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  • 01Hirakud Dam

    The Hirakud Dam is a tourist destination that inspires awe in many. Built across the majestic Mahanadi river, the dam is a sight to behold. Located at a short distance of 15 km from Sambalpur, a day trip accommodates visiting the dam.

    Built in circa 1957, the dam has remained a treasured spot through history as it has the distinction of being the longest dam built by man in the world. Spanning 26 km, the dam seems almost endless.

    The artificial lake created through the construction of the dam creates a serene picture that soothes city weary eyes. The observation towers, Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar on either side of the lake provide panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding lush landscape.

    The agricultural farms, the livestock and fishermen bring a calm unhurried pace to the area. The best season to visit the dam is during the monsoons when the water reservoir if full.

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  • 02Vikramkhol

    Vikramkhol is a rock shelter or cave dating back to the Mesolithic period (between 3000 and 4000 BC). The caves have some form of inscriptions or art engraved into the walls of the cave.

    Located 81 km outside of Sambalpur, the caves and the infamous inscriptions first came to light through the efforts of a historian K. P. Jaiswal. He was lead to the caves by a monk circa 1933 and the findings were published in an archaeological journal in 1935.

    Since then researchers have thronged Vikramkhol, but have so far been unable to decipher the inscriptions on the walls. The rock shelter is believed to be 37 m long and nearly 8 m high.

    The caves are located within the forest area. Paved roads and communication have not been established in an attempt to preserve the area. A visit to Vikramkhol is a sure ticket to time travel, thousands of years into the distant past of humanity.

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  • 03Leaning Temple Of Huma

    The Leaning Temple of Huma has the distinction of being the lone leaning temple in the world. Around 23 km south of Sambalpur, sits the quaint village of Huma on the banks of the Mahanadi river that houses the Leaning Temple. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

    The construction of the temple is owed to the legend of one milkman. This legendary milkman crossed the Mahanadi river every day. After the trip, the milkman offered prayers to Lord Shiva and then offered some milk which was then consumed by the rock.

    Word spread soon enough and the Ganga Vamsi Emperor Anangabhima Deva – III initiated the construction of the temple.

    The temple was renovated under the aegis of numerous rulers. The reason for the inclination of the temple, however, remains a mystery. The temple complex has three separate temples that have each tilted in different directions. Miracle or not, the temple is definitely worth a visit. 

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  • 04Samaleswari Temple

    Samaleswari Temple is a historically and culturally important temple built in circa 16th century. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shree Shree Samaleswari. The Goddess is worshipped and called affectionately as “Maa” by her followers. The Goddess is worshipped with fervour not only in Sambalpur but also across Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

    The idol of Maa Samaleswari is an inverted block of granite that has a trunk-like formation at the bottom. The stone was not sculpted by human hands and is believed to be found as it stands today. Gold ornaments adorn the Goddess’ face and body.

    The festivals of Navaratra and Nuakhai are celebrated with great pomp. The best time to visit the temple is during the festivals when the whole area is decked up in splendour. During the Nuakhai Festival, local martial arts experts put on a show of skills for the devotees to witness.

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  • 05Chipilima Hydro Electric Project

    Chipilima Hydro Electric Project

    The Chipilima Hydro Electric Project is a power generation plant that harnesses the hydro-electric power of the Mahanadi river. Located around 32 km outside of Sambalpur, the Chipilima Hydro Electric Project provides a serene getaway from the noise and pollution of the city.

    The project harnesses the power of a natural waterfall. With the water falling from a height of nearly 25 m, the surrounding area makes for a picture perfect picnic area.

    The best way to experience Chipilima Hydro Electric Project and its surrounding area is to take a day trip. The waterfall is a microcosm of the awe-inspiring power of the Mahanadi river.

    The vistas the one can see near the waterfalls stand testimony to the natural beauty of the area. Panoramic views and several photos later, tourists may also proceed to see the famous Ghanteswari Temple located close by. 

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  • 06Ghanteswari Temple

    Ghanteswari Temple

    The Ghanteswari Temple has played a historically significant role quite distinct from the religious role assigned to a temple. The temple owes its name to the number of bells that hang in the temple premises. Rows of tiny bells that jingle at the slightest touch form the barricades on either side of the entrance to the temple.

    The steps leading to the temple are framed by bells all around. A gateway has thousands of bells hung in place by devotees. Within the inner sanctum, bells adorn every possible surface. Bunches of bells adorn the doorway to the inner sanctum sanctorum.

    The extravagant number of bells is owed to the fact that devotees who have had their wishes and requests fulfilled by the Goddess, hang a bell in the premises. The bells in the temple helped navigate boats in unruly weather conditions when the shore was not clearly visible. It served the purpose of a lighthouse.

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  • 07Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

    The Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has the distinction of having a high density of wild animals within wildlife sanctuaries in India. The flora and fauna in the sanctuary have flourished since the construction of the Hirakud Dam. The close proximity of the dam has ensured a near consistent water supply, contributing to the number of wild animals.

    Apart from the wild animals that call the sanctuary home, a large number of migratory birds visit the sanctuary during the cold winter months. A large number of diving ducks migrate as the reservoir water is nearly stagnant. The great crested grebe and the red crested pochard are other migratory birds that contribute to the diversity of the sanctuary.

    The six eco-tourism cottages within the sanctuary offer a chance to call nature your own backyard, even if only for a few days. Stay in the cottages requires a fee apart from the regular tariff and permission from the Divisional Forest Officer’s office in Sambalpur.

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  • 08Cattle Island

    Cattle Island

    Cattle Island is a submerged hill in the Hirakud reservoir. The island was a developed village prior to the construction of the Hirakud Dam. Once the dam reached completion, the villagers living in the surrounding area were asked to evacuate. The villagers when relocating left a few domesticated cattle behind which were a part of the livestock they owned.

    The cattle over time bred and created a wild species of cattle for which humans are the alien species. Nearly all the cattle are white or cream coloured, lending an ethereal quality to the entire island.

    The cattle, being wild, are significantly larger and more ferocious than their domestic counterparts. They are believed to be blindly fast and protective of their land. Attempts made by man to capture these wild beasts have been in vain so far. Visit the island to see the remnants of a village recaptured and fiercely protected by nature.

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  • 09Ushakothi

    Ushakothi

    Ushakothi is a wildlife sanctuary that took birth in 1962. With a secure forest area of nearly 300 sq km, it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Like the Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Ushakothi sanctuary also has access to the Mahanadi river, thanks to the Hirakud Dam.

    The dam lies to the west of the sanctuary. The forest is of the dry deciduous variety with a jumble of tress like sandalwood, neem, acacia, casuarinas, sal and arjun. With nearly 35 elephants and 15 tigers, the sanctuary has been well-protected from poachers. Besides the tigers and elephants, the sanctuary boasts of harbouring leopards, bison and sambar.

    Wildlife enthusiasts are bound to get once in a lifetime captures with a water source so close at hand. There is only one cottage with two rooms within the premises of the sanctuary and the permission of the Divisional Forest Officer in Sambalpur is required to stay overnight. 

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  • 10Kandhara

    Kandhara

    Kandhara is a place of religious significance for the followers of the late saint poet Bhima Bhoi. Located 78 km away from Sambalpur, Kandhara is the quaint untainted village untouched by the commercialized tourism. The birthplace of Saint Bhima Bhoi, the village offers tranquility and a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced world.

    Saint Bhima Bhoi was the soul of the religious faith called Alekha Dharma or Mahima Dharma. As a poet Bhima Bhoi lent his voice to nearly one million people stuck in the island that was Odisha in 1866. The overflowing rivers that surround Odisha in a state of flooding cut off food and first aid relief efforts to Odisha.

    As a poet Bhima Bhoi (born blind) turned the anguish that he felt into poetry that wrenches the heart out of the reader. Visit the village to escape the tourist crowd and experience Odisha as it was meant to be.

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  • 11Hatibari

    Hatibari

    Hatibari, located 24 km south of Sambalpur is a destination that is off the beaten track. The claim to fame for Hatibari is a leprosy home established by Padmashree Dr. Isaac Santra. Dr. Isaac Santra was a humble person through all the fame.

    Born in 1892, Dr. Isaac Santra was a native of Sambalpur. Born a Christian, he was pushed to join a missionary located in Balangir by his family. His calling was, however, down different avenues. Having received a degree as a doctor from Cuttack, Dr. Isaac Santra chose to dedicate the rest of his life to eradicate leprosy.

    Leprosy at the time was a disease that was shunned and pushed to the farthest corners of society. This probably explains the location of his leprosy home in Hatibari. The village is surrounded by dense forests. Hatibari today remains a quiet village surrounded by the lush warmth of nature.

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  • 12Mahanadi River

    Mahanadi River

    The Mahanadi river literally translates as a “great river”. With a total course of over 858 km, the river truly is great. The States of Chhattisgarh and Odisha owe a large portion of their existence and livelihood to the Mahanadi river and the silt deposits from the river.

    The entire river is not open to boating due to the construction of numerous dams as this construction has rendered the river non-navigable for the large part. The river is largely seasonal. Apart from the monsoon season, the river is largely a wide stream with wider sand banks on either side.

    The lush green landscape spurred by the fertile river creates a serene atmosphere that has to be experienced. The river is best experienced during the monsoons when the river is as powerful as the Ganges. The photo session that the scenery lends itself to is the canvas that photographers dream of. 

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