5. Rourkela

5. Rourkela

Image credit – S adasiv Swain,

Rourkela, the second largest city in Orissa, is immediately recalled at the mention of steel plants. Home to largest steel plants in India, the place gives you an insight into its rich cultural past through some of its wonderful tourist destinations. Here are the top places to visit in Rourkela.

• Vedavyas Temple
• Green Park
• Vaishno Devi Temple
• Badaghagra Falls
• Khandadhar Falls
• Ushakothi
• Darjeeng
• Nehru Traffic Park
• Ghogar
• Mandira Dam
• Pitamahal Dam
• Barehipani Falls
• Joranda Falls 

• 1. Vedavyas Temple

  Located on the banks of the River Brahmani, Vedavyas Temple marks the spot where one of the greatest Hindu epics, Mahabharatha was written. Vedavyas temple comprises of three major buildings, a school, a hermitage and the caves where the Mahabharatha was written by the legendary sage. The place is a popular tourist attraction and should be visited by everyone who would like an deep insight of the cultural history of India.

  2. Vaishno Devi Temple

  The replica of the original Vaishno Devi Temple located in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir, this temple is located atop a hill that gives a panoramic view of the entire city of Rourkela. Vaishno Devi temple was opened for public in 2007 and is a ground to colorful celebrations during the Hindu festivals of Diwali, Holi and Dusshera.

  3. Rani Sati Temple

  Also known as Jhun-Jhun Dham and is spread across an area of 2 acres. The origin of the temple site is unknown but the structure was constructed in 1967, and was renovated in 1992 and 2000. The best time to visit the temple is during the Hindu festivals when special prayers and festivities make this place a palate of cultural colors.

  4. Darjeeng

  Located on the banks of the Brahmani River, Darjeeng is a famous picnic spot near Rourkela. The place is characterized by lush green surroundings and the picturesque Deodhar George is one visited by several tourists, especially during the hot and humid summer months.

  5. Hanuman Vatika

  
  Photo by Akilola, 
  Considered to be the gardens where the mighty ape god, Lord Hanuman dwelled in the ancient times. The site was renovated and was opened for public by the Orissa government. The garden contains several shrines dedicated to the various Hindu deities and a monolithic 22.8 meter tall statue of Lord Hanuman in the center attracts visitors from all across the country.