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Sleepy town set to attract tourists

Correspondent

Barapali is 19 km from Bargarh

BHUBANESWAR: The small and sleepy town of Barapali in western Orissa is set to emerge an important tourist’s destination of the State with the implementation of the special initiatives of the State Tourism Department.

Barely 19 km from the district headquarter town of Bargarh, this town with 400 years of history and heritage was known as Batapalli in ancient times. It came into prominence during the 17th century as the headquarter of the feudal Chauhan kings of Sambalpur.

Most of the temples of this town were constructed during their regime. On an ordinary day, Barapali receives more than a hundred visitors while the number doubles during the tourism season for its variety of attractions, revealed a survey conducted by the Tourism Directorate. For the Oriyas, Barapalli arouses special sentiments as birthplace of legendary poet Gangadhar Meher. His house has been converted into a museum.

The State Culture Department has also set up a library on the museum premises where one can have access to the poet’s works. Barapali boasts of at least two dozens of temples of importance. The 17th century Samaleswari temple with its unique tapering tower built by the first ruler of Barapali and the Jagannath temple built in the Kalinga style of architecture by his son Hrudai Sai are monuments from the early period

The other attractions include Gopalji temple, Ganesh temple, Radhakrishna temple, Satyanarayan temple, Mata temple, Mangala temple, Madan Mohan temple, Ramji temple, Nrusimha temple, Kali temple, Hanuman temple besides eight Shiv temples, it added.

Barapali is best known for its wonderful Sambalpuri tie and dye handloom. The Kalabharati museum that houses some of the rare works of craftspersons of Barapali give glimpses of the wonderful tie and dye tradition of the region.

Barapali is famous for its rich terracotta tradition. Internationally acclaimed Manabodh Rana has been grooming artists at his training centre here. One also comes across works of painter Birabar Sahu here who hails from the town.

Barapali is easily accessible to all kinds of travellers. It is well connected by road and railways. National Highway No.201 passes through the place. Government guest houses and hotels apart, the Marwari dharmashala also offers accommodation. The State Tourism Directorate has recommended that the Centre include Barapali under its special rural tourism project.

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