Sambalpur, located in Odisha, is renowned for its breathtaking lush green landscapes and traditional heritage weaves. The Sambalpuri weave, a form of Ikat handloom, involves tie-dyeing the yarn before the weaver begins their intricate work. As a result of the pandemic, the region saw a decline in tourism. However, over the past year, Sambalpur and its surrounding areas have experienced a noteworthy increase in the influx of foreign tourists visiting its popular destinations. According to local news media, a tourism department report confirms a substantial increase in the number of foreign tourists visiting Sambalpur for the first time in four years.
The latest report from the tourism department confirms a remarkable surge in the number of foreign tourists visiting Sambalpur in Odisha for the first time in four years. These figures demonstrate that the area is reclaiming its position as a highly desirable destination for foreign tourists. According to local tourism authorities, the number of foreign tourists has consistently risen, attributed to the renewed appeal of attractions such as Hirakud Dam, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and the historic Leaning Temple of Huma. Moreover, Samaleswari, revitalised under the SAMALEI scheme, has now firmly established itself as a prominent feature on the region's tourism map.
Other attractions like Ushakothi, Chiplima, and Gudguda have also experienced a noticeable surge in domestic tourist visits. In 2020-21, the footfall of domestic tourists to Sambalpur stood at 122,021, while the number of foreign tourists was a mere 60. However, in 2023-24, domestic tourist footfall soared to 592,461, and a remarkable 812 foreign tourists visited the district. According to the district tourism officer, RK Dalai, there has been a steady and positive increase in the number of foreign tourists over the past year. The revival is promising, and the tourism authorities anticipate even better results in the upcoming seasons.
As per records, Ushakothi recorded 28,234 domestic tourist footfalls in 2023-24, compared to 2,147 in 2020-21. Similarly, Chiplima saw an increase from 77,984 footfalls in 2020-21 to 230,732 in 2023-24. Gudguda had 34,633 footfalls in 2020-21, which rose to 146,399 in 2023-24, and Kendhara had 4,462 footfalls in 2020-21, increasing to 16,260 in 2023-24.
According to authorities, incorporating Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Khinda into the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is projected to substantially impact the influx of international tourists. Swadesh Darshan, a government initiative, is designed to facilitate the comprehensive development of theme-based tourist circuits, specifically focusing on establishing sustainable tourist infrastructure and improved access to heritage sites. In the programme's latest phase, Debrigarh and Khinda are set to undergo extensive eco-tourism development, featuring the introduction of state-of-the-art amenities, new trekking routes, and enhanced wildlife viewing facilities.
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is celebrated for its expansive and diverse dry deciduous forest, home to various flora and fauna. The lush greenery and untamed wilderness of the sanctuary make it a magnet for wildlife and nature enthusiasts from Odisha and neighbouring states.