Bargarh Travel Guide

Explore Bargarh, a city in Northwest Odisha, with our comprehensive travel guide with information on the best things to do, places to visit, food, culture, safety, and more.


Introduction to Bargarh

Bargarh is a city in the Northwestern region of Odisha, popularly known as the land of rice fields. The city is famous for its cultural richness, natural beauty, and religious significance. The city experiences an average temperature of 20-25 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and the best time to visit is during the months of October to March.

List of Places to Visit in Bargarh

Bargarh is home to many culturally and naturally significant attractions. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Bargarh:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the western side of Bargarh and is home to various species of animals and birds. It is surrounded by hills and forests, making it a perfect place for a nature lover.
  • Nrusinghanath Temple: Located on the Gandhamardan Hills, Nrusinghanath Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is surrounded by forests and hills and offers a breathtaking view of the landscape around.
  • Dhanu Jatra: Dhanu Jatra is a theatre festival that takes place in Bargarh every year around December-January. It depicts the mythological story of Lord Krishna and demon king Kansa and attracts tourists from across the country.
  • Sambalpuri Handloom & Textile Museum: Located in the nearby city of Sambalpur, the museum exhibits the traditional handloom and textile art of Sambalpur and nearby areas.

Natural Attractions of Bargarh: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hirakud Dam: Hirakud Dam is one of the longest dams in the world, situated on the River Mahanadi. It offers a panoramic view of the reservoir, and the prevailing cool breeze makes it an ideal picnic spot.
  • Gandhamardan Hills: Gandhamardan Hills are famous for their natural beauty and religious significance. It is believed that Lord Hanuman rested on this hill while searching for Sanjeevani herb.
  • Gupteswar Cave: The Gupteswar Cave is located on the Suktel River banks and is surrounded by lush green forests, making the place perfect for adventure and nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bargarh

Bargarh is a perfect place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • Gandhamardan Trek: Starting from the Nrusinghanath Temple, the Gandhamardan Trek passes through dense forests and picturesque locations. It takes around 2-3 hours to complete the trek.
  • Hirakud Dam to Chiplima: The Hirakud Dam to Chiplima route is around 20 km long and passes through the serene countryside.
  • Sohela - Kumbhari: The Sohela-Kumbhari route is perfect for mountain biking and passes through hilly terrain, a dense forest, and a waterfall.

Best Things to Do in Bargarh: Activities and Tours

Bargarh offers many exciting activities and tours for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Bargarh:

  • Attend Dhanu Jatra: Dhanu Jatra is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Bargarh. It is a live theatre festival that takes place in December-January and depicts the mythological story of Lord Krishna and demon king, Kansa.
  • Explore Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many animals and birds, making it a perfect place for nature lovers.
  • Enjoy the Scenic Views of Gandhamardan Hills: Gandhamardan Hills offer breathtaking views, and it is a perfect place to enjoy a sunset or sunrise.
  • Try the Famous Sambalpuri Saris: Sambalpuri Saris are famous for their traditional handloom work, and tourists can visit the nearby shops to buy one.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bargarh

A week-long itinerary for Bargarh would look like:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival and Check-in
Day 2 Visit Dhanu Jatra
Day 3 Explore Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Day 4 Trek to Gandhamardan Hills
Day 5 Visit Nrusinghanath Temple
Day 6 Visit Hirakud Dam
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Bargarh

Bargarh offers a variety of local delicacies and traditional foods for the tourists to enjoy.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chhenapoda: Chhenapoda is a traditional dessert made from caramelized cottage cheese, and it is one of the most popular sweets in Odisha.
  • Pakhala: Pakhala is a traditional Odia dish made by fermenting rice in water. It is usually served with fish or curries.
  • Dalma: Dalma is a vegetable stew made with lentils and vegetables and is a staple food in Odisha.

Local Beverages

  • Mahua: Mahua is a local drink made from the flowers of the Mahua tree. It is rich in nutrients and is considered medicinal.
  • Handia: Handia is a fermented rice drink that is popular among the tribal communities of Odisha.

Where to Stay in Bargarh: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bargarh offers many options for tourists to stay, ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

  • Hotel Bargarh Regency: Hotel Bargarh Regency is one of the best hotels in Bargarh, offering excellent amenities and services at a reasonable price.
  • Hotel Utsav Palace: Hotel Utsav Palace is a budget-friendly option, offering comfortable accommodation and excellent hospitality.
  • Panthanivas Bargarh: Panthanivas Bargarh is a government-run guest house, offering a budget-friendly stay with basic amenities.

What to Buy in Bargarh: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bargarh is popular for its handloom products, handcrafted items, and traditional food items. Here are some items you can buy as souvenirs:

  • Sambalpuri Saris: Sambalpuri Saris are traditional handloom saris with unique designs and patterns.
  • Tussar Silk: Tussar Silk is another type of silk that is created by the tribal communities of Odisha and is known for its texture, sheen, and durability.
  • Dhokra Artifacts: Dhokra Artifacts are handcrafted items made by the Dhokra tribes in Odisha. These artifacts depict tribal culture and are popular souvenirs among tourists.

Local Culture and Customs of Bargarh

Bargarh is known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance. The people of Bargarh celebrate various festivals throughout the year, and Dhanu Jatra is the most famous one. The local language spoken in Bargarh is Odia.

Best Time to Visit Bargarh

The best time to visit Bargarh is during October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bargarh

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Dress appropriately while visiting religious places.
  • Try local delicacies and traditional food items.

Don’t:

  • Carry plastic bags while traveling.
  • Click photographs of the women and children without their consent.
  • Litter the place.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bargarh

Bargarh is a relatively safe place for tourists, but it is advisable to take precautions like not venturing out alone at night and not taking unregistered taxis.

Health in Bargarh

Bargarh has good medical facilities, and tourists can avail of medical aid in case of an emergency.

Getting to Bargarh: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bargarh is well-connected by air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Bargarh

  • Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar: The nearest airport to Bargarh is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is around 296 km away.

Bus Stations Near Bargarh

  • Bargarh Bus Stand: Bargarh has a bus stand that is well-connected to various cities and towns in Odisha.

Other Options

  • Train: Bargarh has a railway station, and many important cities in Odisha can be reached via train.

How to Get Around in Bargarh

Bargarh has good transport facilities, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses, to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Bargarh: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sambalpur: Sambalpur is located around 38 km away from Bargarh and is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes.
  • Hirakud: Hirakud is located near the Hirakud Dam and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquil surroundings.

Conclusion

Bargarh is a city with rich cultural and natural heritage, making it a perfect destination for tourists. The city offers excellent options for sightseeing, adventure, and cuisine, making it a must-visit place in Odisha.

Maa Shyma Kali Temple Maa Shyma Kali Temple