The short answer
Junagarh (Temple Town and Old Capital): what visitors should know first
A worthwhile half-day if you like temples and old capitals, with an easy drive on the national highway. Expect a modest town rather than a polished attraction, and confirm temple hours locally.
History and context
The story behind Junagarh (Temple Town and Old Capital)
Wikipedia describes the town as a well-built fort and capital of Kalahandi under royal rule, with temples carrying Odia inscriptions. Dates for individual temples are not firmly established in the sources consulted.
Useful facts
Junagarh (Temple Town and Old Capital) facts at a glance
- Location
- Junagarh, Kalahandi
- Distance
- About 26 km from Bhawanipatna
- Known for
- Lankeswari, Dadhibamana, Kanakdurga temples
- Fort
- Former capital's fort area
- Festival
- Khandabasa, on Mulashtami
Why it matters
Why Junagarh (Temple Town and Old Capital) is worth your time
Junagarh gives Kalahandi its political and religious background: this fort town was the capital of the former state, and its Naga-clan goddess Lankeswari shows how war goddess worship and royal authority were tied together. A visit adds depth to what you see in Bhawanipatna.
It is also a gentle day out. The drive on the national highway is straightforward, the temples are compact, and the town is quiet. Together with Asurgarh and the Manikeswari temple, it forms a heritage circuit that shows how Kalahandi's rulers, goddesses and forts fit together, and it is the best substitute for a museum in a district that has few.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Lankeswari temple
The principal goddess of the Naga clan, treated as a war deity.
- 02
Old capital
Fortified capital of the former Kalahandi state.
- 03
Inscriptions
Odia inscriptions in the fort-area temples.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Junagarh was the fortified capital of the former Kalahandi state and is known as the temple town of the district. Start at the Lankeswari temple, dedicated to a war goddess of the Naga clan, then visit Dadhibamana and Kanakdurga. Temples in the fort area carry Odia inscriptions and sculptures that hint at the past.
The festival of Khandabasa, linked to the royal family and held on Mulashtami, is the best time to see local ritual, though crowds are larger then.
Combine Junagarh with a stop at Asurgarh if energy and time allow. Take water and snacks, since facilities are limited.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm temple hours
- Dress modestly
- Carry water
- Combine with Asurgarh if time allows
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Junagarh, about 26 km from Bhawanipatna on NH-26
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time
- October to March; Mulashtami for Khandabasa
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- A road trip with short walks between temples. Surfaces are uneven, shade is limited and facilities are basic.
- Tickets and access
- Temple visits are generally free; dress modestly and ask about photography. Confirm hours locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Junagarh (Temple Town and Old Capital)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A road trip with short walks between temples. Surfaces are uneven, shade is limited and facilities are basic.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Junagarh?
About 26 km from Bhawanipatna.
What is Junagarh known for?
Its temples and its role as the old capital of Kalahandi.
When is Khandabasa?
On Mulashtami.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
