Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Sambalpur is surrounded by stunning landscapes, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and waterfalls, making it an excellent base for day trips and short getaways. Here are the top destinations you can explore near Sambalpur:

 1. Hirakud Dam & Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary ( 16 km |  30 min)

A perfect nature and adventure getaway near Sambalpur.

 Activities:

✅ Boat ride on the vast Hirakud Reservoir.
✅ Visit Gandhi Minar & Nehru Minar for a breathtaking panoramic view.
✅ Explore Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and migratory birds.
✅ Enjoy a Jeep Safari, nature walk, and photography.

 2. Huma Leaning Temple ( 28 km |  45 min)

• The only leaning temple in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The structure tilts at an angle, but the main deity inside remains intact.
• Located on the Mahanadi River banks, this site is peaceful and scenic.

 Things to Do:

✅ Offer prayers and admire the unique architecture.
✅ Enjoy boating and picnics by the river.
✅ Visit during Maha Shivaratri for grand celebrations.

 3. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary (45 km |  1 hr)

A hidden gem for wildlife lovers and nature explorers.

 Wildlife & Activities:

✅ Spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer.
✅ Go on an exciting jungle safari.
✅ Birdwatching for migratory and exotic species.

 4. Pradhanpat Waterfall ( 100 km |  2 hrs)

A serene waterfall surrounded by lush green forests.

 Things to Do:

✅ Trekking and nature walks through dense forest trails.
✅ Enjoy a refreshing bath in the waterfall pool.
✅ Ideal for picnics and photography.

 5. Gudguda Waterfalls ( 120 km |  2.5 hrs)

A breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall, perfect for an offbeat adventure.

 Things to Do:

✅ Trekking and camping in the pristine forest.
✅ Enjoy bathing in crystal-clear water pools.
✅ Birdwatching and photography in the surrounding wildlife-rich area.

 6. Cattle Island & Bat Island ( 55 km |  1.5 hrs)

Unique islands within Hirakud Reservoir, offering a rare natural experience.

 Cattle Island:

✅ Home to wild, abandoned cattle that have adapted to nature.
✅ Accessible via boat rides from Hirakud Dam.

 Bat Island:

✅ See thousands of fruit bats hanging from trees.
✅ Great for wildlife photography and exploration.

 7. Chiplima Hydroelectric Project & Ghanteswari Temple ( 37 km |  1 hr)

A scenic and spiritual destination near Sambalpur.

 Chiplima Dam:

✅ A picturesque dam and hydroelectric station on the Mahanadi River.
✅ Best visited for scenic beauty, picnics, and photography.

 Ghanteswari Temple:

✅ The Temple of Bells, where devotees offer thousands of bells for blessings.
✅ Peaceful riverside location, perfect for meditation.

 8. Nrusinghanath Temple & Gandhamardan Hills ( 160 km |  3.5 hrs)

A blend of spirituality and adventure.

 Nrusinghanath Temple:

✅ A 1000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Nrusingha (Narasimha).
✅ Situated at the base of Gandhamardan Hills, surrounded by nature.

 Gandhamardan Hills:

✅ Known for mythological connections to Ramayana (Hanuman carried herbs from here).
✅ Trekking trails leading to hidden waterfalls, caves, and medicinal herb forests.
✅ A hotspot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

 9. Sonepur (Subarnapur) – Temple Town of Odisha ( 130 km |  3 hrs)

Known as the "Varanasi of Odisha," Sonepur is famous for temples and heritage sites.

 Attractions:

✅ Sureswari Temple – A famous Shakti Peetha.
✅ Bindhyabasini Temple & Kosaleswara Temple – Ancient architectural wonders.
✅ The Confluence of Mahanadi & Tel Rivers, offering stunning views.

 10. Balangir & Harishankar Temple ( 150 km |  3.5 hrs)

A heritage town with ancient temples and hill landscapes.

 Harishankar Temple & Waterfalls:

✅ A Shiva-Vishnu Temple located in the picturesque Gandhamardan Hills.
✅ Natural waterfalls and scenic trekking trails.

 Balangir Town Attractions:

✅ Ranipur-Jharial – A 9th-century temple complex.
✅ Patneswari Temple – A significant Devi temple.

 Why Take These Day Trips?

✅ Nature & Wildlife: Hirakud Dam, Debrigarh, Ushakothi.
✅ Spiritual & Historical: Samaleswari Temple, Huma Temple, Nrusinghanath.
✅ Waterfalls & Adventure: Pradhanpat, Gudguda, Gandhamardan Hills.
✅ Unique Experiences: Cattle Island, Bat Island, Ghanteswari Temple.

Which place interests you the most?