Set in the lap of nature, Rourkela has come into prominence with the establishment of the first of the three public sector steel plants set up in India in 1955. Situated in the minerally rich belt of Orissa, Rourkela marked a new era in the Steel Industry of India being the only steel plant devoted primarily to the production of flat products and sheets. Rourkela serves as the most convenient base for visiting the places of interest in the district of Sundargarh.

Approach Rourkela is well-connected to the rest of India by direct trains with excellent communication facilities to Calcutta (Kolkata), Bhubaneswar, Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. Rourkela is also connected to Bhubaneswar by air.

Best time to visit October to March

Where to Stay OTDC’s Panthanivas, Sector 5, double rooms. Hotels : Hotel Ajanta, Hotel Deluxe, Hotel Apasara,  Hotel Chandralok, Hotel Solan, Bharat Rest House, Hotel Shyam, Hotel Anurag, Hotel Mayfair, Hotel Dipti, Hotel Nidhi.

Places around Rourkela

Hanuman Batika

The Garden located in the heart of Rourkela, has a 75-feet tall standing statue of Hanuman, monkey devotee of Rama. The statue designed by Sri Laxmana Swami has become an icon of the city. The garden on 13 acres of land has a beautiful temple complex. There are many shrines- Bata Mangala Mandira, Binayaka Mandira and Manas Parayana Sharala at the entrance and Santoshi Ma Mandira, Bruhat Sivalinga Mandira, Ram Daravar, Hanumanji Mandira, Ma Laxmi Mandira, Jagannath Mandira are some of them. The garden with all the temples has become a place of pilgrimage.

Vedavyas (9 km from Rourkela)

Situated on the confluence of the rivers Sankha and Koel, Vedavyas is not only a place of natural beauty but also considered a ‘Tirtha’,a place of religious sanctity. A vedic Ashram and a school on the lines of Gurukula Ashram are the added attractions of the place. An ideal picnic spot, it is 5 km from Panposh.

Junagarh (180 km from Rourkela)

A fort of historical and archaeological importance with some ancient caves having marks of tantra worship. It is 4 km. from Hemagiri and 15 km from Kanika.

Rajgangpur (43 km from Rourkela)

Famous for its cement factory.

Pitamahal (16 km from Rourkela)

Famous for a small Dam project and ideal for outing.

Ushakothi (157 km from Rourkela)

47 km from Sundargarh, the rock-cut caves contain some pictographic writings which are yet to be deciphered.

Mandira Dam (28 km from Rourkela)

Known for the Dam across the river Sankha, constructed for supply of water to Rourkela and other places in the vicinity. It presents a picturesque sight, ideal for holidaying and picnic. Boating facility is available in the lake on prior arrangements with the Dam Authorities. Permission to enter the Dam site is issued by the Officer-in-Charge at the main entrance.

Khandadhar (104 km from Rourkela)

244 metres in height, the waterfall at Khandadhar is said to be the loveliest waterfall in Orissa and it is nice picnic spot.

Darjeeng (51 km from Rourkela)

On N.H.No.23, it is a beautiful place on the river Brahmani, ideal for picnickers. 2 km away, approachable on foot is Deodarha, a gorge on the river.

Ghogar (27 km from Rourkela)

A gorge on the river Ib, extending over 5 Km, it is popular as a picnic spot. A naturally formed Siva Lingam of black granite worshipped by the local people, is an additional attraction.

The Indira Gandhi Park

The Indira Gandhi Park located on Sector 4, near Ring Road has beautiful gardens, a mini zoo and an aquarium. Spring season is the best time for a visit to see a host rare flowers. The gardens include a fountain garden, rose garden and Japanese garden on 42 acres of land. The zoo has a train which goes around from which you can watch the animals. The park also has a big tower from where one can get a beautiful view of the city.

The park is open on all days from 7 A.M.to 9 P.M except Fridays. The zoo is open from 8 A.M.to 5 P.M.

Nehru Traffic Park

Located at Sector-19 the park was opened to the public in 1985. The park has a gallery for children and exhibits items to make the public aware of the traffic rules. 

Jubilee Park & Mrig Vihar
Located at Sector – 8, this park has a musical fountain. Adjacent to this park there is a deer zoo.

Green Park
This Park covering 225 acre area, located in Sector- 8, has a variety of flora which has given it the name 'Green Park'.

Assistance : Tourist Office, Tel : 5073337, Gram : ORISSATOUR; Tourist Counter, Rourkela Railway Station.