Famous Picnic Spots in Boudh District of Odisha

Three remarkable Buddhist statues are found in Boudh are indicative of the fact that it was once a center of Buddhist culture.  One of the statue is present in Boudh town.  The total height of this image is 6ft. 9 inches of which the seated figure measures 4 ft. 3 inches in height and 3 ft. 10 inches from knee to knee. It is seated in the Bhumisparsa Mudra  on a lotus throne 1 ft. 2 inches in height placed on a pedestal 11 inches in height and 4 ft. 6 inches in breadth. The whole image is built up in sections with carved stones. The only attendant figures are two Gandharvas flying with garlands in their hands on the sides of the head. On the whole this colossus of Boudh compares favourably  with similar colossi at Udayagiri and Lalitgiri in Cuttack district.

A group of three temples of Siva at Boudh town  called the Rameswar or Ramanath temples , dating back to the 9th century A.D. are reputed for their special feature. The decorative motifs and the plastic art of three temples at Boudh are certainly superior to and older than the great lingaraj-Ananta –Vasudeva group. One particular feature of the Ramanath temple is worth particular attention. Their plan is quite different from any other temples. In plan these temples are eight-rayed stars and the argha-pattas of the lingas are also similar.These magnificent temples built of red sandstone and profusely carved are stated to have been constructed in mid-ninth century A.D. The temples with rich texture and curved surfaces are strikingly noteworthy. Each of these temples stands by itself on a raised platform and each consists of a cell and an attached portico.

This is the palace of ex-Ruler of Boudh locally known as Rajabati.  This was constructed during the reign of Raja Jogindra Dev ,who was benevolent and generous ruler. The palace is a picturesque and handsome building commanding a fine view of Mahanadi.

This  Hanuman temple is situated in the midst of the river Mahandai to the east of Boudh town. This temple was constructed by a religious mendicant. This shrine was constructed on a large stone. The temple commands a beautiful view , especially  during rain when the Mahanadi is in  full boom.

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The Chandra Chuda & Matengeswar temple are situated on the bank of river Mahanadi in Boudh town. Both the temples are Siva temples. In the Matengeswar temple there is also separate  temple for goddess Parvati.

Both these temples are built nearby the palace of the ex-ruler of Boudh. In Bhirabi temple goddess Bhairabi has been worshipped.  In Madan Mohan temples idol of Radha-Krishna has been worshipped. One gayatri pragnya Mandir is also situated at  the adjacent to these temples.

This is one of the ancient  temple of Odisha. It is situated at the heart of Boudh town. Here Ratha Jatra is celebrated with great pomp and show.

The Raghunath temple at Debagarh is situated at a distance of 14 Km. from Boudh town. The surrounding of the temple is full with natural beauty. The marble statue of  Rama ,Laxman , Sita and Hanuman are being worshipped here. A beautiful pond is also here .

Jagat or Charisambhu templei is situated at a distance  of 16 Km. from Boudh . Near the village at Gandhradi, is situated the famous twin temples of Nilamadhava and Sidheswar. These temples were constructed under the patronage of the Bhanja rulers of Khinjali mandala in 9th century A.D. These two temples were built on one platform which are exactly similar to each other. The one on the left hand is dedicated to Siva named Siddheswar and its sikhara  is surmounted by a Sivalinga.The second is dedicated to Vishnu ,named Nilamadhava  and its sikhara is surmounted by a wheel of blue chlorite. The principle of construction of the Jagamohanas at gandharadi is slightlt different than that of other temples. Their roofs are built on the cantilever principle and originally it appears to have been supported on twelve large pillars arranged as a hollow square.

Purunakatak , situated at a distance of  30 Km. from Boudh on Boudh-Bhubaneswar  road is a trading center of some importance. Goddess Bhairabi is the presiding deity of the place . The temple has beautiful entrance. Durga puja festival is observed here for sixteen days. Just opposite to the Bhairabi temple is the temple of Maheswar Mahadev. One Inspection Bunglow is in the nearby for staying.

The district is rich in wild life resources. The Padmatola Sanctuary in the district can be approached from Charichhak,43 km. east on the Bhubaneswar –Balangir road and by a  fair weather road from Daspalla. The distance of this place from Boudh town is 80 Km. To the end of this sanctuary the majestic Satakosia Gorge with its lush green forests and rich wild life is located.  The crocodile sanctuary set up at Tikarapada ,located on the left bank of the gorge is an added attraction of this place. The meandering Mahanadi, flowing amidst the hills forms here the  mightiest  gorge in India, measuring 22 km long. This is an ideal place for boating, angling and adventure. Goddess Binikeyee, the presiding deity of Satakosia gorge is enshrined at the entrance. She is seen in the form of a four armed Chamundi and is worshipped according to Tantric rites. A forest IB at Sitalapani which is near to this place provides excellent accommodation  for those nature loving people who want to spend a day or two.

The Dambarugada mountain is situated at a distance of  21 Km. from Boudh town toward Boudh –Balangir road. The name the place is Sangrampur. The river Mahanadi flows down the mountain which makes for a visually stunning sight.  The mountain give a curve look from all of its side. The height of the mountain is 70 feet. On the top it a temple of Chiatanya deva.

The Nayakpada Cave is located at a distance of  12 Km. from Boudh town. in the Boudh-Bhubaneswar road. This cave  was said to have been associated with mythology. Once upon a time this cave was asram of  sadhus . The forest here is in rich of different types of flora and fauna  .Here ,one can breathe the nature in its virgin state and truly delight in the grandeur of the flora and fauna.

Marjakud is a wonderful island of Boudh. It is located on the opposite side of Boudh town in the river Mahandai.About three thousand people are living here. Maa Pitabali is the presiding deity of this place. It is an ideal place for picnic.