Hirakud Dam
The dam is fifteen kilometres away from the Sambalpur town. It requires about the bulk amount of concrete and masonry to build the dam. The dam provides a unique majestic, and marvellous look to its tourists. Amidst the holy temples around, this place gives a unique experience in the tour. . Here is the longest earthen dam in the world. From the revolving minaret Gandhi Minar, tourists can enjoy the sight of the great Hirakud dam and the gushing water from the top. The reservoir has its majestic look across the great river Mahanadi.
Ghanteswari Temple
The temple is the holiest and towering place in the city. As the name suggests, there are many bells in the temple. Devotees offer a bell to the presiding deity, Maa Ghanteswari, after the fulfilment of their wishes. A group of pilgrims visit this place every time from across the state. Local people call the place Heart of Chipilima, which means a beautiful picnic spot. The temple’s uniqueness lies in the hanging of thousands of bells, and it is the only place of its kind in Orissa. It is thirty-three kilometres away from the southwest of Sambalpur, located on the banks of river Mahanadi. It is known as a lighthouse without light because it played an essential role in navigation before.
Gudguda Waterfall
These are the most beautiful waterfalls that come under the Sambalpur district. Many peoples from neighbouring towns like Deogarh, Jharsugada, Rourkela arrive at these people during festival times. The journey to this place is pleasant because the roads are fantastic after crossing Kolabira Village. Dense forest gives complete protection to this place. Mango and lichi orchards decorate the waterfalls. From far away, tourists can hear the chirping of birds and the gushing sound of waterfalls. It is a charming place to spend your day away from the hustling, bustling noise of the town. This place has three step by step waterfalls which are carved beautifully from the rocks. The water flowing in the site is exceptionally chill and because the waterfalls hardly face the sun rays. The waterfall produces the perfect-picture ambience.
Huma
It houses the leaning temple of Lord Shiva. It was built in the reign of Bailar Singh, the fifth Raja of Sambalpur. A milkman started the worship of Shiva here. It continues a significant myth story associated with the temple. The presiding deity in the temple is Bimaleswar Siva. Kudo fishes, the assets of God, are found here in large numbers. The tilted structure of the temple is unique. Surprisingly, the main temple is tilted in one direction, and other temples were inclined in another direction. Within the temple complex, tourists found everything in a diagonal order. The angle of Inclination has still not changed after fifty years. Villagers believe that this was due to geological reasons. It remembers the leaning tower of Pisa and its experience.
Samaleswari Temple
Samaleswari is the presiding deity of Sambalpur. It became the most potent religious force in the western part of Orissa. In ancient times, the place was Hirakhanda. Cultural heritage filled the place around the temple. Ptolemy describes this place as Sambalak, and it states that it exports diamond to Rome.People worship Samaleswari as Jagatjanani, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Adisakti in ancient times on the river banks of Mahanadi.
Besides, Debrigoth wildlife sanctuary, Deer park, Buddharaja temple, Khalasuni wildlife sanctuary, Pataneswari temple, and Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary provide a perfect feast for animal lovers. Adventure lovers plan the tour more because it is intriguing to watch the wildlife animals amidst the dense forest. This place is to pray and trekking and photography, So carry your shoes and Camera with you.
