Excursions

SRI  SAILA  KHETRA, ANGUL

          A beautiful temple complex has been constructed on Sunasagada Hill top at Angul. The main temple has  Mukhasala , Jagamohan, Natyamandir and a Garvagriha . Lord  Balabhadra, Lord Jagannath and Devi Subhadra  are worshiped  in the main temple . Godess Laxmi , Bimala, Sarawati  are worshiped  in this complex . This temple complex attracts a lot of visitors through out the year. 

Bhoomi Puja for the construction of this temple held on 15^th Feb, 1994. The foundation stone was laid on 21^st Feb,1996. Ratnamandira was completed on 14^th July,97. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra were installed on Ratnasinghasan on   22^nd Feb, 2002. The first Car festival was observed on 12^th July,02. The main temple has a spread of 7500 sq. ft. It is 111 ft. tall. Car festival and other festivals associated with Lord Jagannath are observed in Sri Saila Khetra. The Temple is managed by a Society headed by Collector, Angul as ex-officio President.

GODDESS BUDHI THAKURANI

          The presiding deity of Angul  is Goddess Budhithakurani . Angul has earned celebrity as a Sakta Centre since 8^th Century A.D. with the rise of the Sulkies on its soil. Goddess Budhithakurani  is worshiped in the form of a stone icon covered  with  vermillion . The shrine draws huge crowd throughout the year.  Pilgrims of different parts of Orissa visit the place   for a darshan of the   Goddess.

SATAKOSIA WILD LIFE SANCTURARY & TIKARAPADA 

Greater northern half portion of Satakosia wild life sanctuary is located in Angul district. The sanctuary derives its name from sat (seven) and Kosh (two miles) meaning 14 miles or 22 km. Long. The meandering Mahanadi flowing amidst two beautiful hills form here the mightiest gorge measuring 22 km. Long. The majestic Satkosia gorge is a unique feature in the geomorphology of India. It is acclaimed as one of the most enchanting spots in the country. This region is in fact the meeting point of Chhotanagpur plateau forests, dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular sal forests and is a strong hold of tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, chousingha, sloth beer and varieties of resident and migratory birds and different species of reptiles like gharial, mugger, crocodile, fresh water turtles, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes etc. The place is ideal of boating, angling and other adventure sports. A research and conservation unit was established at Tikarpada(close to the gorge during 1995 for rearing of gharials. So far 38 species of mammals, 128 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians and 183 species of fish have been recorded in the sanctuary. Tikarpada is connected to N.H. 42 at Badakera (10 Kms. from Angul) through a motorable road of 48 Km. length.

BHIMAKAND

          A  rock art sleeping  image of Lord Vishnu is located  at Bhimakanda village about 30 km north of Talcher town and 50 km from Angul & on the right bank of river Brahmani . Now it is situated within the complex of  the largest  coal based   Super Thermal Power  Plant of NTPC.  The image sleeps on its right side. The image is about 42’ (126.5 CM) long & 8’ wide. The image is the second largest image in India in size, the Gomogteswar in Karnataka being the largest.  However, it has the honour of being the largest sleeping image. The period of its construction is assigned to 8th –9^th Century A.D.

KHULUDI

 Malyagiri range of Pallahara Sub-Division   houses a glitering water fall near the village Khuludi. The fall making its spectacular jump from the hilltop and paying homage to Lord Siva is located at a distance of 120 Kms. from Angul and 20 Kms. from Pallahara. It is an ideal site for group picnic and relaxation.

DEULAJHARI

          Deulajhari is the ancient citadel of Saivism. Located at 6 Km. Away from Athamallik & 90 Kms. Away from Angul. The temple has been constructed amidst dense indigenous-jasmine forest (locally known as Kiabana) that stands as the high walls around the temple. The uniqueness of the place lies in its hot springs that surround the temple. As per the ancient records there were eighty-four such springs. But many of these have been overshadowed in the jasmine forest. Now twenty-four springs are alive. Among these, the springs bearing the names like Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Amrutakunda and Labakusakunda are prominent ones. The temperature of water in these springs varies from 40 degree Celsius to 62 degree Celsius.

          The temple complex covers an area of twenty-four acres of land. The presiding deity Sidheswar Baba adores the main temple.

TALCHER

          Talcher on the right bank of Brahmani, the capital of the erstwhile Talcher State is one of the fastest growing industrial and mining complexes of the country. The coal based thermal power plant (470MW) at the Talcher Thermal, Heavy Water plant of Atomic Energy Commission at Vikrampur, 7 nos. of underground mines and 3   nos. of open cast mines located in and around Talcher  have greatly enhanced the  importance  of this place. Another attraction of the place is the Rani Park, which extends over an area of 64 square KM. Once this place was very famous for its varied flora and fauna.  A rock cut    Bishnu lying in sleeping posture at the left bank of Brahmani in Saranga village of Dhenkanal district is only 4 KM away from Talcher.  Talcher is 150   KM away from Bhubaneswar and 20 KM away from Angul . N.H. 23 passes through Talcher.

 RENGALI

A dam has been constructed across the river Brahmani at Rengali.  One Hydro-electric power project of 120MW capacity has been installed here.  It is about 85 KM from  Angul .   Located on NH-250 , it is a quite place for outing.

SAMAL

            It is located at a distance of 40 kms from  Angul  and 20 kms from Talcher . The panaromic view  with deep solitude is a panacea to group picnicker.  A barrage has been constructed  here to harvest the Brahmani  water for irrigation purpose. Brahmani right  Canal  and left Canal originate from this place . A mini hydro power plant  is  also coming up at  this place. The panoramic view with deep solitude is a panacea to the group picnickers.

GOPALPRASAD

          Goddess Hingula is worshipped with great devotion by the people of the surrounding areas. It is located at a distance of 14 K.M. from Talcher.Goddess Hingula is believed to be the agni ( fire) in the kitchen of Lord Jagannath at Puri. An open cast coal mine of MCL has come up recently near Gopalprasad. Hingula Yatra is observed here for nine days during the month of Chaitra. A lok mohotsav is organized here for a week long period on the occasion of the yatra when tens of thousands of people visit the place.

PURUNAGARH 

A village in Bantala Police-Station of Angul sub-division. It lies beside the road to Tikarpada at a distance of about 15K.M from Angul. Formerly, it was   the Capital of the Rajas of Angul. The last ruler of Angul Raja Somanath Singh a few years before his deposition in 1848, moved his headquarters to Krishnachakragarh, nearly 16K.M from Purunagarh, which was then given its present name, meaning the old fort. When Angul came under the direct control of the British Government, Purunagarh was again made its headquarters, but as the site was found to be very unhealthy, Angul was made the headquarters. Purunagarh contains some temples, chief among which are those dedicated to Jagannath and Madanmohan. The deity Madanmohan is held in great esteem by people of the subdivision.

KALIAKATA

        Kaliakata a small village under Nisa G.P. of Chhendipada Block. After covering 13 Kms. From Angul on Angul-Bagedia road one has to go about 3 Kms. West to reach this village. The village contains pre-historic sites discovered by Valentine Ball in 1876. The recent investigation has revealed that the sites are very important for study of pre-historic antiquities.

KOSALA

       This village is situated at a distance of 28 Kms. On Angul-Bagedia road. The village is known for its shrine dedicated to Goddess ‘ Rama Chandi’. She is believed to be possessed of great powers. It is believed that by worhiping Goddess ‘ Rama Chandi’ sterile women will obtain children. On the foundation of the old temple one magnificent temple is under construction by the villagers.

          A yatra is held here on the second day of ‘ Krushna Pakshya Bhadra’. This yatra is known as ‘ Rama Chandi’ yatra or ‘ Kadualli Yatra’( July- August). This yatra is attended by about 30,000 persons of Angul and neighboring sub-divisions.

GARH SANTRY

          A village in Banarpal Polce-Station at a distance of 13K.M from Angul. It contains the shirne of a Goddess called Lovi Thakurani, where a large Mela is held annually on the full-moon day of Kartik(October-November). The fair, which lasts for two days, a large crowd days. Local tradition says that Goddess Lobhi was first worshipped by Ramachandra. Click for  more

TALMUL

          A village situated in Angul Police-Station at  about 22.5 K.M from Angul. It is about 2K.M. north of Mahidharpur which is on the Angul-Hindol road. There is a temple here dedicated to Mahisasurmardini, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple, though not large in dimension possesses some special features of architecture. It has a Mukhasala attached to its front which has a roof supported by pillars. The Temple and Mukhasala have been constructed on a raised platform which adds to the height of the temple.The pillars are similar to those of the Chalkunji at Khiching. The Parswadevata and the deity of the temple are very life-like and are good specimens of plastic art. The local people hold Mahisasuramardini in great awe.

BAJIROUT CHHATRAVAS,ANGUL

          The Bajirout Chhatravas, an institution of      national     importance ( registered under Societies Registration Act. XXI of 1960) was established in 1946 at Angul in Orissa State by Smt. Malati Choudhury, freedom fighter, social activist and former member of the constituent assembly of India and Shri Nabakrushna Choudhuri, Gandhian thinker and scholar and former Chief Minister of Orissa.

          Bajirout Chhatravas was established on 11^th May 1946 in memory of a twelve-year-old boy, Bajirout, who sacrificed his life by disallowing the British forces to cross by boat the river Brahmani. This spirit of sacrifice is an eternal message for the children of Bajirout Chhatravas.

          Inspired by the educational philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore , Smt. Malati Choudhury, Shri Nabakrushna Choudhury and their dedicated team introduced an innovative programme of education call Nai Talim, in Bajirout Chhatravas.

Collaboration with other organizations 

          The Bajirout Chhatravas is an Institutional Member of the Indian Adult Education Association, New Delhi. It has partnership status with the world view International Foundation, Colombo. It also works on a programme to programme basis with the Jana Sikshan Sansthaan, Angul.

Activities

     The following activities comprise the mainstay of the Chhatravas.

1.                 Inter-religious prayer early morning & evening.

2.                 Morning Yogasana practices.

3.                 Gardening and agriculture work.

4.                 Community cleaning.

5.                 Community cooking.

6.                 Self study.

7.                 Sports & Games.

8.                 Spinning.

9.                 Learning crafts in collaboration with Jana Sikshan Sansthaan ( JSS)

10.             Celebration of festivals.

11.             Observance of the National Days and birth days of important personalities.

12.             Welcoming the different seasons through music and dance.

13.             Students working as volunteers during natural calamities and accidents. 

 MAHATMA GANDHI MEMORIAL TRUST AT BAMUR

          Mahatma Gandhi stayed at Bamur ion 05.05.1934 (midnight halt), to commemorate the halt of Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi memorial trust has been established at Bamur in the year 1990. This trust is registered bearing Regn. No. 2222/S (1991).   One Information Centre, Reading Room , R.I. Office, Fire station, GRIDCO Electrical Section office are located in this memorial Trust Building.       

Banarpal

                     On the junction of N.H. 23 and N.H., 42, Banarpal , only 10 km from  Angul is a convenient base for higway tourists. A wayside amenities centre (panthika)  of state Tourism department is nearing completion to provide accommodation and other ancillary facilities to the tourists.

Maheswari Temple, Athamallick

                 Maa Maheswari and her temple is the pivot point of the socio-cultural life of the region. It is a citadel of  Saktisim. The legends along with experiences of individual devotees about the Mahima of the Goddess are just unbeatable. Modern logic and human reasoning fails to counter the facts narrated by living-legends. Mythologically, the worship of Maheswari is related to the age of Tretaya during with the Lord Rama worshiped the divine Mother in his hard days of forest exile.

                Historical records prove that the Goddess has been the royal deity in course of the history of Athamallik. She symbolizes courage, strength and victory. With the change of capital from one place to another various kings  had constructed different temples for her worship. The presently standing temple in eastern side of Athamallik town has been built in the year 1922. The idol is made of gold and other valuable Asthadhatu. 

                The divine mother is worshiped along with the Dolagovinda on the sanatorium. The distinctive feature of the idol is that it has eleven hands one of which emerges out of the belly of the idol. Thought the worship of Ekadasabhuja-Durga is found in other regions of Orissa the icon of  Maheswari is unique and unparallel with any other Saktipitha. The architectural design of the temple confirms to the Kalingan-style. The main temple has been so constructed that the first ray of the rising sun reflects on the Dadhinauti of the temple The subtleness and craftsmanship of the temple are the timeless reflection of a glorious tradition. They all tell an unfinished story in the stone.

                 The folklore and legends glorify the temple and goddess. The speciality of the legends are that till today many a people are alive who bear testimony to some of the folk-tales. The deity had been so important and popular among the masses that kings envied each other over the possession of the deity in their kingdom.

                  The important fasts and festivals in the temple include the Dola Utsab during the month of Phalguna, Nabapatrika Puja during the month of Chaitra, Machhabindha during Baisakha, Chandan Yatra during the month of Yestha, Purnima Puja in the month of Srabana and Sola Puja( Worship in sixteen forms and offerings) during the month of Aswina. he tradition of animal sacrifice during solapuja at the time of Dasahara was prevalent till recent days.

                     More than artistic delights and spiritual prescience the temple and its legends preserve the history of the land with its social and economic landscape. the worship of the divine mother here in the form of Maheswari equals the tradition of Saktiupasana in various other places of Orissa. viz. Charchika in Banki, Biraja in Jajpur, Tarini in Keonjhar, Chandi in Cuttack, Bimala in Puri, Samaleswari in sambalapur & Bhagabati in Banapur.      

Binikei Pitha, Athamallick

                      The  pitha of mother Goddess Maa Binikei is another spot of tourist attraction in the Sub-Division of Athamallik. The place is located on the bank of the river Mahanadi and is only 25 kms away from the Sub divisional headquarters. The river Mahanadi flows on its sandy beds between the hills just in front of the citadel of the sylvan Goddess. The river with its blue currents on sandy beds is just a jungle maiden dancing and singing with the sound of the cool breeze that comes from the deep forest that surrounds the temple. The sight reminds a pilgrim about the river Ganges flowing down the Gongotri in Himalayan ranges. The maiden river offer the rare opportunity of witnessing the sunrise and sunset on its chest where one  can bathe and laze for for hours on its golden sands. One can also see enjoy traditional fishermen playing their catamarans and boats and drawing it to their nets with a lively and rich catch of fish on this wide and long riverbank. The spot is the gateway to the famous Satakosia george of river Mahanadi having a Gharial sanctuary. At the back of the temple stands the towering Panchadhara hills a like a crown on the head of the deity. The sight of sunrise and set on River Mahanadi on stone and sand beds relieve the visitor from worldly woes and worries.

                    Many a folk-talks and legends speak about the arrival of Maa Binikei at this spot. Some of the legends relate to Mari-time-trade, a glorified era in Orissan history. The temple is more described by the legends than that of historical records. Definite historical records are not available till today. However some scholars believe that king Kishore Chandra Deo of Kadamba Dynasty who ruled over this Gadjat estate in early part of nineteenth century consecrated the idol of Binikei at this spot.

                   There is also no unanimity of opinion among the scholars with regard to the timing of the idol of Maa Binikei. However, some scholars date it to ninth century from the view point of its sculptures and architectural design. There are some similarity of its sculpture with the art and sculpture of Kosaleswar temple in Subarnapur district. he temple of Kosaleswar was built during the rule of a powerful dynasty known as Telguchoda in Subarnapur. The idol stands on a man and holds a body on the lap of another leg. The pose itself speaks about the meaning i.e. saving the virtuous and peace loving persons and demolishing the vicious demons. She is the savior when the world is engulfed by darkness. The brilliance of her mahima (charisma) mitigates the darkness and protects the righteousness. The tantrasahdakas name the idol as Bamunda, the tantrik goddess. Whatever may be the spiritual discourse about the origin and significance of the idol it can be concluded with some degree of emphasis that the modeling of the idol indicates a synchronization of Buddhist tantrayana and Hindhu architect design.

                      The summer, autumn, winter and spring are the most appropriate time for experiencing the divine pleasure at Binikei. The most important celebration of the temple is Dola yatra during the month of Phalguna (Spring season).

                       With the rich legacy of a Gadjat culture, Athamallik sub-division is enriched with many treasures for a traveler, a pilgrim, a tourist, a catechist and a preceptor. Apart from the places cited above the sub-division is full of with temples, monasteries, picnic spots and the places for spiritual meditation. Tinged with folklore, mythological believes, spiritual brilliance and bestowed with unique geo-climatic conditions under the dress of scenic panorama, the the Sub-Division is truly a hidden treasure in the tourist map of Orissa.

                   Taxis and Autorikshaws are available on hire at Angul for visiting the places of attraction and excursion.

Medical

                    District Headquarters Hospital, Angul,

                    Police Training College Hospital, Angul

                    Government Hospital, Talcher                  

                    T.T.P.S. Hospital, Chainpal.

Postal

                    Available in almost all the places of the district

Banks

                   State Bank of India and Others Nationalised Banks have their branches at Angul, NALCO Nagar, Banarpal, Talcher and other important places of the district.

Shopping

                    Cottage industry plays an important role in the rural economy of Angul district. Besides handloom, the other important cottage industries are carpentry, brass and bell metal works, shoe making, etc.