Places of Interest

(A LAND OF EMERALD BEAUTY)

Kapilas

The loftiest peak of Kapilas range enshrines the temple of Lord Shiva, i.e. Chandrasekhar, at a height of about 457 meters. The place is identified with Kailash, the legendary abode of Lord Shiva. A flight of 1,352 steps and a ghat road leads to the temple. Thousands of devout souls throng to Kapilas on Mahasivaratri, the night consecrated to Lord Shiva, in the month of February-March. The hill has several caves and as well as the ruins of a mediaeval fort which are regularly visited by pilgrims. Some of the caves are associated with the Pauranic episodes that have great appeal to the visitors. The great name of Shridhar Swami, the celebrated commentator of the Bhagabat and Mahima Gosain and the founder of Mahima Cult, is historically associated with Kapilas. Besides, the Deer Park and Science Park are two other added attractions of this place that lures the visitors.

District Headquarter : Dhenkanal
State Capital : Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railway Station : Dhenkanal railway Station
Nearest Airport : Bhubaneswar Airport
Contact Person : Dist Tourist Officer (Dhenkanal)
Contact Person Phone : 06762-226631

Joranda

Famous as the religious headquarters of Mahima Dharma, Joranda houses the samadhi of Mahima Gosain, the preacher and propounder of the Mahima Cult. The other sacred tamples are the Sunya Mandira, Dhuni Mandira and Gadi Mandira. Pilgrims in large numbers pour into the Joranda fair for celebrations. This fair is held on the full moon day of Magha, which falls in January, February every year.

District Headquarter : Dhenkanal
State Capital : Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railway Station : Dhenkanal Railway Station
Nearest Airport : Bhubaneswar Airport
Contact Person : Dist Tourist Officer (Dhenkanal)
Contact Person Phone : 06762-226631

Saptasajya

A place of scenic beauty, Saptasajya is situated at a distance of about 11 km to the south of Dhenkanal town. According to legends, Pandavas spent some days of their incognito life (Agnuata vasa) in these hills. The temple of Raghunath, built in honor of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita by Rani Ratnaprava Devi of Dhenkanal attracts large crowds every year on the day of Ramanavami, in the month of March-April. A small spring flowing close by enhances the beauty of the place. It is an ideal place for picnic and relaxation.

Dandadhar

67 km from Dhenkanal and 30 km from Kamakshyanagar, Dandadhar is the site of an irrigation project on the river Ramial- an ideal place for outings. Its blue expanse of sparkling waters caged in a sun-bathed valley is a thrill for the searching eyes. Best for Picnic during Winter (December- February).

Naganatheswar Temple

Naganatheswar temple belongs to Sri Sri Naganatheswar Shiva and it is at village Nagena, about 20 kms from Dhenkanal. It is the most ancient Saiva temple and was constructed during the reign of the Keshari dynasty. According to scholar Pandit Nagendranath Mohapatra-s Naganath Satakam, it is one of the 12 Yotir Lingas. In the Shotras of the Awashyotirlinga, one of the Yotir Linga is in the Daruka-Vana or Neem forest. This Neem forest is still there in the premises. The sloka of Dwadasha Yotir Linga says that Naganath temple is situated in the southernmost part of Anga Kingdom. It shows that during some time in history, that part of Kalinga touched Anga border. However, nearer to it, there is the debris of a fort which is still unidentified. Here, the river Brahmani turns to north and is as holy as the Ganges.

Saranga

Sixty-seven kms from Dhenkanal, 23 kms from Angul and 3 kms from Talcher, is the Anantasyi image of Lord Vishnu, on the rocky bed of the river Brahmani at Saranga. The hoods of Ananta, the serpent king spreads over the head of Lord Vishnu as the crown and cover. The primal lotus, housing Brahma, the creator, originates from Vishnu-s navel, the Supreme Being enjoying deep delight of his cosmic sleep in the waters of the river Brahmani.

Kualo

72 km from Dhenkanal, 45 km from Angul and 25 km from Talcher town, Kualo is famous for housing a plethora of temples dedicated to Lord Kanakeswar, Baidyanath, Paschimeswar, Balunkeswar and Kapileswar. In its ruined form, the temple of Kanakeswar is about 24 meters high and preserves some of the earliest specimens of sculptures representing ancient temple building activities in Odisha.

Laxmi Puja at Dhenkanal

The history of Laxmi Puja at Dhenkanal is more than 50 years old. The colourful decoration, temporary markets, music & dance programmes etc. are the part of this Puja celebration which continued for 11 days starting from Kumara Purnima. It now becomes a traditional grand yearly celebration in which people from all religions, castes, tribes participate in it. At last a grand combined procession & crackers competition are being organized on the immersion day. Thousands of people not only from Dhenkanal District, but from whole State come to Dhenkanal to enjoy the Laxmi Puja during this festive time.

District Headquarter : Dhenkanal
State Capital : Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railway Station : Dhenkanal Railway Station
Nearest Airport : Bhubaneswar
Contact Person : Dist Tourist Officer (Dhenkanal) (Dist Tourist Officer (Dhenkanal))
Contact Person Phone : 06762-226631