Enchanting greenery, dense and verdant forests, ancient temples – all these and more can be experienced in the Baripada region of Mayurbhanj district. This district, the largest by size in Orissa, has much to offer to the seasoned traveler. One begins a tour of Mayurbhanj with Baripada as home base, for this quaint little city has plenty to offer to the adventure buffs and nature enthusiasts.
The Burhabalanga river and the Simlipal Mountain Range foothills lie adjacent to the city rendering it picturesque and captivating. One can start by spending some time in Lulung on the way to Simlipal. Placed on the banks of a river with water as clear as crystal, this is an ideal picnic spot. The Simlipal reserve, which hosts numerous tigers and other fauna and flora and the accompanying Barehipani and Jordan falls are outstanding tourists destinations where one can revel in the arms of mother nature. Situated at a distance of around 60 kilometers from Baripada, this reserve is one of the most popular locations in Orissa.
One appreciates the cultural heritage of Baripada especially during festival seasons. Celebrations are sometimes accompanied by performances of the Mayurbhanj Chhau dance. ‘Chhau’ is a world famous tribal martial dance art form, and is widely believed to have originated in this region. One can visit this city during the Ratha yatra festival, when a yatra is conducted here at the famous Jagannath temple, much as it is in the city of Puri. With thousands of devotees in attendance this yatra is unique in that it lasts longer than similar other events conducted in any other city. The other famous temples in this region are the Kichakeswari temple and the Ambica temple, both frequent pilgrimage centers, and both boasting of a unique and skillful architecture.
Connoisseurs of history would recognize the artistry and architectural skill of the Bhanja dynasty amongst the ruins of the monuments built in Baripada. Places like the Rasikaraya temple, the Durbar Halls, even the building of the Collectorate and the Maharaja Purnachandra College are all examples of this form of architecture.
Being the commercial hub for the entire district of Mayrubhanj, Baripada is an excellent place for the discerning shopper. Exquisite stone carvings and artistic handloom products from the cities of Kiching and Chandanpur are available here in plenty in the local markets. A veritable paradise for shoppers, this place also offers the very valuable Tusser silk at very reasonable prices.
Another noteworthy tourist destination is the Baripada Museum. This museum contains numerous artifacts, coins, scrolls, silver and gold coins, carvings etc. of the ancient dynasties and boasts of a comprehensive library where one can obtain information on the origin and history of the objects housed in the museum.
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