Koraput Town, Odisha, is nicknamed both the “Switzerland of Odisha” and the “Aero Engine Capital of India,” two titles that don’t usually go together. The first comes from its cool, green hills in the Eastern Ghats, about 890 metres above sea level. The second comes from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s engine division at nearby Sunabeda.
Koraput is also home to Sabara Srikhetra, described as the second most important Jagannath temple after Puri, and it’s connected to the coast by one of India’s most scenic railway lines. Here’s where Koraput is, how to get there, and what’s nearby.
Koraput at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Role | Headquarters of Koraput district |
| Nicknames | Switzerland of Odisha, Emerald Highlands of Odisha, Aero Engine Capital of India |
| Elevation | About 890 m |
| Civic body | Koraput Municipality |
| PIN codes | 764020, 764021, 764022 |
| Vehicle registration | OD-10 |
| District area | 8,807 sq km |
| District population (2011) | 13,79,647 |
| Railway | Koraput station, on the KK (Kottavalasa–Kirandul) line |
| Nearest airport | Jeypore (about 22–24 km away) |
Wikipedia lists Koraput town’s population as 1,56,716 for 2022 over an area of about 105 sq km. That figure seems very high for the town itself and likely includes a wider area.
Sabara Srikhetra
Koraput’s best-known landmark is its Jagannath temple:
- Built:
- Status: Described as the second most important temple to Lord Jagannath, after Puri.
- Design: Modelled on the Puri temple and built on a small hilltop.
- Philosophy: It promotes “Jagannath consciousness,” a message of tolerance and universal brotherhood, and is closely linked with the traditions of local tribal communities.
- Name: “Sabara” refers to the region’s tribal heritage, connecting the temple with the tribal roots of Jagannath worship.
A Land of Tribal Cultures
Koraput district is home to many indigenous communities. Alongside Odia, languages spoken include Kui, Kuvi, Desia, Bodo Parja and Gutob. The district’s literacy rate was 49.21% in 2011, one of the lowest in Odisha, a reminder of how remote much of the region still is.
Getting to Koraput Town, Odisha
By Rail: The KK Line
- Route: Koraput is on the Kottavalasa–Kirandul (KK) line, which runs through the Araku Valley.
- From Visakhapatnam: A passenger train through the Araku Valley is one of India’s most scenic train journeys, with tunnels, bridges and hill views.
- From Bhubaneswar: The overnight Hirakhand Express and a Bhubaneswar–Koraput special train connect the two cities.
- Other connections: Damanjodi, on the Koraput–Rayagada line, links the region with Rayagada, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Howrah and Jagdalpur.
By Road
- Jeypore: About 22–24 km on the national highway.
- Rayagada: About 101 km.
- Buses: Frequent buses run on the Visakhapatnam–Jeypore–Jagdalpur route, and overnight buses connect Koraput with Bhubaneswar.
By Air
- Jeypore Airport (PYB): The nearest airport. Its first scheduled flight, from Bhubaneswar, took off in October 2022.
- Traffic: The airport handled 13,819 passengers in 2025–26, up 12.3%.
- Runway: 1,200 metres, suitable only for small aircraft.
- Bigger airports: Visakhapatnam, about 5 hours by road, and Raipur, about 7 hours.
Nearby Areas and Places to Visit
Deomali
Deomali is one of Odisha’s highest peaks. It’s about 52 km from Koraput by road. For sunrise views, stay the night before at the foothills, about 6 km from the top.
Jeypore
About 22–24 km away, Jeypore is the district’s biggest town and home to the airport. It’s the main base for exploring southern Koraput.
Sunabeda
Home to HAL’s engine division, the source of Koraput’s “Aero Engine Capital” nickname.
Putsil
About 14 km from Deomali, Putsil is another plateau-topped hill, with tented eco-retreat accommodation run by Odisha Tourism in winter.
Gupteswar Cave Temple
A Shiva shrine in a limestone cave on the Sabari River, near the Odisha–Chhattisgarh border. It draws large crowds during Mahashivaratri.
Kolab Reservoir and Duduma Waterfalls
The Kolab Reservoir is ideal for scenic stops, and Duduma is one of the region’s most dramatic waterfalls.
When to Visit
- October to February: The best season, with cool, clear weather. Winter temperatures can fall to about 12°C.
- Monsoon: Waterfalls are at their fullest, but heavy rain can affect roads and hill trips.
- Summer: Hot in the lower valleys, though Koraput’s elevation keeps it milder than the coast.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Koraput called the Switzerland of Odisha?
Because of its cool climate, green hills and valleys in the Eastern Ghats, at an elevation of about 890 metres.
Q2. What is Sabara Srikhetra?
A Jagannath temple in Koraput, built in 1972 and described as the second most important Jagannath temple after Puri. It’s linked with local tribal traditions.
Q3. How do I reach Koraput by train?
Take the Hirakhand Express or a special train from Bhubaneswar, or the scenic KK line through the Araku Valley from Visakhapatnam.
Q4. Which airport is nearest to Koraput?
Jeypore Airport, about 22–24 km away, has limited flights. Visakhapatnam, about 5 hours away by road, has far more options.