|
Sightseeing
Highlights
Visit Budharaja temple which enshrines Lord Shiva and is located at a
scenic location, atop the Budharaja Hill, close to Hirakud dam.
Don't miss the wildlife conserved
in the Ushakothi Sanctuary, which is
home to tigers, gaur, elephants, bears, variety of Deer species and other small
animals.
The 17th century 'Leaning Temple'
of Huma is a unique temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and leans at an angle
of 47 degrees. It was built during the reign of the 5th. Raja of
Sambalpur.
Other Activities
You may also visit a
unique 'Bell Temple' or Ghanteswari temple,
which also served the function of a lighthouse as innumerable ringing bells
warned the ships in ancient times.
After the reservoir
was built, a submerged hill came to be known as Cattle Island,
with numerous domestic cattle left to breed in the wild.
Look up the State Live Stock
Breeding Farm and the Agricultural Farm within the reservoir area.
Tourist
Information:
Department of Tourism,
Paryatan Bhawan, Museum Campus,
Bhubaneswar :751 014
Telephone #674- 2432177
Hirakud, a small township, located
in Sambalpur district in Orissa is situated just 15 km from the Sambalpur city.
The rustic village came into prominence in 1956 with the building of the
Hirakud Dam and paved the path for modern industrial growth. In recent times,
it is known for being an industrialized city with some of the largest companies
based here such as HINDALCO, and the National Aluminium Company.
Apart from the irrigation and
hydropower generation, Hirakud dam has been able to lure tourists in the last
decade due to the attraction of the largest manmade artificial lake in whole of
Asia. Hirakund Dam, one of the top four
longest and largest dams in the world is, built on the Mahanadi River.
It is constructed between the North area Gandhi Minar and the Nehru Minar that
connects these two well-known hills, offering a spectacular view of the area
with a shoreline of more than 640 km.
The serenity and extensive flora-
fauna is unique to the region and with the building of the artificial
reservoir, there has been increasing aquatic life and water related activities.
Old temples and ancient fort of the Sambalpur Raja can still be seen.
One of the most sacred temples is
the 'Samalai Gudi' right on the banks of River Mahanadi and the presiding deity
of the district, Goddess Samaleswari is enshrined here.
Lush green foliage, unspoilt clean
river banks, merging skyline with clear blue waters reflects the serenity and
peaceful ambience of the place, making it a perfect holiday destination for the
whole family.
|
.gif){kind=small}
