The city of Angul located at the heart of Odisha is one of the most important commercial and industrial centers. Besides, it is also developing into a major tourist center, owing to its lush green forests and pleasant ambiance, abundant wildlife, and beautiful tourist attractions and scenic locations. Availability of utility services, well developed transport system, strategic location, pleasant climatic conditions and industrial development have contributed majorly to the progress and increasing popularity of this city.
About Angul
Brief History of Angul
The city of Angul has witnessed the rise and fall of several great and reputed dynasties. This city came under the rule of Bhaumakaras, Somavamsis of South Kosala, Gangas, Suryavamsis, Bhoi dynasty, Afghans of Bengal, and other rulers belonging to varied dynasties. Somanath Singh is believed to be the last ruler of Angul and he ruled from 1814 to 1847, for a period of about 33 years, until he was removed by the government. Due to its head strong and outspoken nature, he incurred the wrath of the British officials. Therefore, Angul came under the rule of the British government in the year 1848. It came under the administrative purview of the Tehsildar, who was responsible for administering justice and for revenue collection. The district of Angul, which was formerly a part of Dhenkanal district came into separate existence on April 1, 1993.
Art and Culture in Angul
Though
majority of the people living in Angul are Hindus, people belonging to
other castes and communities also live together here in peace and
harmony. Odiya language is widely spoken among the people here.
Festivals like Rath Yatra, Ganesh Puja, Viswakarma Puja, Saraswathi
Puja, Karthik Purnima, Durga Puja and others are celebrated by the
people in Angul amidst great pomp and fanfare. Various cultural events
and social gatherings are organised from time to time, with the active
participation of people belonging to all sections of the society. Men in
Angul wear dhoti and kurta or shirt or dhoti and ghamuchha. Traditional
attire of the women here include sarees and blouse. Women like to adorn
themselves with a variety of jewels and accessories. However, due to
the influence of Western culture, outfits like shirts, trousers, jeans,
skirts are gaining huge popularity among the youngsters.
Geography and Climate of Angul
Located between 20° 31 N & 21° 40 North latitude and 84° 15 E & 85° 23 East Longitude, the city of Angul is the administrative headquarters of Angul district and is known for its vast reserves of natural resources. The average summer temperature in this city can rise up to 47° C, while the average temperature in winter is about 10° C. Winters are cool and pleasant in Angul, while during summer season, the temperature can rise even up to 55° C. The rainfall too is irregular in this city. An ideal time to visit this city would therefore be during the months from December to February in winter, as the climate then would be pleasant and suitable for sight-seeing. The population of Angul city according to the 2011 census was 43,795, and the population density was 2,017.3 per square kilometre.
Economy and Industrialism in Angul
Due
to abundant natural resources and availability of man power, Angul is
one of the major contributors to the economy of Odisha state.
Availability of forest and mineral resources in plenty also contribute
to the industrial progress made by this city. Various cottage
industries, large and medium scale industries can be found within and
near this city. A number of public sector undertakings too have been set
up in the vicinity of this city, thus helping boost the economy and
revenue of the district as a whole. This region has made considerable
progress in handicraft sector, cottage industries and handlooms.
Tourist Attractions in Angul
Jagannath Temple in Angul
The
city of Angul is known for its lush green forests and scenic beauty and
is home to numerous tourist attractions. There are tiny villages and
religious places of worship in and around this city, that attract huge
crowds of visitors from far and wide. Sri Saila Khetra, Budhi Thakurani
and Deulajhari temples are quite popular and attract hordes of
worshippers from all over the state. The Car Festival celebrated in Sri
Saila Khetra is known for its magnificence and splendour and is a must
visit. Tikarpaad village is known for its scenic beauty and picturesque
spots, where visitors get to indulge in a number of adventure sports
like boating, angling etc. Khuludi village near Angul is known for its
beautiful waterfalls and is a popular picnic spot that attracts people
belonging to all age groups. Read More...........................
Transportation in Angul
Being an important industrial, commercial and tourist centre, Angul city is well connected to other major Indian cities in its vicinity by rail, road and air ways. As there is no airport in this city, the Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneshwar city is the airport nearest to Angul, and is well connected to all important cities by regular fights. The Angul Railway Station is a part of the East Coast Railway Line and is well connected to nearby destinations. Its strategic location makes this city easily accessible via major national highways. Bus and cab services are offered by private travel agencies for travelling within as well as around this city. The major modes of communication within the city include auto rickshaws and taxis. Read More...............
Shopping in Angul
Shopping
Numerous book stores, general stores, electronic goods showrooms, gift shops, cosmetic stores, hardware stores, optical stores, apparel shops can be found throughout the city. You also come across vendors on the roadside selling a wide variety of wares at highly striking prices. While visiting this city, do not forget to purchase handloom items, carpentry works, works of bell metal etc that are quite popular and are in demand among the visitors. If you wish to indulge in a full-fledged shopping spree, visit the capital city of Bhubaneshwar and return home with your bags and hearts full.
Angul at a glance
Country: India State: Odisha District: Angul Languages: Oriya, English Altitude: 195 m (640 ft) above sea level PIN Code: 759122 STD Code: 06764 Major Tourist Attractions: Sri Saila Khetra, Khuludi, Talcher, Budhi Thakurani, Tikarpada, Deulajhari, Bhimakund etc.