Bankadagada, spelled as Bankaadagada (ବଙ୍କାଡଗଡ in Odia), was once the capital city of the powerful Sailodabhava dynasty who came from Mahendragiri area (present Gajapati dist) & created their kingdom in Kangoda region (between Khordha & Ganjam). This lost city was once a flourishing place during 6^th-7^th century & were known for their expertise in earliest temple building techniques. Bankadagada is located under Niladriprasad block, close to Banapur Town in Khordha dist. There is remnants of an earliest Kalingan style temple – Swapneswar Temple with a huge linga worshipped. The complex is built on the Astayatana style of early Kalingan architecture with main shine in the middle, surrounded by eight sub-shrines. The temple murals looks more like in formative stage, yet beautiful to view. The artefacts recovered from the area have been preserved in a makeshift museum adjacent to the site.   

Among the other nearby sites, Berbera Forest near Salia Dam is truly a birding paradise with around 104 bird species sighted. It’s a hidden treasure for nature lovers & if you are fortunate, you can sight some wilds animals like spotted dear, wild boar, Indian giant squirrel etc. Berbera is also known for its British era Forest Rest House (FRH) & huge teak plantations which were once guarded by the CISF. It has a few mini waterfalls & one can get a feel of fresh air while trekking inside the forest. Spelled locally as Berbera, the name is derived from a British Officer’s wife (maybe Barbara) name who was killed by a tiger which roaming out from the Forest Rest House. The reserve forest requires prior permission from Forest Dept before making entry. This curated tour is ideal for both nature lovers & heritage enthusiasts.

Tour Date: 1^st March 2026 (Sunday)

Pickup/Drop Down Point: Ravi Talkies & Khandagiri Sq (Bbsr)

Report By: 06.30 AM

Duration: 11+hours (06.30 AM – 06.00 PM)

Distance to be covered: Around 120kms (2.30 hrs drive) on road & back

Images: Manoj Sahoo, Taranisen Pattnaik

Charges per head: For charges, please get in touch with us via whatsapp # 09861288166 & mail at infoaitiha@gmail.com . Our charges are inclusive of cab rentals, guide fees, veg breakfast en-route, 500*2 water bottle, toll/entry/parking fees but excluding lunch facilities. In case of any additional/revised & incidental group expenses at sites, it shall be collectively borne by the participants (excl the Aitiha team & cab rider).

For registration, click http://aitiha.com/event-registration/

Sites to touch – Two major sites under the tour namely Swapneswar Teample, museum shed & Salia stream at Bankadagada & Berbera Reserve Forest.

Registration & payment are open till 6 PM of 25^th Feb 2026 (Wed) subject to seat availability.

For registration & payment, please use/click on the link .. http://aitiha.com/event-registration/ & choose Explore Bankadagada Tour  from the drop-down options available.

Imp Notice: Those planning to join the day tour from outside Bhubaneswar are requested to be on time beforehand to avoid getting missed out. Those travelling overnight via local bus/train are requested to reach before the scheduled time at pickup point. It’s always better to reach & stay overnight at Bhubaneswar before the tour starts. Remember, the tour won’t stop or be delayed to accommodate you in case you are late beyond the grace time of 15 min. And, always try to book your return tickets in train/bus for later night boarding.

Guidelines for this tour –

Registration & payment open till 6 PM of 25^th Feb 2026 (Wed). You need to pay online in full through our portal’s event registration page & then register yourself online.

Your registration automatically confirms your acknowledgment of our Terms & Conditions, Do’s & Don’ts & Privacy Policy. Our tours will be of limited seats only, hence book early.

We shall move in a standard AC vehicle on sharing basis for the tour. ‘Bring Your Own Vehicle‘ (BYOV) option shall be allowed at guest’s own cost only when our booked cab has been filled up to capacity & there are lesser chances of getting another cab.

Our usual route shall be through Ravi Talkies Square>> Khandagiri Square>> Khordha>> Tangi >> Banapur>> Niladriprasad>> Bankadagada

Wear comfortable clothes as per climate & act responsibly. Please carry your essentials with you which may include any medicine, extra water for humidity, umbrella/cap/dupatta/stole, camera with lens etc. Don’t forget to carry your power bank, binoculars, tele zoom lens, mobile battery charged, camera ready with battery fully charged & memory card cleaned.

In case of any further queries, you may contact us via email at infoaitiha@gmail.com or WhatsApp us at 9861288166

For further details on our Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy, please click on the link below :- http://aitiha.com/terms-conditions/