Visit a Hot Spring and Famous Lord Hatakeswar at Atri Near Baghamari , Khurda , Bhubaneswar

Hot Spring at ATRI near Baghamari , Khordha

Atri is name of a small village famous for Hot Spring and Famous Shrine of Lord Shiva Hatakeswaar is near Bhagamari on the State High Way from Khordha to Nayagarh, Balangir nearer to Begunia situated in 20 degree 15'N and 85 degree 30'E. It is by road about 13 km from Khurda and 2 km from Baghamari which is connected with a pukka road throughout the year. Surrounding with paddy fields a hot spring with hot bubbles of water and air is comming up from the ground with a strong odour of sulphor, which pervades the locality. It is known the temperature of the spring water is about 55 degree Celsius. The soil at the spring and for a considerable distance round it is composed of alluvium, of marl and laterite.

The water of the hot spring is being collected in a reservoir which is connected with outlets for over flow of water. The radius of the reservoir is about 10 feet and the depth is 15 feet. The water is clear and stones lying at the bottom of the reservoir are visible when the sun rays fall upon the water. There is a belief that the Lord Shiva will bless any barren lady with a child with the miraculous power of removing the curse of barrenness from women, if she searches and eat whatever her hands could catch then the belief is such they would be blessed with child within a year. Most of Baren Lady searches and find any nut or fruit from the water of the hot spring where People throw coconuts, betel nuts, and other fruits and flowers as offering. Normally women come to the reservoir before dawn, at about 3.00 a.m., and search in the reservoir bed for fruits, nuts, etc.

The famous temple of Hatakeswara is situated near-by and the popular folklore is the said hot-spring is the hot breath of Lord Siva Hatakeswar, where Sivaratri and Makar Sankranti festivals are the auspicious functions organized and are attended by a large number of people. The Makar Sankranti festival lasts for about a fortnight where a big market works with great sales. Even if in this modern age you can find different conventional household articles are being gathered for sale.

On the Sankranti day nearly twenty thousand people came to the mela. The festival is managed by a local committee. A bathing complex has been constructed by the Tourism Department.

How to Reach: The Place is about 2 KM away from Baghamari on the Main Road which is connecting Khurda – Nayagarh and the distance of Baghamari from Khurda is about 13 KM, and about 36 Km from Bhubaneswar the State Capital of Odisha. Baghamari is well connected with Govt and Private Buses from Bhubaneswar and you can find Buses within one hour interval for Nayagarh. At Baghamari you can find Auto Rickshaws or Rickshaws to visit the Place or you can hair a vehicle from Khurda or Bhubaneswar for your own convenient.

Back To Khordha District

Similipal Tiger Reserve Forest and National Park near Baripada in Mayurbhanj District of Orissa India

Similipal the name of Hill Range is derived from the magnificent and charming Simil (Silky Cotton Tree). The hill ranges have been appropriately described as "Salmali Saila (the hills of Simil Trees)" in the poem 'Usha' written by the famous Oriya poet Laureate Radhanath Ray.
Lush green forests, grasslands, sparkling cataracts and rivers, tigers, elephants, deer, flying squirrels… there is so much to attract you to visit and stay there at the Similipal Tiger Reserve and national park in Orissa India.

Simplipal is situated at the biotic province Chhotanagpur Plateau in the heart of the former Mayurbhanj State and now in the centre of Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. The Similipal National Park, one of the earliest project to come under Project Tiger, as one of the nine tiger project reserves in the country in 1973. The Government of Orissa declared Similipal Sanctuary with an area of about 2200 sq. km. in 1979 and 303 sq. km. area of the Similipal Sanctuary as National Park in 1980. Again the area of the proposed National Park was increased to 845 sq. km. in 1986. On a result it has spread over an area of 2,742 sq kms

The hills with several peaks and valleys in between, rise steeply from the plains of Udala in the south and Baripada in the south-east and extend up to Jashipur in the north-west, Bisnoi in the north and Thakurmunda to the west. There are several streams flowing in all directions and ultimately draining into the Bay of Bengal via Major permanent rivers are the Budhabalanga, Palpala, East Deo, Nekedanacha (Salandi), West Deo, Khairi, Bhandan and Khadkei.
The riparian zones, perennial streams and meadows form key areas. The Bhadragoda valley, Tarinvilla area, Patbil and numerous small swamps and marshes form the riparian zone. Prominent meadows are Devasthali, Bachhurichara, Sapaghar, Matughar, Tarinivilla, Tiktali, Chahala and upper Barakamuda.

Flora and Fauna: This expansive ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close to a 100 tigers, Leopard 115, Elephant 449, Spotted Dear 3500, Barking dear 4500, Mouse dear1800, Sambar 9000, Gaur 950, Wild boar10500, Langur 250 troupes, wild bear 2900, Rhesus macaque 75 troupes etc are living freely in side the Project area. And you can also see other mammalian species like antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild dog, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines are also found here. There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park. s Newana area. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably since the inception of the Mugger Management Program. Simlipal National Park is a floral treasure as well. There are 1076 species of plants belonging to 102 families. of which 92 are orchids having similarities to the Northern and Southern Indian orchids. Seven percent of the Indian species of flowering plants and eight percent of orchids of India are found in Similipal. Northern Tropical Semi evergreen Forests extend over an area of about 80 km. Northern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forests extend over an area of about 1540 sq. km. It is found all over Similipal except the moist valleys on the Southern and Eastern aspects of the hills.
There are 42 species of major mammals, 230 species of Birds and 30 species of reptiles recorded so far in Out of the Indian checklist have 7% reptiles, 20% birds and 11% mammals.
Similipal is rich in orchidaceous flora 92 species of orchids along with the omnipresent sal trees. Innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants are found as well that are a source of earnings for the local tribal population.

Human Population in the Reserve area are largely tribal. Due to low level of skills in modern society, lower educational levels, socio-culture traits, they are mainly dependent on local resources like they collect and sale of minor forest products. Remoteness of the areas and insufficient infrastructure makes it difficult to enforce the existing law for providing total Constraints free zone to Similipal. There are 61 villages in the buffer area and there was nearly forty per cent rises in human population in average.There are four villages inside the core area and the human population in core has increasing slowly.


The beauty of the park brings the person into the state of hypnotic sleep. It is a god gift to this sanctuary. It would take several days to go around the park. The waterfalls, tribal settlements and mountain peaks, increase the glory of the park.


How to Reach: Similipal is open for public to visit from 1st November to 15th June. You can enter Similipal through Pithabata (22 km from Baripada). Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata check gate. Day visitors can enter between 6 am to 12 noon and visitors with reservation between 6 am and 2 pm. Similipal is 170 km from Bhubaneshwar, 240 from Kolkata,and 60 km from Balasore. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N. H 6, which is connecting Raipur of Chhatisgarh and Kolkata of West Bengal. Both places are well connected by bus. Taxis and jeeps are available.


By Rail: The nearest prominent railhead is Balasore (60 km), served by major trains running under East Coast zone of Indian Railways. By Air: Nearest airports are Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata. Accommodation: Aranyanivas at Lulung has 8 double rooms and 2 dormitories, while Panthasala at Bangiriposi (35 km from Baripada) has 4 double rooms.

For reservation, contact Tourist Office, Baripada. 

Call 06792 – 252710, 252593 or 0674 – 2432177.

Visit Chilika riched with many beautiful Islands near to Rambha on Bay Ganjam District Orissa

RAMBHA ON BAY

Rambha a Name of a Town situated at the southern end of the Chilika Lake. Rambha is famous as the bay riches with a number of Islands and its enchanting panoramic beauty. Rambha was best the picnic ground of Britishers during their rule. You can find many islands popping out of vast stretch of blue water and each Island has got some story to tell. It will be an excellent memory of your visiting history if you do visit Chilika and its sites of Island trip as each island has got some uniqueness. There is a Panthaniwas at Rambha run by OTDC. You can visit many places from Rambha Stay and can gather many memorable pleasant trips with help of local community boatmen as experienced guides.

How to Reach: Rambha is on National High Way NH-5 and with a Rail Way Station of East Coast Railways, Hence It is well-connected in all weathers. The National High Way is connecting Calcutta to Chennai, in Orissa it is Bhubaneswar to Berhampur, if you have selecting to visit by road you can find Buses towards Berhampur from Bhubaneswar any time and can reach with in 2hours of Journey. All Express Trains have no stoppage there so select Trains if you are traveling by train, where, you can have very charming view of Chilika on the way to Rambha.
The following Places are nearer to your Rambha Stay may be visited.

BECON ISLAND:

It is Located at about 3.0 KMs away from Rambha OTDC Bungalow. You can find an architectural marvel there that a conical pillar and a small room has constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila hill. The Place has unique panoramic charm can hunt you to be inclined towards nature. Mr. Snodgrass, the then Collector of Ganjam under the East India Company has built that for his office work with recreation. The pillar was constructed to put a light on the top. The water spread around the Beacon Island is very charming, surrounded by the mountain ranges of eastern ghat.

BREAKFAST ISLAND

This Island is located near Rambha Bay between Badakuda means Big Island and Somolo Island. It is a pear shaped island. It is also known as "Sankuda Island” means Little Island. The remnants of a decade bungalow constructed by the king of Kalikote still exist on this island. Mr. Snodgrass the then Collector of Ganjam used to occupy frequently this Bungalow. The island was full of greenery and place of attraction to visit and to do his office work in a peaceful and charming environment. The flora fauna of the island is very much interesting as a number of rare plants are still found on this Island.

HONEYMOON ISLAND

It is also located near Rambha Bay near the Sankuda Island. It is 5 K.M. away from Rambha Jetty. It is otherwise known as "Badkuda Island”. Britishers were used this island for picnicking. The waters body around the island is very clear and a luxuriant bed of red and green macro algae grow on the bed. One limbless lizard was found here which was an endemic species from this island was named after this Island.

SOMOLO AND DUMKUDI

Situated in the central and Southern sectors of the lagoon, these islands are swamped remnants of the Eastern Ghats. Though rocky, they are rich in flora and fauna. Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral waters of Somolo Island. A scenic and unique backdrop to Somolo is the Khalikote hill range.

BIRDS' ISLAND

It is situated in the southern sector of Chilika. This is a hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. The Local people called as “Chadhei Haga Pahad “It is 4 KMs away from Rambha Tourist Bungalow, and 1 Km away on the Eastern side of the Ghantasila hill. The island is covered with herbs, shrubs, trees and creepers. The granite rocks are the remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the huge rocks are painted white because of the folic acid from the droppings of the Birds. Some residential birds use the island as perching ground. During winter season, the migratory birds are sighted here. It is known for its rich algal communities and few mangrove species.

PARIKUD
Parikud, A group of composite islands constitute the Garh Krishnaprasad Block and are ideal spots for nature lovers, during the winter season it becomes an avian grandeur. You can find Govt. Lunch Services of Inland Water Transport Dept. from Balugaon to visit Parikud. It will be about 25 K.M. from Balugaon by water. Or you can hire any motorboat of local people to visit any where in Chilika. Parikud has already been connected from Prayagi, Chatrapur, and Ganjam in road.

Have a Beautiful Experience with “Marala Malini Nilambhu Chilika” and Give a comment on my page.

You may visit Tara-Tarini Pitha : A Shakti and Tantra Pitha famous since ancient time of Gautam Budha and to have a Thrilling Experience with Rope Car to Climb the Hill Top.

Visit Kapilasa Mountain a Famous Siva Pitha and Tapobana a Pilgrimage of Mahima Dharma in Dhenkanal District of Orissa, India

Kapilash is famous for Siva Pitha and Tapoban menas Forest or Park for Yoga and Meditation, the birth place of Mahima Dharma, when Mahima Gosain reached Kapilash Siva Pitha and started Atma Yoga Tapo and could see Lord Mahima in 1862 and started Mahima Dharma.


The holly Mahima Ashram of Gosain is there now also for Saints of Mahima Dharma and also is being used as Bati Ghara. Every Year a Annual Function and Yatra is being performed there on 10th Day of Bright Half of Kartika month (Oct-Nov). Deep Forest High Mountains and Streams are all the composition of beautiies of Kapilash is attracting people to visit or to have a picnic with piligrim there.


Kapilash is situated in the north east corner of Dhenkanal town at a distance of 26 Km from the district head quarters. The temples are situated in height of about 2239 feet from the sea level. The temple is 60 feet in height. There are two approaches reach at the temple. One is through climbing 1352 steps and the other is 'Barabanki' or the travel twisting way. Narasinghdeva I constructed the temple for Sri Chandrasekhar in 1246AD.The temple has a wooden Jagamohana. Sri Ganesh, Kartikeya, Gangadevi, etc. Patita pavana Jaganath also remain in the temple as 'Parsa deva'. Lord Biswanath temple is also situated in Kapilas. According to some scholors this temple is older than the Chandrasekahr jew temple, hence it is known as 'Budha linga'. There are many legends about Kapilas pitha and its significance. History says it was the ashram of Kapila muni, to some scholars it is the second Kailash of Lord Siva. Dridhar swami who wrote commentary on Srimad Bhagavatham stayed there. There are some monasteries in the premises.

How to Reach: It will be about 100 KM from Bhubaneswar. Dhenkanal the District Head Quarter will be about 80 KM from Bhubaneswar and it is well connected with National High way and Indian Railways, you can find Taxi to visit Kapilash which will be about 26 KM from Dhenkanal. You can also visit Maha Binayak via Tangi and Chatia to Kapilash.

Back to Dhenkanal District

Visit Gupteswar famous for Shrine of Lord Shiva nearRamagiri, Koraput, Jeypur of Orissa enriched with natural beauties, High Hill Ranges, Deep Forest

Gupteswar is a famous cave shrine of Lord Shiva. It is located at the top of a limestone hill named Badudi Hill which is about 500 meters above sea level.

The place is surrounded by a dense forest of Sal trees and flanked by Kolab river, and Sabari River, a 2 m high Shiva Linga stands in the cave since unknown times means it is created from nature locally says Patal Futa. The shrine is called Gupteswar which means the ' Lord Siva of Hidden Place.'. It is so named because it was lying hidden in the cave up to 1665 for a very long period.

History: In 1665 the King of Jeypur State Maharaj Sri Bikram Dev was got a Order from Lord Shiva in dream to find out the Hidden Place where the Lord Shiva was established. Then King started searching all forests and hills there around and got the Holly Shrine in a cave and started worshiping since then. The Great Maha Shiva Ratri is being celebrating every year.

One can reach it by climbing the 1000 steps flanked with rows of champaka trees. The entrance of the cave is about 3m wide and 2 m in height. There are also several other caves nearby. Inside the second cave there is a large statue called Kali Gai (Black Cow) some people worship it as Kamadhenu the divine cow means who fulfills any wills of devotees, One have to wait there with outstretched palms under the Panha of Kali Gai to collect drops of water which fall only at long intervals and getting a drop of water from Kali Gai is the bestow of God to be blessed with all happiness and prosperity.

The Place is popular with the name of Gupteswar or as Gupta Kedar in the vicinity, this holly place is endowed with unusual panoramic natural beauty, and is associated with Shri Ramachandra the great hero of the epic Ramayana. According to mythology, the linga was first discovered by Lord Ram when he was roaming in the then Dandakaryana forest with wife Sita and brother Laxman and later worshipped it calling it Gupteswar. The poet Kalidas too, described the scenic beauty of Ramgiri forest where the cave temple is referred to in his famous ‘Meghadutta'. The nearby hill has been named "RAMAGIRI.

However, with the passing of time, the temple was unused since the King Sri Bikram Dev searching to get it. Lingam was being worshipped by the tribes of Koraput region. During Shivaratri Celebration Gupteswar Temple draws over 200.000 devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Chattisgarh. People suffering from incurable diseases come here to worship the god and remain here for months in the hope of getting cured.

Other Attraction Places: Never forget to see the near by places, which are also having great value for your visit Gupteswar.

Paravadi: Paravadi means Para: Pigeons and Vadi: Rack means the Rack for Pigeons. Where you can find thousands of Pigeons of different color living there and popular folklore is that the Pigeons living there are having a great moral and religious value in their behavior. And it is also believed that some of pigeons are living since the mythological age.

Sabari River: Sabari means the feminine word of Sabara the local name of Tribal people and called so in Oriya. The ever floated River Sabari floating in high stone base gives most attraction with fear.

Children’s Park: A children’s Park is maintained there for visitors.

Medicinal Garden: A Garden is maintained there with thousands of species of Rare Medicinal Plants and it is a better place to recognize some rare Plants there.

Tiger Cave: Out of many caves a cave is named Tiger Cave where tigers were living then.

Rama Kunda and Sita Kunda: During Rama Banabasa Sri Ramachandra and Devi Sita and brother Laxman was living in Ramagiri Hill for Months and Sri Rama and Devi Sita was bathing there to worship Lord Shiva in separate ponds now they called so Rama Kunda and Sita Kunda.

Rama Pada , Hati Pada, and so many caves are there to visit.

How to Reach: It will be about 50 K.M from Jeypur. One can find the way to Gupteswar at Ramagiri on the way to Baipariguda from Jeypur. As the Jeypur and Koraput are connected with National High Way and Indian Railways from Vijaya Nagarm in Andhra Pradesh you can reach there in either means. And you can find Night Bus Services from Bhubaneswar to Koraput and Jeypur and even upto Baipariguda on the way to Malkanagiri. You can find Taxi service and Lodgging and broading facility at Jeypur and Koraput to visit the Places around Koraput.

Approximate Distances from Important Places in Road

Bhubaneswar – 610 KM

Berhampur- 440 KM

Koraput- 68 KM 

Jeypur- 52 KM 

Jagadalpur 58 KM 

Raipur- 380 KM 

Vijayanagaram 190 KM 

Visit and Explore Orissa Places of Temples Rivers,Sanctuaries, Historycal Places,

Orissa, the actual pronunciation in co local language is ODISHA , the place for ODIYA peoples as it was constituted on the basis of language, taking all the ODIYA speaking areas together, of India during English Rule on 1st April,1936 . Earlier it was famous as KALINGA.
Orissa is situated on the eastern coast of India, Surrounded by West Bengal in North East, Jharkhanda in North, Chhattishgarh and Mandhya Pradsh in West, Andhra Pradesh in South and the Sea, Bay of Bengal in East.

You may visit 30 Districts of Odisha

River Mahanadi, the Great River of Odisha, and The River Brahmani, Baitarini and Rusikulya are in next to Mahanadi are flowing from west to east and falling in the Bay of Bengal Sea.The Biggest and most famous Lake in Orissa is the Chilika Lake. It is largest Salty Lake in Asia. It is situated in adjacent to Bay of Bengal, and only a narrow land wide about 100 to 200 meters of sand and forest of Ukally Potash is separating the Lake and sea between. A Mouth of Chilika at Arakhakuda is the only way where the sea water is entering to Chilika Lake.

Orissa is one of greatest historical land, is known for the Kalinga War at near Dhauli Mountain and bank of River Daya held during (273-232, BC) where the psychology of “win with violence” of The then Great King, the Asoak was turned towards peace lover and accepted the teaching of Lord Buddha in this soil of Orissa, the monument of Budha and temple is now situated on that spot as Dhauli Giri ( Dhauli Mountain). 


Orissa or ODISHA or KALINGA or UTKAL, you may call in any name is famous for its past splendors and contemporary expression.Utkal, a Name of ancient orissa and it is derived from Odiya word of “UTKARSA”Means excellence or finest in art, handicraft, sculpture, song, dance, music, love as well as War. Earlier, the people of orissa were also excellent in business and were visiting Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Balli Islands crossing the Bay of Bengal for selling their artistic products. Here it may express you a theme of Akshya Mohanty a great musician of orissa for writing and singing sweetest song in Oriya Light Music. As      

Anga Deshara sadhee eeeee

Banga Deshara chudi eeeee

Kaling Deshara Sadhaba Pua Mu uoooo

Boita Deichi Mellieeeee Means

Sarees are from Anga (Name of Country, now it is Part of Orissa in western part.)

Bangals are from Banga (Name of Country now it is West Bengal)

And I am from Kalinga, (Name of Country now it is Orissa)

And have opened my ship for sailing.

The Khurda Garh a name of ancient fort was famous as it was the last freedom fort in India, when English Empire was conquered all the great forts of India.Orissa, the essence of India, right from its root, blessed with eye capturing nature, rich minerals, world famous temples, simple living of people, finest art craft ,sculptures and music.The World famous and highest temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri and Famous and fine tipped work of the Sun Temple at Konark is enough for inland and foreigners to fix a mind to make a trip to Orissa obviously to India.

The Holy City PURI is famous world wide for Lord Jagannath (The Lord of Jagata or Lord of Universe) and it’s Highest Temple in the World. 

Again Orissa is famous for its, tradition, dances, music, handicrafts, temple architecture and sculpture as well as the peace loving people, who are excellent in work and simple in living and hospitable mind, are now mixed with modernity with traditional value. You can find the modern Indian achievement in form of Hirakud Dam at Burla, Sambalapur, Rourkela Steel Plant at, Rourkela, Sundergarh, Fighter Aircraft Unit at Sunabeda, Koraput, Rare Earth Unit at Gopalpur on Sea, Berhampur, Ganjam, Missile Testing Unit at Chandipur at Sea, Baleswar, Pradeep Port at Paradeep (The greatest Port of India), and the Utkal University, at the state capital, Bhubaneswar as educational base and proud of India are all gathered and strengthening this soil.

Odisha Tourism at a Glance

Economy Of Odisha :

Visit Tara-Tarini Temple, Sakta Tantra and Shakti Pitha, Near Purushottamapur,Ganjam, Orissa , Enjoy Rope Way,and see Panaroma of Rushikulya River

Tara-Tarini Temple on the Top of the Kumari hills on the bank of River Rushikulya near Purushottampur in Ganjam District is one of the most ancient Shakti pithas or Tantra Pitha of Orissa and this Pitha is among number of important Shakta centers in India and Orissa has been considered to be one of the most important Shakti centre.

The Goddesses Tara-Tarini has been regarded as the presiding deity (Ista-Devi) in almost every house in South Orissa. This important and famous Temple is situated on the top of the Kumari hill or popularly known as Tara-Tarini Pahad (Hill). The height of the hill is about 708 ft. and it has spread over 180 Acres of land surrounded by natural beauties. The picturesque panorama of the temple and the river Rushikulya gives enormous pleasure and exciting experience of nature and divinity to each pilgrim or visitors and often enchant its mind and soul. You have to climb 999 steps on the front side of the hill leading to the temple Or you can reach at the top through a pucca road for vehicle on the backside of the hill. Provisions of electricity, drinking water and a small market complex at the site with articles for worship are there to enhancing the facilities.

Ropeway: Recently Ariel Rope Car from Tara Tarini Foot hill to Top of the hill to reach the Temple is providing thrilling experience and enjoying Panorama of the beauties. And Most of the Youngsters have enjoying the facility to reach at the Top of the Hill. This is first inclined Rope Car of Orissa made by Ropeway Resorts Pvt. Ltd. Kolkata at their own cost. The Rope Way is with 4 Cabins and four visitors in each cabin can transport 150 visitors per hour and the price of Ticket is only Rs. 15/- per head for to and fro travel.

The Temple is small but beautiful one and famous Shrine of Tara-Tarini. Worship at this important Shakti Pitha has been continuing since time of immemorial. Two stones has been anthropomorphized by the addition of gold and silver ornaments and shaped as human faces are the main Shrine of this temple which represents the Goddesses Tara and Tarini. You can find two fully celebrated and beautiful brass heads as their Living Idol (Chalanti Pratima) have been placed in between two Main shrines. It has been said that from a tribal cult Tara-Tarini have been transformed into Shakti cult through the process of aryanisation, as the name Tara was the Primordial deity of the Mahayana Budhist Pantheon , indicates Budhist influence at the Tara - Tarini Pitha.

You may visit the Jaugada (Samapa), the capital of Southern Kalinga of Ashokan Empire, at a mere distance of 4 Kms from Tara-Tarini Hill. Here you can find the evidence of Buddhist pursuits in this area particularly Ganjam region on the bank of river Rushikulya was very active from the Special Rock Edit of Ashoka.

In ancient time when Sadhavas were visiting Java, Sumatra, Borneo and Bali Islands for their Business from different parts of Kalinga , they were worshiping of Tara-Tarini before launching their sea voyage as the river Rushikulya was main entrance to bay of bengal in South Kalinga. Even to day you can find some ruins of a brick foundation at village Mukundapur on the south bank of river Rushiklya at the bottom of Tara-Tarini Hill and the so called Ganda ( deep river ) which were used for voyage activities.

Out of myths and folklore relating to the origin of the Tara-Tarini Shrine at the hill top. One of the myths says, once Daksha Prajapati the father of Goddes Devi Parvati or Sati arranged a Yagyan to which he did not invited his daughter and her husband (Son in Law) Lord Siva to attend. When Devi knew this from Narada, she visited to the Yangyan site to enquire why her father did not invite her husband Lord Siva to the said Yagyan. Daksha insulted with abusing words to Lord Siva which were not tolerable to Sati. As a result of this she jumped into the Yagyan Kunda and sacrificed her life. When Lord Siva knew this he became very angry and taking the dead body of Sati he started tandaba dance (nrutya) which could have caused Mahapralaya (vast destruction). On the request of the Devatas, the Lord Sani (Saturn) entered the corpse of Sati and disposed it part by part. From which the Shakta Pithas originated at the different places where the organs of Sati had fallen. It is said that the breasts of Sati fell at the Kumari Hills where the famous Tara Tarini Shakta Pitha has stood.

How to Reach: The Tara-Tarini Pitha is situated at a distance of 32 Kms towards north of Berhampur on the south bank of river Rushikulya near Purushottamapur. The Distance of Tara-Tarini Hill is from Jagannathapur on N.H.-5 is about 22 K.M and you can find Cars to reach there. The National High way is connecting Kolkota to Chennai. From Humma on Chilika it will be about 35 KMs. And from Berhampur it is 32 KMs.

NEAREST AIR PORT : BHUBANESWAR, 179 Kms from where you can find Buses in every hour and Trains to Berhampur in south where you can find Cars to reach at the Place. The Buses or Trains will take 2 and half of hour to reach Berhampur.

NEAREST RLY.STATION: BERHAMPUR 32 Kms,
TAXI SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE FRM BERHAMPUR TO Visit TARATARINI
You can find REGULAR BUS SERVICE FROM BERHAMPUR TO PURUHSOTTAMPUR, POLSARA, KAVISURYANAGAR, ASKA, KODALA ETC. ARE AVAILABLE VIA TARATARINI JUNCTION.

ACCOMODATION

DIGANTA Inspection Bango at the foot hill of Tara Tarini Temple managed by the Tara Tarini Trust. Two Rooms well furnished, room rent Rs. 100/- per day, Two ordinary Rooms having Room Rent Rs.60/- per day.

YATRI NIVAS near Simha Dwara managed by the Tara Tarini Trust.
PANTHA SALA at the foot hill of Tara Tarini Temple having 3 bed rooms and one Dormitary managed by Orissa Tourism Department for booking contact Tourist Officer, Ganjam Berhampur . Phone No 0680-2210980.


HOTEL fascilities of any financial range is also available at Berhampur and at same time you can see Gopalpur-on-Sea a distinct sea beach of its kind.

Dola Yatra , Dola Melan or Dola Festival in Orissa Odisha - The Festival of Get Together of Deities of Lord Gopinath Dev and Bhagabat Deva

Dola Yatra at Tirimal Khurda Odisha / Orissa India

Dola Yatra (Melana) at Tirimal 2011

Khurda District

Dola Yatra or Dola Melan :

Dola Yatra or Melana or Milan usually the festival says about Milan or Get together of Deities basically Lord Gopinath Dev and Lord Bhagabat from different nearby villages. Deities from different Villages and different Sahi Bhagabat Ghara come to the Melana Padia ( Field) by  Dola , a specially designed Temple like structure made up of Wood. The Main Daity ( Host Deity ) welcomes all deities and make arrangement for their stay. The Stay includes daily Bhoga and Puja.

Dola Milan / Bhagabat Milan at Tirimal Khurda Odisha : Its the Time to Return back to their respective village after last meeting.



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See Video of Dola Yatra

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Dola Yatra or Dola Melana Closing Ceremony , Tradition of Meeting and Farewell.

Closing Ceremony of Bhagabat Melan 

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Hirakud means Island of Diamond near Sambalpur !!! Where a Dam has been costructed on the river Mahanadi for Multipurpose activities

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Hirakud means Island of Diamond !!! Where a Dam has been costructed on the river Mahanadi for Multipurpose activities . Hardly 20 minutes drive from Sambalpur is the dam. Photography of the dam is not allowed from security point of view,

The Hirakud Dam is a composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry. It is the longest major earthen dam in the world measuring 24 km including dykes, standing across the river Mahanadi. The main dam has an overall length of 4.8 km spanning between two hills; the Lamdungri on the left and the Chandili Dunguri on the right. The dam is flanked by 21km long earthen dykes on both the left and right sides, closing the low saddles beyond the ajoining hills. The dam and dykes together measure 25.8 km. It also forms the biggest artificial lake in Asia, with a reservoir holding 743 km² at full capacity with a shoreline of over 640km.

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Cattle Island exists in one of the extreme point of Hirakud Reservoir, a natural wonder. It is near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range which is about 90 km from Sambalpur. By motor launch from Hirakud Dam, it is closer by 10 km via the river. The island is nothing but a submerged hill, and prior to Hirakud Dam construction, it was a developed village. Only cattle inhabit the island. During the resettlement period, villagers left some of their cows and bulls behind; when the dam construction was over the cattle settled down on the hill-top. By the passage of time the nearby area filled up with the reservoir water, turning the hill-top to an island. Being away from mankind, the cattle are now wild, very swift and not easily caught. Living on a hilltop with dense forest, they are larger than tame cattle. Almost all are white in colour. Nearby residents attempt to hunt these animals from time to time, but these hunts are rarely successful. Though descended from tame cattle, these animals provide a contrasting picture of this breed of animal returning to life in the wild.

See Video Cattle Island

Near to Dam : Debrigarh Wild Life Sanctuary 

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Cattle Island exists in Hirakud Reservoir, near Kumarbandh village of Belpahar-Banharpali range which is about 90 km from Sambalpur.

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Flood in River Mahanandi : Flood Scenario in Binika block of Subarnapur District.

Flooded Road

Flooded Village

Flodded Barapali Sonepur Main Road

Flodded Village Road

Flooded Village Road

About 2000 people were taken to safer place when Hirakud Reservoir opened 59 sluice gate to release flood water from Hirakaaud Reservoir.

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Visit Kalijai Temple Shrine of Famous Goddess in Chilika Lake Near Balugan of Khurda District of Orissa,India

KALIJAI TEMPLE:Kalijai temple is situated on an island or you can say a Hill. It is about 18 K.M. away from Balugan in south east direction, the residence of the Goddess Kalijai.Kalijai means Kali + Jai , Kali, the Goddess Kali and Jai a name of a village Girl of Banapur , who was drowned there during her visit to Parikuda Gada for her Marriage. An accidental storm with deep black cloud was drowned her traditional boat there near the hill and vanished. All the Boatmen with her father were alive except that Girl Jai undiscovered!!! Since then many boat men have been listened her low voice during early in the evening there and she became the adorable Goddess of the locality and became respected among Odiya People. Most of the Fisherman Community is worshiping Goddess KaliJai as their “Istha Devi”, Istha means who manages all of Istha (Good) and Anistha (Bad) times. Most of the home tourists know that visit to KaliJai is that’s all to visit Chilika.

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How to Reach: Balugan is well connected with East Coast Rail Ways and National High Way (NH-5). Most of all Express Trains have stoppage at Balugan. And You can also find Buses from Bhubaneswar and Berhampur any time and you can find Lodging and Boarding facilities there easily. The Jetty is nearer to both the Train and Bus Station of Balugan and its walkable distance .If you want you can hair Auto or Rickshaw to reach the jetty. To visit KaliJai, Both the Motor fitted Traditional wooden Boats and Modern Boats are available for visitors. The Inland Water Transport Dept.has also providing Motor Lunch for Transportation but the scheduled Day of visit is only on Sunday. It will take 30-45 Minuit to reach KaliJai from Balugan.

You see, you can feel both anxiety of fear with pleasure during your visit with heart bitting.

Visist Many More Islands of Chilika

Visit Many More Beautiful Islands of Chilika from Rambha on Bay

Chipilima Hydro Power Station and Ghanteswari Temple on the Bank of the River Mahanadi Near Sambalapur, Odisha, India

If you are interested to visit Sambalpur District, the main destinations are Samalai Temple at Sambalpur, Hirakud Dam at Burla, Bakra Mandir or Tilted Temple of Huma See Video , Ghanteswari Temple at Chiplima, Chipilima Water Fall, See Video Ushakothi and Gudguda etc may be visited.

Ghanteswari Temple:

Ghanteswari Temple is situated at the foot of Lamei Dunguri means Lamei a name of a hill, near Chipilima Hydro Electric Power Station, about 33 KM away from Sambalapur in south west direction on the bank of the River Mahanadi. It is famous and attracts lakhs of devotees, picnic parties, excursion groups and visitors to enjoy the beauty.

Name signifies that Ghanteswari means Goddess of “Ghants” means bells and you can also find bells all around the temple where ever you can see.

It is said there were some big bells on the spot and were creating sounds when wind blew strongly to alert navigators about the danger in River Mahanadi, as the river is confluence of three streams of water and forming a whirlpool and creating a danger of drowning of boats there, but after construction of Hirakud Dam the situation of current became safer now.The Calm and serene atmosphere of the place along with cackle sound of the river water is enhancing the attraction of the spot to the lakhs Visitors.

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A Popular Folklore:

You can listen about a popular folklore there from the local people that a peasant named Hara Behera of neighboring village Tihikipali has established the temple perhaps during 1650-1670. And the folklore behind it is that the said Hara Behera used to go in to the river to collect black sand from the water with his wife Laxmi. One day he got a rounded stone there and brought it to home. At night he see a dream of a Goddess who came and disclosed that she was the royal hereditary deity of Biru’s estate of Chhota Nagpur, and interested to be established in same place near Mahanadi. And as per instruction of Goddess the Hara Behera established her at Badhiyal Grave under Simuli Lata a creaper near Bakbira Vllage and worshipped as Gramadevi means Village Deity of Jharua Keuta and Dumal communities.

Mode Of Visit: The place is only 12 away from the National Highway from Sambalapur to Bargarh route in left to the NH. You can find Rented Cars from Sambalapur or Bargarh to visit the place easily and economically. And both the Sambalapur and Bargarh is well connected with National High Ways and Railways.

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See Hirakuda Dam and Power Station