Odyssey in Odisha: Deomali Peak & Duduma Waterfalls

Destination: Deomali Peak & Duduma Waterfalls, Near Koraput, South Odisha

Date(s): Saturday (Feb 27) to Sunday (Feb 28)

Event Type: 2-day weekend Trek

Difficulty level: Easy

Focal Point: Visakhapatnam

Deomali Peak

Deomali Peak, with an elevation of about 1,672 m (5486 ft), is the highest peak in the state of Odisha. Deomali is dotted with brooks and deep valleys and inhabited by tribes such Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumia, Malis, and Bhotias. It is not only a marvel for the tourists but also to the adventurous sports lovers for hang gliding and trekking. In recent days, the Odisha tourism department is taking some steps to popularize this peak amongst the travelers as a hot tourist spot by connecting with proper roads, amenities like drinking water points, and watchtowers for a perfect view of the arena. During the monsoon, many waterfalls are found while heading to the top of the hill.

Duduma Waterfalls

Duduma is a waterfall in the Badigada village of Koraput district claimed to be one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. This waterfall finds its origin in the River Machkund and its water is the backbone of the Machkund Hydro Electric Power Project. Considered to be one of the best tourist spots in Odisha where people can sit back and relax. The deep green forests help to soothe the soul of travelers while the towering mountains add more points to the overall appeal of this destination. Duduma has two sub waterfalls, one drops down in Andhra Pradesh and the other in Odisha. It’s quite surprising to know that “the bondas” which is an important tribe live close to this enigmatic fall.

Rani Duduma Waterfalls (on the way to Duduma)

Bird-eye view:

Day 1: Short hike around Deomali peak and surrounding mountains; camp under the star-studded sky

Day 2: Visit Duduma waterfalls

Detailed Itinerary: [Things may vary a little at later stages]

Feb 26 (Friday)

06:25 PM Train from Kacheguda

(Timings vary if your source is not Hyderabad)

Feb 27 (Saturday)

07:00 AM Reach Visakhapatnam and freshen up

08:00 AM Breakfast & start to Deomali in the booked vehicle

02:00 PM Lunch & start the trek to Deomali

05:00 PM Reach the summit and enjoy the sunset

08:00 PM Pitch the tents and camp for the night

Feb 28 (Sunday)

04:30 AM Wakeup call

05:15 AM Start to Duduma waterfalls

09:00 AM Reach Duduma & enjoy the waterfalls

12:30 PM Start to Vishakhapatnam

08:00 PM Catch return train to home

Mar 01 (Monday)

07:40 AM Reach Secunderabad

Event guidelines:

1. Focal point of this event is Visakhapatnam city. Above itinerary is designed for participants starting from Hyderabad. If you are planning to join from other locations, contact the event POC to help with the right itinerary
2. This is not a luxury trip however, we take utmost care to make your trip comfortable
3. Please understand India is still a developing country. Therefore, rural areas may be oblivious to corporate standards
4. Train travel is worked out for sleeper class. If you are not comfortable with the class or the mode of transport, you can reach out to the event POC for the availability of alternate options
5. Accommodation will be facilitated through camping tents (twin sharing)
6. Smoking, boozing, littering, and polluting water bodies are not permissible
7. Event organizer will carry a first aid kit that caters to the essentials. If you are susceptible to something, reach out to the organizers earlier before the event for managing things better.
8. Everyone including the organizers will be tested for Covid-19 symptoms regularly during the course of the event for the larger good of the community
9. We strongly urge you to notify the organizers immediately if you are unwell anytime between slot confirmation and the end of the event.
10. We have carefully crafted safety protocols for the events adhering to the guidelines of MoHFW. Everybody is expected to follow them religiously.
11. Event organizing team reserves the right to alter the course of an event in the interest of safety.

Event POC(s): Sandeep (80939 33441), Manogjna (81426 69551)

Things to carry:

• Face mask
• Hand & surface sanitizer
• A rucksack/haversack to put all your stuff and hang on your back
• Sleeping bag / Sleeping mat / Blankets
• Water bottles — 2 liters
• Sport/trekking shoes with good grip and 2 pair of socks
• Torch/headlamp with spare batteries
• Photo identity (Govt. Issued)
• Garbage bags to carry the trash you create
• Track pants and T-shirts are recommended (We suggest avoiding jeans)

Optional:

• Wind/Cold Cheaters (As it may be cold)
• Refreshments/energy bars (to make new friends)
• Personal medicines
• Sun hat
• Mosquito cream
• Camera (to make others jealous of what they missed)
• Slippers

Expenses: INR 2850/-

Cost includes:

• All mode of transport starting from Hyderabad railway station and ending at the same (Cost varies if you are joining from other locations)
• Accommodation in tents (twin sharing)
• Guidance & expertise
• Organizer reimbursement & PPE
• Community maintenance expenses

Anything that is not accounted for is an additional expense. In case the expenses overshoot the estimate (usually it won’t), then the cost incurred will be shared equally. For e.g. if there is a need to stay in rented accommodation due to bad weather, civil unrest, etc., the additional expenses would be shared accordingly. Food is not included in the estimate as it’s outsourced en route as per individual preferences.

Cancellation:

• Before 1 month, 10% cancellation charges.
• 1 month — 1 week, 22% cancellation charges.
• 1 week — 3 days, 50% cancellation charges.
• Less than 72 hours, no refund.

Transfer of slot is possible if a replacement is identified by the participant. However, this option is subject to many factors, and feasibility cannot be guaranteed. Check with the organizers when such situations arise. Transfer of slots is not permissible in the last 5 days.

Cancellation due to Covid-19 infection will be treated based on the given situation.

How to join?

• Submit the registration form with duly filled details
• Post-registration, you will be contacted by the event management team through your registered email for the payment process
• After payment acknowledgment, your slot will be reserved and the logistics are arranged
• Heads up and other instructions regarding the event are shared over email building up to the event
• For any specific query related to the event, drop a note to the event POC. For any general queries, please write to cognoventure@gmail.com.