Toshali Sands

Athmallik: A Journey into Hidden Relams
The Wellspring of one of the most flourishing ancient civilizations of the Country, Orissa has a magnificent tradition of architecture and sculpture and can take pride for her artistic people and varied scenic beauty. Take the beauty of the Sun-drenched sands, the awar-inspring sea, cascading water falls, mighty rivers, bracing hills wild life. Add to them the splendor of Konark, the beautiful Sun Temple, and the temples of Bhubaneswar, the Cathedral City and grand Temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri.

Athmallik, a Sub-division of Angual district in Orissa is a place of virgin scenic beauty and a prominent place of Tourist interest. Located almost in the Central part of Orissa, this town is about 235 km. from Bhubaneswar, 200 kms from Cuttack, 160 km. from Sambalpur and 80 km from Angul. This place is a leading Tourist place of Orissa. The virgin scenic beauty of Panchadhara mountain ranges with a lush green forest, the host spring of Deuljahari, and the Vaishnavite monastery of Belpunji located on the bank of river Mahanadi and the manestic Satakosia gorge attract thousands of Tourists round the year.

Panchdharana Mountain
While coming to Athmallik, you will get the opportunity of witnessing the Panchadhara mountain ranges. Amidst rich scenic beauty of ever green forests, these mountain ranges stand in their unrevalled glory at about 6 km from Athmallik town. The mountain ranges are associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharat. The pictures of Panchadhara mountain ranges present panoramic views of nature. The whole are abundant with Wild Life, the Spotted Deer, the Sambar, the Tigers, the Elephants, the Bears, and the Rabbits etc.

Kukudadarah
Kukudadarah is a beautiful spot, located near by the road to Athmallik provides a pleasant atmosphere. The rivulet Kukudajore flows down the hill with her usual trickling note. Here one can breathe nature in its Virgin State and enjoy the grandeur of its flora and fauna.

Goddess Maheswari
Athmallik has earned a name as a Centre of religious activities. Previously known as Kaintragarh it was the capital of the glorious Kadamba dynasty. The deity of this dynasty Goddes Maheswari is now enshrined at Rugudisahi. This place is one km away from the bus-stand. Facing East, the deity is worshipped in the form of an eleven armed Durga, which is a rare representation. This Shrine attracts a huge crowd every Tuesday through out the year.

Hundreds of pilgrims visit the place not only for a Darshan of the Mother Goddess but also to seek relief from physical ailments. Apart from this, the Temple of Lord Siva at Rameswar Patna, the Temple of Lakshmi Narayan at Lakshmi Narayana Market and the Temple of Lord Jagannath of Rathasahi also attracts Tourists, which are within the town of Athmallik.

Deuljhri
At a distance of about 4 km from Athmalli, Deuljhari has claimed a place in the Tourist map of Orissa for its Hot Sulphur Spring and Shri of Lrod Siva. The water of the spring having medicinal properties is channelised in to 36 ponds for use. A bath in the spring water can cure skin diseases. Four Siva Temple are dedicated to Lord Siddheswar, Kedareswar, Maheswar and Jagaeswar.

Goddess Khambeswari is also enshrined near this place. Goddess Khambeswari is worshipped in the form of a Stone Pillar. Hundreds of devotees gather daily for worship. Shivaratri is a major festival at Deuljhari, which draw a large crowd.

Vaishanvites of Belpunji
Situated on the left bank of river Mahanadi, 15 km only from Deuljhari, the Vaishanarite Monastery of Belpunji is the main attraction. Hundreds of people gather here daily to pray to Lord Vishnu in the evening. The encircling river Mahandi also enhances the beauty of this place. Fishing in the river offers a pleasant experience. No bus service is available to this place. However one can go to Madhapur by bus and will have to hire a vehicle to reach there, which is only 6 km from Madhapur.

The majestic Satakosia gorge with its lush green forest and rich wild life located at 25 km. from Athmallik is an ideal place of interest for Tourist. The Tikarpada Sancturay set up at Tikarpada, which is famous for crocodile, located on the left bank of the Gorge is an added attraction of this place. The meandering Mahanadi flowing between town amidst beautiful hill forms here the mightest Gorge in India measuring 22 km. long. This gorge acclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful spot. This place is ideal for boating, angling and adventure. The evergreen forest and both side of river Mahandi provide ample opportunity for picnics.

Goddess Binikeyee
Goddess Binikeyee Temple is located at the entrance of Satakosia Gorge. The image of a four-armed Chamunda is seen worshipping in the name of Binikeyee. The deity is believed to have from Binika, previously known as Vinitapura, which was famous for Tantra in the early Medieval period. The icon of the Goddess is assigned to 5th Century A.D. she is worshipped in Tantric rituals. Hundreds of devotees gather here daily to seek the blessings of Goddess Binikeyee.

Tikarapada
Tikarapada is on the left bank of the Gorge 58 km from Angul. There Tourists can see the Crocodile Sanctuary and can enjoy a boat journey of 8 km from Daruha to Tikarapada. The Tourist Bungalow is there for accommodation for those who would love to spend a day or two. The Reservation Authority of the Bungalow is Divisional Forest Officer, Angul.

Athmallik is a place, which can give the Tourist all that they want in a capsule. The virgin scenic beauty of Panchadhara Mountain, the Hot springs of Deuljhari, the Vaishnavite Monastry of Belpunji and the majestic Satakosia Gorge attract thousands of Tourists round the year.

Approach
To reach Athmallik from Bhubaneswar one has to go on the Sambalpur road Via Cuttack and Anugl and get down at Boinda Chowk.

From Sambalpur one has to go on the Bhubaneswar Raod Via Rairakhol and get down at Boinda Chowk. After that one has to travel around 36 km either by bus or by taxi in Southern direction to reach at Athmallik. Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.

Good accommodation facilities at the town are also available for the Tourists. A Panthanivas, managed by O.T.D.C. located at a distance of about 6 km from Athmallik is a nice place for accommodation for nature loving Tourists.