Tourism in Dhenkanal District includes several magnificent and amazing sightseeing options. There are various places in this district of Orissa that are full of attractive tourist options. They are meant for giving a memorable and enriching experience to the travellers. The splendid tourism options attract people from different parts of the world. This district offers both religious as well as nature tourism options to the visitors. Like for instance, Dhenkanal town, the headquarters of Dhenkanal District, is clustered with the pinnacles of several temples dedicated to different deities. Notable among them are the temples of Balabhadra, Sambhugopal, Raghunath and Kunajakanta Krishna. Moreover, the unique collection of the District Museum here comprises traditional weapons of the ex-rulers of Dhenkanal and tools of the pre-historic period.
The other places of interest of Dhenkanal District are as follows -
Kapilash: The loftiest peak of Kapilash range enshrines the temple of Lord Shiva at height of about 457 meters. The place is identified with `Kailash`, the legendary abode of Lord Shiva. Thousands of devout souls throng to Kapilash on the occasion of `Mahasivaratri`, the night consecrated to Lord Shiva in the month of February-March. To the east of the main temple at a higher altitude stands the temple of Narayan and Viswanath. The hill has several caves as well as the ruins of a mediaeval fort which are regularly visited by pilgrims. Some of the caves are associated with the Puranic texts that have great appeal to the visitors. Some great names like Shridhar Swami, commentator of the Bhagavat and Mahima Gosain, the founder of Mahima Cult, are historically associated with the place. Besides, the Deer Park and Science Park are two other added attractions of the place.
Joranda: Famous as the religious headquarters of `Mahima Dharma`, Joranda houses the samadhi of Mahima Gosain, the preacher and founder of the Mahima Cult, The other sacred temples are the `Sunya Mandira`, `Dhuni Mandira` and `Gadi Mandira`. Pilgrims in large numbers visit the Joranda fair held on full-moon day of Magha which falls in January-February every year.
Saptasajya: A place of scenic beauty, Saptasajya is situated at a distance of about 11 km to the south of Dhenkanal town. According to some legend, `Pandavas of Mahabharat` spent some days of their undercover life (Agnuata vasa) in these hills. A small spring flowing near this place enhances its charm and beauty. It is an ideal place for picnic and relaxation.
Kualo: Kualo is famous for housing a plethora of temples dedicated to Lord Kanakeswar, Baidyanath, Paschimeswar, Balunkeswar and Kapileswar. In its ruined form, the temple of Kanakeswar preserves some of the earliest specimens of sculptures representing temple building activities in Orissa. Kualo is around 72 km from Dhenkanal.
Ladagada: Ladagada is a place of religious importance. A piece of stone known as Lord Siddheswar is worshipped here with great reverence. There is an ancient banyan tree which is known as Kalpabruksha. This pilgrimage centre of Dhenkanal District is located at 40 km from Dhenkanal town.
Dandadhar: Dandadhar is the site of an irrigation project on Ramial River. It is considered as an ideal place for outing. It offers amazing sightseeing options. Dandadhar is located at around 67 km from Dhenkanal.
With these attractive places of interest, tourism in Dhenkanal District also offers great scopes of excursion.
