By first look, it seemed very old temple with good architecture. I finally visited in late October. In fact, the temple is still under construction. I'm told that the construction started in 2017 by one Nishad raj from Dhamtari town nearby. He acquired the land and started building this temple, all by himself. The construction halted due to lack of funding. Even though people offered to contribute, he refused to take funds. Two structures coming up side by side, with distinct Hindu and Islamic architecture. Looks funny. The state government is building a retaining wall to save the structure from flooding during monsoons. The place lacks basic infrastructure and is not very tourist friendly. Public toilets are built by the government and maintained by the local village administration. Better carry food and water. Leave no plastic behind. It is worth a visit from October to June and spend a few hours. From July to September, the water level of reservoir reaches upto temple and there's hardly any space for parking. Approach road from highway is dusty and narrow and gets muddy in monsoons. This place is remote hence plan your return by 5 pm for safety reasons.
I recently visited there. The construction work of the temple is still in progress. Some teenagers spoiled the wall of the temple by writing all their name inside it. The Idol needs to be established. The location is quite good enough for the picnic and photoshoot. I was there for my friend's pre-wedding shoot. There are several boats. You can take a ride of it for just 50/- per head. A few small shops are there where you can buy chips, cold drinks, and snacks. But I feel there should be one small hotel where the visitors can have their Nasta and meal.
Please to visit avoid mansoon coz of road if you are not like advanture travels but if you like you like it, calm fresh and mesmerizing
Nice and peacefull place.. nice scenery. And local boating in good. And the temple is so iconic and love to see arteffect of temple.. nice picnic spot for family. Road and jungle road is also nice for long drive lovers..
1. Location is perfect besides Mahanadi. Boating might be risky as no lifejackets. 2. Temple is made of cement with many engraved idols in it. 3. Temple itself is incomplete though as no idol inside the temple 4. Route to get here is beautiful
Very beautiful and serene place. Loved spending time here with family and friends.
Good place for short day trips, backwaters of Gangrel dam, actually the river Mahanadi flows into the dam. Place surrounded by forest with patches of villages. Need to carry food and snacks of choice. Only some vendors serve tea, mineral water and hot snacks. Boating is carried by local fishermens.
Onakona Temple in the Balod district of Chhattisgarh is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Mahakal Temple has an amazing architectural style, built without beams.
