Chiplima Dam is 38 km from Sambalpur and situated on the right side bank of the river Mahanadi. The 80 ft high natural fall on the river Mahanadi has been used as the second Hydroelectric project of Hirakud dam. It is also a religious place for the goddess Ghantalei and the presiding deity of the locality. The multi-purpose Hirakud Dam across the river Mahanadi was constructed for flood control, irrigation and power generation. Chiplima is one of the popular tourist places in Sambalpur.
FAMOUS TOURIST PLACES IN SAMBALPUR DISTRICT
WELCOME TO SAMBALPUR TOURISM
Sambalpur is located 320 km from Bhubaneswar. It is the headquarters of the district and is connected with major towns and cities in India. It is the gateway of the Western Odisha region like Kalahandi Balangiri and Sundargarh. Sambalpur is famous for dye weaving with artistic design. The Handloom producer of Sambalpur is known as Sambalpuri. The entire district is full of mountains dense forests and small waterfalls. It is said that previously it was the place for the production of diamonds. The name of Sambalpur derives its name from its Goddess Samalai or Samlaleswari Goddess. Samaleswari is the famous Sakti Pitha of Odisha. Besides Sambalpur University, V.S.S Medical College and the University College of Engineering at Burla enhanced the dignity of the district.
The District observed many beautiful festivals around the year. Sital Sasthi is observed in June. This festival is the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Nuakhai is the most important social festival of the District. Bhaijiuntia festival is celebrated on the Mahastami Day of Durga Puja. The Puajiuntia festival is observed by mothers to invoke the grace of Lord Dutibahana for the long life and prosperity of their sons. Sambalpur District is famous for Hirakud Dam, Samaleswari temple, Pataneswari Temple, Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gudguda Waterfall, Huma Temple, Ghanteswari Temple, Hirakud Ropeway, Jawahar Minar.
The Sambalpur District covers an area of 6702 sq. Km. As per the 2011 census, the total population of the District is 10,41,099 with a total male population of 5,26,877 and a female population of 5,14,222. The Sambalpur District has 3 subdivisions, 1349 Villages, 138 Gram Panchayats, 09 Tahasils and 09 Blocks, 1 Municipality, 2 N.A.C, 4 Assembly Constituency and 24 Police stations are there in Sambalpur District.
Hirakud Dam is situated 16 km distance from Sambalpur town in the state of Odisha. It is the longest Dam in the world. Behind the Dam extends a lake, Hirakud Reservoir. Hirakud dam is built on the Mahanadi river and is 200 ft in height, and the reservoir spreads 746 sq. Km, which contains the shape of an artificial lake in Asia has a shared line of 640 km. The sight of the dam can be enjoyed from the minarets standing on the top of another side of the Dam called Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar. The place is extremely valued for its scenic beauty attracts people for a weekend picnic. Hirakud Reservoir is one of the most popular tourist places in the Sambalpur District.
Samaleswari Temple is located at a 3 km distance from Sambalpur Town on the bank of the river Mahanadi. Maa Samaleswari is the presiding deity of Sambalpur. It is a strong religious force in the part of western Odisha. The mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. The region in which the temple is situated has a rich cultural heritage. Sambalpur region is popularly known as Hirakhanda from ancient times. Ptolemy has described the place as Sambalak. Samaleswari Mandir is a famous tourist places near Sambalpur
The Pataneswari temple is located at a distance of 5 km from the Sambalpur Bus stand and near the Maa Samaleswari temple. Goddess Kali is worshipped in the temple of Pataneswari and the sister of Samaleswari. In the Pataneswari temple premises, Navagraha, Hanuman, Aranapurna, Bhairavi, Narasimha, Maa Durga, Vaishnavi Devi, Baraha, Maa Kamala and Maa Mangal are worshipped. The temple was built by Balaram Dev, the first Chauhan ruler of Sambalpur, in the last part of the 16th century. Maa Pataneswari Mandir is one of the most popular famous Temples in Sambalpur, Odisha.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is 92 km from Sambalpur. Nestled between the Hirakud Dam and Reservoir makes for a picturesque setting, the sanctuary finds a special mention because of noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for magnificent waterfalls. The sanctuary offers a panoramic view of the Hirakud Dam which surrounds the sanctuary. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist places in the Sambalpur District.
Ushakothi is 48 km to the north of Sambalpur on NH no 6 towards Deogarh. There is a wildlife sanctuary that especially attracts international tourists. Here is the free moment of wild animals like tiger, deer, leopard, Sambar, spotted deer, and elephants etc. Can be seen by the visitors along with its natural sight. The sanctuary comprises parts of Badrama Reserve Forests, Ushakothi. The Sanctuary is located in the western part of the Hirakud Dam and is surrounded by the Moist Sal Forests and bamboo Forest. Ushakothi Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist places in Sambalpur, Odisha. Ushakothi Sanctuary is one of the popular tourist places in Sambalpur.
The Gudguda Waterfall is located at a distance of 96 km from Sambalpur town and 78 km from Jharsuguda. The Place is surrounded by Saal, Pia Sal, Mahul forests and hills. The Falls water is clean, and the water is cold, which makes it a pleasure to bathe. Beautiful natural surroundings and the amazing sound of waterfalls attract tourists to come here. Thousands of visitors flock to the waterfall every year for weekend picnics, family trips and other recreational activities. This Place is also best for Mountain Trekking. Gudguda Waterfall is one of the best tourist places in the Sambalpur District.
Huma temple is located at a distance of 23 km from Sambalpur town and the left side bank of the river Mahanadi. Huma is famous for the leaning shiv temple. Lord Bimaleswar Siva is the presiding deity of this temple. The Shiva temple was built in the reign of Baliar Singh, the fifth Raja of Sambalpur. The playful Kudo fishes are the main attraction of the temple. Huma Shiva Temple is a famous temple in Sambalpur District. Boating is available at the Mahanadi River near the Huma Temple to entertain tourists. Huma Leaning Mandir is a famous temple in Sambalpur.
Ghanteswari Temple is situated on the bank of river Mahanadi near the Chiplima Power plant and is 33 km distance from Sambalpur town. As the name indicates, there are bells (Ghanti) everywhere. People offer bell to Maa after their the fulfilment of their wishes. A large number of pilgrims visit this place every day from across the state. This temple area is thousands of bells hanging all around, the only place of its kind in Odisha. The temple got its name from the goddess Ghanteswari. Maa Ghanteswari Mandir is one of the holy and tourist places in Sambalpur.
The Hirakud Ropeway is located near the Hirakud Dam and 15 km from Sambalpur town. The Hirakud Ropeway provides a connection between Jawaharlal Nehru Garden and Gandhi Minar. There are 12 cabins to travel on the ropeway having the capacity to carry four passengers at a time. The ticket price is Rs. 60/- for a two-way journey. The ropeway is open from 10 AM to 6 PM daily except Monday for visitors. It is a popular tourist destination in Sambalpur. The ropeway is an added advantage for the tourists to get a better view of the Hirakud dam.
Jawahar Minar and Gandhi Minar are located near the Hirakud Dam, and it is a 15 km distance from Sambalpur town. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Inaugurate the Hirakud Dam in 1957, which is located near the Hirakud Dam in the Jawahar Minar named after him. The Gandhi Minar is over 65 feet high, where you can enjoy the spectacular view of the dam. The Hirakud Ropeway provides a connection between Jawaharlal Nehru Garden and Gandhi Minar. Jawahar Park and Gandhi Minar are best for a family picnic near Sambalpur town. Hirakud Dam Minar is one of the most popular tourist places in Sambalpur, Odisha
Cattle Island is located near Kumarbandh village of the Belpahar-Banharpali range. It is about 90 km from Sambalpur and 10 km by waterway from Hirakud Dam. Cattle Island has located in one of the extreme points of Hirakud Reservoir, a natural wonder. The island is inhabited only by wildlife and has no human presence. The island is a submerged hill, and before the construction of Hirakud Dam, it was a developed village. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cattle behind. When the dam construction was over, the cattle settled on the hilltop. Hirakud dam Cattle Island is a tourist attraction places in Sambalpur.
The deer park is located inside the Sambalpur town. This place is also a zoological park in a sprawling area of 35 acres. There is a small park for children’s to play around in the park. There are several species of Deer, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer to see in the park. It has been recognized as a mini zoo in the city of Sambalpur as it has 288 animals and 20 species of birds. Along with Deer, Birds, Peacocks, parrots, Leopard, Bears are other animals that are the main attraction of this place. It is one of the best places to spend weekends in Sambalpur town.
Dadhibaman Temple is situated around 4.5 km from Sambalpur bus stand. Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity of this temple in Dadhibaman Avtar. Ratha Yatra is the main festival of Dadhibaman Temple. Every year thousands of devotees come here to see the Festival. The Place is attracting thousands of visitors and Pilgrimages for its Panoramic Picturesque as this temple. Dadhibaman Temple is a popular temple in Sambalpur town
Budharaja temple is situated on a small hillock inside Sambalpur city. The temple is covered with Forest and in the middle of Budharaja hill. There is a Shiva temple located on the top. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. According to locals, the temple is about 600-700 years old and was built by the king of Sambalpur. The Sital Sasthi is a Major festival in western Odisha, so it is celebrated as the main festival in the temple, which day thousands of devotees come here and observe this festival. It is believed that there is a secret tunnel to the temple from here. Budharaja Mandir is one of the most famous temples in the Sambalpur district.
Gudeswar Shiva Temple is located On the bank of the Mahanadi River near the village of Durgapalli. It is around 7 km distance from Sambalpur town. The shape of this temple looks like Shiva’s Linga. Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. Mahashivratri is the main festival of the temple, which attracts thousands of devotees. There is a Hanuman temple inside the Gudeswar Shiva Temple campus. Gudeswar Shiva Temple is one of the most ancient temples in Odisha.
Raja Veer Surendra Sai Palace is located 2.5 km from Sambalpur town and the bank of river Mahanadi. This place is of great historical importance as it is associated with legendary freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. Once upon a time, it was a centre of the freedom movement in Western Odisha and had seen many historical events. It’s also called Raja Bakhri. The Surendra Sai Palace consists of 30 rooms with a queen palace.
Burla town is located 12 km distance from Sambalpur. The town is named after a neighbouring village. There is a maintenance office of Hirakud dam, medical college, engineering college and Jyoti Vihar Sambalpur University which is very near to this township.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Best time to visit Sambalpur
The best time to visit Sambalpur is winter Season and Between October to March month
Best Places to visit in Sambalpur
Best Places to visit in Sambalpur- Hirakud Dam, Debigarh Wildlife, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gudguda Waterfall, Chipilima Dam, Hirakud Ropeway, Jawahar Minar
Cattle Island, Sakhipara Deer Park
5 Best Waterfalls in Sambalpur
5 Best waterfalls in Sambalpur- Gudguda Waterfall, Deb Jharan Waterfall, Mindmaster waterfall, Kacher Jharan Waterfall
Best Hill Station in Sambalpur
Budharaja Hill & Lakshmi Dungri are the Best Hill Station in Sambalpur
Best Picnic spot in Sambalpur
Best Picnic spot in Sambalpur- Debigarh Wildlife, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gudguda Waterfall, Cattle Island, Budharaja Hill, Harapada green lake, Ramsagar Park, Bhimabhoi Park, Pitapali picnic spot
Famous Temple in Sambalpur
Famous Temple in Sambalpur- Maa Samaleswari temple, Pataneswari Kali Temple, Huma Temple
Ghanteswari Temple, Dadhibaman Temple, Budharaja Temple, Gudeswar Shiva
Sambalpur Famous Food
Sambalpur Famous Foods are Sarsatia, Thethri, Karadi, Gupchup, Chaat, Manda Pitha, Mukudu,
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