Hot spring is a natural spring producing warm water, usually at a temperature above that of the human body and waterfalls are springs, but rather than gushing up and flowing down they descend abruptly down the steep crags offering strange and exhilarating beauty to the onlookers. Some of the important waterfalls and hot springs in Orissa are

Situated about 42 km from Bhubaneswar, Atri is best known for its hot sulphur springs and the famous Shrine Lord Hatakeswar temple. The waters of the spring remain at a constant 55 degrees-Centigrade (131 degrees F) and are believed to have medicinal properties. Tourists can enjoy steam bath in the Bathing Complex, located close to the spring. The winding highway leading to Atri is lined with neem (margosa), banyan, and peepul trees, and passes through scenic rural countryside making even the drive here a delightful experience.

The Badaghagra falls (about 60 metres) situated around 10 km from Keonjhar is amongst the most popular picnic sites in the region. One look at the beauty and serenity of the place is enough to understand why visitors make a beeline for it.

These picturesque falls (Barehipani - 399 metres and Joranda - 150 metres) situated in the core area of Simlipal National Park are perfectly complementary to their surroundings and are a beautiful bonus to the visitors of the sanctuary.

90 km from Angul, near Athamalik, are the famed hot springs of Deulajhari. The hot spring seems to flow from the bottom of a Shiva Linga, and is channelised to 36 ponds on the outskirts of the Shiva temple. Believed to contain medicinal properties, a bath in the spring has religious importance too.

Known as Matsya Tirtha, Duduma is famous for its waterfall (157.5 metres), as well as for the Machhakund Hydro-Electric Project.

On the southern slope of the Gandhamardan hills, around 81 km from Balangir, stands Harishankar, a place of pilgrimage, famous for its uncommon scenic charms and the presence of Hari and Shankar, the dual deities of the Vaishnav and Shaivite sects of Hinduism. A perennial stream gushes forth onto its granite bed to form cascades at different stages, the last fall providing a natural water slide to bathers! As a cool resort in the lap of nature, Harishankar is a panacea for the heat in the summer.

Close to the town of Rayagada Hathipathar hill.

One of the prettiest districts on the tourist circuit is the Sundargarh region. Located amidst its lush forests is Orissa's most famous waterfall, the Khandadhar fall (about 244 metres). The beauty of this place makes it a site not to be missed.

Approximately 110 kms from Rourkela Mirig khoj is a beautiful waterfall of Orissa.

The sacred hills of Gandhamardan in the distirct of Bargarh enshrines the temples of Nrusimhanath. A murmuring rivulet engirdles the shrine forming a series of waterfalls at different stages – Bhimadhar, Gadadhar, Guptadhar, Pitrudhar, Kipiladhar and Chaldhar.

Nearly 15 kms. from Bhawanipatna, Phurli jharan, a perennial waterfall (16 mtrs.), has a special charm of its own. The multi coloured rainbows created by the sunrays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall is an amusing site.

The Pradhanpat hill, with its picturesque waterfall, attractively situated with the background of wooded hills on the outskirts of Deogarh, 96 kms. From Sambalpur offers a rare scenic beauty.

Putudi falls is situated near Phulbani on the river of Badasaluki.

The Sanaghagra falls (about 30 metres) situated around 5 km from Keonjhar is one of the most popular picnic sites in the region. One look at the beauty and serenity of the place is enough to understand why visitors make a beeline for this place.

The bubbling hot spring of Taptapani lies deep in the forests and high on a hill around 50 km from Berhampur. The waters, believed to have medicinal properties, are also piped directly into the bathrooms of the Pantha Niwas (tourist bungalow). The beauty of the rolling tribal inhabited hills is an added bonus.

In the Nayagarh district, Tarabalo is famous for a cluster of hot springs dotted over an area of 8 acres. Located 75 km from Bhubaneswar, it makes a delightful spot for outings and picnics.