Tourist Places in Sundargarh

Introduction

Sundargarh is located in the northwest part of Odisha state. This area is renowned for its natural beauty and rich history, culture, and heritage. Many tourist places in this area are sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Sundargarh District is one of the most beautiful districts in Odisha. It was formed on January 1, 1948, by merging the District of Gangpur and the District of Bonai. The districts of Ranchi and Raigarh border it.

About Sundargarh

Sundargarh has forests surrounding it, and it has many different tribes. It comprises an undulating area with different altitudes, rough hills, and torrential hill streams. The IB and Brahmani rivers also border it. The area slopes from North to South, which causes a lot of runoff and soil erosion.

Sundargarh, a part of the Odisha District, is characterised by its hot summers, cool winters, and hot, humid sub-tropical climate. The area is a major industrial hub, with various businesses operating, such as steel, fertilisers, cement, iron and steel products, machine constructions, glass and porcelain clay, spinning mills, and more.

Over half of the population in the area is dependent on agriculture and its associated industries for their livelihoods, and the two most prominent educational institutions in the area are Government College, Rourkela, and the National Institute of Technology. In addition to the various festivals celebrated in the area, the district is also home to various other festivals, such as Nuakhai, Rath Yatra, Ramanavami, and Nama Sankirtana.

Tourist Places in Sundargarh

1. Vaishno Devi Temple

Rourkela's Vaishno Devi temple replicates the Trikuta Hills temple in Vaishno Devi, Jammu. It's at the top of Durgapur Hill and faces the Rourkela steel plant. On the hill, Bhairabanath temple is near Vaishno Devi temple. The temple of goddess Durga at the top of the hill was opened to the public in 2007. Many Hindus come here for the Navaratri festival, celebrated during Durga puja in spring and fall.

2. Mandira Dam

The Mandira Dam in Odisha is located in the Sundargarh area of the state. It's just a few kilometres away from Kansbahal. The Dam is built over the river Sankh, which is 16 kilometres from Mandira. The steel plant at Rourkela uses the water supply to the Dam. Work on the Dam started after 1957. Two thousand four hundred people were forced to leave their homes, and only 843 could rebuild.

3. Hanuman Vatika

Hanuman Vatika was inaugurated in 1994 by Orissa's Chief Minister Biju Patnaik. It is named after one of the tallest statues of Hanuman. A huge 75-foot statue of the Lord is built here. Many temples are dedicated to different deities, like Siva, Sanghaji Maa, Mumaji Maa, Vaishnavi, Sarala Devi, Bata Mangla, Binayak, and more. People from all walks of life used to come to this place every day because of the stunning scenery and the lush terrain. Many religious events are held here yearly, like the foundation day on February 23 and Shivaratri and Rathayatra.

4. Vedvyas Dham

The Vedavyas is a place of natural beauty and religious sanctity. It is situated at the confluence of the Sankha River and Koel River, which then flows into the Brahmani River. It is said that all sins will be washed away by plunging into the confluence. Legends say this is where the famous sage Vedavyasa lived and wrote the Mahabharata.

There are three temples in the area. Two are dedicated to Lord Siva, and one to Lord Rama. Other attractions of this place include the Vedic Ashram, a school modelled after the Gurukula Ashram, and a picnic spot. It is 15 km from Rourkela and 5 km from Panposh. The nearest railway stations are Rourkela, 15 km away, and Panposh, 5 km away. An all-weather road connects it.

5. Khandadhar Waterfalls

Khandadhar is a sparkling waterfall within a dense forest, just a few kilometres from its source. The waterfall is formed by a perennial stream known as Korapani Nala and is 244 meters tall, making it the tallest waterfall in Odisha. It is accessible through a road 19 kilometres from Bonaigarh. The stunning panoramic view provided by the waterfall is more than enough to make up for the difficult journey.

The locals worship the waterfall, who call it Kanta, a goddess. The closest railway station is Rourkela, 104 kilometres away, while the waterfall is accessible via an all-weather road, which is 19 kilometres away, and the last two kilometres can be walked.

6. Gudguda Waterfall

Another stunning natural beauty is the Gudguda Waterfall, roughly 80 kilometres from Sundargarh. The waterfall is ideal for picnics and outdoor activities because beautiful green trees surround it. Tourists can also explore the neighbouring rock formations and caverns.

7. Sarafgarh Dam

Sarafgarh Dam is a reservoir project located in the Sundargarh District. It is around 38 km from the Village of Sundargarh and 114 kms from the District of Sambalpur. Hills and lush green trees surround the area. Near the Dam, a Nature Camp is available with a beautiful park, a water feature, a viewpoint, a Shiva temple, a resort, and a cottage. Several arrangements are made for the visitors' accommodation, food, and safety at the Nature Camp.

Sarafgarh Dam is one of the most popular tourist places near Rourkela. Its main attraction is the Floating Jetty, where visitors can go boating. The best place for a picnic around the reservoir is the Dam, which is so peaceful. The view from the reservoir in the morning is breathtaking.

8. Harishankar Falls

Harishankar Falls is one of Odisha's most popular tourist spots and places of worship. It's named after the nearby temple, where the Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva deities can be seen. People from all over the country come here to worship the gods. It's believed that the waterfall at the temple has holy water that can help you cleanse your sins.

Many people wash under the waterfall before visiting the temple, and you can hear the rituals and chanting. The waterfall's natural beauty attracts many tourists seeking relaxation. It's also a great spot for those who love religion and nature since it's close to the temple.

9. Badaghagara Waterfalls

Badaghagara Waterfalls in Odisha is one of the most famous tourist spots in the state. It's located around 9 km from Kendujhar. It's a 60-metre-tall waterfall that's part of the Ghaghara River. Because of its constant flow, they built a dam near it. The lush greenery around the waterfall adds a special touch, making it a great relaxing spot. You can also trek to get to the waterfall, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the dense Keonjhar forest.

There are many activities at this eco-friendly tourist spot, like boating, a kid's park, a tribal museum, and more. Other popular tourist spots in Odisha include the 16th-century Baladev Jew Temple and Shiv Temple, as well as the 14th-century Lord Jagannath Temple.

10. Miriglotah Waterfall

Travellers looking to experience the diverse beauty of Odisha's nature can find solace in the refreshing Miriglotah Waterfall. This popular waterfall is situated in the Sundargarh district of the state, approximately 114 kilometers away from Rourkela. The Miriglotah Waterfall is a famous tourist attraction that flows from a height of 30 meters.

The best time to visit is from August to November when visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the waterfall surrounded by the grandeur of the woods. Other popular tourist sites in the Miriglotah area include Khandadhar Falls, Indira Gandhi Park, Pita Mahal Dam, Hanuman Vatika, and Ispat Nehru Park.

11. Indira Gandhi Park

Indira Gandhi Park is one of the best places to visit with kids if you are travelling to Sundargarh. Rourkela's Indira Gandhi Park is easily accessible near the city centre and covers an area of 42 acres. This well-maintained park has a grass meadow, gardens, a small zoo, an aquarium, a lake, and a doll museum.

The garden has different types of grasses, shrubs, and flowers in addition to the melodic fountain in the garden. The small zoo is home to a variety of animals and birds. In this area of India Gandhi Park, children can see deer, black bears, peacocks, and crocodiles. A toy train also gives youngsters a fun tour of the zoo.

12. The Darjing Picnic Spot

The Darjing Picnic Area is around 46 kilometers from Rourkela City and is situated on the Brahmani River's banks close to Darjing Village. Hills and Blue Stone are all around this area. You may experience the location's natural beauty during sunrise and sunset. The popular picnic location near Rourkela town is called Darling.

The location's main draw is its enormous river stones, where visitors may have picnics. In the winter, it's a nice location for a weekend picnic. Eight kilometres separate Bluestone Picnic Area from Rourkela town. In Sundargarh, Odisha, Rourkela Darjing is a well-liked tourist destination.

13. Laxmi Narayan Temple

A tiny hilltop with the Laxmi Narayan Temple is close to Rourkela Town. One of the most beautiful and well-known temples in the smart city of Rourkela is Laxmi Narayan Mandir. This temple's primary deity is Lakshmi Narayan. Ma Bata Mangala, Hanuman Temple, and Santoshi Mata Mandir are close to the temple. In Sundargarh, Laxmi Narayan Temple is a popular tourist destination.

14. Pitamahal Dam

Pitamahal Dam is a well-known destination for picnics in the Sundargarh district. It is about 22 km from Rourkela and 12 kms from Vedvyas temple. In 1978, the Dam was constructed over the Pitamahal River, a branch of the Sankha River that joins with the Koel River upstream of the Panposh River to form the Brahmani River.

The best places in Rourkela for photo shoots are around Pitamahal Dam. It is also a beautiful picnic spot close to Rourkela. In winter, it's the best place for picnics, excursions, and weekend trips. In the evening, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Dam and hills at a beautiful park and overlook near Pitamahal Reservoir. The Mandira Dam is 26 km from Rourkela.

15. Duduma Falls

Duduma Waterfall is one of Odisha's tallest waterfalls at about 574 feet. It is also one of the most beautiful in the state. It is locally known as 'Matsya Tirtha'. The Duduma Waterfall was created to construct this hydroelectric plant and develop the municipality of this place.

The hills surrounding the Duduma Waterfall provide some of the most entertaining natural scenery. It is said that legends surround the Duduma Waterfalls, as Shri Chaitanya came here in the 16th century to spread the Vaishnava religion. The river Machhkund is the source of the Duduma Falls. Duduma Waterfalls Picnics are most popular in winter when people from all over the country visit the tourist spot.

16. Kanakund

Kanakund, or Kahnakund, is one of western Odisha's most popular tourist spots. It is also known as the 'Grand Canyon of Odisha.' Kanakund is a beautiful picnic spot located at Kaintara Village, Sundargarh Dist.

The main attraction of this place is the River IB. The river runs through the tall, hilly hills to create a beautiful river canyon. The water is very deep, and the rock formations are very rough. It is a very dangerous place to be in. The river's water has carved such beautiful patterns in the rocks. It is a fantastic picnic spot and one of the best tourist spots in Odisha.

17. Jagannath Mandir

Jagannath Mandir is one of the most famous Hindu temples in Rourkela. It's home to the presiding deities of the temple, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. The temple's architecture is similar to Puri Temple's, constructed in 1975. It stands at around 90 meters tall, and 13 other festivals are held in the temple throughout the year, with the biggest one being the Rath Yatra. People come to the temple to take in the panoramic views, and it's a popular tourist spot in Sundargarh.

How to Reach

• By Air
  The closest airport is Ranchi Airport. Located roughly 140 kilometres away.
• By Train
  The railroad station nearest to you is Jharsuguda JN.
• By Road
  Buses go frequently between Rourkela and other significant cities around the nation.