Tourist Places in Bargarh

Introduction

Bargarh is a beautiful and growing city in the state of Odisha. Initially, it was referred to as the Baghar Kota. Later on, it was renamed the Bargarh by the Balaram Dev. He was the raja (king) of the Sambalpur.

Buddhism played an important role in the lifestyle of the people of Bargarh for a short period. Some ancient Buddhist monasteries and sculptures are in the Bijepur (Ganiapali) and Paikamal (Nrusinghanath).

The city has its own religious and cultural importance so it is often suggested to visit this place while going to Odisha; you will find a good experience here.

In this article, we will focus on some of the best tourist places in Bargarh, including their history and cultural aspects. Here are some of the best tourist places in Bargarh:

1. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a big place in Bargarh district of Odisha. The place is also an essential habitat for many animals and plants. There are over 40 types of mammals, 200 types of birds, 40 types of reptiles, 12 types of amphibians, 42 types of fishes, 39 types of insects that look like dragonflies, 85 types of butterflies, and 38 types of spiders.

The sanctuary is situated next to the big Hirakud Reservoir. This sanctuary is special because such sanctuaries do not exist much anymore as there are very few such sanctuaries in the state which have both land and water creatures. Many birds come here in the winter. There are also over 250 types of plants; some of which are used for medicine.

The sanctuary is an important place for the environment. It is a protected area so no factories can be built there or nearby.

So, if you are a nature lover, it's a must-visit place in the Bargarh district. You can come with your school or college friends and you will feel a great adventure here. This can prove to be a memorable place for you.

2. Nrusinghanath Temple

The Nrusinghanath Temple is another popular site in Bargarh. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, notably to his life as Narasimha.

The place is located at the foothills of the Gandhamardhan hills near Paikamal in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India.

The temple is about 45 feet tall and is divided into two parts. The first part is the sanctum sanctorum, which houses the idol of Lord Nrusinghnath. The second part is the Jagamohan, an antechamber with three gates supported by four pillars.

The temple is the historical art of Kalinga architecture. It is made of sandstone and has very beautiful and captivating sculptures on its walls and pillars. The temple is also known as the Parimalagiri Temple, which is named after the nearby hill where it is located. The temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

3. Aapkhol Waterfall

The Aapkhol Waterfall is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India. It is a good site for tourists to relax.

The waterfall is located inside the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and is a part of the Mahanadi River. A beautiful green area surrounds the waterfall.

The best time to visit the Aapkhol Waterfall is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the water levels are high. However, the fall looks beautiful during winter (November to February) as well.

There are a few ways to reach the Aapkhol Waterfall. First, one is required to reach Bargarh's central location, which is about 36 kilometers away from the Aapkhol Waterfall. From Bargarh, you can take a bus or a taxi to the village of Bhatli, the starting point for the trek to the falls. The trek is about 4 kilometers long and takes about an hour to complete.

Aapkhol Waterfall is also a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. If you are looking for a refreshing and scenic place to visit in Odisha, the Aapkhol Waterfall is undoubtedly a great option.

4. Barpali

Barpali is a small town in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India. It is famous for being the birthplace of the renowned Odia poet Swabhaba Kabi Gangadhar Meher. Barpali is also known for its indigenous Sambalpuri saree weaving art, earthen pottery handicrafts, and the early versions of sanitary toilets developed by foreigners here.

Barpali comes under the Bijepur Vidhan Sabha constituency in Odisha and the Bargarh Lok Sabha constituency in India. It is usually crowded during the festive season.

5. Patherseni Temple

Patherseni Temple is one of the well-known temples that is located 50km away from Bargarh district. The temple is situated near the bank of the river Mahanadi, and it is also connected with the end of the Barapahad forest range.

The environment of this temple is very peaceful because of the dense forest and the famous Kedarnath fountain surrounding it. You can visit the temple at any time of the year. The temple remains open all seven days, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is a popular pilgrimage destination that thousands of devotees visit annually.

The temple was built in the 12th century CE by the Somavamshi king, Yayati Keshari.

The main deity of the temple is the Goddess Patharaseni. She is depicted as a four-armed goddess, holding a sword, a shield, a lotus flower, and a water pot. She is also known as the "Stone Goddess" and is said to protect her devotees from harm.

The temple is also home to several other deities, including God Vishnu, Shiva, and Goddess Lakshmi. There is also a sacred pond near the temple; there is a belief that people who take baths in the pond get cured of their wounds and some other health problems.

The Patharaseni Temple is a popular tourist destination and a great place to experience Odisha's rich culture and heritage.

6. Buddha Temple

There is a Buddhist temple in Ganiapali village in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India. It is often referred to as the Buddha Bihar of Ganiapali.

The temple is said to be one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Odisha. It is a popular tourist destination and is known for its intricate carvings.

The temple is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC during the reign of Ashoka the Great. It consists of one central hall and four smaller halls on each side. The temple walls are decorated with intricate carvings of Buddhist symbols, such as the lotus flower, the wheel of law, and the Buddha's footprints.

The temple is also home to several Buddhist sculptures, including a statue of the Buddha in the lotus position. The statue is said to be self-manifested. The Buddha Bihar of Ganiapali is a significant archaeological site and a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

7. Nalichuan Waterfall

Nalichuan Waterfall is in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bargarh district, Odisha, India. It is a seasonal waterfall and is best visited after the monsoons.

The best time to visit the Nalichuan waterfall is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the water levels are high. However, the falls are also beautiful during winter (November to February).