Rourkela is an industrial town in the state of Orissa, India. One of the largest steel plants of the Steel Authority of India Limited is situated here. Area: 9,472 Population:15,73,617

Rourkela also has one of the National Institutes of Technology located in the town. Rourkela also acts a major jumping off point in the tourist itenary to Orrissa. Rourkela has other attractions to offering, including the Indira Gandhi Park which contains a zoo.

Hanuman Vatika

The city also houses the lovely Hanuman Vatika which is a major attraction for the locals and visitors to the town. The Hanuman Vatika in the centre of the city is an added attraction. A 75-feet tall full-fledged Hanuman statue welcomes the visitors to the steel city of Rourkela. Sri Laxmana Swami was the architect behind this magnificent image. The Hanuman Vatika Trust Board has made a beautiful Temple complex on 13 acres of Land. The Bata Mangala Mandira, Binayaka Mandira and Manas Parayana Sharala have been established to the entrance of the Hanuman Vatika. The Kaila Baikuntha, the kitchen, the Kalyan Mandap and the Bhajan Mandap lie close to the Jagannath temple. The Gate of the temple is beautifully decorated with statues who watch the temple.

Vedvyas

Vedavyas is a place of natural beauty also considered as a 'Tirtha', is situated 9 km away on the confluence of the rivers Shankha, Koel and Saraswati. There is also a Vedic Ashram and a Gurukula system school here.It is at this site that the epic Mahabharata was purported to have been put down on paper by Maharishi Vyas .

Mandira Dam

Mandira Dam is situated about 60 Kms from the city.The reservoir is almost as old as the Steel Plant in Rourkela. It was built to support the irrigation requirements of about 50 surrounding villages. But as of today, it is the source of water to nearly 250 odd villages around Rourkela. There is so much water that it is said that at the lowest level, if (somehow) the Dam is opened the water would drown almost 100 villages.But the sheer beauty of this water body dotted with small islandish ground provides breathtaking view. The supporting structures of the dam has been beautifully sculptured, with landscaped gardens and play area for children.There are a few guest rooms as well.The best part..the water pump at the end of the Dam-road.

Khandadhar Falls

The 244 mtrs. High Khandadhar is the loveliest waterfall in Orissa. 114 km from Rourkela via Bonaigarh, it offers a delightful refreshing sight.

Other Sites

Darjeeng is a picnic spot on the river Brahmani. Nearby is Deodarh , a gorge on the river. It is 51 km from Rourkela on National Highway No. 23. About 180 km from Rourkela, Junagarh has a fort of historical and archaeological importance with ancient caves. Another haunt of the tourists is the Mirig Khog Waterfall , a picnic spot, 111 km from Rourkela.