Tourist Places Odisha Part VII – Kalahandi District

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After independence, Kalahandi became a separate district in the state of Odisha, with the sub-division of Nuapada being transferred from the district of Sambalpur. Initially, the Kashipur block was with Kalahandi but was later shifted to the Rayagada division. With a rich history and culture dating back to the hoary past, a vibrant tribal culture, rich mineral stocks of bauxite and graphite, hills, forests, and rivers, Kalahandi has its own identity amidst the thirty districts of Odisha.

The district has its headquarters in the centrally located town of Bhawanipatna. Junagarh, Dharamgarh, Jaipatna, Keshinga, and Lanjigarh are the other major towns in the district. With ancient ruins, historical and heritage sites from the royal times, temples, natural tourist spots, and scenic landscapes, Kalahandi has many things up its sleeve to offer to tourists. Let us have a look at the places of attraction in the district:

1) Bhawanipatna

Centrally located in the district, Bhawanipatna is a beautiful town. There are a good number of hotels and restaurants in the town for food and accommodation. It is an old town and the hub of Kalahandi district. The town boasts of the Manikeswari Temple, other temples, the royal palace, and other royal buildings.

Maa Manikeswari is the ‘Ishta Devi’ of the royal family and the presiding deity of the district of Kalahandi. Every year, her Chhatar Yatra, known for its animal sacrifice, is organized here. Maa Manikeswari Temple is a famous Shakti Peetha in the town and the state of Odisha.

2) Junagarh

Approximately 25 kilometers from Bhawanipatna, Junagarh is a small but old town. It was the capital of the kingdom of Kalahandi before being shifted to Bhawanipatna. It is known for the temple of Lankeswari, who is held in high esteem by the local people.

Maa Lankeswari Temple is one of the famous Shakti Peethas in Odisha. The statue of the Devi is made of black chlorite stone, which is quite an attraction.

3) Dharamgarh

Approximately 45 kilometers from Bhawanipatna, Dharamgarh is a sub-divisional town. It is called the granary of the district and leads in rice production. In recent times, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has come up near the town. The Lord is called Paradeswar, and the Lingam is made of mercury.

4) Kesinga

On the Bolangir-Kalahandi highway, Kesinga is a small but beautiful town, 35 kilometers from Bhawanipatna. With a railway junction, it is the gateway to Kalahandi district. The Budhadangar Budharaja Temple is situated on a hill in the town. Every year, the Budhadangar Loka Mahotsav creates a cultural atmosphere in the town.

5) Asurgarh

Not very far from Narla and 35 kilometers from Bhawanipatna stands the oldest fort of Asurgarh. The fort is no more in existence, but high-rise boundary-like structures can still be seen around it. The Sandul River and a huge water body are adjacent to Asurgarh. Excavations have been done in the place in recent times, leading to the discovery of coins from the Mauryan period. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared it a protected site.

6) Karlapat

The Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is just 12 kilometers from Bhawanipatna. It is surrounded by dense green forests with varieties of animals, birds, and reptiles.

7) Rabandarha Waterfall

The Rabandarha Waterfall is about 13 kilometers from Bhawanipatna. The sound of the waterfall falling inside a mountain gorge, thick forests, mountains, and the calm and quiet atmosphere attract picnickers.

8) Phurlijharan Waterfall

The Phurlijharan Waterfall is just 15 kilometers from Bhawanipatna. The 30-foot-high perennial waterfall is surrounded by evergreen forests. The rainbow created due to the falling of sun rays on water particles presents an amusing sight. It is one of the best picnic spots in the district.

9) Dokrichanchara Waterfall

In the village of Koksara, near the border of Nabarangpur district, there are two waterfalls at Dokrichanchara measuring 200 feet and 150 feet high, respectively. Maa Dokari Devi is worshipped and held in high esteem by the local people. In the Ram temple over here, Ram Navami is observed every year.

10) Gudahandi

Approximately 90 kilometers from Bhawanipatna stand the three hills called Gudahandi. The three hills together look like a ‘Gudahandi’ or pot of jaggery. It is believed that the Pandavas had visited the place during their exile. Certain prehistoric caves with pictographic paintings inside have been found in the hills, which seem to have a great deal of resemblance to that of the Indus Valley Civilization. The place is not far from Ampani and Dokrichanchara.

11) Amathguda

Amathguda is an ancient fort on the right bank of the Tel River near the road leading to Bolangir. The fort was of strategic importance, as has been discovered from the ruins. Upon further investigation and excavation, more facts about the fort will come to light.

12) Ambapani Sanctuary

The Ambapani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at an approximate distance of 77 kilometers from Bhawanipatna. The Ambapani hills present a panoramic view of nature. Varieties of flora and fauna can be found in the sanctuary.

13) Belkhandi Temple

The Belkhandi Temple is situated at the confluence of the rivers Tel and Uttei, 67 kilometers away from Bhawanipatna. The place is not only picturesque but also of great religious importance. Ruins of 12th-century monuments have been found here, with unearthing of sculptures of Sapta Matruka and Uma Maheswar. The temple is called Uma Maheswar Dhabaleswar Mandir.

14) Mukhipata Waterfall

The waterfall is 20 kilometres from M Rampur and 101 kilometres from Bhawanipatna. The waterfall can be reached after covering a hill trek of 1-2 kilometres. The adventure of the waterfall and the serene environment attract tourists.

15) Dhabaleswar Temple

The Dhabaleswar Temple is at Mohangiri, approximately 85 kilometres from Bhawanipatna. The temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. A mountainous spring called ‘Kali Ganga’ flows nearby. It is 35 kilometres from M Rampur.

16) Sospadar Waterfall

The Sospadar Waterfall is just 19 kilometres from Bhawanipatna. The scenic beauty of the place, lush green forests, and the calm and serene atmosphere attract both tourists and picnickers. Enjoying the beauty of nature, adventure, trekking, and taking photographs over here make the place so special.

The list of places to visit in the district seems to be endless. Besides the places mentioned above, there are Ret Dam, Ghumar Waterfall, Hello Point in Thuamul Rampur, the Indravati Project in Mukhiguda, and many others.

The district of Kalahandi came into being in the year 1948. In ancient times, it formed part of the territory of Mahakantara. Royal dynasties like the Gangas and the Nagas had a long period of reign in the region. The discovery of prehistoric caves and ruins of forts takes the history and culture of Kalahandi to a hoary past. Though the district is yet to make a lot of progress in many areas, its rich history and culture can hardly be sidelined. The people are also simple and have a love for their culture. Heritage sites, temples, forests, hills, and waterfalls abound in the district.

With towns like Bhawanipatna, Kesinga, Junagarh, and others, food and accommodation are hardly a problem. Buses, trains, and hired vehicles are the main modes of transport in the district. The district has an extreme climate. The best time to visit it is from October to March. Tourists will definitely enjoy their stay here amidst so many places to choose from.

(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.

Email: [email protected]

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