TOP 10 Tourist Sports of Jharsuguda

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Odisha is a state where nature and history blend seamlessly, and nowhere is this more evident than in the culturally rich yet often overlooked district of Jharsuguda. Nestled in Western Odisha, this region offers travelers and locals a captivating mix of natural waterfalls, prehistoric caves, ancient forts, serene temples, and lively parks. Let’s take you on a detailed journey to discover 10 special places that paint a vivid portrait of Jharsuguda’s heritage and natural beauty.


🌊 1. Koilighugar Waterfall, Lakhanpur

The Koilighugar Waterfall, located near Lakhanpur in the dense forests of the district, is not just a visual spectacle but also a place of profound spiritual importance. The waterfall, which plunges from a height of about 200 feet, is formed by the Ahiraj rivulet and creates a mesmerizing mist as it crashes over the rocks.

At the heart of its significance is the legendary Maheswarnath Shivalinga—a submerged Swayambhu Lingam (self-manifested) visible only when the water is calm. To enable pilgrims to offer worship year-round, another Shiva Lingam has been installed beside the waterfall. Every year during Shivaratri, thousands of devotees gather here, creating a unique blend of devotion and nature worship. Surrounded by Sal and Mahua forests, it’s also an excellent spot for picnics and quiet reflection.

🌳 2. Rampalunga Park Point, Sunari

Hidden near the village of Sunari, about 47 km from Jharsuguda town, lies the charming Rampalunga Park Point. Located close to the Hirakud reservoir, this spot offers an inviting combination of riverside peace, small natural islands, and cool breeze drifting over the water.

It has become a favored picnic destination for families, students, and nature lovers, especially during the winter season when the weather is pleasant. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, group games, and even small boat rides in nearby waters. While not widely known to tourists from outside, it is much loved by the local community for weekend relaxation.

💦 3. Fun Leela Water Park, Hansamura Katapali

For those seeking modern recreation, the Fun Leela Water Park in Hansamura, Katapali, just outside Jharsuguda town, is a refreshing option. As the district’s first major water amusement park, it offers exciting water slides, family pools, splash pads, and fun activities for children and adults alike.

Especially popular during the scorching summer months, the park has become a favorite for school trips and family get-togethers. Seasonal offers and special events add to its charm, making it a symbol of how Jharsuguda balances natural and urban leisure.

🌸 4. JRD Tata Jubilee Park, Belpahad

In Belpahar, an important industrial town in the district, lies the JRD Tata Jubilee Park, also known simply as Jubilee Park. Created by the Tata Group, it stands as a green heart in the industrial surroundings.

The park is thoughtfully landscaped with manicured lawns, colorful flowers, decorative lights, and walking paths. By evening, fountains come alive, and families gather to enjoy the cool breeze, children play in dedicated areas, and seniors relax on benches. It is a testament to how community parks can transform urban spaces into centers of happiness and relaxation.

🕉️ 5. Ram Chandi Cave, Brajrajnagar

Traveling toward Brajrajnagar, on the banks of the Ib River, stands the ancient and sacred Ram Chandi Cave Temple. Carved into rock, this shrine is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. A flight of iron stairs leads pilgrims to the cave entrance, adding a sense of quiet pilgrimage to the visit.

With the river flowing gently nearby and trees providing shade, the cave becomes more than a religious site—it feels like a sanctuary of calm. The cave temple attracts visitors who come seeking blessings and to marvel at its natural setting and serene environment.

🏰 6. Ullapgarh Fort, Ulap

Perhaps the most intriguing historical site in the region is the Ullapgarh Fort near Ulap village, about 6 km from Belpahar. Perched atop Maheswari hill, the fort covers a vast plateau of roughly 400 by 250 meters and sits around 100 feet above the surrounding land.

The fort, which dates back to prehistoric times, features stone walls, carved steps, ancient rock shelters, and prehistoric cave paintings. Local legends connect it to the Naga dynasty and stories of heroes and hermits seeking refuge. It is also said to have offered shelter to freedom fighters during the British era. Even today, visitors can see trenches believed to have been cut into rock for defense and discover engravings on the cave walls. The fort is a hidden gem for historians, archaeologists, and anyone fascinated by Odisha’s ancient past.

🪨 7. Bikramkhol Cave, Banjari

Not far from Ullapgarh, near Banjari village on the Jharsuguda–Lakhanpur road, is the prehistoric treasure of Bikramkhol (Vikramkhol) Cave. This rock shelter is famous for its pictographic inscriptions and symbols, estimated to date back to around 4000 B.C., offering a glimpse into the lives and language of early human settlers.

The cave itself is carved into soft sandstone, measuring about 115 feet in length and 27 feet wide. Researchers and enthusiasts come here to study the marks left behind by ancient people—symbols that may have been the earliest form of written communication in the region. The quiet forest surroundings make the experience all the more mesmerizing.

🛕 8. Jhadeswar Temple, Jharsuguda

In the heart of Jharsuguda town lies the highly revered Jhadeswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to house a self-manifested Lingam, this temple draws countless devotees, especially during the annual Jhadeswar Mela.

Located near the railway station in Purunabasti, the temple complex is a cultural and spiritual center for the town. Its simple architecture, surrounded by trees and the constant murmur of prayers, offers a soothing escape from the town’s busy life.

🛕 9. Pahadeswar Temple, Jharsuguda

Though less known compared to Jhadeswar, the Pahadeswar Temple is another sacred Shiva shrine, situated on a hill (as “Pahad” means hill in Odia). This temple gives visitors panoramic views of the surrounding town and is a quiet place for prayer and meditation. Together with Jhadeswar, it reflects the strong devotion to Lord Shiva that characterizes this part of Odisha.

🛕 10. Jagannath Temple, Bandhbahal

In Bandhbahal, a small mining township in the district, stands the Jagannath Temple, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha. While it may not match the grandeur of Puri’s Jagannath Temple, it carries the same spirit of faith and tradition. Local devotees celebrate annual rituals like Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) with great devotion, turning the temple courtyard into a place of celebration and unity.


These ten places together reveal the remarkable diversity of Jharsuguda and its surroundings:

  • Nature lovers find peace at Koilighugar and Rampalunga.
  • History enthusiasts uncover secrets at Ullapgarh and Bikramkhol.
  • Devotees draw strength at Jhadeswar, Pahadeswar, and Ram Chandi Cave.
  • Families and children create memories at Fun Leela Water Park and Jubilee Park.
  • And everyone experiences the cultural warmth at Jagannath Temple, Bandhbahal.

Jharsuguda may not be as widely known as Odisha’s coastal treasures, but for those who look beyond the obvious, it offers a captivating mix of history, nature, and living tradition.

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