Things To Do
in Sundargarh
Sundargarh is a district headquarters town in western Odisha set amid rolling hills, forests and mineral-rich uplands. The area blends tribal culture, quiet market towns and scenic waterfalls, with nearby industrial centres such as Rourkela providing modern services. Visitors will find a strong local identity expressed in festivals, traditional dance and forest cuisine, plus access to wildlife and hiking.
Sundargarh is a good base for short nature outings, photographing waterfalls and experiencing rural Odia and tribal life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk around the bustling local market, soaking in the aromas of fresh produce and street snacks. Meet a friendly guide who will introduce you to Sundargarh’s history, pointing out colonial-era buildings and temples. Capture the lively spirit of the town while sipping locally brewed tea from a roadside stall.
Explore the Sundargarh Fort ruins perched on a rocky hill, marveling at centuries-old stone walls and panoramic views of the town below. Learn about the area’s tribal heritage at the District Museum, where traditional textiles and weapons are on display. Enjoy a hearty thali lunch at a family-run eatery, sampling steamed rice cakes and spiced lentils.
Stroll along the serene lakeside promenade as the sun dips behind the hills, casting golden reflections on the water. Visit a lakeside cafe to savor fresh pakoras and masala chai while local musicians play folk tunes. Retire to your comfortable guesthouse and plan the adventures ahead with your guide.
Head out early to Mandira Dam, where shimmering waters spill over the concrete spillway against a backdrop of lush hills. Walk along the dam crest to feel the cool mist on your face and watch fishermen cast lines in the reservoir. Capture sunrise hues dancing across the water before breakfast.
Set off for the nearby rocky trails leading to a hidden waterfall, plunging into a natural pool surrounded by ferns. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a smooth boulder as you listen to water tumbling over mossy rocks. Take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear pool and let the current wash away any travel fatigue.
Return to town via a scenic backroad, stopping at a roadside stall for warm sweet pakhal, a rice dish. Visit a local handicraft center to observe artisans weaving palm leaf baskets and carving wooden figurines. Sample a local dessert made from jaggery and coconut before retiring early.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at a cafe | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi/auto-rickshaw ride | $0.30-2 (depending on distance) |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-25 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.20-0.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to scenic waterfalls and forested hills for nature lovers
- Rich tribal culture and authentic local markets
- Less crowded than major tourist centres; relaxed pace
- Good base to explore nearby Rourkela and regional attractions
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities compared with big cities
- Road and trail conditions can be challenging in monsoon
- Few international-standard hotels or medical facilities in town
- Language barriers outside urban centres if you don’t speak Odia or Hindi
- "Namaskar" - Hello / respectful greeting
- "Dhanyabad" - Thank you
- "Mu bhala achhi" - I am fine
- "Eta kete?" - How much is this?
- "Daya kari sahaya karibe" - Please help me
- "Mo nama ..." - My name is ...
Places to Visit in Sundargarh
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic waterfall set in forested hills — best for wide landscape shots and long-exposure waterfall photography during/after the monsoon season.
Water vistas with surrounding hills and birdlife; sunrise and sunset produce attractive reflections and silhouettes.
Colorful market scenes, textiles, produce and tribal vendors — excellent for candid cultural and street photography (always ask before photographing people).
Upland ridges around the town provide sweeping panoramic views over valleys, ideal for golden-hour landscape shots.
Seasonal festivals and performative dances offer vibrant costumes and movement — great for portrait and action photography when permitted.
Food in Sundargarh
Sundargarh Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty lentil and vegetable stew flavored with ginger, garlic and mild spices — widely available at local eateries and homestays.
Must-Try!
Fermented or watered rice served with fried or mashed vegetables, chilies and a drizzle of mustard oil — a cooling staple in hot months, found in small restaurants and homes.
A baked cheese dessert made from chhena (fresh paneer) and sugar — try at local sweet shops or bakeries.
Local river or reservoir fish cooked in mustard and tamarind-based gravies — common in roadside dhabas and family restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Daily market with fresh produce, small stalls selling fried snacks, pakoras, samosas and seasonal fruit; a good place to try simple street foods and mingle with locals.
Weekly markets in surrounding villages where tribal vendors sell vegetables, forest produce, handmade baskets, smoked fish and local sweets — ideal for authentic snacks and photographs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use a respectful greeting such as 'Namaskar' and show deference to elders; a slight bow or hands-joined gesture is appreciated.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or rural communities — cover shoulders and wear longer skirts/trousers. Beach-style clothing is inappropriate in town and villages.
Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes; ask permission before entering private property or taking photos of people.
Be sensitive when photographing or discussing traditions — ask for consent, offer a small gift if staying in a home, and avoid making assumptions about beliefs or practices.
Safety
Tipping in Sundargarh
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest: 5–10% in restaurants is common where service is good; round up fares for auto-rickshaws and tip hotel staff a small amount for services. For local guides and drivers, agree on a rate in advance and consider a small extra tip for exceptional service.
Cash (Indian rupees) is widely used, especially in markets and small eateries. Debit/credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; mobile payments and UPI are common in towns. Carry enough cash for remote or rural purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–June are hot and dry with daytime temperatures often high; mornings and evenings are preferable for outdoor activities. Carry sun protection, water and lightweight breathable clothing; try pakhala (fermented rice) to cool down like locals.
July–September bring heavy rains that enhance waterfalls and greenery but can make some rural roads muddy or impassable. Good time for waterfall photography but check local conditions before trekking.
October–February are mild and pleasant with cool nights — the best time for hiking, visiting markets and exploring rural areas. Daytime is comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
Sundargarh at Night
Hiking in Sundargarh
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail to the Khandadhar waterfall offers moderate trekking through forested slopes and rocky outcrops; best attempted with a local guide, especially during or after the monsoon.
Gentle walks along the Mandira reservoir provide scenic water views, birdwatching opportunities and easy terrain for most visitors.
Short hikes along nearby hill ridges and around tribal villages offer panoramic views of valleys and a chance to experience rural life; routes are typically informal — ask locals for safe paths.
Airports
How to reach Sundargarh by plane.
Closest regional airport with limited commercial flights; about a short drive from Sundargarh town. Taxis and buses connect Rourkela with Sundargarh.
Larger regional airport with better connectivity to major cities by road (approximately 1.5–3 hours by car depending on route); useful for connections when Rourkela flights are limited.
Major state airport with national and some international connections; several hours away by road — practical if combining Sundargarh with other Odisha destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents speak Odia and practice mainstream Odia cultural traditions and festivals.
Significant tribal populations including groups such as Oraon, Munda, Kharia, Kisan and others who preserve distinct languages, crafts and customs.
Workers linked to nearby industrial hubs (notably Rourkela) and migrant labourers contribute to a mixed urban workforce in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Field hockey is popular in Odisha and the wider region, with local interest and participation at school and community levels.
Football is widely enjoyed among youth and in village competitions; informal matches are common in open grounds.
Traditional and contact sports like kabaddi are played in villages and during festivals, reflecting local sporting culture.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sundargarh.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian food is easy to find — dalma, vegetable curries, pakhala and snacks are widely available. Confirm ghee or fish-based gravies if strict; many small eateries will accommodate simple vegetarian requests.
Rice-based meals and lentils are naturally suitable for vegans; ask about ghee/dairy in preparations. Gluten-free options are common if you stick to rice, lentils and vegetables but take care with fried street foods that may use wheat.
Muslim or Hindu dietary rules are generally respected — specify halal or vegetarian needs in advance; pork is uncommon in most local menus but available in some tribal preparations.