Gupteswar Cave Temple

Tucked amid lush sal forests near the Kolab River, the Gupteswar Cave Temple is a revered shrine of Lord Shiva, where nature and spirituality come together in a striking setting. Visitors first climb a short flight of steps and then descend into a natural limestone cave, shaded by champak trees it’s cool, dimly lit interiors echoing with chants and shaped by ancient rock formations.

At the heart of the cave stands a towering 2-metre Shivling, believed to have been first discovered by Lord Rama and later rediscovered in the 17th century by a hunter, who informed Maharajah Veer Vikram Dev of Jeypore. The king established rituals that continue to this day. Water droplets falling naturally from the cave ceiling onto the lingam creates a mystical aura.

A major draw during Shravan and Shivaratri, Gupteswar attracts devotees from Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Beyond its spiritual appeal, the surrounding forests also make it a rewarding birding destination, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and seekers alike.