Rourkela is a beautiful city located in the state of Odisha, India. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, it is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the country.
History of Rourkela: Rourkela has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times. The city was ruled by different dynasties throughout history, including the Mughals, Marathas, and the British. After independence, Rourkela became an industrial hub and a major contributor to the Indian economy.
Climate and Best Time to Visit: Rourkela has a tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the winter, from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Bus and Railway Connectivity: Rourkela is well-connected to other major cities in Odisha and neighbouring states via bus and railway. The city has its own railway station connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. Several buses also run from nearby cities to Rourkela.
Language and Food: Oriya is the official language of Rourkela, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken. The city is known for its delicious street food, including chaat, samosas, and jalebis. Traditional Oriya cuisine, including fish curry, dalma, and pakhal, is popular among locals and tourists.
Culture and Handicrafts: Rourkela has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by the ancient Kalinga dynasty and modern industrialization. The city is known for its handicrafts, including brass and bell metal items, terracotta pottery, and handwoven textiles. The city also annually hosts several cultural events and festivals, including the famous Rourkela Mahotsav.
Rourkela is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and natural beauty. The city offers everything from ancient temples to modern steel plants. So, plan your trip to Rourkela today and experience the magic of this beautiful city.
Places to Visit in and around Rourkela
Looking for some amazing places to visit in and around Rourkela while travelling from Bhubaneswar to Rourkela? Here is a list of places that you should not miss:
- Khandadhar Falls: The Khandadhar Falls are located in the Sundergarh Forest, approximately 104 km from Rourkela. The waterfall, which falls from a height of 244 m, holds the title of the highest waterfall in Odisha.
- Darjing: Located on the banks of the Brahmani River, Darjing is a well-known tourist destination. Due to its golden river bed, the view of the river from here is gorgeous. It is one of the most romantic locations in Rourkela renowned for its beautiful charm and tranquillity.
- Indira Gandhi Park: A wonderful city park with beautifully maintained lush green meadows, Indira Gandhi Park is a great spot to hang out with family and children. It also houses a beautiful doll museum, a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a fountain. The toy train trip and boating are popular among children.
- Jagannath Temple: This Rourkela temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra, was built in 1975. It stands 90 m tall and features magnificent architectural marvels.
- Pitamahal Dam: The Pitamahal Dam, constructed on the Pitamahal River, is surrounded by beautiful mountains. The dam spans 660 m, with a height of 26 m.
- Badaghagra Falls: Badaghagra Falls, which falls from a height of 200 ft, is the ideal location for a fun-filled day picnic in the Kendujhar district. You will particularly enjoy the trip up to the falls if you like trekking.
- Ghogar Temple: Located 25 km from Rourkela, Ghoghar Temple is a significant landmark. The well-known temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has a naturally formed Shivalinga composed of black granite.
- Vedvyas Temple: The sacred site is where the Koel, Shankha, and Saraswati rivers converge. On the riverbank lies a sacred cave known as Vyasa Cave. It is claimed that the great epic Mahabharata was written here. Vedvyas Temple is well known for the Shavitri Mela.
- Hanuman Vatika: Hanuman Vatika, devoted to Lord Hanuman, features a 75-ft-tall statue of the Lord. One of the most interesting things to do in Rourkela is to walk through this magnificent city park and see this enormous sculpture from all angles.
- Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir: Rourkela's Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is a duplicate of Jammu's. This temple was built in 2003 on a hilltop.
- Mandira Dam: Located on the city's outskirts, Mandira Dam is a popular picnic spot among locals and tourists alike. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and is a great place to relax and unwind.
- Rourkela Steel Plant: Rourkela is known for its steel plant, one of the country's largest. Visitors can take a tour of the plant to learn about the manufacturing process and its contribution to the Indian economy.