Maa Pendrani of Umerkote is born out of a legend. A small village Pendra (Pendrahandi) near Umerkote worship a pure soul Pendrani, a married girl who was a victim of secret jealousy of her own brothers . As the story goes , her husband was overtly pampered by her parents who made him stay in their household with no work to bother about. The four brothers out of sheer jealousy conspired and succeeded in killing her innocent husband ( Pendara )  and buried him in their field . Sensing a foul play , Pendrani could unfold the heinous crime and apparently jumped into her husband’s funeral pyre and perished in its flames. Days
later her spirit was  believed to roam about the villages helping  those who  trusted  her supernatural transformation. People adore her scrifice and worship in a temple erected at Umerkote. That the local degree College is name after her is a tribute to the saga of supreme sacrifice.

After independence a monument called “SAHID MINAR” was raised to mark the sacrifice of these innocent and long-forgotton patriots on the same river bank.Every year people gather at the  Minar to pay floral tributes to those brave souls On 24th August. The Minar is located in the Papadahandi block of Nabarangpur. Papadahandi is famous for its Saiva Shrine of Nilakantheswara,  12 KM away from the District Head Quarter . A Temple with ancient stone carving of 8th century AD is situated here. Papadahandi is also known for its “ Champak Vana”. Now ITDA has its own honey processing unit here producing honey of.superior quality. On the bank of river Toori here is situated the "Shahid Smruti Stambha,"  a monument in commemoration of the 1942 Quit India Movement, coined  as the second Jalliwanawalabagh incident. Every year State Level Saheed Smruti Day is  celebrated here on 24th of August  paying tribute to 19 known and many other unknown Martyrs who died in Police firing during “Satyagraha”. The Deer Park here also attracts a large crowd .Watching Nature's bounties from the watch Tower in this park is a rare experience.

Four dams were constructed for the purpose of blocking the flow of River water . The highest dam is located at Khatiguda while the other Two are constructed at Muran and Kapur. The last two envelope Small streams which merge into river Indravati through the dam water.

Indravati Dam is constructed over the River Indravati, renowned  for  Hydro-electric Project. The water reservoir created out of the dam is another attraction for its scenic beauty. Podagad and Deopali Dams are locations of tourist interests and picnic spots.It has a catchment area of 2630 kms.

Maa Bhandargharani of Nabarangpur is the presiding deity of the locality. The name signifies the preserver of wealth and protector of lives. She is also worshipped in nearby villages. Tuesday and Saturday are marked for special worship. Devotees throng the temple precincts on every conceivable occasion to seek blessings.

The temple, Situated in the heart of Nabarangpur in front of old palace beside  NH 201. Bhandar gharani is an ancient deity  worshipped as per non vedic rituals. The Ghata Yatra, one of her main festivals,is observed every year in the month of April with great enthusiasm among people of the whole District. Large crowds also gather on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sankranti Days, Basanti Dashahara and Sharadiya Dashahara.She is adored all through as the protector of the houses and harbinger of prosperity.

The temples of Lord Jagannath are scattered throughout the Nabarangpur district. But the ancient one is located at Nabarangpur itself. The temple has no outward trappings and looks like an old private quarter except, of course, for the Garuda stambha (pillar) on its frontal gate. Till the late 80’s only the single deity –Lord Jagannath was stalled on the sanctum sanctorium. According to a legend, two other wooden idols-that of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra were seized by one ruler of Bastar region and stalled at a temple in Jagadalpur and that of Lord Jagannth slipped from the elephant back half-way and was retrieved the next day. Now the three deities are worshiped from a huge pedestal, due to the zeal of devotees and  officials who carved out two symmetrical wooden idols to replenish the fatal loss. The wooden carvings on the temple roof are a marvel to look at. Various forms of human, and animal find place on the wooden beams. Birds, flowers and other splendour of art and architecture cover every inch of the roof. Even a casual glimpse of erotica adds awe to the raving and scrutinizing eyes. What is displayed exuberantly on the stones elsewhere in the state is figured on wooden surface in this remote region. This treasure is well preserved with a coat of shinning black paint against the ravages of  Time .

Gosein Dorah:

Gosein Dorah is a natural water fall situated in Jhorigam Block 82 KM  away from Nabarangpur . This waterfall, situated in the virgin forest, attracts tourists from far off places. There is a scope for mountain trekking at this spot.

Kelia Temple:

Kelia Shiva Temple is a very old Temple famous for both  its  location and spirituality . Situated in  Dabugam Block, 42 KM away from District Head Quarter  with Parvati Cave one kilometre across the mountain and beckoned with mysterious legends  it attracts large crowd of people every now and then . Also large number of gathering witnessed every year during Shiva Ratri.

Podagada(The Ruined Fort):

A historical place  situated 52KMsaway from Nabarangpur and 24 KM from Umerkote. Large number of archeological heritages and also Brahmi inscriptions  of Nala Dynasty of 4th to 5th century A.D are worth viewing. Remins of forts, soldier camps , military establishments etc.are found here Covered with dense forest having vast rocks and so many rare historical remains. and ruins of Padagada (The Burnt Fort)still awaits exploration by the researchers and academicians.  Alekh Temple , Sati Stones, Bhairabi Temple , foot print of Laxmi are objects of astonishment here.This place is also renowned for the mysterious legends of King Bhavadatta Verman ,King Artha pati ,Vakataka dynasty ,Chalukya Kirtee Verman and many others.60 Gold coins discovered from this place has thrown an opening for the researchers. The  ruined Queen Palace ,the statues of the Sun God and the Moon God  and the mysterious Caves (Gumphas) add to  its immense potentiality  for Tourism.

Chandan Dhara  :

Chandan Dhara is a natural water fall situated in Jhorigam Block 90 KM away from Nabarangpur ,also remarkable for a natural Shiva Lingam . An ideal location for outings and picnic.

Bhaskel Reservoir:    

Bhaskel Reservoir constructed over river Bhaskel in Umerkote Block,. Basically used for irrigation and pisciculture. The  waterbody creates a view of artificial lake with natural surroundings multiplying a visitor's delight . This is an ideal place for picnic and tourist interest.

Hirli Dangar :  

Just beside Nabarangpur town is a hillock with profuse scenic beauty and full serenity loved by visitors to retire far from the madding crowd though so close to the town. The park and curvy hill driving add to any visitor's joy.

Gorvarai Temple :

Situated at Pujariguda 25 kms from Nabarangpur and 3kms from Maidalpur  with Shiva Shrine amid a picturesque waterfall is a lovable picnic spot.

Mandadangri:

11 kms from Nabarangpur, near Chatahandi,is famous for the Shiva Shrine with caves.

Jagannathpur Temple

23 kms from   Nabarangpur, origin place of Godess Maa Bhandrgharani previously worshipped by the royal family. Tiger palm situated on a rock  is a subject of observation.