Hirakud is one of the first multi-purpose river valley projects spearheaded by the Indian Government in 1948. The main purpose of the dam was to provide electricity and irrigation to drought-prone areas close to the river. It is the longest earthen dam in the world measuring over 25 km and is a must-visit place. Built across the Mahanadi in the Sambalpur district in Odisha, the dam has been a lifeline for hundreds of villages. Before its construction, the river was known as the ‘Sorrow of Odisha’ as the flood would ravage the villages. It has been a watershed movement as the Mahanadi valley is now suitable for soil fertility and agriculture. It is one of the greatest dams in the world and is functioning full-fledged since 1966.

Diverse traditions and rituals have flourished in India over aeons of time. Adding to its varied topography and tribal ethnicity local cultures have thrived. Ghanteshwari temple is one such novel temple located in Bagbira. It is nearby the Chipilama Hydro Power project plant of the Hirakud dam and is one of the holiest places in Odisha. As the name suggests huge bells are tied to poles and trees all over the temple by devotees for fulfilling their wishes.&nbsp;

Location: Bagbira, Chipilama, Odisha
Timings: 4:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Distance from Hirakud Dam: 35 KM

Spread across 304 km of vegetation, the sanctuary is blessed with flora and fauna, especially, racket-tail dragons and flying squirrels. Are you craving adventure or just solitude? This wildlife park has it all! The installation of watchtowers provides a glimpse of the wild in their natural habitat. The never-ending stretch of Sal and deciduous forests is a sheer delight. It provides a perfect end to the weekend tour of Hirakud dam as guest houses are available for accommodation by the forest department.

Location: F7WR+VCP, NH6, Odisha
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Distance from Hirakud Dam: 54 KM

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur (271 KM). One can hire private transport from the airport.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>One can reach Sambalpur via NH6 (Mumbai and Kolkata) or NH42 (Bhuvaneshwar). Government buses and private buses are readily available in the area.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Rail:
<ul>
<li>Hirakud railway station is located 19 KM from the destination. One can hire private transport at the railway stop.</li>
</ul>

Hirakud dam was a dream project of the Indian government and was built over ten years. It is often known as the ‘Pride of Odisha’ and has truly lived up to its name. The hills near the dam are bestowed with natural bounty and are a paradise for bird watchers. A stroll along the dam is a must as it offers a glimpse of natural forests in the state. Adventure activities like scuba diving and boating are available during the summer.

The violent waters of the Mahanadi had deluged villages in Odisha for many years. As this resulted in the loss of lives and property in huge numbers, the newly Independent India undertook the project to build a dam across the river and generate hydropower. Several villages were evacuated with the promise of providing rehabilitation and Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the project. It generates up to 307.5 MW of energy from two power plants. Rourkela steel industry, aluminium plants, and paper industries in Odisha benefit from the dam.&nbsp;

Location: Sambalpur, Odisha
Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Distance from Bhubaneswar: 320 KM

The dam stands tall at 200 feet and the main section measures over 4.5 km. Before the dam’s construction, Chandli Dungri was a major forest area in Sambalpur but now it is a hill adjacent to the dam and Laxmidungri hills are situated on the other side. It can hold up to 743 square kilometres of water at full potential and the two towers of the dam (Jawahar Minar and Gandhi Minar) provide a panoramic view of the great river. The dam is linked to two different hydroelectric projects, and three main canals and provides for fishing activities. It has a colossal reservoir forming Asia’s largest artificial lake!

Leaning temple of Huma is a unique structure located on the banks of Mahanadi in Huma. It is one of the two leaning temples in the world. The other one is Ratneshwar Mahadev temple in Varanasi. Intriguing, right? The reason for the inclination is assumed to be the interior shifting of rocks due to a natural disaster though the pinnacle stands straight. A visit to the temple is sure to rejuvenate one’s spirit and perceive the world in unconventional ways.&nbsp;

Location: Huma, Odisha
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Distance from Hirakud Dam: 43 KM

It is one of the holiest shrines in the northeast part of India. The devi Samleswari is often lovingly called ‘Samalei maa’. Emperor Balaram Dev was instrumental in popularising the temple. As the fame spread across various villages, rituals became more nuanced and were adopted to suit a particular region. The temple was built by the Sambalpur rulers in the Kalinga style of architecture. Religious fervour is heightened during Mahavisuba Sankranti, Naukhai (harvest festival), and Durga Puja. The temple is a testimony to the fact that local cultures and folklores are still relevant and impactful.

Location: Khetrajpur, Sambalpur, Odisha
Timings: 6:00 AM - 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Distance from Hirakud Dam: 17 KM

It is a serene shrine perched on top of a hill and surrounded by forest. A paradise for nature lovers the temple offers a glimpse of the Hirakud dam. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the shrine and is frequently visited by the locals. Yet again, the temple highlights Odisha’s authentic culture and is often underrated. It was highly revered by the Chauhan dynasty and inspired literary works. Looking out for a spiritual place amidst the woods? Budharaja temple is the one for you!&nbsp;

Location: Bhudharaja, Sambalpur, Odisha
Distance from Hirakud Dam: 19 KM

A Guide to Hirakud dam

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