Discover the Wonders of Nature

Maya Nature Park, Mayapuri – A Sacred Ecological Oasis in Gurjimunda, Kesinga, Kalahandi

Nestled amid the tranquil hills of Gurjimunda village in the Kesinga block of Kalahandi district, Odisha, Maya Nature Park, Mayapuri is a unique blend of spirituality, ecology, and cultural heritage. Located adjacent to the sacred Jogamaya Shakti Pitha, this verdant expanse is not just a park but a living philosophy, where nature is worshipped, preserved, and celebrated.

🌳 A Green Paradise with Purpose

Maya Nature Park was envisioned as more than just a recreational spot. It is a living classroom,  a spiritual retreat, and a cultural museum of Kalahandi’s ancient values. The park has gradually grown into a sanctuary where biodiversity, tradition, and sacredness co-exist.

  • A Pilgrim's Retreat and Environmental Classroom

Maya Nature Park surrounds the ancient Jogamaya Shakti Pitha, a revered site believed to have manifested naturally with a self-rising Shiva Linga inside the mystical Dev Gumpha (Sacred Cave). Pilgrims, researchers, and spiritual seekers come here not only for darshan but to immerse themselves in the divine silence and natural grandeur of the hills.

With peacocks dancing freely, medicinal herbs scenting the air, and the distant echo of bells from the temple, the park offers a truly immersive experience.

  • Accessibility

The park is located near Kesinga, which is well connected by rail and road. The nearest town is Bhawanipatna, around 12 km away. Local guides and caretakers are available to assist visitors and explain the unique features of each zone within the park.

🌺 Conclusion

Maya Nature Park, Mayapuri is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a vision of sustainable living rooted in ancient wisdom. It is a sacred space where earth meets heaven, past meets future, and nature meets culture. Whether you're a pilgrim, student, ecologist, or a curious traveler, Maya Nature Park welcomes you with open arms and healing green shade.

Botanical Garden: A Walk Through Biodiversity

Experience flora with an interactive QR code system for education.

At the heart of Maya Nature Park lies a well-curated Botanical Garden, showcasing a wide range of medicinal plants, endemic species, and native flora of the Eastern Ghats. Informative placards describe the ecological and medicinal significance of each plant, helping visitors learn about Odisha’s green heritage. The garden serves both as a conservation effort and a knowledge hub for students and nature lovers.

Ashok Vatika: Echoes of Ramayan

The Ashok Vatika, inspired by the sacred grove from the Ramayana, is a spiritually themed plantation featuring the revered Ashoka trees. Symbolizing strength, devotion, and serenity, this grove invites quiet contemplation. It serves as a reminder of the feminine divine and resilience, aptly placed near the Jogamaya temple.

green palm tree during daytime
green palm tree during daytime
Seed Bank: Guardians of the Future

In the spirit of ecological resilience and food security, the park houses a Seed Bank that preserves indigenous seeds of paddy, millet, pulses, vegetables, and native plants. The seed bank promotes the conservation of heirloom varieties and encourages local farmers to practice traditional and organic agriculture. It is a silent revolution nurturing biodiversity and self-reliance.

🧒 Children's Park: Nature Play Zone

To help children reconnect with nature in a fun and safe way, the park features a dedicated Children’s Park.

✔ Eco-friendly play equipment

✔ Open green lawns for running and games

✔ Shade trees and benches for parents

✔ Plant education zones for kids to learn interactively

This section fosters curiosity and eco-sensitivity in the younger generation.

white metal framed glass building
white metal framed glass building

“Ama Gaon” (Our Village) is a captivating installation within the park that recreates the essence of a traditional Odia village. From mud huts, thatched roofs, and chulhas to hand-operated waterwells and tribal murals, every element here reflects the wisdom and simplicity of rural life. It is a tribute to our ancestors and an immersive experience for children and urban visitors to understand Odisha’s cultural soul.

Ama Gaon: Living Heritage of Rural Odisha
🌞 Nabagraha Vatika: Cosmic Balance on Earth

Representing the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology, the Nabagraha Vatika is a cosmic garden where each planet is symbolised by a sacred tree planted in its respective direction. People come here not only to enjoy its aesthetic layout but also to seek planetary blessings and spiritual equilibrium. It’s a subtle fusion of astronomy, spirituality, and botany.

📍 Location and Accessibility

Jogamaya Shaktipeeth is well-connected to nearby towns and essential services:

🚉 Nearest Railway Station: Kesinga – 14 km

🏛️ Block Office, Kesinga: 14 km

🚨 Kesinga Police Station: 14 km

🛣️ National Highway 26 (NH-26): 6 km

✈️ Utkela Airstrip: 9 km

🚓 Utkela Police Outpost: 8 km

🏥 Nearest Hospital: 8 km

⛽ Nearest Fuel Station: 6 km

🏢 District Headquarters (Bhawanipatna): 35 km