Bhubaneswar, Oct. 12: Phurlijharan, the much sought-after tourist-cum-picnic spot near Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi, has again comes into the limelight ahead of the tourist season.

Round the year, more than 20,000 visitors come to this waterfall either to stay for a day or in groups as day picnickers. The tourism department has provided basic infrastructure, but most of the tourists make a day trip as the place is only 19km from the district headquarters town of Kalahandi.

District tourist officer Arati Munda said: “We are having great response from tourists at Phurlijharan because it is perhaps the most affordable and easily-reachable spot. Kesinga is the closest railway station around 45km away. From there, visitors can hire a car for around Rs 500 to reach Phurlijharan.”

Social worker Sudiptee Biswal, who works in Kalahandi, said: “The area around the waterfall has a series of hills with breathtaking views and small villages set in the backdrop of the green forest. The tourism department can make good use of these elements and take measures for better accommodation facilities so that tourists can enjoy their time in the lap of nature.”

Biswal, who visited the waterfall and nearby areas during the Puja holidays this year, said: “Eco-tourism projects have become very popular, but both the forest and tourism departments can develop an interesting projects involving Phurlijharan and other places in Kalahandi.”

Kalahandi, surrounded by Balangir, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Rayagada was part of the ancient Mahakantak region.

Once referred as the Kurunda Mandal, the region was a harvesting ground for precious and semi-precious stones in the past. Important stones like red stone, blue stone and Alexandra are common here as per its geological wealth.

Historians say that the district had witnessed rule of the Gangas for a long period.

The Naga dynasty ruled the Kalahandi from the 10th century onwards. Ruins of ancient forts can be seen in the district and lots of tourists visit the Amathguda fort ruins, which has significant archaeological value.

Apart from a small museum in Kalahandi that preserves the artefacts, Gudahandi hills are another important tourism attraction.

The hills are known for the cave paintings.

Experts say that the name of the district might have been derived from Gudahandi caves, as the name Kalahandi means “pot of arts”.

Budget tourists can also take an overnight bus from Bhubaneswar, reach Bhawanipatna and visit Phurlijharan and other places the following day.