Dhabaleswar

Situated on the lifeline of Odisha, River Mahanadi, this 11th century Shiva Temple is connected to the mainland by the longest suspension bridge in Odisha. Built by the state Government with NABARD assistance, this first of its kind bridge in the state was completed and opened to public in 2006. This magnificent structure is 254 m long and 2 m wide and has enabled easy access to lakhs of pilgrims. Devotees do not have to cross the river by ferry, though some people still prefer the water way. The experience of walking on the foot bridge can be riveting especially if it’s crowded. It sways a little at the beginning and it takes a bit of time to get used to the structure. Irrespective of the time of the year, month or day, one will always, invariably, find trigger happy shutterbugs striving to fit in their respective subjects with the bridge’s background. Dhabaleswar witnesses more than 13 lakh visitors annually with important festivals like Shivaratri, Pausha Purnima, Dola Purnima and Kartika Purnima being celebrated with great aplomb and fanfare. Apart from the temple’s prasad (bhog), visitors can try out variety of local street food served by numerous vendors in and around the temple complex.

Dhabaleswar boasts of selling the tastiest Dahi Vada-Alu Dum (a local delicacy) in Odisha. Numerous shops have also cropped up at the bridge's entrance and parking area, offering a plethora of shopping and eating options. More than the temple, it’s the mighty river which manages to stir one’s divine spirit. The evening sun, especially during winters, casts on the island a soft, diffused glow while the horizon of the river turns into a gleaming scarlet streak. The river at this time of the year is quiet, its stillness not as hypnotic as introspective and absorbent. The unique experience of the hanging bridge and the picturesque surroundings makes this place worth a one-time visit even for the eternal atheist.

Getting there: Located 35 km to the north of Cuttack, Dhabaleswar can be easily reached via Chowdwar (Cuttack district).
Best time to visit: November to February
Transport: Local cabs are readily available from Bhubaneswar & Cuttack. Auto rickshaws also ply from Cuttack railway station.
Suggested accommodation:
1. OTDC Panthashala (Odisha Tourism Development Corporatiom) Phone: +91-671-2312225

2. Panthanivas Cuttack Phone: +91-671-2306867/2306916 Email: otdc@panthanivas.com

3. Pramod Convention & Club Resort www.pramodresorts.com