The small, beautiful, and historic town of Boudh is 49 kilometres from Sonepur and 98 kilometres from Sambalpur. Situated on one bank of the river Mahanadi, the town is the district headquarters of the district bearing the same name. The Boudh-Kandhamal area formed part of Ganjam district, and after the same was separated, Boudh became a sub-division of the Boudh-Kandhamal district. Later, in the year 1993, Boudh became an independent district. With a rich history and culture of Buddhism and royal dynastic rule, Boudh is the main town, with certain other small towns like Palsagora, Manamunda, Kantamal, Baunsuni, and Purunakatak in the district. Though small in size and population, Boudh has much more to offer to tourists.
1. Boudh
Situated on one bank of the river Mahanadi, Boudh is a small, beautiful, and historic town. It boasts a massive royal palace and a number of temples. The river Mahanadi presents a panoramic view. On the other side of the river, Rairakhol and Kiakata are not far from it. Boudh is the hubbub of the district. A number of office buildings, marketplaces, and residential colonies have come up after it became a district.
Jogindra Villa Palace or Boudh Rajbati, built during the reign of King Jogindra Dev, is one of the oldest royal palaces in Odisha. Built on one bank of the river Mahanadi, it gives a commanding view of the river. Covering a large tract of land, the palace is a major tourist attraction in the town.
The Boudh District Museum, near the office of the DM and Collector, contains rare collections relating to the art, culture, and literature of the district, including that of the royal times. A 100-year-old royal building has been converted into a museum in recent times. Having been divided into different sections, it has all the ingredients to attract tourists.
2. Asurgarh
Literally meaning ‘the fort of demons,’ Asurgarh is a very old concept in western Odisha. Such archaeological sites have also been found in the districts of Sambalpur and Kalahandi. Excavations have been done at the Asurgarh site near Manamunda in Boudh district to throw light on ancient civilizations existing in the area.
3. Latajharan
The Latajharan waterfall is at a distance of 110 kilometres from the town of Boudh. The scenic beauty of the waterfall and the calm and quiet atmosphere, with scope for adventure and photography, make it a popular tourist resort in the district.
4. Rameswar Temple
The Rameswar Temple in the town of Boudh is picturesque, attracting tourists from far and wide. The temple, with excellent stone carvings, looks like a star. It is very much like the magnificent Mukteswar Temple of Bhubaneswar. Devotees and tourists visit the temple in large numbers. It is a group of three temples dedicated to Lord Siva.
5. Charishambhu Temple
The Charishambhu Temple is at a distance of 15 kilometres from Boudh. It is a unique religious shrine of Saivism and Vaishnavism. In the same temple premises stand the twin temples of Lord Siddheswar and Lord Nilamadhab. One more speciality is that on top of the Siva temple, a Lingam, and on top of the Nilamadhab temple, a statue of the Lord have been installed instead of Trishul and Chakra, normally found in other temples. It is near Gandharadi and Jagati, the ancient capital of the Somabanshi king Jajati.
6. Nayakpada
Nayakpada Cave, on top of a hill, is at a distance of 10 kilometres from the town of Boudh. There is a small temple of Lord Jagannath and a guest house at the bottom of the hill. Associated with history, it is called the Patali Shrikshetra of Boudh. On the way to the cave, there are idols of different deities and a park. Tourists get a natural, scenic, and peaceful environment over here.
7. Bhairabi Temple
Maa Bhairabi Temple at Purunakatak is 29 kilometres from Boudh and 42 kilometres from Phulbani. Situated on the Boudh-Bhubaneswar highway, it is a major Shakti Peetha in Odisha. Before the present temple was built, there was a cottage house where the goddess was worshipped. It is a unique Peetha of Mantra, Yantra, and Tantra. Durga Puja and Kali Puja are the main festivals of the Peetha. There is a Siddheswar Temple dedicated to Lord Siva near the Peetha. The scenic beauty of the Peetha is another attraction for tourists.
8. Kanapa Gupteswar
The Kanapa Khandi Gupteswar Baba Siva Temple is 20 kilometres from Manamunda and 50 kilometres from Boudh on one bank of the river Bagah. The Sagada Dam is not far from it. Makara Sankranti is the main festival over here, and devotees flock to the shrine on the occasion from far and wide.
9. Sagada
Sagada Dam is a minor irrigation project on the Bagah River, 23 kilometres from Sonepur and 45 kilometres from Boudh. With hills, forests, reservoir water, and scenic beauty, it is a paradise for tourists and picnickers. The Kanapa Khandi Gupteswar Baba Siva Temple is just 9 kilometres away from the Sagada Dam.
10. Dambarugada
Dambarugada is a small mountain 20 kilometres from the town of Boudh. The 70-feet high mountain, with its curved looks from all sides and dense coverage, looks like a ‘Dambaru’ and is therefore called Dambarugada. Flowing down the hill, the Mahanadi presents a stunning sight over here. The place, associated with Shaktism, Saivism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism, attracts not only tourists but also nature lovers and picnickers.
11. Chanditala
At Chanditala, 12 kilometres from Boudh, stands the Chandi Temple. Maa Chandi is the presiding deity of the temple, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees as per belief. It is one of the Saptamatruka Peethas in Odisha. The famous Charishambhu Temple is not far from it.
12. Champeswar
The Champeswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva, is at Karadi, on one bank of the river Mahanadi, 10 kilometres from Boudh. It is believed that the King of Puri had installed 108 Lingas from Shrikshetra to Sonepur on the banks of the Mahanadi to get cured of leprosy. Karadi is one of them. Devotees flock to the shrine from far and wide. Sivratri is the main festival over here.
13. Marjakud
Marjakud Island is a wonderful island in the river Mahanadi, opposite the town of Boudh. About three thousand people live on the island. Pitabali is the presiding deity of the island. It is a scenic picnic spot to which people flock in winter for picnics. Such inhabited islands can be seen in the Mahanadi here and there.
The above-mentioned places are not enough. Boudh has much more to offer to tourists. Gadgada and Dhabaleswar, Padmatola, Kumbidhar, Hill View Point, Sargipali, Biramunda, and Gobindas Jata Samadhi, along with Maa Samlai Temple of Ghantapada, Panchara Hills, the Lakh Parbat minor irrigation project, the Reghamunda rock hills, forests, waterfalls, and picnic spots are other major tourist attractions in the district.
Though small in size and population, the district of Boudh is nevertheless an out-and-out tourist destination. With royal buildings and an array of temples, the panoramic view of the Mahanadi, and natural beauty all around, Boudh is the hubbub of the district. Hotels, lodges, and guest houses have come up in good numbers after it became a district. Nearby towns are Phulbani and Sonepur, where tourists can make a stopover. Approximately 100 kilometres away from Boudh each are Sambalpur and Bolangir. The nearest railway station, as at present, is Rairakhol, which is 27 kilometres away and on the Sambalpur-Bhubaneswar line. Bus, auto, and hired vehicles are the main modes of transport in the district. The best time to visit the district is from October to March. Despite a number of tourist spots having come under the territory of Kandhamal district after a reorganization of districts in the state, Boudh will not disappoint tourists and will provide quality time, fun, and a nice experience in plenty.
(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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