INTRODUCTION :

  Gajapati district has been named after Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, the Ex-Raja Sahib of Paralakhemundi estate (the 1st Prime Minister of Odisha State), who is remembered for his contribution in formation of a separate Odisha province and inclusion of Paralakhemundi estate in Odisha.The district headquarters at Paralakhemundi erstwhile a princely estate, has been clustered within a radius of approximately 05 kilometers around the geometric centre of Paralakhemundi.  The District came into being with effect from 2nd October 1992.  Prior to this it was a part (Sub-Division) of Ganjam district. 

GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION:

LOCATION:

This district is lying between 18.46 degree North to 19.39 degree North Latitude and 83.48 degree East to 84.00 degree East Longitude. The area is abutting the state boundary i.e. Andhra Pradesh towards South. Ganjam district bound this district on the East, Rayagada district on the West, Ganjam and Phulbani districts on the North.

CLIMATE & RAINFALL:

Atmospheric temperature varies between   160 to 450 Celsius.  The normal rainfall received in the district is 1403.30 mm.  The average rainfall of the district during the year 1993 to 2008 is as follows.

SOIL & ROCK:

            The major part of the district belongs to hilly terrain and undulated topography, which is inhabited by the tribal.  The highest mountain of the district, Mahendragiri lies at an altitude of 4,923 feet above the sea level.  The soil quality is alluvial, brown, land laterites, clay loam, sandy loam and red soil. The geographical formation of the district is Alluvial, brown land Lateriates, Gondowanas, Newer Dolerites and Archon comprising igneous and metamorphic rocks.  The main soil types are clay loam, sandy loam and red soil.

 VEGETATION:

The soil and climate is suitable for plantation crops and there is a great potential of horticulture development in the district.  More than 60% of lands are situated in hilly terrain, which has been treated as high lands, mainly suited for horticulture plantation and other cultivable land belongs to the category of medium lands and low lands.

 MINERAL RESOURCES:

The mountains contain no exploitable mineral of economic value. However, the major economic minerals in the district are granite decorative stones found in some part of the Paralakhemundi Tahasil.

 WATER RESOURCES:

The river Vansadhara and Mahendratanaya are two important rivers of Gajapati district.  The river Vansadhara originated from Lanjigarh area of Kalahandi district and passes through Kashinagar block and flows southwards along the borderline of Gajapati district.  The river Mahendratanaya has originated from the Mahendragiri range and flows in the westward direction through Rayagada block and then to southward direction through Gosani block.  Another river Badanadi flows through western part of Mohana block.

 FOREST:

            The total forest area of 2,301.98 sq. km and area of 437.52 sq. km is reserve forest. The major forest products are Timber, Bamboo, Hill Broom, Patala Garuda, Soap nut, B. Kaliakhali, Marsinga leaf, Dhatuki flowers, Kochila seeds, Genduli gum, Siali leaves and Kathalai etc.

 INDUSTRY:

Except a few agro-processing units, there is no major industry in this district.  However some activities of cottage industries like Horn work, Jaikhadi bag, Cane & Bamboo work, Ganjappa Card & Pattachitra Mukha, Broom work & Siali leaf plate making and Tibetan Woolen Carpet contributes some place in the cottage industries of the district.

 COMMUNICATION:

            Paralakhemundi town is situated on the axis of State Highway No.17 connecting Berhampur at one end and Gunupur and Rayagada on the other.  Berhampur is situated at 120 KMs. from this place and other urban nuclei like Gunupur and Rayagada are distanced at 60 & 120 KMs. respectively.  The nearest National Highway (N.H–5) junction is at around 40 KMs. from this place. There was a narrow gauge railway line (called Naupada-Gunupur Rail line) running through this town. The work of conversion to broad gauge is going on.

 ECONOMY:

            Broadly, this town depicts agrarian economy. The geography and the climate are conducive for production of crops like paddy, sugarcane, sunflower, oilseeds etc. This town behaves as a nodal point for accumulation & marketing of such products produced in the hinterland.  The available connectivity to this town needs up-gradation to boost the economy. Paralakhemundi cannot be thought of in isolation without the nearest transport node Palasa (A.P). It connects to the mainstream of state & national economy through Palasa, the major railway junction of East Coast Railway, which plays a catalyst on the economic front.We have experienced, a chaotic mess of urban functions prevail over the space and eroded the quality of life. The population is marching ahead vis-a-vis the pressure on infrastructure like water supply, electricity, roads and housing is in upward trend.

Places of Interest:

Adarsh Krushi Farm

It is situated at about 5 kms. from Paralakhemundi towards Gumma below the Devagiri rang forest. Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, who was a member of Royal Agriculture Commission, established it. Various types of agricultural breed were brought and planted in the firm on experimental basis and hybrid seeds were distributed to the farmers on free of cost to grow crops. Now it is converted to mango orchard and new varieties of hybrid mango plantation in large scale are going on. A beautiful place for enjoyment during the summer season.

B.N Palace

Also known as "Brundaban Palace", was made by the Maharaja of Paralakhemundi for their use during summer. It is situated on the bank of river Mahendratanaya surrounded by thick teak trees. The palace is three storied including an under ground floor. There an under ground connection to it with the main palace of Maharaja. The art engraved in this palace is worth seeing. Now it is donated to Government in Education Department and P.G Classes of S.K.C.G College are held in this building. The administrative office of the IGNOU center is also functioning in this building. There is an orchard near to the palace. People of Paralakhemundi and its near by towns use to visit this place during winter for picnic as well as for its scenic beauty.

Serango

It is situated at about 34 kms. from Paralakhemundi and 6 kms. from Gumma. The place was remembered for "Paik Unrest" during British Raj. It is famous for its scenic beauty and also a health resort. It is also known as the "Kashmir of Gajapati". Large-scale horticulture plantation found here.

Gandahati

It situated at about 30 kms. from Paralakhemundi. There is a waterfall surrounded by the dense forest. Wild elephants come to the upper side of this waterfall to bath/drink water. There is a beautiful temple near the waterfall. Tourists/people from far and near visit the place for picnic throughout the season.

Mahendragiri

A pilgrim Center situated about 4, 500 ft. above the sea level. People from all walks of lives throng to this place during Maha Shiva Ratri. It is a location of many historical relics and a place of religious importance. Kunti, Judhistir & Bheema temples are on the hilltop. The Gokarneswar Linga in Kunti temple provides puzzle to the devotees. Any amount of water poured into the ear of the cow head-shaped stone soon disappears and never overflows. It is not known where does all this water go.

Chandragiri

It is situated at about 90 kms. from Paralakhemundi and 15 kms. from R. Udayagiri. The Tibetans settle a beautiful place surrounded by forest. Large-scale horticulture plantation like mango, orange, guava, pineapple etc. along with a Government horticulture farm as well as the cultural activities of the Tibetans makes this place more beautiful. This place is famous for seasonal fruits, Tibetan woolen garments & carpet also for dogs of various breeds. It is also a health resort.

Jeerango

It is situated 31 kms. from Paralakhemundi and 8 kms. from Koinpur. It is famous for the Baladev Temple surrounded by dense forest and horticulture plantation. It is also famous for Gudguda waterfall.

Harabhangi

One irrigation project with scenic beauty and pisciculture has made the place tourist importance. A good place for picnic during winter.