Sambalpur
Sambalpur is a city, municipality in the western region of Orissa.Ensure a special holidays with us. It is the headquarters of Sambalpur District. Sambalpur derives its name from that of the Goddess Samaleswari; an incarnation of Shakti, who is regarded as the reigning deity of the region. Sambalpur lies at a distance of 321 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. In history, it has been variously known as 'Sambalak', 'Hirakhanda', 'Dakhina Kosal'. Recently a low-intensity separatist movement to carve out a state 'Koshal' has gained momentum.

The place is famous for its globally renowned textile bounded patterns and fabrics; locally known as Baandha. In the past Sambalpur has been a great centre of diamond trade. Apart from textiles, Samabalpur has a rich tribal heritage and fabulous forestlands. Ensure a special holidays with us.The prevalent communicative Language used in and around Sambalpur region is called Sambalpuri, a dialect with a great amount of variations across the wide regions of Western Orissa. Sambalpuri is a dialect of the Oriya language, with influences of Chattisgarhi, Tribal and Hindi language. Presently there is a cultural movement which claims Sambalpuri to be an independent language, as opposed to a dialect, spoken by the people of the 10 districts of the Western Orissa region, viz. Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Boudh, Deogarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh & Athmalik Sub-Division of Angul district & adjacent areas of Chhatisgarh.

Sambalpur is an ancient town mentioned in the book of Ptolemy (2nd Century CE) as the city of 'Sambalaka' situated on the left bank of river "Manada" now known as Mahanadi. From the records of Xuanzang, and in the writings of the celebrated King Indrabhuti (oldest known king of Sambalpur), the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Lama Cult.Travel Tours India with Indian Travel Agent.

Sambalpur had also been known as 'Hirakhand' meaning 'Land of Diamond'. In the past Sambalpur was famous for diamond mining and trade. Even now, the adjoining areas yield a large volume and value of semi-precious stones, if not diamonds.

French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) in his travel account “Six Voyages en Turquie, en Perse et aux Indes (1676–77)” translated into English by Valentine Ball as “Travels in India” (2d ed., 2 vol., 1925) wrote about the numerous famous diamonds mines of Sumelpur (Semelpur), the present day Sambalpur.Travel Tours India with Indian Travel Agent. He states that 8,000 people were at work in these mines at the time of his visit, in the dry season at the beginning of February.

Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the beautiful Western part of Orissa. It is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - also a very important commercial and Educational center.There are two Railway stations namely Sambalpur Road & Sambalpur(Khetrajpur).Indian packages with Indian Travel Agent. There are direct train connections to Kolkata (565 km, 12 h by train). New Delhi (1460 km, 26 hours by train). Chennai (1010 km, 32 hours by train). Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the State is connected through NH 42 (325 km, 8 hours by bus or train). Ahmadabad and Mumbai are linked through Jharsuguda Junction (48 km). The nearby Airports are at Bhubaneswar (325 km) and Raipur (300 km).

Presently, Sambalpur is the break-bulk city between the states of Chhattisgarh and Orissa. In periods prior to 1000 A.D., it used to be known once as an important diamond trading centre. There is a wild life sanctuary known as Badrama sanctuary near the city of Sambalpur.Indian packages with Indian Travel Agent.

Places like the Hirakud Dam and its lake with the winter migrant bird visitors from Siberia, leaning Temple of Huma and the wildlife Sanctuary at Badrama (Ushakuthi), Khalasuni and Debrigadh (wildlife sanctuary in the Barapahad mountain range - Chourasimal), Budharaja Temple, Gudguda waterfall, Ghanteswari Temple attract tourists. Nearby places like the Narsinghnath and Harishankar, (Bolangir) Padhanpat (Deogarh) Hanuman Batika, Mandira Dam and Khandadhar (Rourkela) attracts tourists to its serene surroundings.Golbazar is one of the main market places Sambalpur road is also a good place for shopping.Chain shopping centers like Kolkata Bazar and some independent shops like Planet Harjit(Gol Bazaar), Bedsheet Bazaar(Gol Bazaar), Anaand world are some shopping spots. Campus, Sheela Tower, Linza are some restaurants & Hotels.We provide travel & tours in India.

The artwork of the Sambalpuri tie and dye weavers, fascinating fabrics with enchanting designs and motifs is cherished for the uniqueness by the connoisseur of handloom the world over. Sambalpuri songs and dance has earned a unique place in the cultural arena of the would.We provide travel & tours in India. Places like Vikramkhol, Manikmoda, Phuldungri, Ushakuthi, Bhimamandli, Ulapgadha, Sargikhol preserve and exhibit pre-historic remains of Paleolithic and Chalcolithic periods. The caves embody many paintings and indicate the rich historic significance of the Sambalpur region.