Tourist Places of Dhenkanal
Flanked by dense forests, serpentine roads, high rise mountains and scenic beauty, the city of Dhenkanal ensures the visitor an enthralling and heart rendering panoramic view. The forest products like bamboo, firewood and timber makes Dhenkanal a flourishing economy of the state. Close by is the industrial town of Angul which has the smelter plant of one of the worlds largest producers of Aluminum - NALCO.
Kapilash - Dhenkanal adorns numerous temples of archaeological marvel. The calm, composed and revered hill of Kapilash possess the temple of Lord Chandrashekar Shiva along with numerous other temples. It is about 24 kms from Dhenkanal.
Saptasajya is said to be another place famous for giving shrine to Pandavas during their Agnyayvas. The place is widely liked by holidays makers for its stunning surroundings. Saptasajya is situated at a distance of 12 kms from Dhenkanal.
Joranda : Situated at a disntance of 13km from Dhenkanal, it is famous for the the religious headquarters of Mahima Dharma. Surya Mandira is another place of pilgrimage. Annual Joranda Mela is the main attraction among the tourists.
Tikarapada : A small village in the lap of nature, Tikarpada situated on the Satkosia Gorge, offers a breathtaking view of the meandering Mahanadi River as it cuts through the bountiful hills with sheer force. This 22 km stretch is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. A Gharial Crocodile Sanctuary, setup here to protect them, has doubled the importance of the place.
How to get there: Dhenkanal is connected with good motorable road and is located on the N.H. No. 42, Dhenkanal has direct road links to all important places of the State. 100 km from Bhubaneswar, the State Capital, it is a railhead on the S.E. Railway.
Joranda (24 km) – This is the religious headquarters of Mahima Cult - probably the only major religious sect to originate from Orissa.
Kapilas (16 km) – The loftiest peak of Kapilas range enshrines the temple of Lord Shiva 'Chandrasekhar' at a height of about 457 mtrs. approachable by a flight of 1351 steps and a ghat road. Identified with "Kailas', the legendary abode of Lord Shiva, the hill has several caves, shrines and the ruins of a medieval fort which are regularly visited by pilgrims. The Deer park and Science Park are other attraction of the place.
Tikarpada (120 km)- The tiny village of Tikarpada (120 km from Dhenkanal and 58 km from anugul) has one of the splendid setting in the world. It offers some of the most exciting visuals of the satkosia gorge, India's mightiest gorge, into which the turbulent Mahanadi river crashes with amazing ferocity through 22 km of emerlad forests, that seem to change their hues with every bend of the river's meanderings. Apart from offering gorgeous views from the pinncles of the surrounding hills, there is an excellent potential for angling, boating and trekking around these parts. The Gharial crocodile population obviously enjoys these exotic environs and has an excellent breeding place in this sanctuary created to protect them.
Saptasajya (11 km) - Located 11 km out of Dhenkanal, Saptasajya is said to act as host to the Pandavas during their Agnyayvas days in these hills. The place, eith its beautiful surrounding, is popular with holidays makers. It is also favourite pilgrimage spot with the temples of Saptarshi and Raghunath reigning supreme during Ramanavami festival.
Deulajhari (90 km from Angul) - A natural hot spring that seems to flow from the bottom of a Shiva Linga.
