Chandragiri

Ancient Odisha or Kalinga in the past had gifted the world Buddhism. After the invasion of the region, emperor Ashok became a Buddhist and tried his best to take the religion to the east Asian nations and other neighbouring countries. Now in the modern times, the Tibetan population in Gajapati district’s Chandragiri are showing the world their skills with their agriculture, architecture and weaving skills and how Buddhist followers have transformed a somewhat barren to the “maize bowl” of Odisha.

Chandragiri with rare scenic beauty, which presents a picturesque landscape, is a paradise for all nature lovers. Surrounded by luxuriant tropical forest, gurgling rivers, exquisite mountain slopes and roaring hilltops this exotic place of Orissa is widely known for the Tibetan refugee colony, where immigrants from Tibet have been rehabilitated. Bestowed with bounties of nature, this place is famous for seasonal fruits, Tibetan woolen garments, carpets and dogs of various breeds. The large scale horticulture plantations as well as cultural activities of the Tibetan refugees make this place more colourful and attractive. This hillside settlement of Tibetans, which is also an ideal health resort, attracts both domestic and foreign tourists from far and wide for its pleasant ambience.

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Chandragiri, about 80 kilometers from Berhampur a southern town of Orissa, was chosen as one of the main six camps / settlements established in the country. The first batch of Tibetan refugees arrived in Orissa on 1st May of 1963 and was settled in Chandragiri of Gajpati district. Settlements were devided into five camps each at a distance of about 4 to 5 kilometers at Chandragiri, Tankilipadar, Lobarsingi, Jiranga, and Mahendragada (special camp). Tibetans are used to a living in the cold region. So Government of Orissa selected Chandragiri for the settlement of refugees keeping in view the climatic and environmental similarity between Chandragiri and Tibet. Chandragiri is situated at an elevation of about 3200 feet above sea-level on a plateau of eastern ghat, having approximately 70 inches rainfall and 40 to 80 degree Fahrenheit temperature.

Carpet weaving being century old profession of the Tibetans, the carpets produced at Chandragiri are exported to European countries. Tibetan women and children who do not pursue their higher studies are mostly engaged in carpet weaving. Out of the two carpet weaving factories, started with Swiss Government collaboration, one is located at Chandragiri and the other at Lobarsingi. Apart from carpet weaving, Tibetan refugees are also experts in weaving textiles, producing clothes, wood carving, painting and metal work. In addition to these, Tibetan herbal medicine have also contributed significantly to the Indian society.

Chandragiri is named as “Phuntsokling” by the refugees, which literally means “land of happiness and plenty”. It is also a sacred place of Buddhist pilgrims. Because Tibetan refugees are highly religious their religious traditions, rituals are very much reflected in their day-to-day lifestyle. At least one member of each refugee family is dedicated to the monkhood. Besides, Tibetan religious monasteries have been established in every settlement including Chandragiri.

How to reach Chandragiri

Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. From Bhubaneswar you can travel by road or by train to reach Berhampur. Berhampur is one important railway station in Howarh Chennai rail route. From Berhampur Take a cab or public transport to reach Chandragiri. If you are travelling from Berhampur take the road towards Digapahandi , Taptapani. You can visit hot spring at Taptapani and then travel towards Mohana. At entrance of Mohana town take left turn and travel 18 KM to reach Chadragiri.

Chandragiri is 18 KM from Mohana
Chandragiri is 35 KM from Taptapani
Chandragiri is 90 KM from Berahampur

From Chandragiri town you can travel 4 KM to reach Budhist Monastry ( 8 KM from Chandragiri Bus stop) , popularly known as Jeerango temple. This is a school for Tibetan studies and there are nearly thirty students staying and reading different courses here.

There are schools, hospitals and well constructed road around the settlement. Buddhist temple is very attractive with beautiful paintings on the wall. All around the temple there are well maintained gardens. This four storied temple have a big prayer hall at ground floor.

Prayer time is morning 5.30 AM and evening 4 PM

Photography is not allowed inside the prayer hall of the main temple complex. There are colourful wall hanging with painting s brought from Nepal and other parts of the country. Both side of the temple there are hostel complex for students. Tourist and not allowed to enter inside hostel and school complex. There are playground for the students .

There is an old temple located at left side of main entrance of the temple.

Parking facility is available near the entrance of the temple. There is a canteen outside the complex.