Since Jharsuguda is a historical district, the tourism of Jharsuguda is developed centering the rock edicts, architectural remnants and various temples and rock carvings.
The ancient cave of Bikramkhol in the village known as Banjari bears the testimony of the evolution of human civilization and a script developed by them, far back in the 4000 B.C. The village of Banjari is an important name in the tourism of Jharsuguda owing to its antiquity. The ancient symbols engraved on the walls of the cave of Bikramkhol, paintings of animals, circular holes dug in the wall where weapons, dress and other articles of use were being kept suspended, the floors, where circular holes have been dug to pound the grains etc are the key interest about the Bikramkhol cave. At the same time this architectural carvings depict the forms and style of art of the contemporary people. The tourism industry of Jharsuguda has a lot to offer to the lovers of ancient culture and tradition. Bikramkhol is the recognized tourist spot of the Central Government in Orissa, which attracts tourists even from abroad.
In the vicinity of the village Lajkura, which is in close proximity of Jharsuguda there is a hill known as "Maheswar Pahad", which is famous in the tourism industry of Jharsuguda because of the remains of an old holy fort attracting the attention of historians, researchers and tourists. At the lap of the Maheswar Pahad, the village of Ulap is situated, where the ruins of Ulapgarh constitute to be the key attraction for the tourists. The eroded ruins of the Ulapgarh fort constitute to be the chief attraction of the village. The Siva lingam at the entrance of the fort, encompassing a huge corridor meant for the worship adds charm to the immaculate splendor of the fort. On the stone floor, there are many square holes and 70 round holes, which are designed to support super structures for living room, store room, arsenals, kitchen, sleeping room etc. Apart from the structural pattern of the Ulapgarh fort, the legendary significance of the fort draws importance in the tourism industry of Jharsuguda. It is believed that Ulapgarh was being used as a residential fort by some kings of "Naja" Dynasty.
Padampur, adjacent to Jharsuguda is famous in the tourism industry of Jharsuguda because of the historical significance that it is the birthplace of famous Sanskrit dramatist "Bhabahbhoti". The place is at the same time important because the "Bajrajan` Tantra marg of Buddhism was originated here. The place is the confluence of both the Hinduism and Buddhism. The temple of "Padmashini`, the presiding deity of the natives constructed in 7th century A.D, testimonies the Chalukyan art. The original temple was decayed and was believed to be reconstructed by the Chauhan king of Sambalpur in 16th century. "Jagmohan` of original temple reveals striking resemblance with architecture of the Chalukyan age. The stone statue of goddess Padmashini bears striking resemblances with the style of the Chalukyan period. Being a replica of Chalukyan art and architecture, the Padmashini Temple it is an important center, attracting the tourists.
The ancient Shaktipitha, Ramchandi shares an important position in the tourism industry and all its interest concentrates on the worship of Devi Ramchandi, the presiding deity of Rampur region. Many pilgrims and devotees come to the Rampur cave from far and near to visit and to offer their worship to the goddess Ramchandi.
The Koilighugar waterfall, with its exquisite scenic beauty, steeped in an untamed background fetches a vast chunk of tourist. A rivulet named `Ahiraj` takes origin from the `Chhuikhanch` forest and while flowing through its rocky belt, falls from a height of 200 ft. creating the waterfall of Koilighugar. The major attraction of the Koilighugar waterfall is the Shivalingam known as `Maheswarnath`. The lingam is inundated in water and not ordinarily visible. If somebody tries to see it from inside the water in winter and summer the lingam is visible under the reflected sunlight, hence for the benefit of the pilgrims another Siva lingam has been created outside the waterfall. The snow-caped Shiva lingam submerged in the waterfall in a sylvan backdrop provides the special interest for the tourist in Jharsuguda.
Apart from these temples, there are a number of eroded ruins of the other temples dotted over the district of Jharsuguda are invested with profound interest because of their antiquity and the exquisite fabrications around the temple walls, which bear the testimony of the contemporary art and culture.
