Western Odisha is like an unexplored abode of beauty. Let’s have a look at some places that you should definitely check out when in western Odisha next time!
HIRAKUD DAM-SAMBALPUR
This dam stands as the pride of western Odisha and is the longest man-made dam in India. It is a multipurpose dam built on the Mahanadi River and was established in 1957. Only 16.5 kms from sambalpur.
It provides a breath-taking view and is also known for the Castle Island which is located on one of the extreme points of the hirakud reservoir and is an absolute natural wonder.
SAMALESWARI TEMPLE
Samaleswari Temple was constructed from the 16th-century, and consequently, it’s regarded as one of the earliest Hindu shrines in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Maa Samaleswari Goddess.
In the early time, Maa Samleswari is worshipped as Mahalaxmi, Adishakti, Mahasaraswati, and Jagatjanni at the Area. In addition, the temple hosts numerous festivals with which are celebrated with so much dedication and ardour.
USHAKOTHI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary was established in 1962 and offered a splendid natural habitat for thousands of species. Spread across an area of about 304 square km this beautiful abode of beauty is just 22 km away from Sambalpur and has the Hirakud dam on its west.
The fauna includes, amongst others, tigers, elephants, sambar leopards, and bison and its main attraction are the flying squirrels.
DEBRIGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Located in the Bargarh district of Odisha,this wildlife sanctuary is home to a diverse number of species.
The most important fact about this wildlife sanctuary is that focused on conserving the Indian leopards, gaurs, and the four-horned antelope.
CHAUSATHI YOGINI- RAIPUR JHARIAL VILLAGE
Situated at a distance of 32 km away from Kantabanji,the Chausathi Yogini temple was built by the Somabansi kings in the 8th century to Lord Shiva and his Tantra Vidya (Tantric educations).
It is made as a topless temple with 64 yoginis around a dancing Shiva statue with three heads and eight hands.
Also, Read- NUAKHAI: Harvesting Festival Of Odisha
HUMA TEMPLE- SAMBALPUR
This temple is the Shiva shrine that is one of the only two leaning temples in the entire world. People believe it’s a miracle and looking at so many such miraculous architectures in India that the science has no answer to appears quite strange and exciting at the same time.
NRUSINGHANATH TEMPLE- BARGARH
Nrusinghanath temple is a 500-year-old temple, foundation of which was laid in the early 1313 A.D. The main attraction of the temple is its beautiful water which is situated among trees inside the temple.
The temple is also known for its giant garden showcasing the all the avatars of Lord Vishnu.
BUDDHA SHRINE- BOUDH
The name Boudh itself speaks of the prominence of Buddha in this region. Historically inhabited by a number of Buddhist Monks and followers, this place has kept their presence alive in the form of temples, caves and Buddha statues.
The major attraction about the city is the giant Buddha statue and the Chari Sambhu temple.
CHIPLIMA- SAMBALPUR
The 24.38 meters high waterfall and the Devi Ghanteshwari temple makes it one of the favorite picnic stops of the Sambalpur city.
She is the pristine deity of the place, and the people here believe her to be the protector of the area.
HARI SHANKAR TEMPLE- BOLANGIR
Bolangir is a city of tribals and farmers. One can see the simplicity and acceptance that the people here offer. The Harishankar temple is the shrine of Lord Shiva, and the people of the place have full devotion in him.
Situated on the foot of the hills, this temple has a waterfall of its own and the calm environment of the place will captivate your soul.
PRADHANPAT AND KORODOKOT WATERFALLS- DEOGARH
The Pradhanpat waterfall is surrounded by the rarest scenic views making it one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. It is trendy amongst the people here, and it is a source of water for the village.
There another waterfall called Korordokot in Deogarh where the king of the village Sudhal Ganagadev had built Asia’s first hydro-electric powerplant in the 1840s but to witness the spectacular sight of this waterfall you have to take a trek up the mountain.
GUDGUDA WATERFALLS- SAMBALPUR
The water at this waterfall has carved its ways out seven massive rocks. It’s a treat to the eyes and a splendid location for the trek lovers.
This raw and unbarred mountain would make you feel enchanted, so don’t forget your trekking shoes home.
