Tourism in the Nabarangpur, the south west district in Orissa, is a different experience altogether. This picturesque district of Orissa offers its visitors with a wide panorama of ancient temples, historical monuments, natural waterfalls, forts and dams. The temples are noted for their mythological importance and architectural excellence. The dams of this district are considered as major picnic spots. A visitor is enamoured by the natural waterfalls which enhance the beauty of the place. Historical monuments are also a major attraction of this district in Orissa.

Pilgrimage Tourism in Nabarangpur District
The people of Nabarangpur district worship Maa Pendrani, who was born out of a legend. Pendrani was a married girl who was a victim of secret jealousy of her own brothers. Her spirit was believed to wander about the villages helping those who trusted her supernatural transformation. People adore her sacrifice and worship in a temple erected at Umerkote. The saga of Pendrani is a fascinating tale to the travellers. A local Degree College is name after her is a tribute to the saga of supreme sacrifice. Maa Bhandargharani of Nabarangpur is the presiding deity of the district. The name signifies the preserver of wealth and protector of lives. She is also worshipped in nearby villages. Tuesday and Saturday are marked for special worship. Devotees throng the temple precincts on every possible occasion to seek blessings. The Ghata Yatra is one of her main festivals and is celebrated every year in the month of April with great fervour among people of the whole district. Large crowds also gather on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sankranti Days, Basanti Dashahara and Sharadiya Dashahara. The deity is adored all through as the protector of the houses and harbinger of prosperity.

The temples of Lord Jagannath are scattered throughout the Nabarangpur district. But the ancient one is located at Nabarangpur itself. The temple has no outward accouterments and looks like an old private quarter. Till the late 80`s only the single deity, Lord Jagannath was stalled on the sanctum sanctorium. Now even Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are worshiped from a huge pedestal, due to the zeal of devotees and officials. Birds, flowers and other splendour of art and architecture cover every inch of the roof. Even a casual glimpse of erotica adds awe to the raving and scrutinizing eyes. What is displayed exuberantly on the stones elsewhere in the state is figured on wooden surface in this isolated region. This treasure is well conserved with a coat of shinning black paint against the ravages of time. This temple is a spectacle to behold for the lovers of architecture. Kelia Shiva Temple of Nabarangpur district is a very old Temple famous for both its location and spirituality. The temple is beckoned with mysterious legends and it attracts large crowd of people every now and then. Large number of gathering is witnessed every year during Shiva Ratri.

Leisure Tourism in Nabarangpur District
Padagada is a historical site in Nabarangpur district of Orissa. Large number of archeological heritages and also Brahmi inscriptions of Nala Dynasty of 4th to 5th century A.D are worth viewing. Remains of forts, soldier camps, military establishments etc. are found here. Covered with dense forest, having vast rocks and so many rare historical remains and ruins, Padagada or the ruined fort, still awaits exploration by the researchers and academicians. Alekh Temple, Sati Stones, Bhairabi Temple, foot prints of Goddess Laxmi are objects of wonder here. This place is also well-known for the inexplicable legends of King Bhavadatta Verman, King Artha pati, Vakataka dynasty, Chalukya Kirtee Verman and many others. The ruined Queen Palace, the statues of the Sun God and the Moon God and the mysterious Caves add to its enormous potentiality for tourism.

The Shahid Minar of Nabarangpur district is a much visited tourist destination. It was raised after independence to mark the sacrifice of the patriots. Every year people gather at the Minar to pay floral tributes to those brave souls. The Minar is located in the Papadahandi block of Nabarangpur. On the bank of river Toori is situated the Shahid Smriti Stambha`, another monument which was built in commemoration of the 1942 Quit India Movement. Every year State Level Sahid Smriti Day is celebrated here on 24th of August paying tribute to nineteen known and many other unknown Martyrs who died in police firing during Satyagraha.

Nature Tourism in Nabarangpur District
Dams of this district are much frequented by the tourists. The highest dam is located at Khatiguda while the other two are constructed at Muran and Kapur. The last two envelope small streams which merge into Indravati River through the dam water. Indravati Dam is constructed over the River Indravati, famous for Hydro-electric Project. The water reservoir created out of the dam is appealing for its scenic beauty. Podagad and Deopali Dams are locations of tourist interests and picnic spots. Bhaskel Reservoir constructed over river Bhaskel in Umerkote Block is used for irrigation and pisciculture. The water body creates a view of artificial lake with natural surroundings multiplying a visitor`s amusement. This is an ideal place for tourist interest.

Gosein Dorah is a natural waterfall in Nabarangpur district. This waterfall, situated in the virgin forest, attracts tourists from far off places. There is a scope for mountain trekking at this spot. Chandan Dhara is a natural water fall also remarkable for a natural Shiva Lingam. It is an ideal location for outings and picnic. Hirli Dangar is a hillock with abundant scenic beauty and full serenity loved by visitors to retire far from the madding crowd. The park and curvy hill driving add to the delight of the tourists. The Deer Park of Nabarangpur district also attracts a large crowd. Watching Nature`s bounties from the watch tower in this park is a unique experience.

Visiting Information on Nabarangpur District

How to Reach
The nearest airport to Nabarangpur district is at Visakhapatnam, which is 300 km away. By rail, one can reach through Koraput (66 KM away) or Rayagada (175 KM away). From Bhubaneswar, one can go to Nabarangpur either through Phulbani and Bhawanipatna or through Berhampur and Ganjam. This district also has a good network of roadways. Excellent accommodation facilities add to the popularity of the place.