Pandava brothers concealed their celestial weapons within this natural fortress during the epic Mahabharata era. Concluding with a scenic countryside return drive to Belgadia Palace, this deeply enriching itinerary seamlessly weaves together Odisha’s sacred architecture, living epic folklore, and breathtaking sanctuary environments into one unforgettable historic expedition.