General Information

Location :

q    200.29’ to 210.11’ North Latitude, 850.8’ to 860.2’ East Longitude  On the eastern Coast of Odisha between Cuttack and Angul.

q    Dhenkanal bieng centrally located is just like a confluence of western and east-coastal culture of Odisha.

Area :

q    4452 sq. kms.

q    There are 8 blocks, which are administrative units of the district with Collector as the head.

People :

q    Population 2001 Census - 10,66,878/-

q    Inhabited by the local people known as Odias including 09. Tribes, a cross section of people from all parts of India also live in Dhenkanal.

q    Though rich in mineral wealth, Dhenkanal is basically an agrarian district producing some of the finest verities of rice. However the urban areas have grown in to Business Centers.

Language :

q    Native language is Odia, a regional language of India.

q    The Tourism and Hotel Industry people fluently speak and understand English, Hindi and Bengali as well.

Climate :

q    Tropical Climate

q    Temperature :       

      Summer : Maximum 460c         Minimum 400c

      Winter : Maximum 22.90c          Minimum 16.700c

q    Average Rain fall - 131.52 cms. per annum.

Season :

 There are 3 Major seasons

      Summer Season - March to June

q    Rainy Season - July to September

q    Winter Season - November to February

q    Every Season has its own charm.

q    Dhenkanal can be visited round the year.

Clothing :

q    Light weight/cotton clothing for summer and rainy season.

q    Warm garments for winter.

q    An umbrella will be handy during rainy season.

 Entry Formalities :

q    Foreign Nationals require a Valid Passport & Indian Visa.

q    There is no separate permit required for visiting Dhenkanal.

q    However, prior permission is required for visiting a few tribal pockets by foreigners (Which can be organized through the Tour Operators.)

q    There is restriction for entry of Non-Hindus into some of the living shrines of the district

 Accessibility :

 q    By Air

       The Dhenkanal is linked with Bhubaneswar Airport there by connecting itself with all Metros by regular Indian Airlines flights. Some Private Airlines also operate to Bhubaneswar.

q    By Road    

      Dhenkanal is connected with the city of Cuttack & Bhubaneswar by NH.-5. It is also connected with Sambalpur & Rourkela by NH.-55. Regular Bus services are available to Kolkata, Raipur, Tata, Ranchi,  from Cuttack. Taxi & Auto Rickshaws are also available .

q    By Rail       

      Indian Railways provides a network of Fast & Super fast Trains to all Major cities of Odisha. Dhenkanal is linked with different parts of India via Bhubaneswar & Cuttack.

Accommodation:

q    Dhenkanal has every category of accommodation facilities ranging from hotel standard to Budget Hotels and Lodges providing clean and comfortable accommodation at reasonable price. Deptt. of Toursim Dhenkanal operates tourism bungalows known as Panthasala at Kapilash, Panthika at Banarpal & Tourist Reception Centre at Dhenkanal Town.

Cuisine :

q    Staple Food of Local People - Rice, Dal and Vegetables.

q    Special delicacy includes fish, prawn and meat in non-veg and dalma (a mix of vegetables and pulses) and sag (leaf vegetables)

q    Typical sweetmeats include Chhenapoda, Chhenajhilli, Rasabali, Rasagola (all made from milk) and Pitha(cakes)

q    ‘Mahaprasad’, the food of the Gods cooked by unique steaming process is available in the Datatreya Sai Ashram premises & Sri Balram Temple at Dhenkanal.

q    Indian, Chinese and Continental Food available in Hotels and Restaurants.

q    Dhenkanal is very famous for its “BARA” which is a traditional tiffin prepared from blackgram & Rice.

Health Care :

q    Modern Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medical aids can be obtained from the Government Hospitals and Dispensaries as well as private Clinics.

Main Attraction :

 q                Pulsating with the Spirit of Odisha; beauties of nature, Dhenkanal is a fascinating land of old world  charms and new world glamour. The scenic beauty, architecture, folk tradition & the aroma of nature in tribal life makes this land unique with a lingering memory in a tourist’s mind.

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