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Chudanga Gada Fort, a historical marvel in Odisha, is located amidst secluded, peaceful surroundings. The fort is located close to Sarangagarh and is one of the hidden gems of Odisha though it played a crucial role during the mediaeval period. It served as a bastion for the Ganga Dynasty. Despite being dilapidated today, its remains remind us of its architectural beauty; this building was once an important site strategically chosen by the architects. History geeks or curious travellers will have a great experience spending time at Chudanga Gada Fort.
Location
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The Chudanga Gada Fort is situated near Baranga Village which is around 15 Kilometres away from Bhubaneswar city in Odisha. This fort is built on the banks of the Mahanadi River and is encircled by lush green forests that give it a magical aura. The position of the fort offered it natural safeguards as well as a direct route to the river that was significant for commerce and war when it was constructed.
How To Reach Chudanga Gada Fort
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By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport is the closest airport to Chudanga Gada Fort and is situated at a distance of 20 kilometres in Bhubaneswar.On arrival, passengers may either choose to take a cab or use app-based taxi services that facilitate their journey to the fort.
By Rail: The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is the nearest railhead located around 15 kilometres from Chudanga Gada Fort. You can get there by taxi, auto-rickshaws or local buses. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to arrive at this historical site which is a very convenient and effective mode of transport.
By Road: The Chudanga Gada Fort is found along the way to Baranga village and is easily reachable from road networks. This fort can be reached after travelling a distance of 15 kilometres, which takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic levels.
Places To Visit Near Chudanga Gada Fort
Here is a list of places that your must see nearby while exploring the Chudanga Gada fort on your trip:
1. Chandrabhaga Temple
Photo: Anupam Mukherjee / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chandrabhaga Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, 30 kilometres from Chaiturgarh Fort. Known for its elaborate architectural design and sculptural beauty, this temple houses remarkable carvings depicting different gods and mythological scenes. Built in the 11th century, it shows the artistic skills of the period and is one of the important pilgrimage places.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Generally free; check for local guidelines
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Nearest Station: Bhubaneswar Railway Station (30 kilometres away)
2. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Arturo de Frias Marques / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over 346 sq km of lush vegetation and diverse fauna about 40 km away from Chaiturgarh Fort. This sanctuary was established in 1985, it is home to species like tigers, leopards, elephants and a variety of birds. It contains serene scenery with dense forests and appealing water bodies. Safari rides and guided tours are available for visitors who want to explore the beauty of endangered wildlife and natural landscapes.
Major Attractions: Diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, and elephants; scenic landscapes and water bodies
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Nearest Station: Sambalpur Railway Station (40 kilometres away)
3. Hirakud Dam
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Hirakud Dam is one of the world’s longest earthen dams, located 50 kilometres from Chittorgarh Fort and extending approximately 25.8 kilometres across the Mahanadi River. It was built in the 1950s and its major functions include flood control, irrigation and power generation. The dam provides picturesque views of the river as well as the entire landscape making it a favourite place for tourist activities such as tourism and photography.
Major Attractions: Longest earthen dam, panoramic views of the Mahanadi River
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Nearest Station: Sambalpur Railway Station (50 kilometres away)
4. Sonepur
Photo: Srmahalik / Wikimedia Commons
Owing to its rich cultural background, Sonepur is one of the historic towns and is home to one of the oldest and largest cattle fairs held in Asia labelled, “Sonepur Cattle Fair” attracting visitors and traders all over the nation. Harihar Nath temple is another popular tourist site dedicated to Lord Shiva and a beautiful temple known as Gandharadi which is also located within the same premises.
Major Attractions: Sonepur Cattle Fair, Harihar Nath Temple, Gandhari Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March, or during the cattle fair in November
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 to 4 hours
Nearest Station: Sonepur Railway Station (6 kilometres away)
5. Huma Temple
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Huma Temple is about 45 kilometres from Chaiturgarh Fort and stands as a famous leaning tower defying the laws of physics. It is a marvel of architecture and worship space for the devotees. It is one of the unique temples in the world which attracts many tourists every year. Located on Mahanadi Bank, Huma presents excellent views.
Major Attractions: Unique leaning tower, dedicated to Lord Shiva, scenic river views
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Nearest Station: Sambalpur Railway Station (45 kilometres away)
Where To Stay
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There are a variety of accommodation options in Bhubaneswar, which is close to Chudanga Gada Fort. For a luxurious stay, Mayfair Lagoon and Trident hotels have the best quality amenities that provide special comfort. For mid-range budgets, Swosti Grand or Ginger Bhubaneswar offer good services at affordable prices. Budget tourists can stay in places like Hotel Arya Palace which are affordable.
Where To Eat
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Bhubaneswar offers a multitude of dining options that define various tastes and budgets. The Pink Elephant or The Royal Bengal offers fine dining experiences with authentic regional and international cuisines. Dalma or Trident’s restaurant are great options for local flavours consisting of traditional Odia dishes. Odisha Hotel and Mayfair Convention are mid-range restaurants having a vast option of dishes. Unit-1 and Unit-2 local markets for street food lovers provide snacks like pav bhaji and chaat in any season.
Other Factors To Consider
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Best Time To Visit
In colder months, from October to March, you should plan your trip to Chudanga Gada Fort. This period has a mild climate between 15°C to 25°C which is good for trekking and exploring the fort.
Average Cost Of Trip
A budget traveller might spend about ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per day covering transport, lodging and food. For mid-range travellers, the budget can vary from ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 daily. When it comes to luxury travel, the hotels start from 12,000 rupees per night, including taxis as well as fine dining.
Tips For Travellers
- For the most assuredly delightful weather to go to Chudanga Gada Fort, try scheduling your trip from October to March which is usually the winter months.
- Always have on hand some water bottles when taking these tours especially if it’s hot outside; it will help keep your body hydrated and prevent dehydration.
- Opt for local taxis or auto-rickshaws. One can also rent bicycles to move conveniently.
- Sunscreen, glasses and hats are essential for protection against sun rays.
- Ensure you have enough cash, as not all places accept credit cards.
- Pay attention to your belongings and always leave your valuables in designated locker rooms.
Plan your visit to the Chudanga Gada Fort today and learn about the rich history and beautiful architecture. If you are a history aficionado, nature enthusiast or just looking for a calm holiday then Chudanga Gada Fort and its nearby attractions have something for everyone. Plan your trip with TripXL for a memorable experience and immerse yourself in the fascinating tales from Bhiwnasher’s history!
Cover Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
