Top 5 Best Places to Visiting in Sambalpur – Temples, Dams & Natural Wonders

1.Hirakud Dam 

Hirakud Dam is an engineering wonder situated near Sambalpur in state of Odisha, India. It is one of the longest earthen dams in the world, built on Mahanady river with 25 km length. Built in 1957, it has, since then, been an essential tool for the irrigation, flood control and power generation. The dam makes a large reservoir, also referred to as Hirakud Reservoir. The sunset and sunrise view of water body is quite magnificent from the top of dam. The dam have two observation towers, named as ‘Gandhi Minar’ and ‘Nehru Minar’ which present sensational views of the area. Not only the Hirakud Dam has a beauty to it, it also holds historical significance as it stands as a milestone for the developmental efforts of an independent India. The dam’s construction displaced thousands, and it still is a sensitive issue, but also an act of sacrifice for the country’s development.

Opening and Closing Hours of Hirakud Dam

• Monday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Tuesday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Wednesday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Thursday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Friday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Saturday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Sunday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entry Ticket Pricing for Hirakud Dam

• Adult Price:Free
• Remarks:No entry fee
• Child Price:Free
• Remarks:No entry fee

2.Samaleswari Temple 

Samaleswari Temple is a famous hindu temple of a mythical goddess named Samaleswari, which is Situated in Sambalpur, a city of the Indian state, Odisha. It is situated on the river banks of Mahanadi. The goddess Samaleswari is considered as the presiding deity of the area and the temple is a popular religious and cultural place in western Odisha. In architectural point of view the temple follows Odisha style with a square form but treated with some unique features of Eastern part. Locally sourced red sandstone has been widely used in the building of the temple, lending it a warm and pleasing air. The complex of temple spread across a number of smaller shrines is extremely active in the days of celebrations including Navratri and Nuakhai. The Sangham in turn reflects the amalgamation of divine worship or the sacred and socio-cultural heritage with its worship and rituals which are very much integrated with the local community.

Opening & Closing Time of Samaleswari Temple

• Sunday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Monday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Tuesday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Wednesday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Thursday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Friday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM
• Saturday Opening: 05:00 AM Closing: 11:00 PM

Entry Ticket Pricing for Samaleswari Temple

• Adult Free
• Child Free

3.Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur District of Odisha, India. Spreading over an extensive area, the sanctuary is a part of the Barapahad hill range and forms a visually delightful view with its rich bio diversity and green lush vegetation. The sanctuary is also famous for wildlife conservation and it has variety of animal species like leopards, tigers, sambars, chitals and several birds species. It is also famous destination for bird lovers as Hirakud Reservoir is major site for migratory birds during winters. The eco-sensitive zone has been taken up to encourage eco-tourism which allows the viewers to have wildlife in the wild yet to know the significance of wildlife conservation. With hills, forests and a reservoir in its blend of topography the sanctuary is a tranquil oasis for nature lovers, photographers, trekker and wildlife enthusiasts. It highlights the magnificent endeavours taken by Odisha in saving its wild and its wild spaces. Its proximity to the Hirakud Dam adds more thrill to the place as tourists can have a visual view of the sanctuary and the engineering feat at one stretch.

restrictions of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Monday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Tuesday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Wednesday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Thursday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Friday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Saturday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Sunday 06:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Entry Ticket Pricing

• Adult INR 50
• Child INR 25

4.Ghanteswari Temple 

Ghanteswari Temple is one of those temples which is one of a kind and is situated in the district of Sambalpur, Odisha. The temple is sacred for Goddess Ghanteswari from whom it its name is derived. Historically significant for navigation, this temple located on the banks of Mahanadi River. The temple’s circumference is decorated with many bells, called as ‘Lighthouse without light’ as the sailors used to hear the sound of the bells for navigation in the past. It’s said that the existence of the temple has prevented many lives by preventing the boat accidents in this place. The sheer location of the temple hearing the Chiplima Hydro Powerplant and the Hirakud Dam around it gives it a taste of serenity. The stunning nature surrounding and the soft chime of many bells creates a peaceful ambiance for pilgrims and visitors. People comes to pay a prayer for Goddess Ghanteswari and hang bells to accomplish their wishes or to express the gratitude for the blessings received.

Entry Ticket Pricing for Ghanteswari Temple

• Adult Free
• Child Free

5.Budharaja Temple

Budharaja Temple is a ancient Lord Shiva Hindu temple lies in Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Situated at a top having a small name Budharaja hill temple is a symbol of religious importance and architectural crème de la crème. It is believed that the temple has a link to the medieval period as clearly visible in the style and the carvings that adorn the structure of this temple. It is not only the place of worship but also a place where panoramic view of Sambalpur city can be seen. Serene environment combined with devotees’ hymns, offer spiritual earnest to individuals, the appeal of this temple. Place is being visited by devotees at the time of all festivals Mainly performed during the festival of maha shivaratri when the temple is the place of all festivals. The temple complex is very compact but there is a sense of peace and sanctity in the environment that is to such an extent revered by the people as well as tourists to its blessing and enjoy its spiritual ambiance in the place.

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