My Town, Sambalpur, situated on the left bank of the river Mahanadi, is an ancient town mentioned in the book of Ptolemy {2nd Century AD} as Sambalaka situated on  the left bank of river "Manada," now known as Mahanadi. From the records of Hiuen T' Sang, and  in the writings of  the celebrated King Indrabhuti (oldest known king of Sambalpur), the founder of Vajrayana Buddhism and the Lama Cult, Sambalpur has earned a place in the cultural history of India.

In the time past Sambalpur was famous for diamond trade. French merchant Jean Baptiste Tavernier (1605 – 1689) in his travel account “Six Voyages en Turquie, en Perse et aux Indes (1676–77)”  translated into English by Valentine Ball as “Travels in India” (2d ed., 2 vol., 1925) wrote of many famous diamonds mines of Sumelpur (Semelpur) present day Sambalpur (also know as Hirakhand) states that 8000 people were at work in these mines at the time of his visit, in the dry season at the beginning of February.

In the ancient time this area was known as KOSAL. Goddess Samaleswari is the presiding deity of the area.

It was last governed by the feudal chiefs of the Chawhan dynasty till 1803 and then came under the sway of the British Empire. The name of Veer Surendra Sai, who fought an epic struggle against the British Rule,  is recorded in golden letters in the history of India's struggle for independence.

Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the bewitching Western Part of Orissa. It is the divisional head quarters of the Northern administrative division of the State - a very important commercial and Educational center. There are direct train connections to Kolkata  (565 Kms, 12 hours by train). New Delhi (1460 Kms 26 hours by train). Chennai (1010 Kms,  32 hours by train). Bhubaneswar the capital city of the State is connected through NH 42 (325 Kms 8 hours by bus or train). Ahmadabad  and Mumbai are linked through Jharsuguda Junction (48 Kms).  The nearby Airports are at Bhubaneswar (325Kms) and Raipur (300Kms).

Places like the world famous Hirakud Dam and its lake with the winter visitors from Siberia, leaning Temple of Huma and the wildlife Sanctuary at Badrama (Ushakuthi),  Khalasuni and Debrigadh (wildlife sanctuary in the Barapahad  mountain range - Chourasimal),  Budharaja Temple, Gudguda waterfall, Ghanteswari Temple attract tourists. Near by places like the Narsinghnath and Harishankar, (Bolangir)  Padhanpat (Deogarh)  Hanuman Batika,  Mandira Dam and Khandadhar (Rourkela) attracts tourists to its serene surroundings.

The artwork of the Sambalpuri tie and dye weavers,  fascinating fabrics with enchanting designs and motifs is cherished for the uniqueness by the connoisseur of handloom the world over. Sambalpuri songs and dance has earned a unique place in the cultural arena of the would.

Anthropological studies revealed that,  primitive men dwelled in the thick forests around  Sambalpur,  settling themselves in the natural rock caves. Vikramkhol, Manikmoda, Phuldungri, Ushakuthi, Bhimamandli, Ulapgadha, Sargikhol are a  few amongst them. Rock Art

Sambalpur and its vicinity are the storehouse of varied culture and festivals.   Cultural Festivals of Western Orissa

Prominent Personality of Sambalpur.  Tribes of Sambalpur

Sambalpur is spear-heading the resurgence into the 21 centaury. A host of Social and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) are active in this regard.

Things to Buy: Sambalpur is famous for its Hand Loom Textile works. Popularly known as Sambalpuri Textile. It has earned international fame for its unique pattern, design and texture. Sambalpuri handloom Sari, Handkerchief, Bed Sheets and other items can be bought in the shops at Gole Bazaar including the Sambalpur Hand Loom Co-operative show rooms.

Places to Stay: The Panthanivas Tourist Bungalow Ph: 2411282 maintained by OTDC situated in a small hill top has single/ double for Rs. 100- 450 also close the Bus Stand is the Hotel Sujata (Phones: 2400403, 2401112, 2405244. Fax 2403019, 2400662) a modern hotel with attached bath, telephones, Cable TV  in all rooms. The price for Single/Double is Rs. 150 -250 or Rs 350-450 for Air Conditioned rooms. Hotel Uphar (2521558, 2521308) all rooms with attached bath priced for single/double Rs. 250-450 for Ac, Hotel Saket (Ph 2401571, 2402345, 46 , 47) also with attached bath priced for single/double for Rs. 150-250 for Rs 350-450 with AC. Hotel Tribeni (Ph  2403024, 2522297, 2521557) with basic rooms with attached bath for Rs.100-350. Bombay Lodge (Ph 2520422, 2520989) and Hotel Laxminivas (Ph: 2499775, 2401241) both have basic rooms with attached bath for Rs. 100-350 (Ph 400755, 401241)  Hotel Uphar Palace (Ph: 2400519,2404482)  with rooms single/double for Rs 225-450 with AC. Sheela Tower, a modern hotel with AC and non AC rooms attached bath, telephones, Cable TV  in all rooms. (Ph: 2403111- 116 Fax: 2403456) Priced for single/double Rs 400 - 1500,  All the hotels are in a hand shaking distance from each other on the main street of Veer Surendra Sai Marg.  For small budget basic accommodation the Indrapuri Guest House (Ph 2521712) and Hotel Shetal (Ph. 2404388, 2404717) also with attached bath priced for single/double for Rs. 150 - 250 -  Rs 350 - 450 with AC.  Right on the Bus Stand. Rani Lodge (Ph 2522173 and 252055), Hotel Chandramani (Ph:2521440) are also on the VSS Marg on the main street. Just few yards away is Hotel Li-n-Za (Ph 2521301, 2522860)  

 Where to Eat: All the Hotels are attached with modern restaurant facilities and serve Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine. For Chinese food one can try the Hong Kong Restaurant and Hotel Sujata on the VSS Marg. For exotic food one can try the restaurants Celebration & Campus at Hotel Sheela Tower, Esquire at Hotel Tribeni, Sarada at Hotel Uphar and Tripti at Linza.

The Central Hotel opposite the Indrapuri Guest House, Town Hotel at Gole Bazaar and Prabhat Hotel near Municipal Council Building is a good place for ethnic Sambalpuri food.

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