nuapada
Location: District Naupada, Orissa
Language Spoken: Oriya, Hindi, English, and Chhatisgari & Tribal Languages
Main Attractions: Patalganga, Yogimath & Budhikoma
Excursions: Patora, Sunabeda, Maraguda, Tanwat & Saliha

The district of Nuapada, a part of the erstwhile district of Kalahandi, came in to existence on 1st April 1993, as a result of reorganization of the districts of Orissa. The district is a land of scenic beauties; waterfalls, natural springs, hill tracts and fertile plains perched with historic antiquities. It lies between 200 - 210 North latitude and 820 - 830 East longitude. This is the land where Neolithic man has left their footprints in the caves of 'Yogimath'.
Khariar road, only 10-km from Nuapada, the district headquarters town forms the most convenient base for touring various places of tourist interest in the district.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Patalganga: It is a nice spot in the bosom of nature with a perennial spring, the water of which is considered as sacred as that of the holy Ganges. Local people perform their obsequies in the down stream. Legend would have it that Rama, Laxman and Sita visited the spot during their exile where Sita felt thirsty. Laxman pierced the ground with his arrow occasioning the birth of the spring. On the day of solar eclipse and lunar eclipse, people here gather in large number to take their bath in the holy water.

Yogimath: Cave paintings of Neolithic age are found at Yogimath. The paintings on the rock surface are distinctly drawn in Indian red, which include bull cow. The painting of Calf and man signifies man's entry into agriculture. Nearby stands the 'Risipiti' mountain, interesting for producing clear echoes.

Budhikomna: Budhikomana houses the famous temple of 'Pataleswar' made of bricks in 'Pancharatha' style unique in the state. A connoisseur of art and architecture finds immense pleasure in observing the different facets of this place. It is also a popular pilgrim center in the locality.

Patora: On the bank of river jonk is a place of uncommon scenic charms. Engirdled on all sides by green clad hills. It holds in its bosom and irrigation project and culture dating back to pre-Christian era at Manikgarh. This is the Dam site of the Upper Jonk Irrigation Project situated at a distance of 20-KM from the District Headquarter.
This place is also famous for 'Yogeswar Temple'. There is a lot of scope for Boating in the Reservoir of the U.J.I.P. It has also been planned to start the District Museum and Pantha Nivas at the Dam site.

Sunabeda: Close to Patora is Sunabeda Wildlife sanctuary. A waterfall called "Godhosh", about 63m amidst dense forest enhances the scenic view of the place. It is only 40-km from Komna Block headquarter.
The people of the area sacredly worship the goddess "Sunadei" presiding deity of the plateau, on the day of Dussehra. Sunabeda is a plateau inhabited mainly by 'Gond', 'Bhunjia' and 'Paharia'. The plateau is the source of the river Jonk and Sundar. The highest points on the plateau are 3056ft, called Birbusi and Kotpadar (3235ft) to the South. The entire plateau is an extensive and valuable grazing ground for the cattle.

Maraguda: About 17-km from District Headquarter, the Maraguda valley is situated on the upper reaches of the Jonk River. The site of the ancient metropolis of Koshala Nagari with flourished from the 3rd to 13th century AD. Has been graphically detailed in the accounts of Chinese travelers Hiuen T'sang. The village is famous for 10th to 12th century archaeological finds of 'Kalachuri' dynasty. The excavations are underway.

Tanwat: Tanwat is a village about 7-km to the south of Nuapada District Headquarters situated at the foothills of Manikgargh. The river Silda that owes its origin in the hills creates a cascading waterfall at Bogthola, which is about 1-km to the west of Tanwat. The village has temple dedicated to the deity "Konabhoinra". Near the temple the relics of ruined fort can be seen.

Saliha: Popularly known as 'Saliagarh' where the people of Khariar estate united in 1930 and protested against the taxation on the tenants of the Estate. To commemorate the same a freedom fighter's pillar constructed. It is 8-kms from Nuapada on the way to Khariar Road.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest Airport for approaching the places of interest in the district of Nuapada is at Rajpur, Madhya Pradesh, 130-Kms and Bhubaneswar the state capital of Orissa 535-kms. There is an airstrip at Gotma 7-kms and 4-kms and 4-kms respectively from Nuapada and Khariar Road.

Rail: Nearest railhead is at Nuapada Road 3-kms on Vizang-Raipur line on SE Railway.

Road: Rajpur is connected with all weather motorable roads to Bhubaneswar and various other cities of the state.
Nearby Cities
Saliha: 8-km
Maraguda: 16-km
Tanwat: 7-km
Sunabeda: 80-km
Patora: 20-km
Budhikomna: 40-km