Rourkela is a city located in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, India. It is known for its steel industry and scenic beauty. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Rourkela:
Rourkela Steel Plant: Rourkela is known for its steel industry, and a visit to the Rourkela Steel Plant is a must. The plant is spread across 20,000 acres and is one of the largest steel plants in India.
Hanuman Vatika: Hanuman Vatika is a famous temple in Rourkela dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city.
Indira Gandhi Park: Indira Gandhi Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Rourkela. The park has a lake, gardens, and a children’s play area.
Vedvyas Temple: Vedvyas Temple is a famous temple located on the banks of the River Brahmani. The temple is dedicated to Vedvyas, the author of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.
Mandira Dam: Mandira Dam is a popular tourist spot located about 25 km from Rourkela. The dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Khandadhar Waterfall: Khandadhar Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located about 100 km from Rourkela. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a great place for a picnic.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located about 40 km from Rourkela. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Rourkela is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance and hire a local guide for a better understanding of the history and culture of the city.
Places to Visit in Rourkela
Rourkela is a beautiful city located in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, India. It is known for its steel industry, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the top places to visit in Rourkela:
Rourkela Steel Plant: Rourkela is known for its steel industry, and a visit to the Rourkela Steel Plant is a must. The plant is spread across 20,000 acres and is one of the largest steel plants in India.
Hanuman Vatika: Hanuman Vatika is a famous temple in Rourkela dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city.
Indira Gandhi Park: Indira Gandhi Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Rourkela. The park has a lake, gardens, and a children’s play area.
Vedvyas Temple: Vedvyas Temple is a famous temple located on the banks of the River Brahmani. The temple is dedicated to Vedvyas, the author of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.
Mandira Dam: Mandira Dam is a popular tourist spot located about 25 km from Rourkela. The dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests.
Khandadhar Waterfall: Khandadhar Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located about 100 km from Rourkela. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and is a great place for a picnic.
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located about 40 km from Rourkela. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Vaishno Devi Temple: Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous temple located in the heart of Rourkela. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is a popular pilgrimage spot.
Rourkela Lake: Rourkela Lake is a beautiful lake located in the heart of the city. The lake is a popular spot for boating and picnicking.
Hanuman Mandir: Hanuman Mandir is a famous temple located in the heart of Rourkela. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is a popular spot for devotees.
Rourkela is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance and hire a local guide for a better understanding of the history and culture of the city.
Best Time To Visit Rourkela
The best time to visit Rourkela is during the winter months from October to March. The weather during this time is pleasant with the temperature ranging between 10°C to 28°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The monsoon season in Rourkela starts in July and lasts till September, and it is best to avoid traveling during this time due to heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. Summers in Rourkela can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C, making it uncomfortable for travelers. Therefore, the winter season is the best time to visit Rourkela.
Things to Do in Rourkela
Rourkela is a beautiful city located in the Sundargarh district of Odisha, India. It is known for its steel industry, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the top things to do in Rourkela:
Visit the Rourkela Steel Plant: Rourkela is known for its steel industry, and a visit to the Rourkela Steel Plant is a must. You can learn about the process of steelmaking and witness the huge plants and machinery.
Explore the Indira Gandhi Park: Indira Gandhi Park is a beautiful park located in the heart of Rourkela. The park has a lake, gardens, and a children’s play area. You can enjoy boating, birdwatching, and picnic with your family and friends.
Trek to the Khandadhar Waterfall: Khandadhar Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located about 100 km from Rourkela. You can trek to the waterfall, which is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
Visit the Vedvyas Temple: Vedvyas Temple is a famous temple located on the banks of the River Brahmani. The temple is dedicated to Vedvyas, the author of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. You can witness the ancient architecture and get insights into the Hindu mythology.
Enjoy a Day Trip to Mandira Dam: Mandira Dam is a popular tourist spot located about 25 km from Rourkela. The dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and forests, and you can enjoy a picnic, boating, and fishing.
Visit the Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary: Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary located about 40 km from Rourkela. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and leopards. You can take a safari and spot the wildlife in their natural habitat.
Shop for Local Handicrafts: Rourkela is known for its local handicrafts, including handloom sarees, tribal jewelry, and wood carvings. You can visit the local markets and shop for souvenirs and gifts.
Visit the Hanuman Vatika: Hanuman Vatika is a famous temple in Rourkela dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. You can visit the temple, witness the beautiful architecture, and attend the daily puja.
Rourkela is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. Make sure to plan your itinerary in advance and hire a local guide for a better understanding of the history and culture of the city.
How to get around in Rourkela
Rourkela is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are some of the ways to get around in Rourkela:
Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient way to get around Rourkela. You can hire a taxi for a full day or for specific destinations. Prepaid taxi services are also available at the railway station and the airport.
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a common mode of transportation in Rourkela. They are cheap and readily available, but they do not have a metered system, so it is advisable to negotiate the fare before getting into the auto-rickshaw.
Buses: Buses are available for intra-city and inter-city travel in Rourkela. The Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private bus operators run regular bus services to nearby cities and towns.
Motorcycles and Scooters: You can also rent motorcycles and scooters from rental shops in Rourkela. It is an ideal way to explore the city at your own pace.
Cycle Rickshaws: Cycle rickshaws are also available for short distances. They are an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
It is advisable to confirm the fare before hiring any mode of transportation to avoid any confusion later.
Where to eat in Rourkela
Rourkela is known for its delicious food, especially its street food. Here are some of the popular places to eat in Rourkela:
Singh’s Kitchen: Singh’s Kitchen is a popular restaurant in Rourkela that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine. Their specialty is the Chilli Chicken and Butter Chicken.
Dosa Plaza: Dosa Plaza is a chain of restaurants that serves a variety of dosas, uttapams, and other South Indian delicacies.
Rourkela Bakery: Rourkela Bakery is a famous bakery that has been serving fresh bread, cakes, and pastries for over 50 years.
The Curry House: The Curry House is a restaurant that specializes in Indian and Chinese cuisine. Their Biryani and Kebabs are a must-try.
Street Food: Rourkela is famous for its street food. Some of the popular street food items are Chaat, Pani Puri, Samosas, and Aloo Tikki. The street food vendors can be found at various locations across the city.
It is advisable to check the hygiene and cleanliness of the food stalls before trying out the street food.
Famous street stalls in Rourkela
Rourkela is known for its delicious street food. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Rourkela that you must try:
Pandit’s Samosa: Pandit’s Samosa is a popular street food stall that serves delicious samosas. The stall is located near Rourkela Railway Station.
Jain Sweets: Jain Sweets is a famous sweet shop that also serves chaat, samosas, and other street food items. Their specialty is the Aloo Tikki and Golgappe.
Kachori Wala: Kachori Wala is a street food vendor that serves crispy and spicy Kachoris. The stall is located near Rourkela Railway Station.
Chhotu’s Chat: Chhotu’s Chat is a popular street food stall that serves a variety of chaat items such as Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, and Papdi Chaat.
Chintu Pani Puri Wala: Chintu Pani Puri Wala is a street food vendor that serves crispy and tangy Pani Puris. The stall is located near Bisra Chowk.
Delhi Chaat: Delhi Chaat is a street food stall that serves a variety of chaat items such as Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki, and Papdi Chaat.
Khaja Ghar: Khaja Ghar is a famous sweet shop that also serves delicious Samosas and Kachoris.
It is advisable to check the hygiene and cleanliness of the food stalls before trying out the street food.
Where to stay in Rourkela
Luxury accommodation
Rourkela has a few luxury accommodation options. Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Rourkela:
Mayfair Rourkela: Mayfair Rourkela is a luxury hotel that offers world-class amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves delicious food.
The Central Park: The Central Park is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city.
Radhika Regency: Radhika Regency is a luxury hotel that offers well-appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves delicious food.
The Regency Inn: The Regency Inn is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.
Hotel Anurag: Hotel Anurag is a luxury hotel that offers spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities. The hotel also has a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves delicious food.
All these hotels offer luxury amenities and services and are located in prime locations in Rourkela.
Where to stay in Rourkela
Budget accommodation
Rourkela has a range of budget accommodation options available for travelers. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Rourkela:
Hotel Brindaban: Hotel Brindaban is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and is ideal for budget travelers.
Hotel Deluxe Residency: Hotel Deluxe Residency is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel Aastha: Hotel Aastha is a budget hotel that offers basic amenities and clean rooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel Kanisshk International: Hotel Kanisshk International is a budget hotel that offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel Aryan: Hotel Aryan is a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves Indian and Chinese cuisine.
All these budget hotels offer clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices and are located in prime locations in Rourkela.
Travel Tips Rourkela
Here are some travel tips for visiting Rourkela:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Rourkela is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable.
Local transportation: Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transportation in Rourkela. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car to get around the city.
Shopping: Rourkela is known for its handloom products such as sarees, dress materials, and bedspreads. You can shop for these at the local markets such as Uditnagar Market and Railway Bazaar.
Food: Rourkela has a variety of local street food such as chaat, samosas, and litti chokha that you should try. You can also try the local Odia cuisine at the many restaurants in the city.
Sightseeing: Rourkela has many tourist attractions such as Mandira Dam, Vedavyas Temple, and Darjeeng Garden that you should visit.
Safety: Rourkela is generally a safe city, but it’s always better to take precautions and avoid going out alone at night. Be careful with your belongings and keep them close to you in crowded places.
Language: The official language of Rourkela is Odia, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken.
Culture: Rourkela has a rich cultural heritage, and you can experience it by attending the local festivals and events such as Durga Puja, Rath Yatra, and Khandagiri Mela.
Health: Make sure you carry a first-aid kit and any necessary medications with you when traveling to Rourkela. Also, drink only bottled water to avoid any health issues.
Etiquette: It’s important to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions when traveling to Rourkela. Avoid taking pictures of people without their permission.