KANDHAMAL

 About the District

                        As far as Kandhamal is concerned, this district is one of the districts in the state of Odisha which is rich in tribal culture. There are so many things to know about the spectacular region. People of the state feel proud of the cultural heritage of the district.

There are two places in the district one is daringbadi and another one is belaghar. They are just spectacular during winter as well as in summer. In winter the temperature of these places goes to even 0 degrees.

History

                        Prior to bifurcation, this district was in the united form of Boudh-Kandhamal. In 1994 January 1, Boudh-Kandhamal got divided and Kandhamal separated. This district has significant importance from the past as the district occupies a series of untamed hilly regions. History supposed that this district got its name from the vigorous Kondhs.

There is proof of the ruling of dynasties like Mauryas and Gangas. The last indigenous rulers to rule over the throne of Odisha were the Gangas.

Geography

                        The District lies between 19 degrees 34’ to 20 degrees 36’ north latitude and 83 degrees 34’ to 84 degrees 34’ east longitude. This region of Odisha experiences a sub-tropical hot and dry climate in summer during a dry and cold climate in winter. The average annual rainfall record for this region is 1522.95 mm. This district is surrounded by Boudh, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Kalahandi from North, south, east, and West. This district is spread over an area of 7654 sq. Km. This district is famous for handicrafts Dokra, terra-cotta, cane, and Bamboo works.

Nature has given all sorts of things to make this region beautiful. This place has attractions like panoramic coffee gardens, pine jungles, ghat roads, hills, and waterfalls. Almost 66% of the land is covered with forest, towering mountains rich in green meadows at the altitude of 2000 to 3000 fits.

As far as the agricultural perspective is concerned, the soil of the region is pretty acidic, with a Ph. value of 5.3 to 6.5. In the Kharif season crops grown in this region are paddy, and maize. In irrigated areas crops like potatoes, vegetables and mustard are grown.

Economy

                        Mainly economy of the district relies on turmeric, wild plants, and herbs. A research center in Odisha about the horticulture and silk moth is situated in this region. This research farm has a varied collection of guava trees which are rarely found elsewhere. As I said above this district is a good producer of good quality turmeric. Turmeric of this region is famous all over the state.

Demographics

                        According to the 2011 census, this district occupies a population of 731,952. The population density of the district is 91 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population growth rate over the decade was 12.92% from 2001 to 2011. The sex ratio is 1037 per 1000 males from the latest record. The literacy rate of the district in 2011 was 64.13%.

Tourism

                        There are places in this district that are just fabulous to spend some time in. Places like daringbadi, belaghar, and Putudi waterfall.

Daringbadi:-   It is situated at an altitude of 3000ft. It is a hill station. This place is popularly known as Kashmir of Odisha. It is the one place in Odisha that experiences snowfall during winter. No dense snow. As I’ve mentioned earlier, one can see coffee gardens, pine jungles, and beautiful valleys during the journey from the plain to the hill station. The hill station is 100 km far from phulbani.

Belaghar:-         This place I mentioned because of its natural beauty. This place is gifted with ample natural beauty. From this place, one can see the panoramic view of the lush and rolling hills. This place is at an altitude of 2555ft. This place is suitable for adventurers. It is 165 kilometers from phulbani.

Putudi waterfall:-

Here river salunki falls from a height of 60ft.

Happy Touring.