Excursions

This town is about 34 km south of Muktsar. It is a railway station on Bathinda Hidumalkot line and an important market of cotton and grains. It is also connected by road with Bathinda. The place is known for snuff, which is a product of tobacco ground together with lime, ghee and some perfumes. Its population was 39,866 persons as per 1991 Census. During 1992-3, there was one unit at Giddarbaha in medium and large-scale sector, viz. markfed Cotton Seed Processing Plant, Giddarbaha.

Famous as the abode of Lord Siva, Huma contains the lone leaning temple of Orissa and also famous as a scenic spot of great excellence. The river Mahanadi flowing close by abounds in fish (Kudo fish) which are never caught. The popular belief is that they belong to Lord Vimaleswar. Facility for cruising in the river by country boat is available for a nominal price.

The Pradhanpat hill with its picturesque waterfalls offers a rare scenic beauty. These falls are close to Deogarh town, which is attractively situated with the background of wooded hills. Two beautiful guest houses named Basanta Nivas and Lalita Basanta have been constructed by the ex-rulers of Bamra and are now under the management of the Works Department, provide accommodation. Reservations are made by the Executive Engineer, National Highway Division, Sambalpur. There are a number of temples in the town of Deogarh notable among which are of Gopinath, Jagannath and Gokarneswara.

47 km from Sundargarh, the rock-cut caves contain some pictographic writings, which are yet to be deciphered. The famed wildlife sanctuary at Badrama has already gained prominence among the international tourists as a place of destinational tour. Among various fauna of tropical forests, the sanctuary preserves elephant, tiger,gour,sambar, black-panther,deer, wild boar and many other species. One could have a sight of these animals from the watchtowers near the saline tank or the water/holes. One could as well drive along the forest roads and watch them. Ushakothi is on the N.H.No.6.

To the west of Jharsuguda Railway Station, it is a cave containing Pictographic Inscription (1,500 B.C. or even earlier) of great antiquity. This pre-historic find is of remarkable importance and is yet to be deciphered. The plaster cast of the inscription can also be seen in the Orissa State Museum at Bhubaneswar. Vikramkhol is 88 km by road, which is unmetalled.

The place has gained prominence as the second Hydro-Electric Project of the Hirakud Dam. A natural fall of 80 ft. (24.39 metres) high in the river Mahanadi is made use for generating electricity. The place is mostly inhabited by fishermen whose deity 'Ghantlei' is very popular in the neighbouring areas. The State Live Stock Breeding Farm and an Agricultural Farm are located here.

Situated 51 km from Rourkela, on National Highway No.23, near river Brahmani, Darjeeng is a beautiful picnic spot. Deodarha a gorge, is a 2 km walk from here.

Padmatala has a pond where wild animals can be seen in considerable numbers during evening.

Dalringibadi, known as the ‘Kashmir of Orissa’, is at a distance of 135 Kms from Phulbani. The place is an ideal summer resort in Orissa that even experiences snowfall during winter.

Nicknamed as 'Kashmir of Orissa', it is an ideal summer resort and is attractive for its scenic beauty. It is the only place in Orissa which experiences snowfall during winter.

Chaisambhu, known for the temple of Lord Charisambhu Ananta Vishnu, lies at a distance of 85 Kms from Phulbani. Famous for the temple of Lord Charisambhu Ananta Vishnu.