Places we are proud of: MAYURBHANJ

Mayurbhanj has the distinction of having a vast forest area bristling with varied flora and fauna-stretches of lush green forest served with a network of perennial streams. And its bracing climate contributes so much to make the district an ideal habitat for tropical birds and animals. Specific mention may be made of Similipal National Park- the ideal zone for animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, deer and birds. Added to it is the scenic beauty in extravaganza which keeps one amazed. A nature loving tourist cannot perhaps afford to miss the majestic sal forests, cool, calm and expansive grassy lands, soaring peaks and the waterfalls of streaming pearls which make Similipal the " Dreamland of Nature ".

Rich in ancient culture, the district is a treasure house for the students of history and archaeology. The Bhanja rulers have left their makes at places like Khiching, Haripur and Baripada. The prehistoric sites of Kuchai and Kuliana provide interesting study.

A host of colourful tribal dances as well as the traditional Chhau dance are added attractions of the district. Baripada, the district headquarters, can be conveniently made the base for planning a tour of district.

ATTRACTIONS:

Similipal

Similipal National Park covers an area of 2,750 Sq. Kms. out of which 303 Sq. Kms. form the core area and the rest around it the buffer zone. The altitude at strategic points in the park ranges from 757.5 meters to 946 metres. A vast stretch of lush green forest in Similipal has been selected for one of the fifteen Tiger Project of India. A package tour of the area could consists of the waterfalls of Barehipani ( 398.67 metres), Joranda (150.26 metres ), the grassy lands of Bachhurichara, cloud kissing peak of Meghasani ( 1,158 metres ) and the areas around bristling with rich wild life. Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Common Langurs, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Talking Mainas, Beautiful Peacocks and varieties of other birds can be largely found here. A herd of elephants gliding majestically on the open scrub forests of Bachhurichara is a common sight. At Ramatirtha near Jashipur, one could enjoy the Crocodile Research project. The sanctuary can be approached from Jashipur on National Highway or from Lulung, about 30 Kms. from Baripada.

Khiching

The presiding deity of the area is Kichakeswari, the family goddess of the once ruling chiefs of Mayurbhanj. Built entirely of chloride slabs, the temple of Kichakeswari is one of the few temples of its kind in India. Close by, one could find a plethora of temples- some abandoned while some others still living- which bear testimony to the master masons of Kalingan Style. The small museum at Khiching possesses rare and historically valuable specimens of art and sculpture.

Haripur

Haripur, previously known as Hariharpur, was founded by Maharaja Harihar Bhanja in the year 1400 A.D. and remained as the capital of Bhanja Dynasty before its shifting to Baripada. Baidyanath Bhanja, another ruler of the dynasty built hare a magnificent brick temple in honour of his tutelary God Rasikaraya. Though in dilapidated condition, now the edifice has earned the distinction of being unique among the brick temples of Odisha.

The vast ruins here afford ample and interesting materials for antiquarian research. A little north to the courtyard of Rasikaraya temple., lies the ruins of Ranihamsapur ( the inner apartment of queen ) and to the east, once stood the Durbar Hall, studded with sculptured stone columns and arches of intricate designs, the remains of which have been recently unearthed. Close by stands the brick-build rectangular temple of Radhamohan. The temple of Jagannath also stands nearby which built in Goudiya style of architecture luring the reign of Harihar Bhanja. The deities have since been shifted to the neighbouring village Pratapapur and are now worshiped there.

Kuchai

The excavated prehistoric site of Kuchai 8 Kms. north of Baripada is known for yielding neolithic possessions of man. Pottery found with neolithic implements speak of occurrence of a microlithic industry of the late Stone Age in Mayurbhanj district. Kuchai is on the way from Baripada to Similipal.

Kuliana

Located at a distance of 17 Kms. from Baripada on way to Similipal. Kuliana is rich with palaeolithic artifices. 

Badashai

About 27 Kms. from Baripada is the historic village Badasahi. The extensive heaps of ruins, numerous tanks, images of gods and goddesses pertaining to different religious creeds littered all over and the ruins of big temples bear eloquent testmony to the past glory of this village. Old jain and Buddhist relics as well as those belonging to different sects of Hindu religion are found here. The artistic beauty of 'Pasa Chandi' temple is quite impressive.

Bhimkund

About 40 Kms, form Karanjia, near Booring village in Thakurmunda P.S.  is the sacred pool " Bimkund " in the river Vaitarani. The legend reveals that Bhima, the second Pandava used to take his bath in this pool when the Pandavas were passing their incognito life in Birat Nagar, said to be the present Kaptipada. Here river Vaitarani flows through a gorge in steps forming a series of picturesque rapids until it settles down in the pool called " Bhimkund ". It is encircled by precipitous stone wall. During Makar Festival in the month of January thousands of people gather here to take their holy dip. The place can also be approached from Dhenkikote ( 20 Kms. ) on S. H. No-11 connecting Keonjhar and Panikoili. The place is ideal for picnickers. 

Devagram

About  50 Kms. from Baripada is Devagram, otherwise called Deogan. The river Sone flows close to this village. Ruins of old temples on the banks of the river speak volumes in mute voice. A change in the course of the river might have caused a great damage to these temples. The images of Ganesh and Parvati with a Siva lingam and the eight-armed Chamunda on a heap of stone are found here. The Sculptural beauty of the Goddess and the pedestal around reveal excellent workmanship. Fragments of stone supposed to be parts of the ruins of Chamunda temple are still lying in the river bed. The place is ideal for picnic.

Lulung

About 30 Kms. from Baripada is Lulung, noted for its scenic beauty. Being surrounded on three sides by hills of Similipal range, it is an ideal place for rest, relaxation and adventure. Group picnickers find the place useful for spending their leisure time. The tourists may also find charm in purchasing stone utensils of the place. A Forest Lodge is nearing completion and will be thrown open to tourist traffie soon.

Manatri

Only 40 Kms. form Baripada is the time honoured shrine of Kakharua Baidyanath ( Temple of Lord Siva ). Being surrounded three sides by the water Channels of Kundi and Gangahar, it is a sacred place of repute. The temple itself is a fine specimen of Odishan architecture. This place aglows on the occasion of Sivaratri Festival and thousands of devotees gather here on auspicious days. Tradition ascribes that a king of Somavansi Dynasty was attacted with leucoderma, his whole body being depigmented with white patches like water melon (Kakharu) was subsequently cured by the grace of the deity. Some odia inscriptions of Mayurbhanj Royal Family are seen on the temple walls.

About one kilometre west of the temple are the remains of an ancient fort and 8 Kms. east the ruins of Kuradiha Gada.

Samibruksha

3 Kms. to the south of Podadiha is seen the peak of a hillock known among the people as Samibruksha. The hillock is about 500 ft. high. On its western side there are five caves which look like five rooms from a distance. Tradition narrates that the five Pandavas hid their arms in these five caves before proceeding to the court of the king Birata. Thousands of pilgrims take their sacred bath in the nearby stream on Baruni day which falls in the month of Chaitra. Makar Sankranti which falls in mid-January is the most important festival of the place.

Simla

25 Kms. from Baripada on the left bank of the river Burhabalanga, Simla is famous for housing the shrine of Simileswar Siva. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the shrine everyday. The picturesque scenery of the place attracts group picnickers. A big fair is held on Sivaratri day which continues for a week.