Top Tourist Attractions in Angul
Angul is a town, a municipality, and the administrative centre of the Angul district in Odisha, India. The average elevation in Angul is 195 metres above sea level. The district’s entire geographical area is 6232 km2. In terms of area, it is the eleventh largest of Odisha’s thirty districts. Angul is located in the geographical centre of the state and is also known as the heart of Odisha. It generates the most money for the state coffers. Angul is also known for the Satkosia gorge, magnificent natural thick forest, hills, and rivers (Mahanadi, Brhamani), among other things.
Best Places to Visit in Angul
- Maa Budhi Thakurani
- Jagannath Temple, Angul (Saila Srikhetra)
- Angul Laxmi Puja
- Satkosia Gorge, Tikarpada
- Talcher
- Hingula Pitha, Talcher
- Talcher Ganesh Puja
- Bhimkanda
- Binikei, Athamallik
- Derjang, Angul
- Deulajhari, Athamallik
- Khuludi, Pallahara
- Kosala
- Rengali
- Garh Santry Lovi Thakurani
- Deulajhari, Athamallik
- Lovi Thakurani, Garh Santry
- Goddess Hingula
- Saila Srikhetra, Angul
Maa Budhi Thakurani
Budhi Thakurani’s temple is located on one side of Sunasagad hill, near the centre of Angul town. The Goddess’s Bigraha is built of Black Granite stone and resembles a pillar. It represents the tribal culture’s Budha Budhi worship method. This sort of ritual is also observed in the villages of Ogi, Para, and Bagedia, where Budha Thakur is worshipped, as well as Purnakot and Jerang, where Budhi Thakurani is worshipped in this area. It is also observed in other places of Orissa, such as Kaligali in Cuttack City, where a pillar-type Goddess known as Budhi Thakurani is worshipped as Goddess Kali. According to history, the time of devotion of Budhi Thakurani in Angul is unknown.
According to legend, once upon a time, this Angul was controlled by a Kandha named Sunas, who utilised this hill as Gada, thus the name Sunasagada. The Kandha monarch installed and worshipped this Budhi Thakurani as his Esta Devi, and in time, this area became densely forested. The British Empire took control of the Angul area in 1848, and in 1896 they relocated their headquarters from Purnagada to Nuagada and constructed the Angul town. They built the road for the benefit of the people. So it was necessary to clean the forest, and at that time the hill came to their attention, and they discovered one pillar kind of Goddess inside the deep woodland.
The period was then cleansed, and the Goddess was worshipped as the Adhistatri Devi of this area, known as Budhi Thakurani, from that day forward. In 1956, a saint arrived to Angul and visited the Sakti Pitha, where he got intrigued with the Goddess’s Bigraha. His curiosity in what was inside the Bigraha was piqued. Then he attempted to excavate the rear side of the Bigraha in search of anything. But he couldn’t find anything and had to leave. The holes were eventually repaired, and a Lions monument was put there. Budhi Thakurani is now well-known in both the town and the area. Thousands of people visit the shrine every day, and Budhi Thakurani is known as Easta Devi/ Grama Devi in this area.
Jagannath Temple, Angul (Saila Srikhetra)
The Jagannath Temple at Angul is known as “Saila Srikhetra,” and it is located on the summit of Sunasagad hill. On 21.2.1996, the foundation for this huge temple was laid to build the temple after the model of the world-famous Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. The building work was then carried out day by day with the assistance of the administration and the people of Angul. When the temple work was completed, the dream became a reality. Finally, the District government appointed a trustee for the temple, and the temple was opened to the public on February 22, 2002, following the conclusion of Prastha Utsav. It was a watershed point in Angul’s history. This location is now known as Sailashreekhetra, and visitors come not only from Angul, but also from all across the state and other parts of India, to see Lord Jagannath at this majestic huge temple in Angul.
Angul Laxmi Puja
Angul’s Laxmi Puja dates back more than 50 years. At 1960, the first Laxmi Puja was held in Angul’s Laxmi Bazar. It was later started in 1969 in Bustand. Laxmi Puja is now held in over 40 Puja Pendals around Angul Town and the surrounding area. This Puja event, which began on Kumara Purnima and lasted 11 days, included colourful decorating, temporary marketplaces, music and dance programmes, and so on. It has now evolved into a big annual event attended by people of various religions, castes, and tribes. Finally, on the immersion day, a magnificent combined procession and crackers competition will be held in an open area near the stadium. Thousands of people travel to Angul not only from the Angul District, but from all over the state, to celebrate Laxmi Puja during this holiday season.
NALCO, Angul
National Aluminium Company Ltd. (Nalco) is regarded as a watershed moment in the history of the Indian aluminium industry. In a significant step forward, Nalco has not only addressed the requirement for aluminium self-sufficiency, but has also provided the country with a technological advantage in producing this critical metal to world-class standards. Nalco was formed in the public sector in 1981 to utilise a portion of the vast quantities of bauxite discovered on the East Coast. Angul is home to the Captive Power Plant (CPP) and Smelter Plant.
Satkosia Gorge, Tikarpada
A little community in the midst of nature’s chaos Tikarapada is strategically located along the Satakosia Gorge. The meandering Mahanadi, running closely between picturesque hills, forms the 22-kilometer-long Mahanadi gorge here. It is regarded as one of the most enthralling sports in the world. The location is great for boating, fishing, and adventure. The forest and hills around the settlement are home to a variety of animals that will captivate tourists. The establishment of a Gharial crocodile Sanctuary nearby has increased the sport’s significance. Tikarpada is 58 kilometres from Angul. Angul is accessible by both bus and train. Tikrapada is well-connected by road to Angul.
Talcher
Talcher is located on the right bank of the Brahmani River, the capital of the east, and Talcher State is one of the country’s fastest developing industrial and mining complexes. The coal-based thermal power plant at Talcher, the heavy water plant of the Atomic Energy Commission in Vikrampur, and the presence of 7 underground mines and 3 open cast mines in and near Talcher have all contributed to the city’s growing significance. The Rani Park, which covers an area of 64 square kilometres, is another attraction in this area. A rock-cut Bishnu picture laying in a sleeping pose on the left bank of the Brahmani in Saranga hamlet is only 4 kilometres from Talcher and 20 kilometres from Angul. Talcher is served by the N.H.23.
Hingula Pitha, Talcher
The Goddess Hingula’s sacred site (peetha) is located on the bank of the Simhada River in the west of the former Talcher Estate (Now in the District of Angul). In Assam, there is a pilgrimage site called Jwalamukhi where a similar goddess, Hingula, Hingulei, or Hingulaksi, is worshipped. As a result, the ruling deity of Talcher in hamlet Gopal Prasad, who takes the appearance of fire, is known as Goddess Hingula. Hingula’s sacred locations (peethas) may also be found outside of India in Karachi and Kabul. Both Hindus and Muslims pray at this sacred site, which is similar to Kaipadar in Khurda. It is around 30 kilometres from Angul.
Talcher Ganesh Puja
The Ganesh Puja is a Gana Parva or mass celebration of Talcher, similar to Cuttack’s Dasahara, Angul’s Laxmi Puja, Sambalpur’s Sital Sasti, and Berhampur’s Thakurani Yatra. Talcher’s Ganesh Puja is a well-known celebration in our state. The Puja lasts approximately two weeks, beginning with Bhadrav Shukla Chatrurthi or Ganesh Chatrurthi and ending with Indu Purnima. In Talcher Town, the Lord Ganesh is worshipped in around 50 Puja pendals. Many legendary events and occurrences are represented through exquisite idols in the many Puja mandaps, in addition to colourful pendals, manadaps, and deities. A central Puja committee is comprised of delegates from the various Puja Committees, Senior Citizens, People representatives, Civil, Police, and Municipality Administration.
Talcher, the Sub-Collector, is the Central Puja Committee’s ex-officio President. On Indu Purnima, a colourful immersion is held at Talcher’s Badadanda, which is attended by all Puja Committees. The procession travels through all of the town’s major thoroughfares. Following the procession, all of the deities are immersed in the Brahmani River. On the day of immersion, Indupurnima, the Central Puja Committee arranges a meeting at Badadanda Melana Place, and the public auction sale of Lord Ganesh’s Angya mala and Angya Ladu has taken place. Thousands of people from all across the district and state travel to Talcher to attend this event.
Bhimkanda
A sleeping picture of Lord Bishnu in rock art may be seen near Bhimkand, a hamlet on the right bank of the Brahmani River. It is now part of the NTPC complex that houses the world’s largest coal-fired super thermal power plant. The picture sleeps on its right side and is approximately 42 feet long and 8 feet broad. The image is the second biggest in India and is located around 5 kilometres from N H 23. Angul may be reached by bus or train. Bhimkhand Tourist Place is located 20 kilometres from Angul. Frequent regular bus services are accessible to this location from Angul as well as from other towns in Odisha.
Binikei, Athamallik
Pitha of the Goddess Binikei is another tourist destination in the Athamallik subdistrict. The location is 25 kilometres from Athamallik and is located on the banks of the Mahanadi River. The location serves as a doorway to the well-known Satkosia canyon on the Mahanadi River. The Panchadhara hills, which rise over the Temple, act as a crown over the deities’ heads. Binikei Jatra is celebrated every year on the tenth day following Dolapurnima in the lunar month of Chaitra. A grand fair is also planned over three days, complete with pomp and circumstance. Angul may be reached by bus or train. Angul is 85 kilometres away from the tourist destination of Bhimkhand. Angul to Athamallik bus service is operated on a regular basis. Binikei is 25 kilometres from Athamallik and may be reached by bus, taxi, or autorickshaw.
Derjang, Angul
The Derjang irrigation project, a reservoir system and India’s first medium irrigation project after independence, began in 1960 and was completed in 1977-78. This project was built spanning the rivers Ningara and Matalia near the village of Majhikia in the Angul block. The project has provided irrigation water to 7922 hectares in Khariff and 200 hectares in Rabi. This location is ideal for a picnic. It is only 7 kilometres from Angul. It is an excellent location for a group picnic and relaxation. Derjang is 7 kilometres away from Angul. Angul may be reached by bus or train. Angul to Derjang is served by a daily bus service.
Deulajhari, Athamallik
Deuajhari is a historic Saivism castle located 6 kilometres from Athamallik and 90 kilometres from Angul. The temple was built among a dense indigenous Jasmine woodland (locally known as Kaibana) that forms the temple’s towering walls. The hot springs that surround the temple add to the area’s distinctiveness. According to old records, there were eighty-four such springs, but many of them have now been obscured by the jasmine forest. Now there are twenty-four active springs. Among these are springs with names like Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Annantakunda, and Labakusa Kunda. The water temperature in these springs ranges from 40 to 62 degrees Celsius. The Temple complex has 24 acres of land. The major Temple is beloved by the presiding deity Sidheswara Baba.
Angul may be reached by bus or train. Angul is 90 kilometres away from Deulajhari. The distance from Angul to Deulajhari may be accomplished by bus or rail, which will terminate at the closest Boinda station.
Khuludi, Pallahara
A dazzling waterfall near the village Khuludi is located in the Malyagiri Mountain range of the Pallahara Sub division. The fall, which makes a dramatic plunge from the mountaintop to pay respect to Lord Shiva, is 120 kilometres from Angul and 20 kilometres from Pallahara. It is an excellent location for a group picnic and relaxation. Here, the sun sets and rises in awe-inspiring ways. The traveller may appreciate nature’s everlasting splendour. It is an excellent location for a group picnic. Angul may be reached by bus or train. Khuludi is 120 kilometres from Angul. Buses run on a regular basis.available to Khuludi from Angul.
Kosala
This settlement is 28 kilometres from Angul on the Angul-Bagedia route. The community is well-known for its temple to Goddess Ramchandi. She is thought to be endowed with extraordinary abilities. It is claimed that infertile women would have children if they worship Goddess Ramchandi. A beautiful temple was built on the foundation of the ancient temple. On the second day of Krushna Pakshya Bhadra, a Yatra is held here. This Yatra is also known as the Ramchandi Yatra or the Kaduali Yatra (July- August). Every year, a grand celebration is held to commemorate this Yatra. This Yatra attracts tens of thousands of people. Kosala is 28 kilometres from Angul. Angul may be reached by bus or train. From Angul, there is a frequent bus service to Kosala.
Rengali
At Rengali, a dam has been built across the Brahmani River. A hydroelectric power facility with a capacity of 120 MW has been erected here. It is located on N.H 250, around 85 kilometres from Angul. Rengali is set in gorgeous surroundings and is ideal for a group picnic. Angul may be reached by bus or train. Rengali is 85 kilometres away from Angul. Rengali is served by a regular bus service from Angul.
Garh Santry Lovi Thakurani
Every year on Kartik Purnima, the Lovi Thakurani yatra, the yearly ceremonial function of Goddess Lovi, is held. Garh Santry is the hamlet residence of the presiding god Lovi, located seventeen kilometres from the district capital town of Angul. The deity is distinguished from other idols of Hindu faith and belief by Her unusual name, Lovi, which symbolises greediness.
However, the followers of Garhsantry must state that the meaning of the term is different from what we normally interpret in a bad sense; rather, it has a good connotation that is greediness to dedication, offerings, and most importantly, the sacrifice of egoism. The annual festival is organised by the twin villages of Garhsantry and Tulsipal, where thousands of people from all over the state gather to offer their puja on the full moon day of Kartika, when the sacred symbol of the deity is brought from aalam ghar, the daily offering house located in Tulsipal village, in a ceremonial procession to the temple at Pidha sahi in Garhsantry. The magnificence of the parade comprises mass and massive drum pieces, holding aloft of chati taraas, and Paikas traditional dance.
The dehury, or priest, goes through the five-kilometer parade, carrying the deity’s sign on his shoulder, accompanied by a large crowd of worshippers. When he arrives at the temple, which is already surrounded by a huge number of makeshift booths, he places the sacred sign on a ceremonial dais and begins puja for two days in a row. A significant number of devotees begin to arrive with offerings to get a darshan. Some local believers have their children mundan on this occasion in the hope that they would get Goddess’s blessings and live a long and healthy life. The meal at the temple continues for four days in a row, with the symbolic depiction of the god returning to its original location on the last day. Angul is accessible by bus or train. Lovi Thakurani Tourist Place is 17 kilometres from Angul.
Rengali
A dam has been constructed across the river Brahmani at Rengali. One Hydro electrical power project of 120 MW capacity has been installed here. It is about 85 kms from Angul, located on N.H. Rengali amidst picturesque environs and it is a nice place for group picnic.
Deulajhari, Athamallik
Deuajhari is a historic Saivism castle located 6 kilometres from Athamallik and 90 kilometres from Angul. The temple was built among a dense indigenous Jasmine woodland (locally known as Kaibana) that forms the temple’s towering walls. The hot springs that surround the temple add to the area’s distinctiveness. According to old records, there were eighty-four such springs, but many of them have now been obscured by the jasmine forest. Now there are twenty-four active springs. Among these are springs with names like Agnikunda, Taptakunda, Himakunda, Annantakunda, and Labakusa Kunda. The water temperature in these springs ranges from 40 to 62 degrees Celsius. The Temple complex has 24 acres of land. The major Temple is beloved by the presiding deity Sidheswara Baba.
Lovi Thakurani, Garh Santry
Every year on Kartik Purnima, the Lovi Thakurani yatra, the yearly ceremonial function of Goddess Lovi, is held. Garh Santry is the hamlet residence of the presiding god Lovi, located seventeen kilometres from the district capital town of Angul. The deity is distinguished from other idols of Hindu faith and belief by Her unusual name, Lovi, which symbolises greediness. However, the followers of Garhsantry must state that the meaning of the term is different from what we normally interpret in a bad sense; rather, it has a good connotation that is greediness to dedication, offerings, and most importantly, the sacrifice of egoism.
The annual festival is organised by the twin villages of Garhsantry and Tulsipal, where thousands of people from all over the state gather to offer their puja on the full moon day of Kartika, when the sacred symbol of the deity is brought from aalam ghar, the daily offering house located in Tulsipal village, in a ceremonial procession to the temple at Pidha sahi in Garhsantry. The magnificence of the parade comprises mass and massive drum pieces, holding aloft of chati taraas, and Paikas traditional dance. The dehury, or priest, marches through the five-kilometer parade while carrying the deity’s sign on his shoulder, accompanied by a large crowd of worshippers. When he arrives to the temple, which is already surrounded by a huge number of makeshift booths, he places the sacred emblem on a ceremonial dais and begins two days of puja.
A significant number of devotees begin to arrive with offerings in order to get a darshan. Some local followers have their children mundan on this occasion in the idea that they would get the Goddess’s blessings and live a long and healthy life. The feast in the temple lasts four days, and on the last day, the deity’s symbolic form returns to its original location.
Goddess Hingula
The Goddess Hingula’s sacred site (peetha) is located on the bank of the Simhada River in the west of the former Talcher Estate (Now in the District of Angul). In Assam, there is a pilgrimage site called Jwalamukhi where a similar goddess, Hingula, Hingulei, or Hingulaksi, is worshipped. As a result, the ruling deity of Talcher in hamlet Gopal Prasad, who takes the appearance of fire, is known as Goddess Hingula. Hingula’s sacred locations (peethas) may also be found outside of India in Karachi and Kabul. Both Hindus and Muslims pray at this sacred site, which is one of a kind in nature.
Saila Srikhetra, Angul
The Jagannath Temple at Angul is known as “Saila Srikhetra,” and it is located on the summit of Sunasagad hill. On 21.2.1996, the foundation for this huge temple was laid to build the temple after the model of the world-famous Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri. The building work was then carried out day by day with the assistance of the administration and the people of Angul. When the temple work was completed, the dream became a reality. Finally, the District government appointed a trustee for the temple, and the temple reopened to the public on February 22, 2002, following the conclusion of Pratistha Utsav. It was a watershed point in Angul’s history. This location is now known as Sailashreekhetra, and visitors come not only from Angul, but also from all across the state and other parts of India, to see Lord Jagannath at this majestic huge temple in Angul.
Best Time to Visit in Angul
Winter is the greatest season to visit Angul. During the months of November to February, the picnic places are very popular.
How to Reach Angul
The district headquarters of Angul is well connected by train and road to the state capital of Bhubaneswar. It’s around 150 kilometres from Bhubaneswar (by road).