Malkangiri, Jan, 09: At the beginning of the New Year, Malkangiri district has seen a surge in tourists. The large idol of Lord Mahadev (Shiva) atop Tagorakota hill in Kalimela block and the nearby ancient rock cave at Manyamkonda have become the main attractions for visitors. The gigantic Shiva idol, perched on a high hill in a meditative posture, can be seen from a long distance, blending beautifully with the surrounding natural scenery, drawing tourists to the site.
As part of the district administration’s tourism development plan, the temple construction project and restoration of the ancient stone cave at Palako Kanda hill have reached their final stages. This project, which started earlier under the supervision of Uma Shankar’s team, is now attracting thousands of visitors.
Meanwhile, Manyamkonda and nearby sites like Kanamat Maraju, Balaraj, and Potaraj are known as historic arrival sites of local deities and are celebrated during Malkangiri’s famous Yatra festival. Rich in mythology and natural beauty, these caves attract both locals and outsiders. Over the past two years, the number of tourists visiting these picnic spots has increased significantly.
Many visitors are also coming from Andhra Pradesh. Young people are using the location for pre-wedding photoshoots and social media reels, promoting the site online. Both the Shiva idol and the cave are close to each other, allowing tourists to explore the temples and then enjoy picnics at the nearby waterfalls.
Local residents have noted that with improvements in drinking water, rest areas, marketing, and safety arrangements, this location has the potential to become one of the major tourist destinations in the state.