Orissa Tourism, Tours, Travels, Tourist destination

3Destination to Sambalpur4

Sambalpur, the gateway to the bewitching western zone of Orissa abounding in lush green forests, colourful wild life, captivating waterfalls; rich tribal culture, folk songs and dances and a variety of monuments finds mention in the works of Ptolemy (2^nd century A.D.) as "Sambalaka".

Associated with the celebrated name of its ruler Indrabhuti , the teacher-profounder of the Vajrayana Buddhism, Sambalpur has earned a place in the cultural history of India. Here, one can visit the temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari, Budha Raja, Brahmapura and the Gopaljee monastery.

Approach : By road and rail.

Places around Sambalpur
Hirakud Dam (16 km)*	One of the longest Dam in the world, Hirakud stands in its lone majesty across the great river Mahanadi which drains an area of 1,33,090 Sq. km more than twice the area of SriLanka. The bulk of this Dam contains earth, concrete and masonry materials, "sufficient to make a road 8 metres wide and pave it from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Amritsar to Dibrugarh in Assam. From horizon to horizon the reservoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 Sq.km having a shore line over 640 km. A twenty-one kilometres drive on the dyke affords a unique experience of calm serenity and majesty of nature. 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 end and comfortably stay at Ashok Nivas,a luxury Guest House adjoining the Nehru Minar at the other end of the Dam. As the largest multipurpose river valley project of the world, it is a real gift to the nation-"all for happiness and prosperity".
Ushakothi (48 km)*	The famed wildlife sanctuary at Badrama has already gained prominence among the international tourists as a place of destinational tour. Among various fauna of tropical forests, the sanctuary preserves elephant, tiger,gour,sambar, black-panther,deer, wild boar and many other species. One could have a sight of these animals from the watch towers near the saline tank or the water/holes. One could as well drive along the forest roads and watch them. Ushakothi is on the N.H.No.6.A forest rest house at Badrama (3 Km) provides accommodation whose reservation authority is D.F.O.,Bamra,district Sambalpur.
Pradhanpat (96 km)*	The Pradhanpat hill with its picturesque waterfalls offers a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh town which is attractively situated with the background of wooded hills. Two beautiful guest houses named Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta have been constructed by the ex-rulers of Bamra and are now under the management of the Works Department, provide accommodation. Reservations are made by the Executive Engineer, National Highway Division, Sambalpur. There are a number of temples in the town of Deogarh notable among which are of Gopinath, Jagannath and Gokarneswara. Deogarh is 96 Km from Sambalpur on N.H.No.6.

* Indicates Distance from Sambalpur