 The tourism of Bhadrak develops round the historical and religious significance of the place. The key attraction in Bhadrak centers round the Akhandalamani, Bhadrakali, Dhamrai and Chandabali.
On the bank of river Baitarani, the Akhandalamani Temple is the abode of Lord Shiva. The chief interest of the place is its legendary history for which it shares a significant position in the tourism of Bhadrak. As the history runs, king Niladri Samara Singha Mohapatra started worshipping the God Akhandalamani some 350 years ago, when the black glazed granite stone was found underground and the king dreamt of the god. However the religious and historical significance with which the place is invested, constitute it to be a center of special interest in the tourism of Bhadrak. Moreover the artistic carvings of the temple deserve special worth to the tourist. Surrounding the temple many fairs and festivals are organized, the chief among whose is the Mahashivaratri. During this festival, tourists including a vast chunk of pilgrims flocked in the core of the temple. On the month of Sravana, people from nationwide assemble here to pour the holy water on the Siva Linga and to offer their worship to Lord Shiva. The Akhandalamani Temple is the principal source of the profitable development of the tourism industry of Bhadrak The famous temple of Maa Bhadrakali is another renowned name in the tourism of Bhadrak.As depicted by the history; the district of Bhadrak derives its name from the presiding goddess Maa Bhadrakali. The temple is located at the outskirts of the revenue village of Bhadrak. The key attraction of the Maa Bhadrakali is her posture. The statue of the Goddess is seated in a lion posture on a lion and is made up of black granite. However there is controversy regarding the identity of the goddess as Kali or Durga, but in the tourism industry of Bhadrak Maa Bhadrakali demands a special interest. 
The legendary folk tales regarding the deity and temple constitute Dhamrai to be an important name in the tourism of Bhadrak. As the chronicle legends suggest, the merchant named Dhaneswar who traded with the Singhalese, brought a deity from Sri Lanka and worshipped it as Pashana Mangala, which later was popularized with the name Maa Dhamrai. The temple presently survives as the eroded ruins of the original one. The eroded ruins of the temple depict the contemporary art and sculpture, which is of profound interest for the tourist.
Chandabali, the important tourist center is perhaps the most significant place in the tourism industry of Bhadrak. Chandabali is profused with diversified flora and fauna with exquisite scenic beauty. The historical interest of the place is no less important to fetch the tourist to its center. In the British Period it was existed as the natural port and some of its extant ruins still existed on the land of Chandabali.The remains of two 9th century monuments and a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva constitute an added attraction for the tourist of Bhadrak. Chandabali however draws spotlight in the recent times centering the tourist spot cum sanctuary Bhitarkanika. Bhitarkanika in the east coast of Orissa, is an, over increasing delta form of the alluvial deposits of river Baitarani, Dhamara and Brahmani. The sanctuary, with an enticing appeal, is the abode of 63 species of mangrove. The Mangrove supports the rich marine life including diversified crabs, prawns, mudskipper and a variety of fishes, which collectively forms the foundation of biological pyramid. Apart from these, the tourist assemble here to observe a variety of reptiles including a wide range of water monitor lizards, estuarine crocodiles, pythons, king cobras, kraits and other mammals like chital, fishing cat, wild boar, porcupine, hyena, mongoose, otter etc. Moreover the natural habitat of Bhitarkanika supports eight varieties of Kingfisher in its habitat. About 170 species of migratory and residential birds is an added beauty to the splendor of the wild beauty of Chandabali. From January to March, the Olive Ridley sea turtles lay eggs in the region is of enormous interest for the tourist. The rich bio-diversity with fine vicinity makes Chandabali an important center in the tourism of Bhadrak. (Last Updated on : 28-10-2014) |
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