Naupada
NAUPADA
The district of Naupada a part of the erstwhile district of Kalahandi, came in to existence on 1st April 1993, as a result of reorganization of the district of Orissa.
The district is land of scenic beauties, waterfalls, natural springs, hills tracts and fertile plains rich in historic antiquities. The district lies between 20-21 North latitutde and 82-83 East longitude. This is the land where Neolithic man left his foot prints in the caves of Yogimath.
Khariar Road, only 10kms from Naupada, the district Headquarters town forms the most convenient base for touring various place of tourist interest in the district.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area 3.470 Sq.Km
Population 4,69,482 (1991 Census)
S.C. 61,466
S.T. 1,68,77
House hold 96,934
Rail fall 133,8 Cm
Climat Min. Temp (In December 10.6 C); Max. Temp (In May 45.5C)
Language Oriya, Hindi, English
SpokenChhatishgari and tribal dialects
Clothing Light cotton in Summer and warm jackets in Winter
RailNearest railhead is at Naupada Road 3 km on Vizag-Raipur line on S.E. Rly.
Road 535 kms. from Bhubaneswar and 130 kms from Raipur.
PHURLI JHARAN - Phurli Jharan, a perennial waterfall of 16 meters high has a special charm of its own. The multi-coloured rainbows created by the sub-rays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall is an amazing sight to be seen. The evergreen forest around the fall provide ample opportunity to group picnickers.
The place is 15 kms from Bhawanipatna, connected with a regular bus service.
JUNAGARH The old capital of the ex-State of Kalahanid, jaunagarh was a well built fort. The fortified area has a number of Temples with Oriya inscriptions. This is a place which has sculptural evidence of the “Sati-rite” (Self - immolation of wives on the funeral pyres of their husbands to become Satis) which was prevalent in medieval Indian and was stopped during the British rule by Lord William Bentick. The sculptures are identified as “Sati Pillars” which is interesting study for the Scholarly.
The place is 26 kms. to the west of Bhawanipatna on Bhawanipatna - Jeypore Road and connected with bus services.
KARLAPAT Karlapt is famous for its charming wild life. Tiger, Sambar, Leopard Gaur and Chital abound in the forest tracts. There is also temple dedicted to Manikeswari, Bearby is a waterfall called Khandula fall at the foot of a hill, the top of which is the abode of a female deity called Khandula.
The Place is 322 kms. From Bhawanipatna on the Bhawanipatna - Thuamul - Rampur Road.
BELKHANDI On the confluence of the rivers Tel and Utei, Belkhandi has gained prominence as a centre of religious activities and archaeological importance with a picturesque site. The Dhavaleswar temple at Belkhandi attracts a large number of pilgrims during the Sivaratri festival. Besides the temples now standing there, ruins of 12th century monument has been excavated from here in the recent past. Among the sculptures unearthed, images of Sapta Matruka (seven month goodesses ) and Uma Maheswara are noteworthy. The ruins of Belkhandi are preserved in a small museum adjacent to the temple premises. It is also an ideal site for outing. It is 67 kms. From Bhawanipatna and 32 kms from Kesinga which is a rail-head and is connected by a Bus Service.
AMPANI Ampani is famous for the deity of Budharaja installed in a small temple at the foot of a hill. The picturesque Ampani hills present a panaoramic view of nature. A frolicking vallye called “Haladigundi” in this range of hills exhibit some peculiar features due to the reflected rays of the sun. The whole area abounds in Spotted Deer, Sambar and Black Panthers which can be seen at the Behera Reservoir. 5 kms away are the pre-historic cave paintings at Gudahandi.
This place is 77 kms. from Bhawanipatna on the Bhawanipatna - Jaypore road and 45 kms. from Nawarangpur of Koraput district.
Accommodation Reservation Authority P.W.D. Inspection Bungalow, Ampani, Executive Engineer (R & B.) Bhawanipatna.
KHARIAR Khariar is town in Nawapara Subdivision in the district of Kalahandi. The town contains some temples dedicated to Dadhibaman (locally called Badaguid) which stands in the heart of the town. There are also Jagnnath, Hanuman, Laxmi and Raktambari Temple here.
Approach
Rail The nearest railhead is at Khariar Road - 78 kms.
Road: The only all-weather motorable road connecting this town is from Khariar Road which is 78 kms. The Fiar weather route leads hence to Bhawanipatna (73 kms.)
Accommodation
Reservation Authority
P.W.D. Inspection Bungalow,
Executive Engineer
Khariar (R & B.) Bhawanipatna
Revenue Rest Shed
Tahasildar, Nawapara
Besides, there are some Hotels and Dharmasalas.
Fairs and Festivals
Dushera (September - October) and
Chandan Yatra (April - May)
Information and Assistance
- Tourist Office, Bhawanipata
- Phone - 402 P.O. District Kalahandi
Places to be seen from Khariar:
PATALAGANGA Patalaganga is a nice spot in the bosom of nature where a spring gushes forth. The water is considered as sacred as that of the holy Ganges. A pool has been erected on the foot of the spring with an out-let through which the water flows out. Local people perform their rituals here.
The place is 40 kms from Khariar and 114 kms from Bhawanipatna.
YOGIMATH 9 kms to the East of Khariar, Yogimath is famous for the prehistoric cave paintings of Neolithic age. The paintings on the rock surface are distinctly drawn in Indian red which include a bull, cow and calf and man. The whole scene appears to signify the domestication of animals and man’s entry into agriculture, Nearby stands the Risipiti mountain which is interesting for producing clear echoes.
BUDHKOMNA Budhikomna houses the famous temple of Pataleswari made of brick in the Tirath style which is unique in the State.
It is 40 kms. from Khariar on Khariar - Rajpur Road out of which 3 kms, are approchable by Jeep.
The best time to visit Kalahandi is Autumn in the months of September and October. Don’t forget to carry your sweaters, camera and mosquito repellent. Enjoy yourselves.
