Sambalpur, India
Region: Odisha
Geographic Coordinates: 21.470000, 83.970000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 335761
Language: Odia
Sambalpur is a city located in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha. It is situated on the banks of River Mahanadi and is known for its rich cultural heritage, Beautiful temples, And scenic beauty. The city has a history that dates back to ancient times, With evidence suggesting that it was an important center for trade and commerce during the rule of the Maurya dynasty. One of the most popular attractions in Sambalpur is the Hirakud Dam, Which is one of Asia’s largest earthen dams.
It was built across River Mahanadi in 1957 and serves as a major source of irrigation, Hydroelectricity generation, And flood control. The dam also offers stunning views of its reservoir and surrounding hills. Another must-visit attraction in Sambalpur is the Samaleswari Temple, Which is dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari – an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple dates back to 16th century AD and features intricate carvings on its walls depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Devotees flock to this temple every year during Navratri festival to seek blessings from Goddess Samaleswari.
Sambalpur also has several other temples worth visiting such as Budharaja Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Pataneswari Temple (dedicated to Goddess Parvati), Leaning Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Etc. Apart from temples, Sambalpur also boasts natural beauty in abundance. One can visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary which houses several species including tigers, Leopards, Elephants among others or take a trip down Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary where one can spot crocodiles basking on riverbanks. The city’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage with dishes like Pakhala – fermented rice served with curd or buttermilk being a popular dish.
Sambalpuri sarees, Known for their unique designs and vibrant colors, Are also famous worldwide. Sambalpur is well-connected by road, Rail, And air. The nearest airport is at Raipur in Chhattisgarh which is 250 km away from the city. The city has a moderate climate with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C throughout the year. Sambalpur offers a perfect blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty and modern amenities making it an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore offbeat places in India.
- Hirakud Dam is the longest earthen dam in the world and a popular tourist attraction in Sambalpur.
- Samaleswari Temple, located in the heart of Sambalpur, is one of Odisha’s most famous temples.
- Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a variety of flora and fauna, is located approximately 50 km from Sambalpur.
- Cattle Island, a small island on the Mahanadi River, is a popular picnic spot for both locals and tourists.
- Ghanteswari Temple is another famous temple in Sambalpur dedicated to Goddess Ghanteswari that attracts thousands of devotees annually.
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary boasts diverse wildlife and scenic beauty and is situated about 80 km from Sambalpur.
- Vikramkhol Cave, a natural limestone cave with ancient rock paintings believed to be over 10,000 years old, lies approximately 25 km from Sambalpur.
- Huma Temple attracts visitors from all over India due to its tilted structure known as the Leaning Temple of Huma.
- Pampasar Village’s handloom sarees made by local weavers using traditional techniques and designs are renowned throughout India.
- Gandhi Minar commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to Sambalpur during his Harijan Padayatra campaign against untouchability and caste discrimination back in 1934.
- Agriculture: Sambalpur is known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity. The major crops grown here include paddy, sugarcane, cotton, turmeric, and maize.
- Handloom industry: Sambalpuri sarees and fabrics are world-renowned for their unique designs and intricate weaving patterns. The handloom industry is a major source of income for the people of Sambalpur.
- Mining: Sambalpur has rich mineral resources like coal, bauxite, limestone etc., which have led to the growth of mining industries in the region.
- Power generation: There are several hydroelectric power plants in the region that generate electricity from the Mahanadi river.
- Education sector: Sambalpur has several reputed educational institutions like Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT), Gangadhar Meher University (GMU), IIM-Sambalpur etc., which contribute significantly to the economy by providing quality education to students from across India.
- Healthcare sector: There are several hospitals and healthcare centers in Sambalpur that provide quality medical services to people from nearby regions.
- Small-scale industries: Apart from these major industries there are also several small-scale industries like food processing units handicrafts units etc., that contribute to local economy by providing employment opportunities to local residents.
- The Hirakud Dam, constructed in 1957 on the Mahanadi River near Sambalpur, is one of the longest dams in the world.
- Veer Surendra Sai, a freedom fighter who fought against British rule in India, was born in Sambalpur and is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice.
- The Samaleswari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari and is located in Sambalpur. It is believed to be one of India’s Shakti Peethas.
- Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga spiritual and political leader who fought against British colonialism in India and spent her last years living near Sambalpur.
- VSS Medical College and Hospital, located near Sambalpur’s Burla area, is a premier medical institution.
- Budharaja Hill within the city limits of Sambalpur attracts many tourists every year.
- The Balangir-Sonepur Railway line passes through scenic locations around Sambalpur while connecting several important towns across western Odisha.
- Binod Bihari Chowdhury was an Indian independence activist from Odisha who played an important role during the Quit India Movement (1942) against British rule.
- Kosal State Movement started by Kosal Kranti Dal for separate statehood for Western Odisha which includes districts like sambalpuri,Bargarh,Bolangir etc
- Sushree Prabha Mishra hailed from Samabalur and was an eminent Indian classical dancer who received Padma Shri award for her contribution to dance field.
- Sambalpur University Museum
- Hirakud Dam
- Samaleswari Temple
- Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
- Huma Temple (Leaning Temple of Huma)
- Gandhi Minar
- Budharaja Hill
- Cattle Island
- Vikramkhol Cave Temples
- Sambalpur is a city that doesn’t have any major sports teams or leagues.
- However, it does have several local clubs and organizations that promote various sports like:
- Football
- Cricket
- Badminton
- Hockey
- These clubs mostly participate in regional and state-level tournaments.
- Moreover, Sambalpur University has a sports department that:
- Organizes inter-college competitions
- Provides training facilities to students
- Although there may not be any famous teams or athletes from Sambalpur, the city still has a vibrant local sports scene with enthusiastic players and supporters.
- Sitalsasthi is a week-long festival that is celebrated in June to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The festival includes a grand procession, cultural performances, and traditional rituals.
- Nuakhai is an important harvest festival of the Sambalpuri people that usually falls in August or September. The festival involves offering new rice to the deities.
- Dhanu Yatra is a 10-day long festival that re-enacts Lord Krishna’s visit to Mathura during his childhood pastimes. The festival takes place in December-January and includes various cultural performances.
- Ratha Yatra is an annual chariot festival celebrated to honor Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra during July-August every year.
- Panchami Melana is a five-day long fair that takes place during Durga Puja celebrations in October-November every year.
- Karama Festival celebrates nature’s bounty with singing, dancing, feasting on cornbread cakes (called karam), and other festivities among tribal communities.
- Ghanteshwari Mela is held at Ghanteswari Temple near Sambalpur city where devotees offer bells (ghantas) to the deity as thanksgiving for fulfilling their wishes throughout the year through fairs and cultural programs.
- Samlei Mela is a unique three-day carnival held at Samlei temple near Barapali town where people from different communities come together to celebrate life with music, dance, and food.
- Sambalpuri Thali: A traditional meal consisting of rice, dal, vegetable curry, fish or chicken curry, and other side dishes.
- Chhena Poda: A dessert made from cottage cheese and sugar.
- Pakhala: A dish made from rice soaked in water overnight and served with curd or buttermilk.
- Hotel Harjit’s Chicken Centre: Famous for its chicken dishes like tandoori chicken and butter chicken.
- Puja Restaurant: Known for its seafood dishes like fish fry and prawn masala.
- Santoor Restaurant: Offers a variety of Indian and Chinese cuisines.
- Chilli Pepper Restaurant: Specializes in Chinese food with an Indian twist.
- Hotel Sheela Towers: Known for its vegetarian thalis and snacks like samosas and kachoris.
- The Treats Cafe & Bakery: Offers a range of baked goods including cakes, pastries, cookies etc., along with sandwiches and coffee drinks.
- Dhaba Expressway-2-Plate Food Junction – Authentic Punjabi Dhaba-style restaurant serving delicious North Indian food such as parathas, chole bhature etc.
- Hirakud Dam is the largest earthen dam in Asia and is a popular tourist attraction that offers boating and water sports.
- Gandhi Minar serves as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, and it also features a park with walking paths and a children’s play area.
- Deer Park is situated near the Sambalpur University campus, and it houses various species of deer and other wildlife.
- Jubilee Park is an expansive public park with gardens, fountains, and walking paths.
- Biju Patnaik Park was named after former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik, and it showcases musical fountain shows in the evenings.
- Burla Nala Eco-Park functions as a nature reserve that provides hiking trails, bird watching opportunities, and picnic spots for visitors to enjoy.
- Kandhara Hilltop Park can be found on the outskirts of Sambalpur city, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from its hilltop location.
- Ghanteswari Temple Park features a temple dedicated to Goddess Ghanteswari along with a small park where visitors can relax while taking in the scenery.
- Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary lies about 50 km from Sambalpur city where several species of wildlife reside including elephants and tigers among others.
- Samaleswari Temple is one of Odisha’s most famous temples which also has some parks around for recreational activities to enjoy alongside religious visits.
