Sambalpur is one of the important and famous cities in Western Orissa, the head quarter of Sambalpur District. Sambalpur derives its name from Goddess Samleswari who is regarded as the reigning deity of the entire western Orissa.
Sambalpur, situated on the east bank of the Mahanadi River, It is at about 321 km away from Bhubaneswar in west, the state capital of Orissa. It is an ancient centre for the diamond trade, and now it is famous for its internationally renowned textiles locally known as Sambalapuri Pata with Bandha Kama or design of tie and die Or Bandha Silpa (Cottage Industries).
The district is rich in tribal heritage and plenty of forestlands. Sambalpur is easily accessible by rail and road.Oriya is the main language spoken in this region.The Oriya spoken in the district slightly differs from the spoken form in the costal districts of Orissa. It is generally known as Sambalpuri Oriya and is spoken in western parts of Orissa. Hindi is also one of the other languages prevalently spoken in the district, mostly in the urban areas.
In past, Sambalpur was famous for diamond trade. and mine as it is learned from famous books that many famous diamonds mines were there at Sumelpur (Semelpur) present day Sambalpur (also know as Hirakhand or Hirakuda) which states that 8000 people were at work in those mines at the time of auther’s visit, during beginning of February.
In past, Sambalpur was famous for diamond trade. and mine as it is learned from famous books that many famous diamonds mines were there at Sumelpur (Semelpur) present day Sambalpur (also know as Hirakhand or Hirakuda) which states that 8000 people were at work in those mines at the time of auther’s visit, during beginning of February.
You Can find the world famous Hirakud Dam as Longest one is about 15 KM from sambalapur in west, its lake with the foreign birds as visitors from Siberia, leaning Temple of Huma and the wildlife Sanctuary at Badrama (Ushakuthi), Khalasuni and Debrigadh (wildlife sanctuary in the Barapahad mountain range - Chourasimal), Budharaja Temple at Budharaja Hill, Gudguda waterfall, Ghanteswari Temple near Chipilima Hydro Electric Project attract tousands of visitor Picnicer or tourists to the sambalpur. Near by places like the Narsinghnath Temple and Mountain (Baragarh) and Harishankar Temple and Mountain famous for for trekking and Medicinal Plants and also well know as Gandhamardhan Hill Range, (Bolangir) Padhanpat Water Fall (Deogarh) Hanuman Batika at Raurakela, Mandira Dam and Khandadhar Watter Fall (Rourkela) attracts tourists to its serene surroundings.
The artwork of the Sambalpuri tie and dye weavers, fascinating fabrics with enchanting designs brought its uniqueness in handlooms of the world. Sambalpuri songs and dance has also earned a unique place in the cultural arena of the would.
Things to Buy: Sambalpur is famous for its Hand Loom Textile works, popularly known as Sambalpuri Textile. It has earned international fame for its unique pattern, design and texture. Sambalpuri handloom Saree, Handkerchief, Bed Sheets and other items can be bought in the shops at Gole Bazaar including the Sambalpur Hand Loom Co-operative show rooms.
Places of interest Samaleswari, the presiding deity of this region is enshrined at 'Samalai Gudi' on the bank of Mahanadi River. The Budharaja Temple, of Lord Shiva and is perched atop the Budharaja hill. The Hirakud Dam, the longest dam of the world, is some 15 kilometers from Sambalpur and can be easily visited on a day trip.
The leaning temple at Huma about 25 km from Sambalpur, located on the banks of the Mahanadi, the 17th century temple leans at an angle of 47 degrees to the west. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar. The special type of fish called as 'Kudo' fish, in river Mahanadi are said to be so tame that they will eat sweet lia (Fried Paddy) and other foods from the hands of devotee. During auspicious days they are called by their names and given the 'prasad' of the God. Here nobody tries to catch them as they are believed to be the assets of the God.
Ushakothi Wild Life Sanctuary is 43 km away in North-East of Sambalpur on NH.6. Stretching for more than 130 km., the Sanctuary is best habitat of Elephants, Tigers, Gours, Sambars, Black Panthers, Deer, Spotted Deer, and Wild Bears etc. There are two watching towers located near the saline tank inside the Sanctuary enable the visitors to catch a view of these animals.
How to Reach : Sambalpur is the gateway to the bewitching Western Part of Orissa, as it is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - a very important commercial and Educational center and connecting city between Chhatisgarh and Orissa is wel connected with Roads and Rail Roots. It's a good place to explore the surrounding forests and spots. There are direct train connections to Kolkata (565 km, 12 h by train). New Delhi (1460 km, 26 h by train). Chennai (1010 km, 32 h by train). Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the State is connected through NH 42 (325 km, 8 h by bus or train). Ahmadabad and Mumbai are linked through Jharsuguda Junction (48 km). The nearby Airports are at Bhubaneswar (325 km) and Raipur (300 km).
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