A limestone cave shrine to Shiva above the Sabari river, reached by about 200 steps through forest. Pilgrims come in Shravan; the rest of the year it is quiet, green and cool.
- From Koraput
- About 80 km, 2.5 h
- Climb
- About 200 steps
- Busy season
- Shravan (July–August)
- River
- Sabari
The cave
The entrance is low and wide; inside, the main chamber holds a large Shiva lingam that local belief says is still growing. Tradition connects the cave to Rama's exile and to its rediscovery under the Jeypore kings. Take a torch if you like detail; the guides carry lamps.
The climb and the river
About 200 steps up through forest, with rest points and small shops. Below, the Sabari river bank is a good place for the group to sit before the drive back. Comfortable shoes matter more than fitness.
When to go
In Shravan, devotees walk to the shrine with decorated bamboo palanquins and the site is crowded; go early or choose another month. From October to February it is calm and the forest is at its greenest after the rains.
Fitting it in
Gupteswar is west of Koraput, past Jeypore, so it pairs with Upper Kolab and Jeypore town on the return rather than with Deomali. It is the natural fourth day in the 4-day plan, or a swap for Duduma in the 3-day plan.
