After independence, the princely states of Patna and Sonepur together formed the district of Balangir or Bolangir in the state of Odisha, with the town of Bolangir as the district headquarters. Sonepur continued as a sub-division until 1993 when the district of Subarnapur was formed, with the town of Sonepur as its headquarters. With a rich history and culture, Bolangir is a prominent district in the state. Before becoming the district headquarters, Bolangir was the capital of the princely state of Patna since the latter part of the nineteenth century. Earlier, Patnagarh was the capital. Besides Bolangir, other important towns in the district include Titilagarh, Patnagarh, Kantabanji, Saintala, Tushra, and Loisingha. The district is home to numerous historical and heritage sites, hills, jungles, temples, and tourist spots that attract visitors. Let’s explore some of these places:
1) Bolangir
Approximately 84 kilometres from Bargarh and 127 kilometres from Sambalpur lies the historical town of Bolangir. Known for its love of art and culture, Bolangir became the capital of the Patna state after it was shifted from Patnagarh. The town boasts heritage sites like the old palace, Shailashri Palace, and other royal buildings. Temples dedicated to Maa Patneswari, Maa Samlei, and Nrushingha are also prominent. Bolangir has a vibrant market for shopping and purchasing local handloom sarees. Shailashri Palace, the last of the royal palaces in Bolangir, with its vast area and temples, is a major tourist attraction.
2) Titilagarh
Titilagarh is a small town and railway junction, connecting travelers to major cities across the country. Located approximately 68 kilometres from Bolangir, it is known for its extreme summer heat. The Dhabaleswar Temple and Maa Ghantasuni Temple attract both devotees and tourists.
3) Patnagarh
Patnagarh, a small but historic town, is approximately 40 kilometres from Bolangir. It was the original capital of the Patna state until the late nineteenth century and is known for its Tantric traditions. The Maa Patneswari Temple and heritage sites from the royal era are major attractions. The Someswar Siva Temple showcases the architectural style of the Chauhan rulers in western Odisha.
4) Saintala
Located on the Bolangir-Titilagarh highway, Saintala is a small town with a railway station, approximately 35 kilometres from Bolangir. The town is famous for its Chandi Temple, where Maa Chandi is worshipped in her Mahisamardini form. The Dasavatar (ten incarnations) image of Lord Vishnu is a remarkable sculpture.
5) Kantabanji
Kantabanji, an important business town with a railway station, is approximately 45 kilometres from Titilagarh. The famous 64 Yogini Peetha at Ranipur Jharial is about 24 kilometres from the town.
6) Bhima Dunguri
Bhima Dunguri, just 28 kilometres from Bolangir, is accessible by a motorable road. The area features ancient natural caves scattered across the hills. The landscape, with its natural beauty, is breathtaking. Girigobardhan Puja is celebrated here annually.
7) Kumuda Pahad
Kumuda Pahad, a beautiful hill on the outskirts of Titilagarh, is known for the Dhabaleswar Mahadev Temple located in a natural cave. The temple attracts devotees and tourists who believe in the benevolence of Lord Dhabaleswar. A huge reservoir nearby offers a panoramic view, and the temple of Lord Ram adds to the attraction.
8) Turekela
Turekela Wildlife Sanctuary, 98 kilometres from Bolangir, is a great spot for group adventures. The sanctuary is home to wild animals like tigers, deer, bears, foxes, and elephants. Its scenic beauty makes it a popular tourist and picnic spot.
9) Gaikhai
The Gaikhai Minor Irrigation Project, 30 kilometres from Bolangir, is surrounded by greenery and hills. The cool breeze and sparkling water make it an ideal picnic spot.
10) Jogisarda
Jogisarda, 25 kilometres east of Bolangir, is home to the Yogeswar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. It is believed that the Lord fulfills the wishes of his devotees. Sital Sasthi, commemorating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, is celebrated here annually.
11) Ranipur Jharial
Ranipur Jharial, 104 kilometres from Bolangir, is one of the four 64 Yogini Peethas in India. Known as ‘Soma Tirtha’ in scriptures, it combines Saivism, Buddhism, Tantricism, and Vaishnavism. The Indralath brick temple is the tallest brick temple in Odisha.
12) Harishankar
Harishankar, 81 kilometres from Bolangir, is located at the foot of the Gandhamardan hills. The temple, near a perennial spring, features a statue representing both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, making it a ‘Harihara Peetha’ that attracts devotees from both sects.
13) Waza Waterfall
The Waza Waterfall, 17 kilometres from Kantabanji, is a serene spot for family and friends. Its natural beauty and tranquil environment make it a favorite among tourists and picnickers.
14) Gandhamardan
The Gandhamardan hills, located between Bolangir and Bargarh districts, are home to the Harishankar Temple and Nrushinghanath Temple. The hills are rich in bauxite reserves and medicinal plants. Legend has it that Veer Hanuman carried this hill from the Himalayas to save Lakshman’s life. It was also a significant Buddhist site.
15) Dharapgarh
Dharapgarh, 50 kilometres from Bolangir, features the Dashamati Sagar, a vast water body covering 119 acres. Believed to be guarded by deities, it is one of the best picnic spots in the district.
16) Mathkhai
Mathkhai, just 9 kilometres from Bolangir, is a hill that houses deities like Mathkhai Budha, Vaishnodevi, Lord Shiva, Sriganesh, Shanidev, and Biswakarma. It is a popular picnic spot.
The district of Bolangir came into existence in 1948, with Bolangir town as its headquarters. Rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, the district offers a variety of attractions. Towns like Bolangir, Titilagarh, and Patnagarh provide ample accommodation options, including hotels, restaurants, lodges, and guest houses. In recent years, several good hotels have emerged in Bolangir, making it a convenient base for exploring the neighboring district of Subarnapur. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant. With its wealth of historical sites, temples, hills, forests, waterfalls, and picnic spots, Bolangir promises an unforgettable experience for tourists.
(The views expressed are the writer’s own)

Mr. Prafulla Kumar Majhi,
Retired Asst. Director, A. I. R, is an eminent Scholar and freelance writer in English & Odia. His areas of interests are sociocultural, economic, literary, historical and analytical studies and writings.
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