Rourkela City

About Rourkela City:

Location Information Rourkela City:

Climate/Weather in Rourkela City:

History of Rourkela City:

Rourkela, known as the "Steel City of Odisha," has a rich industrial and cultural history. The city's modern history began in the early 1950s when the Government of India, in collaboration with German engineers, established the Rourkela Steel Plant, one of India's first integrated steel plants. This transformed the area from a small tribal village into a key industrial hub.

Prior to industrialization, the region was inhabited primarily by tribal communities, including the Oraon, Munda, and Kharia tribes. The name "Rourkela" is derived from two words: ‘Rour’ meaning "our" in local dialect, and ‘Kela’ meaning "village," thus translating to "Our Village."

The establishment of the steel plant in 1954 by the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) marked the beginning of Rourkela's development as a major industrial city. It was built with German technical collaboration and significantly contributed to India's growing industrial landscape post-independence.

Rourkela also played a role in the post-independence migration of people from various parts of India, as engineers, technicians, and workers from different regions moved to the city for employment. This contributed to its diverse and multicultural population.

Today, Rourkela is not only known for its industrial might but also for its educational institutions, such as the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, which is one of the premier engineering institutions in India.

Rourkela continues to grow as an important industrial city in Eastern India, playing a pivotal role in the steel industry and contributing significantly to the economic development of Odisha and the country.

Languages in Rourkela City:

Interesting Things to See or Find in Rourkela City:

• Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) - A must-visit industrial landmark, the Rourkela Steel Plant is one of the largest steel plants in India. It offers guided tours where visitors can witness the steel manufacturing process.
• Hanuman Vatika - A popular religious site, featuring a massive 75-feet-high statue of Lord Hanuman, along with numerous temples dedicated to different deities.
• Mandira Dam - Located on the Sankh River, this picturesque dam provides a serene setting for picnics, boating, and enjoying scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape.
• Vedavyas Temple - Situated at the confluence of the rivers Sankh, Koel, and Brahmani, this sacred site is believed to be the birthplace of the sage Vedavyas, who wrote the Mahabharata.
• Indira Gandhi Park - A well-maintained park in the heart of the city, it includes a zoo, a lake, and various amusement rides, making it a favorite family destination.
• Khandadhar Waterfall - One of the highest waterfalls in Odisha, this majestic cascade is surrounded by dense forests, making it a popular spot for trekking and nature lovers.
• Deer Park - Located near Sector 5, this park is a peaceful spot for wildlife enthusiasts to observe deer and other animals in a natural habitat.
• Vaishno Devi Temple - Modeled after the original shrine in Jammu, this temple is located atop a hill in Rourkela and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Rourkela Winter Carnival - Held annually, this event showcases local culture, art, food, and entertainment, attracting visitors from across the region.

How to Reach Rourkela City:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Rourkela Airport, which has limited domestic flights. For better connectivity, the closest major airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (around 340 km away) or Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi (around 250 km away). From these airports, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Rourkela.
• By Train: Rourkela Railway Station is a major railway junction on the Howrah-Mumbai line and is well-connected to major cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Delhi, and Mumbai. Trains run frequently to and from these destinations.
• By Road: Rourkela is well-connected by road through National Highways like NH 143 and NH 520. You can reach Rourkela by buses from nearby cities such as Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Ranchi. Private cabs and self-drive options are also available for travelers.
• By Bus: Several state-run and private buses operate from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Ranchi, and other nearby cities to Rourkela. The city has a well-maintained bus terminal with frequent services.

Nearest Visiting places from Rourkela City:

Vedavyas Temple: The Vedavyas is the famous place in Rourkela. In this place Maharishi Vyas wrote “Mahabharata”. This attractive place is located at influence of the River Shankha, Keol, and Saraswati. This place is more attraction for visitors at Vedic ashram.

Sukha Mahadev Temple: Sukha Mahadev Temple is a very famous spot from Mayabahal, Rourkela. The presiding deities of Lord Shiva. It is one of the religious place and a modern temple in Balishankara. The temple of architecture is very beautiful form inside and outside both. There are 18 Chakras on which temple is standing.

Hanuman Vatika: The Hanuman Vatika is situated Biju Patnaik, Odisha, it is belonging to Hanuman. Inside this premises many temple are 12 joytirlingas, Jagnnath Temple, Santoshi Mata Temple. The tallest statue of Hanuman has been built inside this garden. The length of this statue is 75 feet. Every year, 23 February is celebrated as Foundation Day.

Khandadhar Waterfalls : Khandadhar waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Odisha. It is located at Sundhergarh district. It is about 105 Km from Rourkela. Khanda means shord or Talvar and Dhar means dhara or a fall. Khandadhar waterfall at 244 meters and 12th highest waterfall in India. This waterfall has wonderful view with natural beauty. The beauty of this magnificent spring flows in the months of the monsoon when the water from the rivulet overflow.

Badaghagra Waterfall : Badaghagra waterfall is one of the most famous waterfall in Odisha. This waterfall is located at 10 Km from Keonjhar. The waterfall 200 ft high and it falls into the Ghagra River. The lush greenery near the waterfall makes it an ideal place for trekking and picnicking. Dense forest covering this waterfall makes it perfect destination for tourist.

Nearest Petrol Pump near by Rourkela City:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation near by Rourkela City:

Things to Carry for Rourkela City:

• Light Cotton Clothes - Given Rourkela's tropical climate, light and breathable clothing is recommended, especially in the summer months.
• Comfortable Footwear - If you plan to explore tourist spots like Hanuman Vatika, Mandira Dam, or trek to Khandadhar Waterfall, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses - To protect yourself from the strong sun, especially during the hotter months.
• Water Bottle - Staying hydrated is important, particularly if visiting in summer or spending long hours outdoors.
• Raincoat or Umbrella - If you're visiting during the monsoon season (July to September), make sure to carry rain protection gear.
• Power Bank and Chargers - Keep your devices charged for capturing photos and navigating around the city.
• Personal First Aid Kit - Carry essential medications and a basic first aid kit for minor ailments or injuries.
• ID Proof and Travel Documents - Always have your government-issued ID and travel documents handy for hotel check-ins and travel purposes.
• Camera - Rourkela offers several scenic spots like Mandira Dam and Khandadhar Waterfall, so a camera is recommended to capture the views.
• Hand Sanitizer and Face Masks - To maintain hygiene, especially in crowded areas or public transportation.

Tips & Suggestions for Rourkela City:

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Rourkela is from October to February when the weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
• Local Cuisine: Try local Odia dishes like Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, and sweets like Rasagola. You can also find tribal cuisines in some areas of Rourkela.
• Respect Local Culture: Rourkela has a mix of tribal and modern cultures. When visiting temples like Vedavyas and Hanuman Vatika, dress modestly and follow local customs.
• Explore the Natural Beauty: Don't miss visiting natural attractions like Khandadhar Waterfall, Mandira Dam, and Vedavyas Temple. These locations offer peaceful, scenic experiences.
• Bargain at Local Markets: While shopping for local handicrafts, including tribal artwork and Sambalpuri fabrics, bargaining is a common practice in local markets.
• Public Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are common for short distances, while app-based taxis and private cabs are available for longer trips within the city.
• Safety: Rourkela is generally safe, but it is advisable to stay cautious with your belongings in crowded areas like markets and bus stations.
• Wildlife and Nature: When visiting nearby natural areas like Khandadhar Waterfall, follow safety instructions, especially if trekking or hiking in the region.
• Connectivity: Mobile network coverage is good in the city, but if you plan to visit remote areas around Rourkela, consider carrying a local SIM for better connectivity.
• Cash and Payments: While most places in Rourkela accept digital payments, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially in smaller markets or remote areas.

Help Line/Phone Number in Rourkela City:

Important Links for Rourkela City:

• Official Website of Rourkela City - For local news, events, and services in Rourkela.
• Odisha Tourism - Rourkela - Official tourism information for Rourkela and nearby destinations.
• Rourkela Steel Plant (SAIL) - Learn more about the Rourkela Steel Plant and its significance to the city.
• IRCTC - Train Bookings - Book trains to and from Rourkela Railway Station.
• Swiggy - Food Delivery in Rourkela - Order food online from local restaurants.
• Justdial - Local Services in Rourkela - Find local businesses, hotels, and services in Rourkela.
• Odisha Roads and Transport - For road travel routes and bus schedules to and from Rourkela.
• Ola Cabs - Book Cabs in Rourkela - For booking taxis within and around the city.