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It
is said that Sambalpur is mentioned in the book of Ptolemy
(2nd century AD) as Sambalaka
on the river Manada (the Mahanadi river). This gateway to the
exotic charms of the western region of Orissa was the cradle
of an ancient civilization and is an important landmark in
India's cultural history.Lying 321 km from Bhubaneswar, this
ancient centre for the diamond trade
is famous for its internationally renowned textiles (ikat),
rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands. Samaleswari,
the presiding deity of this region is enshrined at `Samalai
Gudi' on the bank of Mahanadi river. The other temple of
importance is the Budharaja Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
and is perched atop the Budharaja hill. Sambalpur is easily
accessible by rail and road.
Places
to visit
Hirakund
Dam
The
longest Dam of the world, it stands in its lone majesty across
the great river Mahanadi which
drains an area of 1,33,090 Sq. kms more than twice the area of
Ceylon. The bulk of Hirakud Dam contains earth, concrete and
masonry materials, "sufficient to make a road 8 metres
wide and pave it from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and Amritsar to
Dibrugarh in Assam."From horizon to horizon the reservoir
forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746
Sq.kms having a
shore line over 640 kms. A twenty-one kilometres drive on the
dyke affords a unique experience
of calm serenity and majesty of nature. One can enjoy
the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse
of water from the top of the revolving minaret called Gandhi
Minar ane comfortably stay at Ashok Nivas,a luxury Guest House
adjoining the Nehru Minar at the other end of the Dam.As the
largest multipurpose river valley project of the world, it is
a real gift to the nation-"all for happiness and
prosperity".
Vikramkhol
26
kms to the west of Jharsuguda Railway Station, it is a cave
containing pictographic inscription (1,500 B.C. or even
earlier) of antiquity. This pre-historic find is of remarkable
importance and is yet to be deciphered. The plaster-cast of
the inscription can also be seen in the Orissa State Museum at
Bhubaneswar. Vikramkhol is 88 kms by road which is unmetalled.
Pradhanpat
The
Pradhanpat hill with its picturesque waterfalls offers a rare
scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh town which is
attractively situated with the background of wooded hills. Two
beautiful guest houses named Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta
have been constructed by the ex-rulers of Bamra and are now
under the management of the Works Department, provide
accommodation. Reservations are made by the Executive
Engineer, National Highway Division, Sambalpur. There are a
number of temples in the town of Deogarh notable among which
are of Gopinath, Jagannath and Gokarneswara. Deogarh is 96 Kms.
from Sambalpur on N.H.No.6.
Chiplima
The
place has gained prominence as the second Hydro-Electric
Project of the Hirakud Dam. A natural fall of 80 ft. (24-39
metres) high in the river Mahanadi is made use for generating
electricity. The place is mostly inhabited by fishermen whose
deity ‘Ghantlei’ is very popular in the neighboring areas.
The State Live Stock Breeding Farm and and Agricultural Farm
are located here.
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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