Mayurbhanj is a land- locked district with a total geographical area of 10,418 Sq.Km. and is situated in the Northern boundary of the state with district Head quarters at Baripada. The district lies between  21*16' and 22*34' North latitude  and 85*40' and 87*11' East longitudes. The district is bounded in the North by Midnapore district of West Benagal, Singbhum district of Bihar in the South, Balasore district in the west and by Keonjhar district in the East.

The Central part of the District is covered by a group of hills known as the Similipal Range and the remaining portion is covered by undulating plains raising and falling in gentle slopes. Precisely the district may be divided into three distinct natural divisions. The Central hill ranges as dividing line running due north and south and dividing the plains of the district into two halves Eastern & Western. The Eastern Division, which slopes gently from the foot of the hills towards the sea is served by by a number of hill streams forming an ideal land for cultivation comprising Baripada and Kaptipada sub-divisions. The western division is mainly a plain rising and falling in gentle in gentle slopes studded with many rocky mounds and hills. The northern portion of this western Division is very fertile for extensive cultivation comprising Bamanghaty Sub-division and Southern portion is Panchpir Sub-division. The district is 559.31 mt. above the sea level.

Mayurbhanj presents a panorama of many millennia in the human history. It occupies a unique position being endowed with lush green vegetation, different fauna and rich cultural heritage. The district has a rich mineral base and is home to the Similipal Biosphere, which is famous for the Project Tiger. Mayurbhanj had the distinction of being administered by two contemporaneous medieval ruling families named as "Mayurs" and "Bhanjas" in unbroken continuity for over a thousand years, until the merger with the state of Orissa on 1st January,1949.

Important Places

Simillipal : The Simillipal national parks situated at a distance of 60 km from Baripada. It is spread across 2277.07sq. km. area. It is famous for the natural Wildlife sanctuary surrounded by lush green forests, springs,Mountains, and Waterfall. Tourists visit this sanctuary to watch the tigers, deers, elephants and other animals in their original habitat.

Khitching : It is the temple of Goddess Chamunda which is situated at a distance of 150 kms from Baripada. This temple is famous for its fineworks on the stone walls of the temple. Monolitheic pillars of Chaulakunj, exacaved size of Biratgarh and the museum are the visiting places.

Mantri : It is situated at a distance of 36 kms from Baripada and Known all over the state for the temple of  " Kikatua Vaidyanath ".

Baripada : It is the Headquarter of the Mayurbhanj District. Ruins of ancient forts and  Jagannath temple are the tourists attractions of  Baripada.

Banthia Jagannath Temple : This temple is situated at Baripada. It was built by the king Sri Srinath Bhanjdeo during 1863 to 1867. Lord Jagannath is worshipped here.

Kichakeswari Temple : This temple is situated at Bahalda which is 16km away from Baripada. Bahalda was the capital of Mayurbhanj kingdom in fourteenth century. Goddess Kichakeswari is worshipped here.

Important Facts