angul

Location: 160-km from Bhubaneswar, Orissa
Also known As: Satkosia
Main Attraction: Crocodiles
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Angul is a newly created district since 1st April 1993 after reorganization of the districts of Orissa. Clothed with lush green forests, the district is rich in varieties of wildlife. The River Mahanadi passes through this district forming a 22-km long narrow gorge, one of the mightiest gorges in India.
Popularly known as 'Satkosia', it is an ideal habitat for varieties of crocodiles. The phenomenon of boulders in Talcher area is unique in India and has puzzled the geologists for centuries.
Recently, it has come to limelight with the establishment of National Aluminium Company Ltd. (NALCO), the largest in Asia. As an important road junction, Angul serves the ideal base for visiting the places of interest in its neighborhood.
At present the location advantage and abundant stock of manpower and raw materials play an important role in the industrial development of the district.
A visit to the district will be a rewarding experience.

Bhimakand: It is a small village about 30-km north of Talcher town and 50-km from Angul on the Right Bank of the river Brahmani. There on huge sand rock one could find a massive image of Vishnu in sleeping posture. In spite of hugeness, the image contains a natural softness in execution. The period of its execution is believed to be 8th - 9th Century AD This sleeping image of Vishnu at Bhimakand is second only to Gomateswar (Karnatak) in size, but it has the honour of being the largest sleeping image in India.

Deulajhari: Situated amidst a bowl of green near Athamallik, Deulajhari is famous for the presence of a hot spring. The hot spring seems to flow from the bottom (pedestal) of a 'Shiva Lingam'. The water is naturally channelised to 36 ponds on the outskirts of the Shiva Temple. Believed to contain medicinal properties, a bath in the spring has religious importance too.
90-km from Angul, regular bus services are available from Angul, Dhenkanal, Talcher, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Athamallik and the rest 3-km is negotiable on foot or jeep.

Banarpal: On the junction of National Highway 23 and National Highway 42, Banarpal, only 10-km from Angul is a convenient base for highway tourists. A wayside amenity center, 'Panthika' of State Tourism Department is nearing completion to provide accommodation and other ancillary facilities to the tourists.

Rengali: River Brahmani shelters a dam and reservoir with a Hydroelectric Project at Rengali amidst picturesque environs. Situated 85-km from Angul, it is a nice place for group picnic.

Samal: 40-km from Angul and 20-km from Talchar, Samal has carved out a niche for itself in the grand hall of Orissa tourism for the establishment of a Hydroelectric Project. The panoramic view with deep solitude is a panacea to the group picnickers.

Khuludi: The Malayagiri range of Pallahara subdivision in Angul district houses a glittering waterfall near the village Khuludi. The fall making a spectacular jump from the hilltop pays homage to Lord Shiva on the foothill. An ideal site for group picnic, it is 120-km from Angul and 20-km from Pallahara.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Angul is at Bhubaneswar (160-km), which is connected with New Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Mumbai, Vishakhapatnam, and Nagpur by Boeing flights.

Rail: Angul is a railhead on SE Railway.

Road: Situated on NH 42 at a distance of 160-km from Bhubaneswar, the place is an important road junction of the State connected by regular bus services from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Talcher, Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Rourkela, Raipur, Durgapur and other important places of the State and sister States.

SHOPPING: Cottage industry plays an important role in the rural economy of Angul district. Besides handloom, the other important cottage industries are carpentry, brass and bell metal works, shoe making, etc.

Transport: Taxis and Auto rickshaws are available on hire at Angul for visiting the places of attraction and excursion.
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