You’ll surely fall in love with these beautiful Sambalpur tourist places. It is a beautiful city located in Odisha and the city feels like a lovely mixture of natural beauty and historical sites. Lets start with its attractions, Hirakund Dam is one of the longest earthen dams in the world and it provides lovely views and a large reservoir for boating and picnicking. Additionally the very old Vikram Rock paintings provide a glimpse into early human art and history.
There are many beautiful temples in the city like Samaleswari and Ghanteswari which are known for their religious importance and architectural beauty. The Huma temple is a unique attraction and widely known for its leaning structure. Sambalpur also has wildlife sanctuaries such as Debrigarh and Ushakothi which are perfect nature and wildlife lovers. All these lovely Sambalpur tourist places combine attracts travelers from all around the world.
Sambalpur overview
- State: Odisha
- Time requires for exploration: 2 to 4 days
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant weather
- Worth Visiting: Absolutely yes
- Facts:
- It is a major city and the district headquarters of Sambalpur.
- Home to the Hirakud Dam which is one of the world’s longest dams.
- Experiences a tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
Table of Contents
Explore Sambalpur Tourist Places: Dams, Temples, and Wildlife Wonders Await!”
Hirakud Dam
Hirakund Dam is the topmost best Sambalpur tourist places. The greatest thing is that it is the longest earthen dams in the world. The dam covered a area of 25.8 kilometers across the Mahanadi River and its construction was completed in 1957. The dam creates a large lake which helps in controlling flood and electricity generation.
Visiting the dam is great as you can enjoy lovely panoramic views from the Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar towers. The dam also has beautiful spots and it is surrounded by lovely landscapes which make it a perfect spot for picnics and relaxation. It is true to say that the dam is a marvel of engineering and one of the best Sambalpur tourist places. It is a sweet mixture of nature and engineering and a must to visit destination for any kind of traveler.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant weather perfect to explore the area around the dam in a more comfortable way.
- Major attractions: Gandhi Minar, Nehru Minar, Sambalpur University Campus, Mahanadi River Views
- Things to do:
- Enjoy views from Gandhi Minar and Nehru Minar
- Take a boat ride on the reservoir
- Explore the dam’s engineering marvel
- Picnic by the dam
- Visit nearby scenic spots
Samaleswari Temple
Samaleswari temple is located in Sambalpur, Odisha. It is a very important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Samaleswari. The temple is known for its religious importance and architectural beauty making it one of the best Sambalpur tourist places. The walls of the temple is beautifully carved and it has a very peaceful atmosphere which attracts devotees and travelers from all around the country.
It is believed that Samaleswari who is the main God of the temple protects the entire region and fulfill the wishes of here devotees. The temple become more interesting during the festive season when it hosts many rituals and celebrations. It is a must to visit Sambalpur tourist places for people who are interested in knowing the interesting history of Odisha.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant and cool weather which is perfect for exploring the entire temple comfortably.
- Major attractions: Temple architecture and carvings, holy temple of the Goddess, Festival celebrations, Peaceful ground of temple
- Things to do:
- Offer prayers and seek blessings
- Admire the temple’s beautiful carvings
- Participate in festival celebrations
- Explore the peaceful temple grounds
- Learn about the temple’s history and significance
Sambalpur University
Sambalpur University is a famous educational institution. Established in 1967 and it offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The campus is known for its green and beautiful environment which creates a pleasant atmosphere for learning which make it a must to explore Sambalpur tourist places. The university focuses on various educational fields which include arts, sciences and social sciences.
The university has modern facilities which helps in offering quality education to students such as libraries and research centers. The campus also has hostel facilities for students who came here for study from different states or areas. The university plays a important role in providing higher education in the region and it is well regarded for offering quality education and research contributions. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant weather which is perfect for exploring the campus and its surrounding area.
- Major attractions: University Campus, Academic Buildings, Research Centers, Library, Hostels, Green Spaces, Sculpture and Art Installations ,Campus Pond
- Things to do:
- Visit the library and research centers
- Enjoy the green spaces and gardens
- Observe art installations and sculptures
- Relax by the campus pond
- Attend academic events or seminars
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Huma Temple (Leaning Temple of Huma)
The Huma Temple is a unique and interesting spot also known as the leaning temple of Huma. The temple is famous for un unusual leaning structure which looks interesting because of its tilted position. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a very unique and distinctive architectural style. The temple is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and it has a peaceful atmosphere which make it a perfect destination to visit with your family and friends. The tilt in temple’s design almost fascinate every visitor. The nearby Mahanadi river even adds more charm to its beauty. It is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places for people who are interested in exploring unique historical places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and comfortable weather which is perfect for exploring and enjoying the surroundings.
- Major attractions: Leaning Structure of the Temple, beautiful river views, unique Temple architecture, peaceful surroundings, Mahanadi river banks
- Things to do:
- Observe the leaning structure of the temple
- Enjoy the views of the Mahanadi River
- Explore the temple’s unique architecture
- Take photographs of the scenic landscape
- Relax by the riverbanks
Ghanteswari Temple
Ghanteswari Temple is a very important Hindu temple which is dedicated totally to the Goddess Ghanteswari. It is also known for its unique bells that are hanging around the temple which make it amonsgt the best Sambalpur tourist places. Devotees and people from all around the country visit here to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Goddess Ghanteswari.
The temple has a peaceful location and the bells that are hanging around it make it a perfect place for travelers who are planning to explore Sambalpur. The temple gets busy especially during the festive season when special ceremonies and rituals are held here. If you’re interested in exploring religious places of Sambalpur then you might consider visiting here. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect for exploring the temple.
- Major attractions: Unique bell decorations, Mahanadi river views, traditional architecture, peaceful atmosphere
- Things to do:
- Admire the many bells around the temple
- Enjoy the views of the Mahanadi river
- Explore the temple’s architecture
- Offer prayers and seek blessings
- Experience the peaceful environment
Deer Park
Deer park is a very peaceful spot in Sambalpur where visitors can see many species of deer in their natural habitat. The park offers sufficient space for deer’s to walk freely and graze. The park has a lot of greenery which adds more charm to its beauty and make it one of the most beautiful Sambalpur tourist places. According to me, it is a great place to take your family out for a relaxing day trip.
Visitors planning to visit the deer park can walk through the park to see many lovely species of deer’s and feel calm in its green surroundings. It is a lovely place for picnicking or peaceful walks in nature and offers a lovely chance to feel a connection with nature and observe these wildlife animals from close. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather perfect to enjoy the activities like walking, picnicking, and seeing wildlife animals.
- Major attractions: Various deer species, Green, open parkland, Natural habitat setting, lovely walking paths, Peaceful environment
- Things to do:
- Observe different deer species
- Enjoy a stroll through the park
- Have a picnic in the green spaces
- Take photographs of wildlife
- Relax and appreciate the natural surroundings
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Gandhi Minar
Gandhi Minar is a tall tower located very near to the Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur, Odisha. It was build to honor Mahatma Gandhi who was a famous leader in India’s freedom struggle. Visiting the minar is great as it offers lovely panoramic views of the dam and its surroundings which make it a popular tourist spot for visitors.
The design of the tower is simple yet beautiful and it makes the area even more beautiful. I would recommend you to climb to its top to enjoy fantastic views of the dam and its surrounding greenery. It is a great place to learn about the struggle of Mahatma Gandhi for India’s freedom along with enjoying beautiful views. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather perfect to explore the minar.
- Major attractions: Views of Hirakud Dam, lovely Landscape, Panoramic Reservoir Views, Nearby Greenery
- Things to do:
- Climb the tower for views
- Enjoy the panoramic dam view
- Take photographs of the scenery
- Learn about Gandhi’s struggle
- Relax and appreciate the landscape
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and beautiful surroundings. The sancturary is a home to many wildlife animals like deer, leopards, tigers and many beautiful bird species. It is a must to visit destination for nature lovers and people who love spotting wildlife animals. Visitors planning to explore the sanctuary can enjoy safaris, and bird watching.
The sanctuary has beautiful hills, lakes, and forest areas which adds more charm to its beauty and make it a perfect place to capture some great picture with your loved ones. You might consider visiting the sanctuary from October to March because the weather is pleasant at that time and perfect for exploring the entire place. No doubts in stating, it is one of the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect to spot wildlife animals and enjoy its attractions.
- Major attractions: Diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, hills and forests, water bodies, bird specie
- Things to do:
- Go on wildlife safaris
- Enjoy nature walks
- Bird watching
- Take photographs of the scenery
- Relax in the natural surroundings
Budharaja Temple
Budharaka temple is a small but a very important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located at the top of a hill therefore visitors needs to climb many stairs to reach the temple which is surrounded by a lot of greenery. The temple get busy especially during the Maha Shivaratri and devotees from all around the country visit here to seek blessings from God.
It is a perfect place for people who are searching for a peaceful place and wants to feel a connection with nature. The beautiful hilltop location make it a perfect place to enjoy lovely panoramic views of Sambalpur along with seeking blessings from God. No doubts in stating, Budharaja Temple is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of pleasant weather which is perfect for climbing the hill and exploring the area.
- Major attractions: Hilltop views, Lush greenery, stairs to the temple, lovely surroundings
- Things to do:
- Climb the stairs to the temple
- Offer prayers to Lord Shiva
- Enjoy the panoramic views
- Relax in the peaceful environment
- Explore the surrounding greenery
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Chiplima
Chiplima is a lovely spot located very near to Sambalpur. It is primarily known for its beautiful landscapes and natural beauty. Its major attraction is the Chiplima Hydro Electric Project which uses the power of Mahanadi river to generate electricity. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful waterfall which is created by the dam.
The greatest thing is that the area is surrounded by a lot of greenery which make it a perfect place for picnics and relaxation. Chiplima is also home to a fisheries farm and a research center. The beautiful environment and lovely views make it a popular destination for nature lovers and for those who want a peaceful escape from their hectic city life. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect for exploring the area and enjoying outdoor activities.
- Major attractions: Chiplima hydro electric project, Waterfall, Mahanadi River, Lush greenery, Fisheries farm, Research center
- Things to do:
- Enjoy the views of the waterfall
- Explore the hydroelectric project
- Relax by the Mahanadi River
- Have a picnic in the green surroundings
- Visit the fisheries farm
- Discover the research center
Cattle Island
Cattle Island is a very unique and interesting place located in the Hirakud Reservoir very near to Sambalpur in Odisha. This small island gets this name because it has a group of wild cattle that live here. When the Hirakud Dam was build, some cattle were left on a small island in the reservoir. The interesting things is that these cattle have since lived happily on the island.
The island is surrounded by the dam’s water which creates a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. You can take a boat ride that will take you to the island to enjoy lovely views and see the cattle living freely. It is a perfect place for people who want to experience something special and amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather which is perfect to enjoy the boat ride and outdoor activities.
- Major attractions: group of wild cattle, beautiful Hirakud Reservoir, Peaceful island environment, Beautiful water views, Natural habitat of the cattle
- Things to do:
- Take a boat ride to the island
- Observe the wild cattle in their habitat
- Enjoy the scenic views of the reservoir
- Relax in the peaceful surroundings
- Photograph the landscape and wildlife
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is last in the list but it is one of the best Sambalpur tourist places. It is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary and known for its wildlife animals and a lot of greenery. The sanctuary is home to many wildlife animals like deer, tigers, and leopards. It also has many lovely bird species which make it a great spot for bird watching.
Taking a safari to explore the diverse flora and fauna is the best thing you can do in the reserve. The peaceful surroundings and beautiful natural surroundings make it a heaven like place for nature lovers. The Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary offers a perfect chance to experience the wildlife animals up from close along with enjoying the immense natural beauty of the region. No doubts in stating, it is amongst the best Sambalpur tourist places.
- Best time to visit: From October to March because of cool and pleasant weather perfect for enjoying the natural beauty and seeing wildlife animals.
- Major attractions: Diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, Rich flora and fauna, Various bird species, Natural habitats
- Things to do:
- Go on wildlife safaris
- Watch birds and other animals
- Take photographs of the landscapes and wildlife
- Relax in the calm environment
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How to reach Sambalpur
By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Jharsuguda Airport (about 60 km away)
- From the Airport: Take a taxi or bus to reach Sambalpur.
By Train:
- Major Station: Sambalpur Junction
- From Other Cities: Direct trains connect Sambalpur with major cities like Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, and Raipur.
By Road:
- From Bhubaneswar: Approximately 320 km via NH 26.
- From Raipur: About 250 km via NH 53.
- Local Transport: Buses, taxis, and rental vehicles are available for travel to Sambalpur.
By Bus:
- Buses: Regular buses run from cities like Bhubaneswar, Raipur, and others to Sambalpur.
Sambalpur visual appearance and unique things
Sambalpur is a beautiful city located in Odisha. The city feels like a sweet blend of modern and religious places. It has beautiful landscapes which include the Hirakud Dam and areas with a lot of greenery. The city is famous for its beautiful temple (Samaleswari and Huma Temples) that are decorated with detailed textures and designs which adds more charm to its beauty. Unique things about the city include a leaning Huma Temple and the ancient rock paintings at Vikramkhol. The are around the Mahanad River like the cattle island and Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary makes the city even more beautiful. The visual appeal of Sambalpur combines natural beauty with cultural richness.
Recommended hotels in Sambalpur
Here are the top 10 recommended hotels in Sambalpur.
- Hotel Shree Palace
- Hotel Sambalpur
- Maruti Hotel
- Hotel Prince
- Hotel Sai International
- The Royal Castle
- Hotel Ashoka
- Hotel Vishal
- Hotel Surya
- Hotel Yuvraj
Is it worth it visiting Sambalpur?
Absolutely visiting Sambalpur is totally worth it. The city offers beautiful places like Hirakud Dam, lovely temples, and interesting places like Huma temple and Vikram Rock Paintings. Nature lovers can enjoy nature at the Deer Park and Debrigarh Wildlife sanctuary. Visiting Sambalpur will create a lot of unforgettable experiences and memories that will stay lifelong with you.
Travel tips for visiting Sambalpur
- According to me, you should plan your trip from October to March because of the pleasant weather.
- Use local transport like taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rental cars for easy travel.
- Keep some cash handy as card facilities may not be available everywhere.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring.
- Stay hydrated especially during daytime activities.
- Pack light and only essentials for convenience.
- Consider carrying a first aid kit and carry any needed medications.
- Plan your visits to major attractions in advance.
- Follow safety guidelines and avoid traveling alone late at night.
Who should visit Sambalpur?
- According to me, people who are busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and who want to spend a day in a peaceful and relaxing place can visit here.
- Nature lovers must visit the town as it offer beautiful landscapes and peaceful surroundings.
- Travelers who love to visit religious places.
- Photographers who love to capture stunning landscapes.
- Couple can also visit here for a romantic gateway in a beautiful place.
- People who likes to know about different places interesting history.
Best time to visit Sambalpur
According to me the best time to visit Sambalpur is from October to March. During these months the weather is cool and pleasant which make it a perfect time to explore the city and its attractions in a more comfortable way. You can avoid the summer and rainy seasons for a more comfortable travel experience.
Are there good hotels in Sambalpur?
Yes, some recommended hotels include Hotel Shree Palace, Hotel Sambalpur, Maruti Hotel, Hotel Prince, and Hotel Sai International.
What activities can I do in Sambalpur?
Best activities that you can do in Sambalpur are visiting temples, exploring wildlife sanctuaries, enjoying the scenic views of the Hirakud Dam, and taking boat rides to Cattle Island.
What should I pack for a trip to Sambalpur?
Pack comfortable clothing, shoes for walking, basic health items, sunscreen, and cash as card facilities may not be available everywhere.
Is Sambalpur safe for tourists?
Yes, Sambalpur is generally safe for tourists. Follow local guidelines, avoid traveling alone late at night, and take usual travel precautions.
When is the best time to visit Sambalpur?
The best time to visit Sambalpur is from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Know more such interesting and beautiful Sambalpur tourist places.