View source for Baripada

{{Short description|City in Odisha, India}}
{{more citations needed|date=January 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2025}}
<!-- See [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Indian cities]] for details -->
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Baripada
| settlement_type    = City
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| border       = infobox
| total_width  = 290
| image_style  = border:0;
| perrow       = 1/2/2/1
| image1       = PRMMCH.jpg
| image2       = MPC College.jpg 
| image3       = North Odisha University.jpg
| image4       = Jagannath Temple baripada 1.jpg
| image5       = Baripada municipality.jpg
| image6       = 
}}
| image_alt          = 
| image_caption      = Zigzag from top-left: Jagannath Temple, [[Mayurbhanj Palace]], [[MSCB University]], [[Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital|PRM Medical College and Hospital]], Baripada Municipal Office
| nickname           = 
| pushpin_map        = India Odisha#India#Asia
| pushpin_label_position = left
| pushpin_map_alt    = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| coordinates        = {{coord|21.94|N|86.72|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = India
| subdivision_type1  = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of districts in India|District]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flagicon image|Orissa Flag(INDIA).png}} [[Odisha]]
| subdivision_name2  = [[Mayurbhanj district|Mayurbhanj]]
| established_title  = First settled
| established_date   = {{circa|1569}}{{cn|date=January 2025}}
| founder            = Sumitra Devi Bhanjadeo (then Ruler of Mayurbhanj)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/archaeologicals01nage |title=The archaeological survey of Mayurabhanja |date=1912 |publisher=Calcutta Printed by U.N. Bhattacharyya at the Hare Press }}</ref>
| named_for          = 
| government_type    = [[Municipal council (India)|Municipality]]
| governing_body     = Baripada Municipality
| unit_pref          = Metric
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 33
| area_rank          = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m        = 36
| population_total   = 116,874
| population_as_of   = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India | access-date=26 March 2012|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302041311/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf |archive-date=2 March 2016}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank    = [[List of cities in India by population|India 446th]], [[List of cities in Odisha by population|Odisha 8th]]
| population_demonym = 
| demographics_type1 = [[Language]]
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Odia language|Odia]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=5 January 2019|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| timezone1          = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1        = +5:30
| postal_code_type   = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code        = 757 0xx
| area_code          = 06792-25xxxx <br/>06792-26xxxx
| area_code_type     = Telephone code
| registration_plate = OD-11x-xxxx
| blank1_name_sec1   = [[Human sex ratio|Sex ratio]]
| blank1_info_sec1   = 931 [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank2_name_sec1   = Literacy
| blank2_info_sec1   = 89.31%
| website            = {{URL|baripadamunicipality.in}}
| unemployment_rate  = 
| official_name      = 
}}

'''Baripada''' ({{transliteration|or|IAST|bāripadā}}) is a city and a [[municipality]] in [[Mayurbhanj district]] in the state of [[Odisha]], [[India]]. Located along the east bank of the [[Budhabalanga]] river, Baripada is the cultural centre of north Odisha.<ref name=Britannica>{{Cite web |title=Baripada {{!}} Tribal Culture, Wildlife & Temples {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Baripada |access-date=18 February 2024 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> 

In recent years, it has emerged as an educational hub with the opening of numerous professional colleges.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Odisha Tourism : Baripada|url=https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/discover/major-cities/baripada.html|access-date=8 June 2020|website=odishatourism.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Welcome To North Orissa University|url=http://www.nou.nic.in/|access-date=8 June 2020|website=www.nou.nic.in}}</ref>

The city is the headquarters of [[Mayurbhanj district]], Odisha's largest district by area. It houses the office of the [[District collector (India)|District collector]], the Superintendent of Police and the Court of the District and Sessions Judge. <ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=About District {{!}} Mayurbhanj District |url=https://mayurbhanj.nic.in/about-district/ |website=Government of Odisha |access-date=8 June 2020}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
Baripada is an [[Odia language|Odia]] word meaning "land of water", the word "bāri" meaning water in Odia. It refers to the large number of ponds, water bodies and Budhabalanga river that flows through the city.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Himanshu |date=19 May 2022 |title=How did Odisha's Baripada get its name |url=https://kalingatv.com/odisha/know-how-baripada-is-named-after-and-its-history/ |work=KalingaTV |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> 

In another version, it is believed that the name probably derived from the [[Bauri (caste)|Bauri]] or [[Bathudi Tribe|Bathudi tribe]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nagendra-Natha Vasu |url=http://archive.org/details/archaeologicals01nage |title=The archaeological survey of Mayurabhanja |date=1912 |publisher=[Calcutta Printed by U.N. Bhattacharyya at the Hare Press] |others=University of British Columbia Library |pages=4}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|Mayurbhanj State|Mayurbhanj State Railway|Shri Shri Hari Baladev Jew Bije, Baripada}}
[[File:An old photo of Shri Shri Hari Baladev Jew bije temple of Baripada.jpg|thumb|Baripada Jagannath Temple, construction started in 1569CE{{cn|date=March 2025}} in kalingan architecture]]

Baripada became the headquarters of the state (now district) at the end of the 18th century during Sumitra Devi's rule, succeeding its earlier status in [[Haripur Gada|Haripur]]. However, it was initially documented as Burpuddah by Major [[James Rennell]] of the [[East India Company]] in his renowned 1779 Atlas, well before it assumed the role of the state headquarters.

The ruins of an old mud fort in the centre of the city have completely disappeared. A temple dedicated to Ambika Devi is the sole survivor. The chief shrine of the town is a [[Jagannath]] temple dating from 1575 AD. It is also the oldest structure in the area. A statue of the Buddhist deity [[Lokeshvara]] housed in one of its rooms is even older. However, Baripada developed into a town only under the rule of Maharaja Jadunatha Bhanja who died in 1863. His successors, especially Maharaja [[Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo]], added many other public infrastructure to the town. Baripada was linked to [[Rupsa]] in [[Balasore district]] through a narrow gauge line known as the [[Mayurbhanj State Railway]] in the first decade of the 20th century. This provided a major impetus to trade and commerce.

The city continued to grow after the merger of Mayurbhanj State with the Union of India in 1949. In contrast to the planned nature of the town centre, the newer areas have tended to adopt a sprawling nature.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} Mayurbhanj District, Government of Odisha {{!}} India|url=https://mayurbhanj.nic.in/history/|access-date=8 June 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Geography==
{{OSM Location map
| coord = {{coord|21.935|86.734}}
| zoom = 13                       
}}

Baripada is at {{Coord|21.94|N|86.72|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Baripada.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Baripada, India|website=www.fallingrain.com|access-date=20 September 2020}}</ref> It has an average elevation of 36&nbsp;metres (118&nbsp;feet). The city lies along the [[Budhabalanga River]].{{Weather box
| location = Baripada, Odisha (1991–2020, extremes 1955–2020)
| metric first = Y
| single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 34.7
| Feb record high C = 39.9
| Mar record high C = 44.6
| Apr record high C = 46.4
| May record high C = 48.3
| Jun record high C = 47.8
| Jul record high C = 40.6
| Aug record high C = 39.0
| Sep record high C = 39.6
| Oct record high C = 39.6
| Nov record high C = 36.1
| Dec record high C = 32.7
| year record high C = 48.3
| Jan record low C = 5.0
| Feb record low C = 6.8
| Mar record low C = 11.6
| Apr record low C = 15.2
| May record low C = 17.5
| Jun record low C = 18.9
| Jul record low C = 20.0
| Aug record low C = 19.0
| Sep record low C = 18.5
| Oct record low C = 11.5
| Nov record low C = 7.6
| Dec record low C = 5.0
| year record low C = 5.0
|Jan high C = 	26.1
|Feb high C = 	30.3
|Mar high C = 	35.4
|Apr high C = 	38.0
|May high C = 	37.8
|Jun high C = 	35.2
|Jul high C = 	32.2
|Aug high C = 	32.0
|Sep high C = 	32.3
|Oct high C = 	31.5
|Nov high C = 	29.0
|Dec high C = 	26.4
| year high C = 	32.2
|Jan low C = 	12.6
|Feb low C = 	16.1
|Mar low C = 	20.5
|Apr low C = 	24.0
|May low C = 	25.3
|Jun low C = 	25.8
|Jul low C = 	25.5
|Aug low C = 	25.4
|Sep low C = 	24.8
|Oct low C = 	22.2
|Nov low C = 	17.4
|Dec low C = 	12.7
| year low C = 	20.9
| rain colour = green	
| Jan rain mm = 	18.9
| Feb rain mm = 	18.5
| Mar rain mm = 	31.7
| Apr rain mm = 	69.3
| May rain mm = 	135.8
| Jun rain mm = 	267.1
| Jul rain mm = 	320.8
| Aug rain mm = 	367.5
| Sep rain mm = 	285.4
| Oct rain mm = 	176.2
| Nov rain mm = 	16.8
| Dec rain mm = 	8.5
| year rain mm = 	1716.5
| Jan rain days = 	1.3
| Feb rain days = 	1.3
| Mar rain days = 	2.1
| Apr rain days = 	4.6
| May rain days = 	7.3
| Jun rain days = 	11.9
| Jul rain days = 	15.5
| Aug rain days = 	16.5
| Sep rain days = 	13.0
| Oct rain days = 	6.0
| Nov rain days = 	1.2
| Dec rain days = 	0.5
| year rain days = 	81.2
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]	
| Jan humidity = 	60
| Feb humidity = 	54
| Mar humidity = 	52
| Apr humidity = 	57
| May humidity = 	63
| Jun humidity = 	75
| Jul humidity = 	84
| Aug humidity = 	86
| Sep humidity = 	85
| Oct humidity = 	78
| Nov humidity = 	69
| Dec humidity = 	62
|year humidity = 	69
|source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240408025145/https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| archive-date = 8 April 2024
| url = https://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Tables%201991-2020.pdf
| title = Station: Baripada Climatological Table 1991–2020
| work = Climatological Normals 1991–2020
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| access-date = 23 August 2024}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M160
| access-date = 10 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Climatological Table - Baripada(42894) |url=https://cdsp.imdpune.gov.in/extremes_1991_2020/?stn=42894 |access-date=2 November 2022 |website=cdsp.imdpune.gov.in}}</ref>
| source = 
}}

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|1891 |3394
|1901 |5613
|1911 |5968
|1921 |6189
|1931 |6193
|1941 |8281
|1951 |9277
|1961 |20301
|1971 |28725
|1981 |52989
|1991 |69240
|2001 |100651
|2011 |110058
|source =Census of Mayurbhanj State & [[Census of India]]<ref>{{cite web |title = Population growth of ULBs in Orissa (1901 – 2001) |url=http://rcueslucknow.org/states/Compendium%20of%20Urban%20Data%20(Orissa)/_21_%20POPULATION%20GROWTH%20OF%20ULBs%20IN%20ORISSA%20_1901-2001_.pdf
|website=The Regional Centre for Urban & Environmental Studies (RCUES)}}</ref>
|footnote=The significant population rise in the 1961 census is attributed to the incorporation of nearby two square mile areas into the Baripada town in 1952.
}}
As of the [[2011 census of India]], Baripada had a population of 110,058 of which 57,008 were males and 53,050 were females<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove /> and the urban agglomeration had a population of 116,874, with 60,535 males and 56,339 females.<ref name=UA1Lakhandabove>{{cite web | url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_3_PR_UA_Citiees_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf | title=Provisional Population Totals, Census of India 2011; Urban Agglomerations/Cities having population 1 lakh and above | publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India | access-date=26 March 2012}}</ref> The municipality had a sex ratio of 931 females per 1,000 males and 9% of the population were under six years old.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove /> Effective literacy was 89.31%; male literacy was 93.45% and female literacy was 84.88%.<ref name=Cities1Lakhandabove />
{{See also|List of cities in Odisha}}

===Population===
The population of Baripada city has Odias, mainly [[Brahmins]] and [[Kshatriyas]]. The rest of the population includes Bengalis, Biharis, Marwaris, Punjabis and other north Indians. The nearby villages have a major number of tribal population including [[Santhals]] and [[Ho people|Hos]].

===Religions===
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Baripada town (2011)<ref name="census2011-religion">{{cite web|title=Table C-01 Population by Religious Community: Odisha|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/11387/download/14500/DDW21C-01%20MDDS.XLS|website=Census of India, 2011|publisher=[[Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India]]}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Odisha|Hinduism]]|darkorange|93.91}}
{{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|4.49}}
{{bar percent|[[Christianity in Odisha|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|0.56}}
{{bar percent|[[Sikhism]]|blue|0.11}}
{{bar percent|Unclassified sect.|darkred|0.69}}
{{bar percent|Not stated|black|0.22}}
}}

According to the 2011 census, in Baripada town, Hindus comprised the majority at 109,732, followed by Muslims at 5,241, Christians at 650, Sikhs at 130, Buddhists at 14, Jains at 20, and unclassified sects at 805, while 257 did not state their religious affiliation.

===Languages===
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Languages spoken in Baripada (2011)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://new.census.gov.in/nada/index.php/catalog/10247/download/13359/DDW-C16-TOWN-STMT-MDDS-2100.XLSX |title=C-16 City: Population by mother tongue (town level), Odisha - 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India}} </ref>
|label1= [[Odia language|Odia]]
|value1= 80.86
|label2= [[Santali language|Santali]]
|value2 = 5.67
|label3 = [[Hindi]]
|value3 = 4.17
|label4 = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|value4 = 2.44
|label5 = [[Urdu]]
|value5 = 2.34
|label6 = [[Mundari language|Mundari]]
|value6 = 2.25
|label7 = [[Bhumij language|Bhumij]] <!-- Bhumij+Bhumijali -->
|value7 = 0.5
|label8 = [[Kurmali language|Kurmali]]
|value8 = 0.46
|label9 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|value9 = 0.26
|other = yes
|other-color = pink
}}

==Politics==
Current [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] from [[Baripada Assembly constituency|Baripada Assembly Constituency]] is Prakash Soren of [[Bharatiya Janata Party|BJP]], who won the seat in State elections of 2019. Previous MLAs from this seat were
*2019: Prakash Soren (BJP)
*2014: Sananda Marndi (BJD)
*2009: Sananda Marndi (BJD)
*2004: Bimal Lochan Das ([[Jharkhand Mukti Morcha|JMM]])
*2000: Kishore Das (JMM)
*1995: Prasanna Kumar Das ([[Indian National Congress|Congress]])
*1990: Chhatish Chandra Dhal ([[Janata Dal]])
*1985: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
*1980: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
*1977: Prasanna Kumar Das (Congress)
*1974: Pramod Chandra Bhanjadeo (Independent)
*1971: Pramod Chandra Bhanjadeo (Independent)
*1967: Santosh Kumar Sahu (Congress)
*1961: Santosh Kumar Sahu (Congress)
*1957: Harihar Mohanty ([[Praja Socialist Party|PSP]]) and Samal Majhi (Independent)
*1951: Girish Chandra Ray (PSP) and Surendra Singh (Congress)<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp07.htm
 |title=State Elections 2004 - Partywise Comparison for 7-Baripada Constituency of Odisha 
 |publisher=Election Commission of India 
 |access-date=23 September 2008 }}{{dead link|date=October 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Baripada is part of [[Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha constituency]]. The current MP of Lok Sabha (2019) is Biseswar Tudu of Bharatiya Janata Party.<ref>{{Cite web
 |url=http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf 
 |title=Assembly Constituencies&nbsp;— Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Odisha 
 |publisher=Election Commission of India 
 |access-date=23 September 2008 |url-status=dead 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304184320/http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf 
 |archive-date=4 March 2009 }}</ref> From 2009 election year, Baripada constituency is reserved for Scheduled Tribes.

==Economics==
Baripada is home to many forest-based products such as timber, but due to heavy deforestation the sawmills were banned within a 25&nbsp;km radius. Baripada is known for ''Sabai'' grass plantations, an African grass introduced to Baripada and was first planted in Hamilton Garden that grows on red volcanic soil and has strong fibres that are used for rope making known as ''Bubei''. It has many cashew plantation fields. ''Khali'' (plates) and ''Duna'' (bowls) making, from leaves of Sal tree leaves (''[[Shorea robusta]]''), is another business that local men engage in.

It has many brick kilns on the banks of river Budhabalaga, which is the only perennial river flowing through the city. Timber remains one of the major sources of income for the local populace.

==Culture==
Baripada is popular for its art and culture. Many famous stars of [[Ollywood]] (Odia film industry) are from Baripada. Baripada is famous for the [[Chhau dance]] form, famous all over the world. The Chaitra Parva celebrated in mid-April recognises the local talents. Uttarsahi and Dakshinsahi are two main groups who perform in this festival with many other participants. Jhumar Song is popular in Baripada.

[[File:Shri Hari Baladev Jiu Temple Baripada.jpg|thumb|Shri Hari Baladev Jiu Temple (aka Bada Mandir), Deulasahi, Baripada]]
Baripada is the second place, after [[Puri]], where the tradition of [[Ratha Yatra]] (Car festival of Lord [[Jagannath]]) began. Hence Baripada is called 'Dwitiya Srikhetra' (second Puri). Baripada's Ratha Yatra is popular for its unique tradition of allowing only women to pull the chariot of [[Subhadra|Goddess Subhadra]].

Maa Ambika Temple is one of the chief temples and [[Parvati|Maa Ambika]] is a highly revered deity in this region. It is in Badabazar, 1&nbsp;km from Baripada bus stand.

[[File:Idol of Maa Jagadhatri 2012.JPG|right|thumb|200x200px|Maa Jagadhatri]]
[[File:Jagadhatri Mela 2011.JPG|thumb|''Jagadhatri Puja Torana'' 2011 designed as [[United States Capitol]] Building, United States ]]
[[File:Jagadhatri Mela 2006.jpg|thumb|''Jagadhatri Puja Torana'' 2006 designed as ''[[Titanic]]'' Ship]]
[[File:Bhanjpur Jagadhatri Puja 2022.jpg|alt=Bhanjpur Jagadhatri Puja 2022|thumb|Replica of [[Rashtrapati Bhavan|Rashtrapati Bhawan]] constructed for [[Jagaddhatri puja|Jagadhatri Puja]] 2022 at [[Bhanjpur]]]]
[[Jagadhatri Mela]] at [[Bhanjpur]] is another big [[mela]]. It is the festival of Maa [[Jagadhatri]], Goddess of the whole world. There is a 10–15 days mela known as mini [[Bali Jatra]] (named after Cuttack's Bali Jatra) which takes place at Jagadhatri Mela grounds, near the Bhanjpur railway Station during October–November. It is celebrated on Gosthastami. The [[Durga Puja]] in Baripada is also very popular.[[File:Maa Subhadra Rath of Baripada Rathyatra 2012.JPG|thumb|Maa Subhadra Rath of Baripada Rathyatra 2012]]

==Tourist spots==
[[File:Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj.jpg|thumb|Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj]]

===Khiching===
''Khiching'' is an ancient village under Sukruli block. Khiching is located about 50&nbsp;km east of Keonjhargarh city  24&nbsp;km west of [[Karanjia]]. The major festival in Khiching is Sivarathri, which is celebrated over seven days. The major tourist attraction of Khiching is the Maa Kichakeswari Temple. The temple was constructed during the year 920 925. Goddess Kichakeshwari was the [[ishtadevata]] and [[kuladevi]] of [[Bhanj dynasty]] as well as the deity of the [[Mayurbhanj State|Mayurbhanj princely state]]. The temple suffered in the hand of vandals. King of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Pratap Chandra Bhanjdeo reconstructed the temple in the year 1934. Height of the temple is {{convert|100|ft|m|abbr=on}} and total area is 1764 sq.ft. There is a museum constructed by Maharaja Purna Chandra Bhanjdeo in the year 1922.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Tourist Places {{!}} Mayurbhanj District, Government of Odisha {{!}} India|url=https://mayurbhanj.nic.in/tourist-places/|access-date=8 June 2020|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Debakunda===
{{main|Debakunda}}
[[Debakunda]] is a waterfall and tank. The Ambika temple is on the hilltop near the falls. Debakunda is at a distance of 60&nbsp;km from Baripada and 85&nbsp;km from Balasore.<ref name=":1" />

===Similipal===
{{main|Similipal National Park}}
[[Similipal National Park]] is an elephant and tiger reserve 30&nbsp;km from Baripada. It has an evergreen forest having varied flora and fauna, served with a network of perennial streams. This is a habitat for tropical birds and animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar, and deer. The landscape comprises Sal forests, grasslands, peaks and waterfalls.

[[Similipal]] is the richest watershed in Odisha, giving rise to many perennial rivers. The Budhabalanga, the Khadkei, the West Deo, the East Deo, the Salandi and the Sanjo are the major ones. Barehipani (400&nbsp;m) and Joranda (150&nbsp;m) waterfalls are visitor attractions, and the Ramtirtha Crocodile Rearing Centre is located in nearby Jashipur.<ref name=":1" />

===Baldiha Dam===
Government neglect has taken its toll on century-old Baldiha Dam in Shamakhunta block of Mayurbhanj district. Built on river Palpala over 205&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> area, the irrigation project remains defunct for the last 20 years due to lack of renovation. The Project was undertaken during the rule of Maharaja Shri Ramchandra Bhanjdeo and the then State Engineer Jarnold Martin Loe had constructed the dam at Baldiha, {{cvt|28|km}} from Baripada town.

As of 2019, 10 to 15 acres of land are being irrigated during Rabi season with the water from the dam while there is no irrigation for Kharif crop. The water level of the dam has drastically come down due to huge deposition of soil and leakages. Even water from Palpala river has failed to recharge the dam during rainy season.

===Bhimkund===
There is a sacred pool near the river Vaitarani. As per legend [[Bhima]], the second [[Pandava]], took his bath in this pool when the Pandavas were passing their incognito life in Birat Nagar (presumed to be the present location of Kaptipada). The Vaitarani river flows through a gorge in steps and flows down to the ''[[Bhimkund]]'' pool. During the ''Makar'' festival during January, thousands of people gather here to take a holy dip.<ref name=":1" />

===Manatri===
It is best known for the shrine of 'Kakharua Baidyanath' (Temple of Lord [[Shiva]]). It is surrounded on three sides by water channels from the Gangahar River. The temple is based on the Odisha's temple architecture. During the [[Shivaratri]] festival thousands of devotees gather there. According to legend, the king of [[Somavamshi dynasty|Somavanshi]] dynasty was affected by [[leucoderma]] and his whole body resembled with white patches like in a water melon ('kakharu' in Oriya). It is believed that he was cured by the grace of the deity. Some Odia inscriptions of Mayurbhanj royal family are seen on the temple walls.

To the west of temple in about 1&nbsp;km are the remains of an ancient fort and 8&nbsp;km to the east are the ruins of Kuradiha Gada.

===Machha Kandana===
Near [[Udala]]. Way to Podadiha village.

===Kalo Dam===
{{main|Kala Dam}}
Situated in Nudadiha block.

===Sunei Dam===
{{main|Sunei Dam}}
10&nbsp;km distance from [[Kaptipada]], Mayurbhanj.

===Haripur===
{{Main|Haripur Gada}}
Haripur, earlier known as Hariharpur, was founded by Maharaja Harihar Bhanj in 1400&nbsp;CE and remained as the capital of Bhanja Dynasty before it shifted to Baripada. Baidyanath Bhanj, another ruler of the dynasty built a magnificent brick temple in honour of his tutelary God Rasika-raya. Though currently dilapidated, it is unique among the brick temples of Orissa. Towards the north to the courtyard of Rasikaraya temple lies the ruins of Ranihanspur (the inner apartment of the queen).

Radhamohan temple is a brick-built rectangular temple nearby.

===Lulung===
This place is surrounded on three sides by hills of Similipal range. It is a popular place for picnicking, and tourists can purchase the stone utensils that are native to this place.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lulung Picnic Place Mayurbhanj {{!}} Mayurbhanj Attractions {{!}} MayurbhanjOnline|url=http://www.mayurbhanjonline.com/attractions/lulung-picnic-spot|access-date=8 June 2020|website=www.mayurbhanjonline.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Lulung Forest Lodge Simlipal|url=http://www.toursorissa.com/odisha-tourist-places/lulung-forest-lodge-simlipal/|access-date=8 June 2020|website=Tours Orissa|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Devagram===
Also known as Deogan, the river Sono flows close to the village. There are several ruins of old temples on the bank of the river. It is presumed that a change in the course of the river might have caused this destruction. The images of [[Ganesh]] and [[Parvati]] with Shiva Lingam and the eight-armed Chamunda on a heap of stone are found here. The sculpture of the Goddess and the pedestal are notable for their workmanship. Fragments of stone supposed to be parts of the ruins of Chamunda temple are still lying in the river bed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mayurbhanj Attractions {{!}} Mayurbhanj {{!}} Baripada {{!}} Baripada News {{!}} Mayurbhanj News {{!}} Odia News Online {{!}} Odisha {{!}} MayurbhanjOnline|url=http://www.mayurbhanjonline.com/mayurbhanj-attractions|access-date=8 June 2020|website=www.mayurbhanjonline.com}}</ref><ref name=":1" />

===Samibruksha===
Samibruksha is a peak in the hillock and is about 500&nbsp;ft high. There are five caves on the western side. Legend has it that the five [[Pandavas]] hid their arms in these caves before proceeding to the court of the king [[Virata]]. The pilgrims take their sacred bath in the nearby stream on Baruni day in the month of Chaitra. [[Makar Sankranti]], which falls in mid-January, is the most important festival of this place.

===Simla===
Simla on the banks of river Burhabalanga is houses the shrine of Simileswar [[Shiva]]. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the shrine every day, and this place is famous with picnickers. A fair is held during the [[Shivaratri]] day which continues for a week.

===Kuchei===
This is an excavated prehistoric site and discoveries pertaining to Neolithic possessions of man are being made. The pottery fragments found with Neolithic implements speak of settlements in the late [[Stone Age]] in Mayurbhanj district.

===Kuliana===
Many paleolithic artefacts are being discovered in this region. Its very near to West Bengal's Medinipore.

===Sitakund Waterfall===
The Sitakund waterfall is another outside attraction tourist place of Simlipal Tiger reserve of Odisha. The Sitakund waterfall is located at Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and it is the part of the Simlipal National Park. Also this place is the place of Hinduism because the name of the waterfall is ''Sitakund'' that is the name of Hindu goddess Sita Devi.

==Transportation==
[[Baripada railway station]] was one of the earliest stations in Odisha. The ruler of Mayurbhanj, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Bhanjdeo, connected Baripada to the Howrah-Chennai railway corridor by a narrow-gauge rail network, then known as the [[Mayurbhanj State Railway]]. The first ever airport during the British Raj in Odisha stands to this date at sites of Rajabasa (16&nbsp;km from city) and Rasgovindpur (60&nbsp;km from the city) with their 2&nbsp;km-long runways which were constructed during [[World War II]].

Baripada&nbsp;— Rupsa&nbsp;— Balasore DEMU Pgr. train and a superfast express train to the state capital Bhubaneswar runs on daily basis. There's also a weekly train that runs from Baripada to Puri directly. A new train to Kolkata from Baripada has been running since 2010. The city has also a suburban railway station at [[Bhanjpur]] named [[Bhanjpur railway station]].

Regarding road transport, buses are a popular means of transportation between the cities. There is connectivity to [[Bhubaneswar]], [[Puri]], [[Sambalpur]], [[Jharsuguda]], [[Rourkela]], [[Keonjhar]], [[Balasore]], [[Angul]], [[Bolangir]], [[Bhadrak]], [[Cuttack]], [[Jamshedpur]], [[Kharagpur]], [[Ranchi]] and [[Kolkata]] from here. The city is 3&nbsp;km from the starting point of N.H. 5 (now N.H. 18) which goes to [[Chennai]]. There are a wide range of taxis for sightseeing and tours.

==Education==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add an institute to this section or list if it already has its own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
Baripada <ref>{{Cite web|title=Odisha Tourism : Baripada|url=https://odishatourism.gov.in/content/tourism/en/discover/major-cities/baripada.html|access-date=4 June 2020|website=odishatourism.gov.in}}</ref> is the seat for [[Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University|MSCB Public University]] at Takatpur. It is home to the Maharaja Purna Chandra Junior College which provides higher secondary education in Humanities, Science, and Commerce stream to more than 2000 students. It is also home to the [[Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Baripada]] which is one of oldest higher educational institutes in odisha and provides graduate, and postgraduate level academics in various disciplines to around 7000 students. The erstwhile Mayurbhanj Palace houses the Maharaja Purna Chandra Junior College with and Government Women's College with about 500 students.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mayurbhanj palace wallows in royal neglect|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-29/bhubaneswar/30336347_1_heritage-building-buckingham-palace-ghat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214170802/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-29/bhubaneswar/30336347_1_heritage-building-buckingham-palace-ghat|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 December 2013|access-date=15 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 October 2011}}</ref>

The newly built [[Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital]] started its classes from September 2017. It is located in Rangmatia, 8&nbsp;km from the main town.

The oldest high school is [[M.K.C High School]], built during 1889. The town has two [[Kendriya Vidyalaya]] schools.

The engineering college named [[Seemanta Engineering College]], affiliated to [[BPUT]] is near Jharpokharia which is 35&nbsp;km from Baripada. [[Mayurbhanj Law College]] was established in 1978.


'''[[Government Sanskrit College, Baripada]]''', established in 1894, is the oldest Sanskrit college in Odisha and one of the oldest in India. Currently affiliated to [[Shree Jagannath Sanskrit University]], it offers traditional Sanskrit education including Upashastri and [[Shastri]] courses, and plays a vital role in preserving classical Sanskrit scholarship in eastern India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Government Sanskrit College, Baripada |url=https://www.rtiodisha.gov.in/pa/T1RILzM4LzIyMjk4LzIy |website=RTI Odisha |access-date=2025-05-05}}</ref>

==city's pro-women stance==
===Unique women only Subhadra Ratha Yatra===
{{refimprove section|date=March 2025}}
The Baripada Rath Yatra, renowned as the second most significant after Puri's, boasts a unique tradition: only women pull the chariot of Devi Subhadra. This distinctive practice, symbolising women's empowerment, commenced in 1975 during International Women's Year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rath Yatra Baripada Mayurbhanj {{!}} Mayurbhanj Attractions {{!}} MayurbhanjOnline |url=http://www.mayurbhanjonline.com/attractions/rath-yatra |access-date=22 December 2024 |website=www.mayurbhanjonline.com}}</ref>
The origin of this tradition can be traced to the mid-1950s when a female devotee sustained serious injuries while attempting to touch the chariot ropes. Moved by this incident, a compassionate individual proposed to the district administration that women should exclusively pull Devi Subhadra's chariot. The then Collector and District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj, Vivekananda Patnaik, approved this proposal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=Odishatv |title=Baripada's Rath Yatra: Unique 'Chariot Pulling' Tradition Symbolising Women Empowerment |url=https://odishatv.in/videos/festivals-events/rath-yatra/baripada-rath-yatra-unique-chariot-pulling-symbolising-women-empowerment-lord-jagannath-subhadra-238771 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=Baripada’s Rath Yatra: Unique ‘Chariot Pulling’ Tradition Symbolising Women Empowerment |language=en}}</ref> Consequently, thousands of devotees assembled on Bada Danda, the grand road leading to the Haribaldev Jew temple, to participate in the chariot procession of Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.The chariot-pulling unfolds over two days. On the first day, Devi Subhadra's chariot is pulled halfway to the Gundicha temple, and the remaining journey is completed on the following day. Throughout these two days, only women are involved in pulling the Darpadalan chariot of Devi Subhadra, with a large number participating annually.

==Green infrastructure==
===Urban forest===
{{refimprove section|date=March 2025}}
Baripada city enjoys a well established urban forest and a green zone for joggers at Palabani, located on its outskirts. Developed by the Baripada Forest Division, the urban forest spans 10 acres and features a diverse range of trees, including fruit-bearing and medicinal plants. It houses approximately 12,000 trees, including sal, mahogany, akashia, and neem, planted strategically to provide space for jogging. This forest is unique within the state.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kundu |first=Sibdas |date=3 October 2016 |title=Urban forest for Baripada joggers |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/odisha/urban-forest-for-baripada-joggers/cid/1473640 }}</ref>

Prior to this development, the land was under the stewardship of the Hamilton Trust. However, due to underutilisation of the land, the trust transferred its management to the forest division. This transfer ensures that the area is effectively utilised for the benefit of the community and the environment. The forest division now assumes full responsibility for the ongoing care and maintenance of the urban forest.

This project exemplifies a successful collaboration between different entities, demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being. 
The urban forest at Palabani not only enhances the ecological balance of the Baripada city but also provides a valuable recreational resource for local residents, promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a greater appreciation for nature.
The state environment ministry takes annual plantation drive in Baripada city under urban plantation.

==Sustainable urban energy==
Baripada city now boasts 1 MW of solar power at the Baripada Grid substation. GEDCOL has achieved a significant milestone in the state's renewable energy sector by commissioning this 1 MW solar power plant on 12 May 2023. Plans are envisioned to upgrade the renewable energy facility to cater the growing urban power demands of Baripada city.<ref name="gedcol1">{{Cite web |title=focusdetails |url=https://gedcol.com/Home/focusdetails?id=16 |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=gedcol.com}}</ref>

==Sports culture==
The Baripada stadium has produced international athletes including Purnima Hembram, Jauna Murmu, Jabamani Soren who have brought many laurels to the State. The stadium has also the honour of hosting as many as 10 Ranji Trophy cricket matches successfully.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sahu |first=Sukant Kumar |date=8 December 2019 |title=Baripada stadium in Odisha wallows in neglect |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2019/Dec/08/baripada-stadium-in-odisha-wallows-in-neglect-2073131.html |work=The New Indian Express |access-date=19 December 2024}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their OWN article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
* [[Jatin Das (painter)|Jatin Das]], international painter<ref>{{Cite news
|url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Jatin-Das-Minati-Mishra-get-Padma-awards/articleshow/11633486.cms|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131227143601/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-26/bhubaneswar/30666254_1_padma-awards-padma-shri-padma-bhushan|url-status = live|archive-date = 27 December 2013|work = [[The Times of India]]|title = Jatin Das got Padma Awards}}</ref>
* [[Bijay Mohanty]], actor in Odia language films
* [[Jagadish Mohanty]], Odia novelist
* [[Uttam Mohanty]], actor in Odia language films<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowOriyaOrbit.asp?id=37713|title = Uttam Mohanty got Lifetime Achievement Award|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130324170817/http://orissadiary.com/ShowOriyaOrbit.asp?id=37713|archive-date = 24 March 2013}}</ref>
* [[Jogesh Pati]], Indian-American theoretical physicist at the University of Maryland, USA

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Mayurbhanj district}}
{{Municipalities of Odisha}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Cities and towns in Mayurbhanj district]]