Sambalpur located in the Western Orissa, will guide you through green forests, enchanting wildlife and attractive tribes.

Sambalpur is rich in nature's bounty. It had gained an international recognition due to handloom textile. Previously it was known for its diamond trading in India. Sambalpur shines in its nature glory not affected by the modern Tourism. It has variety of monuments, tribal life and culture, folk dances and songs to entertain the visitors.

History of Sambalpur 

Sambalpur is one of the ancient districts of India and has participated in Indian freedom struggle. The king of Sambalaka, Indrabhuti was ruling Sambalpur in the past. He was the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Lama religious belief. A French merchant belonging to 17th century has mentioned the popular diamond mines of Sumelpur (Sambalpur) in his book "Travels in India". Sambalpur had been a part of Kalinga, which was, conquered the great emperor Ashoka. The famous Hirakud Dam was built across River Mahanadi during 1956. In 1994 the former Sambalpur district was bifurcated.

Tourism in Sambalapur                                       

The main tourist attraction of Sambalpur is the Hirakud dam running 15 kms across the river Mahanadi. You will be delighted to see the artificial lake formed by this dam spreading 746 sq.kms when you take a 21 kms ride. You can have a breath taking view of the Hirakud dam and its expanse from top of Gandhi Minar, a revolving minaret.

Cattle Island is another tourist attraction, which is left with only untamed cattle. Before the construction of Hirakud dam, the residing villagers left their cattle and relocated to various places. After the reservoir is built the village was surrounded by water making it an island where you can see only the hilltop with dense forest above the water. The wild cattle are something strange to watch.

Huma, the leaning temple of Lord Shiva is located 23 kms to the south of Sambalpur. You will find the temple tilted in one direction and other temples in this area tilted in other directions. Reasons for its tilting position may be due to geological reasons and this place attracts lots of tourists.

Ghanteshwari temple with thousand of bells hanging is a place worthy to see. The River Mahanadi flowing across this place forms a whirlpool and had drowned many boats. In this place, wind blows heavily and makes the bells produce sound. Chiplima attracts visitors by its natural fall used for generating electricity.