Sambalpur
Sambalpur, the gateway to the bewitching western
zone of Orissa abounding in lush green forests, colourful wild life, captivating
waterfalls and rich in tribal culture, folk songs and folk dances and a variety
of monuments finds mention in the works of ptolemy (2nd century A.D.)
as "Sambalaka".Associated with the celebrated name of its ruler
Indrabhuti , the teacher-propounder of the Vajrayana Buddhism, Sambalpur has
earned a place in the cultural history of India.
One can visit temples of Samaleswari, Patneswari,
Budha Raja, Brahmapura and Gopaljee monastery.
Approach :
By rail and road.
Best time to visit :
Round the year, best months being October to April.
Stay :
Stay arrangements can be done with the numerous hotels and in the OTDC Guest
House (Panthanivas), Sambalpur.
Handicrafts of the region : Center of internationally famous Handloom Textiles popularly known as "Sambalpuri
Textiles".
Fairs and Festivals of the region :
| Fairs
/ Festivals |
Place |
Period |
| Dhanuyatra |
Bargarh |
December
- January |
| Maha
Sivaratri |
Huma |
February
- March |
| Nrusimha
Chaturdashi |
Nrusimhanath |
May
- June |
| Sitalasasthi |
Sambalpur,
Barpali |
May
- June |
| Viswakarma
Puja |
Hirakud |
September |
National
Parks and Wild Life Sanctuary
Ushakothi
Sanctuary
A jeep tour makes a perfect
trip to checkout the pleasures of wildlife at Ushakothi. This small sanctuary
was established in 1987, only 48 km away from Sambalpur. Tiger, elephant, sambar,
leopard and bison make their home amongst the deciduous forests that share
ground with sal, sandalwood, arjun, neem, acacia and casuarina. There are 15
tigers in the sanctuary and 35 elephants. Visitors can get a close-up of the
animals from the Watchtowers placed near the watering holes.
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