Sambalpur
Ptolemy's text refers to this area as Sambakala, a diamond trading centre in 2nd century. The area is associated with its 8th century celebrated ruler, King Indrabhuti, who became a Buddhist and the teacher-profounder of Vajrayana sect. Sambalpur derives its name from its presiding deity Sambaleswari enshrined in a temple called Samalai Gudi on the banks of Mahanadi, erected by the Chauhans in the mid 16th century. A grand fair is held here in the month of Ashwin and Chitra. A district head quarter town and an important commercial centre, it is famous for its textiles, particularly its tie-and-dye lkat work, also popular as Sambalpuri. Due to its unique pattern, design and texture, the Sambalpur is internationally famed. The folk dances like the Karama dance especially on the festive occasion of Bhardrav Ekadashi (August/September) is entertaining and a special attraction for the visitors.
Hirakud Dam- About 20 km northwest of Sambalpur, the gigantic Hirakud Dam was completed in 1957 with the sole objective of combating the recurring devastating floods of the delta region caused by Mahanadi. This has also helped in irrigating the vast areas of land.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary - The wildlife sanctuary at Badrama, popularly called Ushakothi is a densely forested area providing natural habitat to a wide variety of wildlife. It is about 50 km east of Sambalpur on NH6 towards Kolkata.
Huma - Only 32 km from Sambalpur, Huma has the lone Leaning Temple of Orissa. The temple on the bank of Mahanadi is dedicated to Lord Bimaleswar or Shiva. The colourful Kudo fishes in the nearby flowing Mahanadi are never caught as these are believed to belong to Lord Shiva, very friendly to visitors who feed them grain. Country boats are available for hire to cruise on river. Regular bus service is available upto Huma Chowk, from where it is 2 km walk to the temple.
 

Rourkela India
Rourkela City - Towards the north of Sambalpur, 192 km, is a tribal heartland, the Sundargarh district and its undulating hills enriched with the deposits of valuable minerals. It remained virtually untouched of civilization till the time of setting up of the first public sector steel plant at Rourkela in 1955. Comprising of two former princely states ofGangpur and Bonai, the Sundergarh district enables one to have a glimpse of traditional tribal culture amidst the excitement of a modern settlement. Rourkela is a large industrial town surrounded by a range of hills and encircled by rivers. The township has a beautiful park, a small zoo, a lake, aquarium, deer park and an industrial museum. The Asia's highest Human statue, about 22 m high stands within a temple complex at Hanuman Vatika. On the outskirts of Rourkela is a picturesque pilgrimage spot on the confluence of two rivers. About 28 km is the dam at Mandira offering boating facilities and one other atPitamahal, 16 km away. There are a number of middle end and budget hotels and the basic infrastructure is reasonably good. The railway station at Rourkela is very close, just 1 km walk for the main Bisra Road.