Hirakud dam is synonymous with Sambalpur, it is the largest dam in the world. Apart from that Sambalpur is also renowned for its rich textile industry, gorgeous waterfalls, rich culture, ancient monuments and traditional handicraft items. The name Sambalpur is after Goddess Samleswari, the revered deity of that region. The region in erstwhile was popular as a route of diamond trade. Sambalpur is guarded by Bihar and Jharkhand. In the east Deoghar district and it is surrounded by Bargarh and Jharsuguda distrits in the west. North and south are surrounded by Sudergarh and Subarnpur respectively.



In the present time, the city is gaining popularity due to its rapid growing textile industry. It is the center of textile industry spread over western Orissa. Sambalpuri weaving is popular in India and there are plenty of marker especially Gol Bazaar where one can see the diverse range of textile crafts. Sambalpur is not a big city, only 6,702 sq. Km of area but there is no dearth of tourist attractions. There are Hirakud Dam, Ushakoti Wildlife Santuary, Huma Temple, Cattle Island and many more. Sambalpur is also a great place for shopping lovers.

Sights And Activities

Vimaleshwar Temple
The leaning Vimaleshwar temple at Huma is located 32km south of Sambalpur. It is a small Shiva temple but the uniqueness is that its deul slants considerably in two directions. The puzzle is that the porch of the temple appears square and there are no apparent filled in gaps between the porch and deul.

Baripalli
Baripalli is the place where you can discover how to weave famous ikat textile. Painstakingly, craftsmen separate threads into cords and wrap around framess. These cords are then tied in red cotton to mark out the dyeing pattern. Dyed and dried, the threads are then woven on the many looms through open doorways. Not only these, the place is also developing a good terracotta industry.
Cattle Island
This unique island is located near Kumarbandh village, 90km from Sambalpur. This island is only inhabited by cattle. Most of them are white in colors and hardly come in contact with people so they become wild and bigger relatively. Their were several try to catch them but alas no success.

Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
This 130km long wildlife sanctuary is situated 43km northeast of Sambalpur on NH6. The sanctuary is home to number of wild animals including elephants, gaurs, sambars, black panther, deer, spotted deer and wild bears. Near the saline tank there are two watchtowers are erected from where you can watch all the wilds.

Hirakud Dam
It is the first post independence river valley project in India. located at a distance f 15km to the north of Sambalpur. It is the longest dam of the world, thus become a famous attraction. Built across the river Mahanadi, it is very useful for irrigation and flood control.

Hatibari
Lying 24 km to the south of Sambalpur, Hatibari is surrounded by dense forests. Known as the Karma Bhumi of Padmashree Dr Isaac Santra, this place is renowned for the Leper Home started here by Santra.