Situated in the mineral rich northwestern part of Odisha, it boasts of the first Integrated Steel Plant of the country. It has never been a tourist hot spot even if it is surrounded by picturesque hills all around and lying beside the river Brahmani.
Must See Places:
1. National Institute of Technology Rourkela -
The second largest engineering campus with its greenery filled campus is one of the beautiful college campuses in the country and one of the best places to study!
2. Hanuman Vatika -
This temple complex consists of a large number of temples. But the most noteworthy is a 23m tall Hanuman statue which is visible even from far-off place. A silent and peaceful place, well suited if you are seeking moments of tranquil and spirituality.
3. Vedvyas -
This is the place where the rivers Koel, Sankha confluence to form Brahmani. Considered a very holy place and is thronged by religious revelers on festive occasions. Moreover, a cool place to spend time. Low depth and clean water stream is tempting enough to wet your feet.
4. Pitamahal Dam
A short 20 km is drive is all you need to reach this dam. A cool and tranquil place, has a photographic embankment. The walk through the long, dark tunnel inside the dam from one side to another is a harrowing but exciting experience.
5. Vaishno Devi Temple
Situated right at the center of the city atop a small hill, you need to burn a few calories and climb a few hundred steps to reach this place. Once you reach the temple make sure you trek your way to the top of the hill. But this place provides you an astonishing view of Rourkela from the top. RSP, the city, the rivers all in a single view.
6. Darjing River Bank
River bank of Brahmani, its vast expanse of sand makes it a nice picnic spot. The water level is not that deep even which makes it even better place to hang-out.
7. Indira Gandhi Park
A miniature zoo, boating facility, musical fountain. A crowdy place on weekends mostly buzzing with children.
Food
Awesome place for a foodie. Top notch restaurants like Moksha, Regency Inn, Central Park are as good as any fine restaurant you would find in a big city. For a quick bite there is no better place like Max. If you ever make it to Rourkela don't forget the badam milk near Moksha at the Main Road, gol gappe aka gupchup, dabeli, pav bhaji, chicken tandoori at sector-5 market and tangri kabab at a shack at Ambagaon market.
A short 20 km is drive is all you need to reach this dam. A cool and tranquil place, has a photographic embankment. The walk through the long, dark tunnel inside the dam from one side to another is a harrowing but exciting experience.
5. Vaishno Devi Temple
Situated right at the center of the city atop a small hill, you need to burn a few calories and climb a few hundred steps to reach this place. Once you reach the temple make sure you trek your way to the top of the hill. But this place provides you an astonishing view of Rourkela from the top. RSP, the city, the rivers all in a single view.
6. Darjing River Bank
River bank of Brahmani, its vast expanse of sand makes it a nice picnic spot. The water level is not that deep even which makes it even better place to hang-out.
7. Indira Gandhi Park
A miniature zoo, boating facility, musical fountain. A crowdy place on weekends mostly buzzing with children.
Food
Awesome place for a foodie. Top notch restaurants like Moksha, Regency Inn, Central Park are as good as any fine restaurant you would find in a big city. For a quick bite there is no better place like Max. If you ever make it to Rourkela don't forget the badam milk near Moksha at the Main Road, gol gappe aka gupchup, dabeli, pav bhaji, chicken tandoori at sector-5 market and tangri kabab at a shack at Ambagaon market.
