Kandhamal, Where Tribal Roots Meet Scenic Splendor

Kandhamal derives its name from the prominent Kandha Tribe. The present subdivision of the Kandhamal subdivision was an integral part of Boudh till 1855. The British rule fragmented the parts of Kandhmal District from Boudh District. The Kandhamal district was established on January 1, 1994, following the division of Phulbani District into Kandhamal and Boudh District in Odisha. Kandhamal is a district in Odisha, covering an area of 8,021 sq km. Phulbani is the headquarters of this district. The principal inhabitants of this land are the Kandha tribes. Major languages spoken in this district are Odia and Kui (tribal language).

Kandhamal unfolds across breathtaking wilderness, a land shaped by time and the untouched rhythms of nature. Here, waterfalls cascade like liquid silver down ancient stone, their voices echoing through forested valleys. Natural springs bubble up like the Earth’s own heartbeat, sustaining life in quiet, sacred pulses. Mist-laden hill tracts roll toward the horizon in endless waves of green, where dawn lingers, and the air carries the scent of rain and leaves. In this timeless terrain, nature does not merely exist—it breathes, remembers, and invites the soul to wander. The rolling green hills of this region, the cool water of the Salunki River, and the abundance of Sargi flowers truly create a sweet melody here.

Geographical Location

Kandhamal district lies between 19 ° 34′ to 20° 54′ North Latitude and 83 ° 30′ to 84 °48′ East Longitude. It has an average elevation of 300 to 1100 metres. The average rainfall is about 1597.1 mm.

How to reach there?

• Roadways: Kandhamal is connected to Sambalpur via Boudh (170 km), Bhubaneswar via Nayagarh (210 km), Brahmapur (165 km), and Bolangir (170 km) by road. Bus transport is easily available from these cities.
• Railways: The nearest railway station is Rairakhol, which is 99 km away from the district headquarters, Phulbani.
• Airways: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, which is 211 km away from Phulbani. There is one airstrip at Gudari (5 km from Phulbani) for the landing of small planes and helicopters.

Where to stay?

There are many hotels available in Kandhamal for a good stay. Nature camp and eco retreat are also available here.

Fairs and Festivals

People of Kandhamal celebrate all festivals according to Odia Panjika like Mahashivaratri, Kedu Jatra, Bali Jatra, Baruni Jatra, Durga Puja, Ratha Jatra, Thakurani Jatra, Dola Jatra, Danda Jatra, and Lankapodi Jatra, etc. Apart from these, the famous festival of Maa Narayani’s Jatra is celebrated in Phulbani town of Kandhamal district every two years. Maa Brahmani Devi of Amlapada, Maa Baral Devi of Phulbani Sahi, Byaghra Devi of Nadikhandi Sahi, and Maa Narayani are known as the four sisters. The three sisters invite Maa Narayani and bring her to the temporary festival mandap (pandal). The festival continues there for a month. All rituals are performed according to the Goddess's traditions. Maa visits devotees in every lane and street to give her blessings. The Winter Festival (Sheeta Utsav) is also celebrated here.