Dist.
H.Q. :
Dhenkanal
Sub-Divns.:
Dhenkanal, Hindol, Kamakhyanagar
Tahasils
: Kmakshya Nagar, Dhenkanal, Bhuban, Hindol, Gondia, Parajang.
Blocks
: Dhenkanal Sadar,Kanakabahad, Bhuban, Gunia, Odapara, Parjung, Gania.
Muncipality
: Dhenkanal.
Area
: 4597 Sq.Km.
Popuplation:
9,47,870 (approx.)
Altitude:
varies from 564 meters to 1,187
Mountain
: Nilagiri
Major
River : Sudhabalanga, Budhabalanga.
Rainfall:
131.52 Cms.
Climate:
Summer 40.6 degree centigrade in May
Winter
12.9 degree centigrade in December
Maximum
Temperature: 46.1 degree centigrade &
10.7 degree centigrade
Languages
Spoken: Oriya, Hindi, English and Tribal dialects.
Clothing:
Light cotton in summer and heavy woolen in winter.
It
is the gateway to one of the most ancient forest covers of Orissa which
shelters the elephants, tigers and numerous species of birds and beasts. The
broad plains of the river Brahmani were the dwelling place of early
home-sapiens who lived on berres and wild fruits before the advent of rice on
these heavily watered expanses. The aurrounding Salforests come ablaze with
the changing seasons making this district headquarters town a focal point of
trips to beautiful interiors. About 99 kms away from Bhubaneswar, it is also
famous for the Balbhadra Temple built in 1700 AD.
Dhenkanal
is covered with dense sal forests and is rich in colourful wild life. The
woodlands of Dhenkanal are said to be the ancestral home of the elephants,
tigers and other rare species of animals and birds. Crocodiles once freely
trod its river sands and were basking on the banks.
The river Mahanadi passes through this district forming a 22 Kms. Long
narrow gorge, one of the mightiest gorge in India, hedged by step and thickly
wooded hills, commanding a magnificent scenic beauty at Tikarpada. One of the
World’s most enchanting spot for boating and adventure, the gorge, known as
"Satakosia" is an ideal habitat for varieties of crocodiles.
Presently a Gharial Sanctuary is being set up at Tikarpada to restock the
gorge with Gharials.
Saptasajya is located 11 kms out of Dhenkanal, Saptasajya is said to
act as host to the Pandavas during their Agnyatvas days in these hills. The
place, with its beautiful surrounding, is popular with holiday makers. It is
also a favourite pilgrimage spot with the temples of Saptarshi and Raghunath
reigning supreme during Ramanavami festival.
The broad valley of the river Brahmani, one of the oldest rice growing
regions of the district, had the unique mark of being the dwelling place of
early homo-sapiens, who lived on wild fruits and roots as well as on hunting.
Clothed in luxuriant green forests stand the high hill of Malaygiri
crowned with one of the loftiest peak in the state. The lure of
Malaygiri(literally, the hills of vernal breeze)has drawn lovers of nature for
advanture and enjoyment. The mount Malaygiri finds mention in the natural
history of the Greek author Pliny as mount Malaygiri are inhabited by tribal
folks of our country."The phenomenon of boulders in Talcher area is
unique in India and had puzzled Geologists for a century". It unravels
the secrets of geological drama, stage by stage, that was enacted about
several million years ago. The district
is also rich in archaelogical findings. The monuments of Kapilas. Joranda and
the massive stone sculpture at Saranga and Bhimakand are among many
architectural glories of the district. In modern times the district has been
the centre of an influential religious movement known as the Mahima cult. Its
religious headquarters is being situated at Joranda. The celebrated Kapilas hill with its time old monasteries and
caves have attracted ascetics through ages from every corner of India. And ti
Identified with 'Kailas', the legendary abode of Lord Shiva.
