Bargarh district is indeed a traveller`s delight when it comes to tourism. The district in Orissa is a storehouse of numerous temples and pilgrim destinations. Village tourism is an integral part of Bargarh district. Wildlife sanctuaries add to the interest of the tourists and good accommodation facilities and communication services make it all the more a coveted place to visit in Orissa.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Bargarh District
Nrushinghanath is a popular pilgrim spot in Bargarh district of Orissa. For the past few centuries, lakhs of people go there every year in search of peace and solace. Lord Nrushinghanath is the presiding deity of the sacred mount Gandhamardhan endearing multitude of memories, astonishingly amalgamating the legends of the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Buddhist Era; even reminiscent of Bhoj Raj, Sant Kabir and Tantracharya Nagarjuna. The temple of Nrushingnath was built in the 15th century and is divided into two parts. This temple attracts a large number of devotees. Papaharini is the main perennial flow of the Gandhamardhan, and it means the destroyer of sins. It is symbolic of Sanatan, the continuum of past, present and future. Flowing out of the confluence of seven fountains, called saptadhar, it has an average width of twelve feet. No man made tributary can flow into it. Nothing can pollute or adulterate this holy stream. It is a much visited pilgrim destination. There are many large Shiva temples in the Bargarh district. The most important are the asta sambhu or the eight Shiva temples namely, Bimaleswar temple, Kedarnath temple, Baidyanath temple, Balunkeswar temple, Mandhata temple, Swapneswar temple, Visweswar temple and the Nilakantheswar temple. Apart from the religious fervour, the artistic beauty of the temple is a major attraction for the pilgrimage tourists.
Nature Tourism in Bargarh District
The wildlife sanctuary in Debrigarh in Bargarh district is a popular tourist destination. Apart from wild buffaloes, elephants and black Bucks, most of the other important animals in the state of Orissa are more or less represented here. Devdarha is a well known picnic spot. There is a spectacular gorge on the river Surangi. The Dhabaleswar Shiva Temple near is an added attraction for the tourist. Papanga in the district of Bargarh is a hill top. It has some historical as well as mythological importance. There is a valley at a height of 400 feet surrounded by seven hills. Ramachandra Yogashram is best attraction of this hill top. Chikhili is noted for its scenic beauty.
Village Tourism in Bargarh District
Village tourism is a prime attraction in Bargarh district. Ambabhona village in this district was a fortified place in the days of the Chauhan Rajas of Sambalpur and the remains of the old fort are still in existence. The village has an old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. With a beautiful forest background and specimens reflecting high standard of Chauhan architecture, this village is indeed worth a visit. Attabira is another village in this district and is a notable rice producing center. Bheran village is surrounded by Danta and Jira rivers and is notable for its textile industries. The tie and dye works of the weavers is worth exploring. Bijepur village is inhabited mainly by cultivators and weavers. It is notable for napkins and bed-sheets manufactured by local weavers. Panimura village in Bargarh district is noted for its historical importance. This village was the hub of various activities during the freedom movement. The entire village was committed to Khadi and freedom movement of Mahatma Gandhi. It is indded a traveller`s delight to discover that people of this village still cut thread and wear khadi. The villagers boast of believing and preaching "Ahimsa" and "Satya" and assemble every evening to chant patriotic songs hymns of Gandhi.
Visiting information on Bargarh District
How to reach
The Bargarh district headquarters is on the National Highway No.6 running from Kolkata to Mumbai. Hence the place is well connected to the rest of the country with comfortable road network. There is also a Railway Station and the nearest Airport is Raipur (220 kilometers) and Bhubaneswar (350 kilometers).
The best time to visit this place is in between the months of October and March. During this time the festival of Dhanu Yatra is observed here. Excellent accommodation facilities makes this district of Orissa a much coveted pace to visit. There are a number of good hotels besides numerous Government Circuit House and guest houses in the district providing accommodation to tourists and visitors throughout the year. The near by tourist spots are well linked to the district headquarter with good road and communication facilities.
