Discovering Dhenkanal, a Paradise of Scenery, Hills, and Nature

History

Dhenkanal district is situated on the Cuttack-Sambalpur Road (NH-42). It is bounded by the Keonjhar District in the North, Cuttack District in the South, Jajpur in the East and Angul in the West.

It is commonly believed that it owes its name to a Savara chief called Dhenka, who formerly ruled over this tract. Most parts of this district are covered with dense forest and a long range of hills. Therefore, this district is called the “Home of elephants and tigers for the country”.

This district is a centre of religious movement called “Mahima Dharma “for the last 100 years or more, and has spread throughout the Indian Union. The religious movement in the medieval period also extended to this district. The famous “Kapilas Hill”, which is popularly known as the “Kailash” of Utkal, is also in this district. Lord Chandrasekhar Mahadev temple is set up at the top of the hill. The climate of this district is generally hot with high humidity during April and May and cold during December and January. The monsoon generally breaks during the month of June. Most parts of this district are covered with dense forest and a long range of hills. Therefore, this district is called the “Home of elephants and tigers for the country”.

Geographical Location

Dhenkanal district is one of the centrally located districts in Odisha. It lies between Longitude: 85° 58′ to 86° 2′ East and Latitude: 20° 29′ to 21° 11′ North.

Shopping

The market of Dhenkanal is very famous for wonderful Dhokra work. This exquisite craft is much admired for its antiquated look. These products are cast in brass by the lost-wax process and display an intriguing wirework finish. Elephants, horses, lamps, and jewellery boxes with a distinct look give that regal air when arranged in the drawing room. They can be bought in shops at reasonable prices, but you have to bargain hard, in Dhokra work there we find everything at a reasonable price.

Handicraft and Cottage Industries

Various kinds of handicraft products have been preserved and reside in the district of Dhenkanal. The crafts and skills have been preserved by the communication of the district. Local skilled workers, artisans in different sectors of the district, are engaged in the production of various types of handicraft items. Crafts like Dhokra casting, brass & bell metal, horn works, wood carving, stone carving, bamboo work, soft toys, woollen carpet, etc., are very famous here.

Dhenkanal, which is called a “Tourist Paradise” by the people of Odisha, is surrounded by mountains and beautiful natural scenery. Its ancient temples on the hilltops are an added attraction for religious people.

Dhenkanal is the gateway to one of the most ancient forest covers of Odisha. It brings to mind images of lush countryside dotted with ponds, filled with fish. Places are situated only to break the monotony of tourists. Along with this, there is also a cluster of temples and archaeological remains.

How to reach

Dhenkanal is well-connected and easily accessible, located just 99 km from Bhubaneswar on NH-42. Travelers can fly into the nearest airport in Bhubaneswar, which offers regular domestic flights to major cities, or take a train directly to Dhenkanal Railway Station, a key stop on the main Howrah-Chennai rail route. For road travel, regular bus services frequently connect the district to major hubs like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, and Raipur.