Odisha
Angul: Visit The Historical City Of Odisha!
Angul is a district located in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is known for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, and historic landmarks. The community is situated on the foothills of the Eastern Ghats and is surrounded by dense forests, hills, and rivers. Angul is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which is home to tigers, leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.
The district is also known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several temples, including the Maa Hingula Temple, Ramachandi Temple, and Saila Shreekhetra Jagannath Temple.
The district is also home to several important landmarks, including the Rengali Dam, which is a large hydroelectric dam on the Brahmani River, and the Talcher King Palace, which is a historic palace that once served as the residence of the Talcher king. Angul is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach and explore. The best time to visit Angul is between November and March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
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Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the banks of the Mahanadi river, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, elephants, and different species of birds. The sanctuary also offers scenic views of the river and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.
Rengali Dam, Angul
The Rengali Dam is a large hydroelectric dam built on the Brahmani River in the Angul district of Odisha. The dam provides irrigation and drinking water to the surrounding areas and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. It was constructed in the 1980s as part of the Rengali irrigation project to provide irrigation to the agricultural lands in the surrounding areas and to generate hydroelectric power.
The dam has a height of 62 meters and a length of 4.8 kilometers. It has a gross storage capacity of 9.5 billion cubic meters and a live storage capacity of 8.4 billion cubic meters. The dam’s reservoir has a surface area of 120 square kilometers and a catchment area of 5,448 square kilometers.
Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary
The Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Mahanadi river and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, and different species of birds. The sanctuary is also known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for trekking and river rafting.
Budhi Thakurani
It is a temple dedicated to the goddess Thakurani located in the Angul district. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is a popular spot for religious pilgrims. The beliefs are associated with he is believed to be a form of the goddess Kali, who is known for her fierce and powerful nature.
The legend associated with Budhi Thakurani is that during a famine in Berhampur, a group of people found a stone statue of the goddess while digging a well. They brought the statue to their village and began worshipping it. Soon after, the famine ended, and the people attributed their good fortune to the goddess’s blessings.
Saila Shreekhetra
Jagannath Temple – The Saila Shreekhetra Jagannath Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath located in the Angul district of Odisha. The temple is known for its serene and peaceful surroundings and is a popular spot for religious devotees.
Derjang Reservoir Dam
Angul – The Derjang Reservoir Dam is a large reservoir built on the Derjang river in the Angul district of Odisha. The reservoir provides irrigation and drinking water to the surrounding areas and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
Sureswari Waterfall, Angul
The Sureswari Waterfall is a picturesque waterfall located in the Angul district of Odisha. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics.
Maa Hingula Temple
The Maa Hingula temple is a temple dedicated to the goddess Hingula located in the Angul district of Odisha in the town of Talcher. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is a popular spot for religious pilgrims. The temple is situated on the bank of the River Brahmani and is surrounded by hills and forests. The architecture of the temple is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a pyramidal roof and a spire that rises to a height of 75 feet.
The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Odisha and attracts devotees from all over the country. The annual Hingula Yatra, which takes place in the month of Chaitra (March-April), is a major festival at the temple. During the festival, the goddess’s idol is taken out in a procession, and devotees offer prayers and offerings to the goddess.
Ramachandi Temple
The Ramachandi Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Ramachandi. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular spot for religious devotees. According to legend, Ramachandi was one of the wives of Lord Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is said that Lord Ram visited this place during his exile and that the temple was built in honor of his visit.
The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kusabhadra River. The architecture of the temple is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with a pyramidal roof and a spire that rises to a height of 30 feet.
Malayagiri Hill
Angul – The Malayagiri Hill is a picturesque hill that offers scenic views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics. The hills are surrounded by lush green forests and are home to various flora and fauna. The highest point of the hills is at an altitude of about 3,930 feet. Several trekking trails in the hills offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The hills are also home to the Malayagiri Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity. The temple is believed to be over 600 years old and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the top of the hill and can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs.
Talcher King Palace
The Talcher King Palace is a historic palace located in the Angul district of Odisha. The palace was once the residence of the Talcher king and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Today, the palace is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction.
Best time to visit Angul
The best time to visit Angul depends on what you plan to do and see in the area. If you want to visit the wildlife sanctuaries and go on nature walks or wildlife safaris, the best time to visit is between November and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. If you are interested in exploring the temples and other cultural attractions in Angul, you can plan your visit during the festive season, which usually falls between September and December.
However, it’s important to note that Angul can get quite hot and humid during the summer months of April to June, and the monsoon season between July and September can bring heavy rains and flooding, which may affect travel plans. So, it’s best to avoid visiting during these times.
How to reach Angul?
Angul is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
- By Air: The nearest airport to Angul is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 120 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Angul.
- By Rail: Angul has its railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can take a train to Angul from cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and many more.
- By Road: Angul is connected to major cities in Odisha and neighboring states through a network of national highways and state highways. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Angul from nearby cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Rourkela.
Once you reach Angul, you can use local transport like buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws to get around the city and explore the nearby attractions.
It is an exciting destination for travelers who are interested in experiencing the cultural, natural, and industrial significance of the region. In addition to its natural beauty, Angul is also a significant industrial hub. The town is home to several large industrial establishments, including NALCO (National Aluminium Company), a major aluminum production company, and JSPL (Jindal Steel and Power Limited), a significant player in the steel industry. These industries have played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, and visitors can learn more about their operations through organized tours and visits to their facilities.
Angul is also known for its cultural heritage, with many ancient temples and shrines located in and around the town. Furthermore, Angul is a great destination for people interested in traditional handicrafts. The town is known for its handloom and handicrafts, including textiles, wood carvings, and brassware.
Visitors can purchase these traditional items at local markets and shops and even observe the artisans at work. Overall, Angul is a unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in exploring natural beauty, industrial significance, or cultural heritage, this town has something to offer.
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