G2Rail

Left Dyke of Hirakud Dam Samleswari Temple

Sambalpur is the biggest city in western Odisha (formerly known as Orissa). It is a historically important place, mainly because of the number of freedom fights against the British, Veer Surendra Sai being one of the many who died fighting the British.

It is also well connected by road to major cities around Sambalpur with night buses to and from Bhubaneswar, Bhilai, Rourkela, Raipur, Bargadh, Cuttack, etc.

Sambalpur is on National Highways 6 and 122.

The climate is generally very extreme, temperature rising to about 45°C in summer and descending about as low as 7°C in winter.

It gets heavy rainfall during the rainy season, very important for the region because its non-irrigated areas depend on the monsoon for agriculture.

The best time to visit Sambalpur is August to March.

Budharaja Temple, Located on Budharaja Hill in Sambalpur City.
Ghanteshwari Temple.
Hirakud Dam. Longest earth dam in the world. The reservoir forms an artificial lake with an area of 746 sq.km having a shore line over 640 km. The driveon the 21 km dyke is majestic. One can enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret called Gandhi Minar on the north. Ashok Nivas, a luxury Guest House, is located near the Nehru Minar on the south. Cattle Island is located near one end Hirakud reservoir, It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range and is about 90 km from Sambalpur town by road, but is 10 km by water launch from Hirakud dam. The island was a hillock before construction of Hirakud dam. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls and when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hill-top. With the passage of time the nearby area was filled up with the reservoir water. Being away from mankind, the cattle are wild in nature.
Huma Leaning Temple. Famous for its Shiva temple, Huma contains the lone leaning temple of Odisha.. The river Mahanadi flows close by. Facility for cruising in the river by country boat is available for a nominal price. Maha Shivaratri fair is held in February-March.
Nrusimhanath. The temple of Vidala-Nrusimha stands at the foot of the picturesque Gandhamardan hill believed to be part of the hill which Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the Himalayas for saving the life of Lakshmana. On the other side of this hill is Harisankar temple and a waterfall. Nrusimha Chaturdashi fair is held in May-June.
Pradhanpat Waterfalls. The Pradhanpat hill with its waterfalls offers a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh town which is 96 km from Sambalpur on NH.6.. Two guest houses named Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta were constructed by the former rulers of Bamra. Reservations are made by the Executive Engineer, National Highway Division, Sambalpur.
Samleswari Temple. Erected by Chauhans in the mid-16th century. Samaleswari Temple is dedicated to the goddess known as 'Maa', also known among the natives as samalei maa, meaning Mother Samaleswari. She is the presiding deity of Sambalpur, and is a strong religious force in western part of Orissa and Chhattisgarh state of India. Situated on the bank of the river Mahanadi the mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati.

Sambalpur is well-known for its forest reserve. There are many conserved forests.

Debrigadh Willife Sanctury. It stands out amongst all the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha in terms of sighting wild animals, particularly in summer when trees shed their leaves. It stretches across the Lohara and Debrigadh Reserve Forests on the Barapahad hills in Baragarh district. The seasonal waterfalls and proximity of the large Hirakud reservoir are added attractions. It covers an area of 347 sq km. There is a population of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chitals, sambars, and nilgais. Entry point is Dhorokusum. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest Houses in Dhodrokusum and Dechua; and cottage at Chaurasimal. Reservation is done by DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division at Sambalpur.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, +91 664 2229211 (DFO Bamra). A population of tigers, leopards, panthers, sloth bears, elephants, sambal, gaur, chital and nilgai in a forest area of about 304.03 square kilometres. Watch towers provide a good view of the animals flocking the nearby watering points at night. Established 1962, located on NH6 and easily accessible by road. Jeeps for movement within the forest are available for hire from the forest office. Guide and spot lights are available with the Forest Range Officer against nominal charges. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest House, Badrama, 3 km away. For reservation contact DFO, Bamra (office near Bamra railway station). Entry fees: Indians ₹10 per day, foreigners ₹100 per first day, heavy vehicles ₹10, light vehicles ₹5 per day, camera ₹2..
Leaning Temple of Huma, Huma Temple (By Bus or Auto.

Budharaja Temple, Located on Budharaja Hill in Sambalpur City.

Ghanteshwari Temple.

Hirakud Dam. Longest earth dam in the world. The reservoir forms an artificial lake with an area of 746 sq.km having a shore line over 640 km. The driveon the 21 km dyke is majestic. One can enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret called Gandhi Minar on the north. Ashok Nivas, a luxury Guest House, is located near the Nehru Minar on the south. Cattle Island is located near one end Hirakud reservoir, It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range and is about 90 km from Sambalpur town by road, but is 10 km by water launch from Hirakud dam. The island was a hillock before construction of Hirakud dam. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls and when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hill-top. With the passage of time the nearby area was filled up with the reservoir water. Being away from mankind, the cattle are wild in nature.

Huma Leaning Temple. Famous for its Shiva temple, Huma contains the lone leaning temple of Odisha.. The river Mahanadi flows close by. Facility for cruising in the river by country boat is available for a nominal price. Maha Shivaratri fair is held in February-March.

Nrusimhanath. The temple of Vidala-Nrusimha stands at the foot of the picturesque Gandhamardan hill believed to be part of the hill which Hanuman carried on his shoulders from the Himalayas for saving the life of Lakshmana. On the other side of this hill is Harisankar temple and a waterfall. Nrusimha Chaturdashi fair is held in May-June.

Pradhanpat Waterfalls. The Pradhanpat hill with its waterfalls offers a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh town which is 96 km from Sambalpur on NH.6.. Two guest houses named Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta were constructed by the former rulers of Bamra. Reservations are made by the Executive Engineer, National Highway Division, Sambalpur.

Samleswari Temple. Erected by Chauhans in the mid-16th century. Samaleswari Temple is dedicated to the goddess known as 'Maa', also known among the natives as samalei maa, meaning Mother Samaleswari. She is the presiding deity of Sambalpur, and is a strong religious force in western part of Orissa and Chhattisgarh state of India. Situated on the bank of the river Mahanadi the mother goddess Samaleswari is worshipped from ancient times as Jagatjanani, Adishakti, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati.

Debrigadh Willife Sanctury. It stands out amongst all the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha in terms of sighting wild animals, particularly in summer when trees shed their leaves. It stretches across the Lohara and Debrigadh Reserve Forests on the Barapahad hills in Baragarh district. The seasonal waterfalls and proximity of the large Hirakud reservoir are added attractions. It covers an area of 347 sq km. There is a population of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chitals, sambars, and nilgais. Entry point is Dhorokusum. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest Houses in Dhodrokusum and Dechua; and cottage at Chaurasimal. Reservation is done by DFO, Hirakud Wildlife Division at Sambalpur.

Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, +91 664 2229211 (DFO Bamra). A population of tigers, leopards, panthers, sloth bears, elephants, sambal, gaur, chital and nilgai in a forest area of about 304.03 square kilometres. Watch towers provide a good view of the animals flocking the nearby watering points at night. Established 1962, located on NH6 and easily accessible by road. Jeeps for movement within the forest are available for hire from the forest office. Guide and spot lights are available with the Forest Range Officer against nominal charges. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest House, Badrama, 3 km away. For reservation contact DFO, Bamra (office near Bamra railway station). Entry fees: Indians ₹10 per day, foreigners ₹100 per first day, heavy vehicles ₹10, light vehicles ₹5 per day, camera ₹2..

Leaning Temple of Huma, Huma Temple (By Bus or Auto.

Gole Bazar. Sambalpur is famous for its hand looms and textile industry, popularly known as Sambalpuri Sarees. Price can range from a few hundred to a hundred thousand rupees. There are many shops in the city, but most famous shops can be spotted in Golebazar, the main shopping centre. Chakadola Stores with its two branches at both Budharaja and Ainthapali is also a prominent centre for grocery goods and milk products with home deliveryaand catering facility. An emerging Big Bazar and a whole complex in the City Centre mall is situated in Modipara road.

Gole Bazar. Sambalpur is famous for its hand looms and textile industry, popularly known as Sambalpuri Sarees. Price can range from a few hundred to a hundred thousand rupees. There are many shops in the city, but most famous shops can be spotted in Golebazar, the main shopping centre. Chakadola Stores with its two branches at both Budharaja and Ainthapali is also a prominent centre for grocery goods and milk products with home deliveryaand catering facility. An emerging Big Bazar and a whole complex in the City Centre mall is situated in Modipara road.

Pakhala is eaten in Sambalpur with cucumber, tomato, carrot and salad. There are many restaurants in and around Sambalpur city. You should try "pakhal", made of rice.

Apptite, NH 6 (Near Ainthapali, +91 663 2115-611, +91 9776006711. Pure vegetarian restaurant
Celebration, VSS Marg, +91 663 2403111-14, +91 663 3203111. Multi-cuisine restaurant. One can also visit Cheers for drinks and Campus for fast food.
Esquire, VSS Marg, +91 663 252 2290. 8 am to 10 pm. Multi cuisine restaurant
Flavors, VSS Marg, +91 663 2402345, +91 663 2402346, +91 663 2402347. Fast food outlet - pizzas, burgers, doshas et al. There is an ice cream parlour.
Hotel Uphar Palace, VSS Marg, +91 663 2400519, +91 663 2404482, +91 663 2404825, +91 663 2522668. Air-conditioned restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and Continental food.
Malini Cafe, Pattanayak pada (Opposite Lakshmi Talkies, +91 663 2521413.
Spice Hot, VSS Marg, +91 663 2535600, +91 663 2535601, +91 663 2535602, +91 663 2535603, +91 663 2535604, +91 663 2535605. Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine. Open for lunch an dinner. The hotel also has a coffee shop and bar.
Vilash, VSS Marg, +91 663 2402345, +91 663 2402346, +91 663 2402347. Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

Apptite, NH 6 (Near Ainthapali, +91 663 2115-611, +91 9776006711. Pure vegetarian restaurant

Celebration, VSS Marg, +91 663 2403111-14, +91 663 3203111. Multi-cuisine restaurant. One can also visit Cheers for drinks and Campus for fast food.

Esquire, VSS Marg, +91 663 252 2290. 8 am to 10 pm. Multi cuisine restaurant

Flavors, VSS Marg, +91 663 2402345, +91 663 2402346, +91 663 2402347. Fast food outlet - pizzas, burgers, doshas et al. There is an ice cream parlour.

Hotel Uphar Palace, VSS Marg, +91 663 2400519, +91 663 2404482, +91 663 2404825, +91 663 2522668. Air-conditioned restaurant serves Indian, Chinese and Continental food.

Malini Cafe, Pattanayak pada (Opposite Lakshmi Talkies, +91 663 2521413.

Spice Hot, VSS Marg, +91 663 2535600, +91 663 2535601, +91 663 2535602, +91 663 2535603, +91 663 2535604, +91 663 2535605. Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine. Open for lunch an dinner. The hotel also has a coffee shop and bar.

Vilash, VSS Marg, +91 663 2402345, +91 663 2402346, +91 663 2402347. Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine.

Many bars and restaurants are available within the city limits.