Best Tourist Places to Visit in Rourkela, Sundergarh, Odisha, India

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Rourkela, Sundergarh, Odisha, India

Rourkela is the 3^rd largest city in the Indian state of Odisha located in Sundergarh district is well known for its mineral industries and is situated approx 340 kms from Bhubaneshwar. Rourkela is positioned at an elevation of 719 feet above sea level and Oriya is the main language spoken by the residents living in this part of the city. Rourkela coordinates with 22.14’57” degree North Latitude and 84.52’58” degree East Longitude.

Meaning & History of Rourkela:

Rourkela is derived from local tribal language of Sadri which means “Our Village”. Rourkela was inhabited by a community called Raulia who were the foremost inhabitants of this place.

Must see places in and near Rourkela:

Hanuman Vatika:

This is one of the major tourist attraction in Odisha as a 75 feet tall statue of lord Hanuman greets the visitors as they approach the steel city.

Vedavyas:

This is one of the sacred places located 9 kms away from Rourkela located at the confluence of 3 rivers namely Sankha, Koel and Saraswati. The region is a natural beauty and is a Tirtha which has a vedic ashram and a Gurukula school.

Mandira Dam:

The dam is an ideal place for weekend picnics and excursions for entire family and friends. Many local as well as outside tourists visit the dam which provides water supply to steel plant.

Ghogar Temple:

The temple is about 30 kms from Odisha famous for naturally formed linga on a black granite which attracts many tourists all round the year.

Khandadhar:

Khandadhar is famous for its waterfalls is approx 90 kms away from Odisha where river Khandadhar plunges from a height of 244 meters and finally joins the Bay of Bengal. The falls attracts many visitors during the rainy seasons, when the falls will be at its full glory.

Darjin:

Darjin is a well known its picnic spot located on the banks of river Brahmani which is approx 51 kms from Odisha draws many tourists from different parts of the country.

Maa Vaishno Devi Temple:

This temple is located on a small hillock bound by lush greenery and good atmosphere. Beside Vaishno Devi temple, there are also temples dedicated to goddess Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Many tourists and devotees visit the place during Navratri.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir:

Located at quite a few distance from Rourkela this temple is away from the city hustle and bustle and is housed atop a hillock which has a temple dedicated to lord Vishnu and goddess Lakshmi.

Green Park:

Green Park is located in the heart of the city spreading over 910542 sq miles rich in flora and fauna. The park is visited by young, old, local as well as international tourists throughout the year.

Ushakothi:

This is one of the well known wildlife sanctuary surrounded by lush greenery and abundant flora and fauna. The sanctuary is spread over 130 sq kms and tourists can spot wild animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, chital, bison, wild boar, black bucks and nilgai in their natural habitat.

Indira Gandhi Park:

The Park is spread across 42 acres and has variety of flowers, trees and grass meadows. The park also has a Japanese garden, an aquarium and a mini zoo which is delight to the tourists.

Darjeeng:

Darjeeng is a beautiful picnic spot situated at few kms from Rourkela lying on the banks of river Brahmani attracts many travelers and visitors all round the year.

Joranda Falls:

The falls are located in near vicinity of Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary where the falls drop from a height of 150 meters. It is one of the popular tourist sites near Rourkela.

Mrig Vihar:

This mini park houses numerous deers which also has a musical fountain to the much delight of the tourists. Many visitors and tourists come to Mrig Vihar at all times of the year.

Pitamahal Dam:

The dam was built in the year 1978 across river Pitamahal and is approx 22.3 kms from Rourkela is an ideal picnic spot during weekends.

Other attractions near Rourkela are:

Barehipani Falls
Badagraha Falls
Duduma Falls
Hatipathar Falls
Harishankar Falls

Bhubaneshwar:

The capital city of Odisha is about 319 kms from Rourkela famous for temples and gardens.

Puri:

Puri is about 374 kms from Rourkela known for temples, beaches and museums.

Konark:

Konark is approx 377 kms from Rourkela is a well known pilgrimage center and hosts many beaches and temples.

Connectivity to Rourkela in Odisha:

Rourkela is well connected by National Highway 23 and State Highway 10 which lie at close vicinity. Many state and private buses operate between Rourkela and Bhubaneshwar at regular point of time. Rourkela is also linked by Indian Railways where many express trains pass through Rourkela Railway Station that lies on Howrah- Mumbai route. Many flights also operate from Rourkela Airport to Jamshedpur, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Bokaro, Patna and Ranchi.

Hotels in Rourkela:

Rourkela being one of the major tourist destination in Odisha has many good hotels catering to the accommodation facilities of the tourists visiting the place from time to time. The hotels range from 1 star category to 5 star and offer hosts of amenities and services like doctors on call, ambulance on call, arrange for ticket booking, conduct package tours, spa, sauna, set up travel and help desk etc. List of hotels located in Rourkela are: