About Kalahandi District :
Kalahandi District has derived its name from “Gudahandi Caves”. The District is a rich land in terms of art and crafts. The Kalahandi District formed a part of the ancient South Kosal state. Later on the District became a part of the feudatory of erstwhile Kalinga–Utkala Empire of Gajapati rulers of Odisha. The District was still being annoyed by the princely states during the time of the independence.
Kalahandi District covering a geographical area of 7920 sq km lies in between 19.3 to 21.5 N Latitude and 82.20 to 83.47 E Longitude. The District occupies the South Western portion of Odisha, bordered to the North by the Balangir District and Nuapada District, to the South by the Nabarangpur District, Koraput District and Rayagada District, and to the East by the Rayagada, Kandhamal District and Boudh District.
As per 2011 census, the Kalahandi District has got total 15,76,869 population comprising 7,87,101 male and 7,89,768 female. Total rural population of the District is 14,54,882 whereas the urban population of the District is 1,21,987. There are total 2,86,580 SC and 4,49,456 ST population in the District of Kalhandi.
As per the administration of the District is concerned the Kalahandi District has got two sub divisions namely Bhawanipatna and Dharmagarh. There are 9 Tahasils, 13 Blocks, 12 Police stations, 273 Gram Panchayats, 2236 villages functioning in the Kalahandi District.
The climate of the Kalahandi District is of extreme type. It is dry except during monsoon. The maximum temperature of the District is 45 degree C, whereas the minimum temperature recorded is 11 degree C. The District experiences the average annual rainfall as 1378.20 mm. The monsoon starts late in June and generally lasts upto September.
Kalahandi District is largely an agriculture based Economy. The District is rich with agriculture. Dharamgarh sub division was historical known for rice production in Odisha. Since 2000s the Indravati Water Project, second biggest in the state has changed the landscape of southern Kalahandi, leading to two crops in a year. Because of this, blocks like Kalampur, Jaipatna, DharRayagada, Kandhamal District and Boudh District.
As per has boasted the Highest Number of Rice Mills in Kalahandi among districts in Odisha. The number of rice mills in the District was around 150 in the year 2004–05.
Forest based products like Mahua, Kendu leaf, Wood, Timber and Bamboos also contribute to local economy largely. Kalahandi District supply substantial raw materials to paper mills in neighboring Rayagada and Jeypore District.
Kalahandi District celebrates many festivals round the year. Chhatra Jatra in Bhawanipatna, Deepawali, Rathajatra, Shivaratri, Holi, Janmastami, Ramanabami are the famous festivals celebrated by local people with fun and fair. There are also some other local festivals like Khandabasa, Nuakhai, Amnuan, Kandulnuan, Seminuan, Dumernuan, Kalahandi Utsav, Ghanta Jatra that are celebrated in the District.
Many eminent personalities have taken birth on the soil of Kalahandi District. Pratab Kesari Deo (former MP and ex- Maharaja of Kalahandi), Rindo Majhi (freedom fighter in Odisha), Chakra Bisoi (freedom fighter), Ram Chandra Patra (bureaucrat, social worker, administrator), Natyarashmi Prafulla Ratha, Dayanidhi Nayak (former minister), Jayanta Kumar Behera (social activist and artist) are a few among them.
District at a Glance :
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Tourist Places :
Phurlijharan :
Fifteen Kilometres from Bhawanipatna, Phurlijharan is a perennial water fall about 30 Ft in height and has a special charm of its own. Themulti coloured rainbow created by the sunrays falling on the scattered water particles of the fall is an amusing sight to be seen. The evergreen forests around the fall provide ample opportunities to group picnickers.
Nearest Railway Station to Kalahandi is at Kesinga at distance of 45 km away from the heart of Kalahandi city. This railhead is well connected to other major railway stations in the state. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kalahandi at a fare of about Rs. 500. Nearest Airport to Kalahandi is at Bhubaneswar, which is about 418 km away. Bhuvaneswar is well air connected with all major airports in India. Taxi services are available from airport to Kalahandi and it cost around Rs. 4000. Kalahandi is connected by regular bus services from many important cities in the state including Koraput, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur. State owned road Transport Corporation and private bus service providers operate buses between Kalahandi and other cities. State buses charge about Rs. 120 from Bhubaneswar to Kalahandi.
Ampani Hills :
77 K.Ms from Bhawanipatna the picturesque Ampani hills present a panoramic view of nature. A frolicking vally called “Haladigundi” in thishill range exhibits some peculiar features due to the reflected rays on the sun. In the morning and evening the objects of vision appear yellow. The whole area abounds in spotted deer, Sambar and Black Panthers who can be seen at the Behera reservoir. 5 K.Ms away are the pre-historic cave paintings at Gudahandi.
Dokarichanchara :
Kalahandi is one of the famous historical and ancient places of India or Odisha; where Dokarichanchara is a picnic or tourist place located in the village Kokasara, on the border of Kalahandi and Nabarangpur district. It is completely different and unique place than that of other attractive tourist centers in Kalahandi. Dokarichanchara is famous due to its two famous waterfalls, Dokaridara and Bhanyaraghumara (or Bhairav dhar). In addition, the historical Gudahandi cave nearby it makes this place more prominent. The Gudahandi cave was named due to its appearance as a jaggery (guda) pot (handi). There you can see several pre-historical literatures, pictographic inscriptions and drawings crafted on the stone walls. There is famous Ram temple, which is famous due to very old and ancient. Every year on Sri Ram Navami a nine-day long festive occurs. Dokarichanchara Falls The Dokaridhara falls from a height of 200ft, which is surrounded by beautiful stoned hills. Maa Dokari Devi is also been worshiping at this place since a long time. If we walk on next to the stream, after 2km distance we can reach at the famous Bhanyaraghumara waterfalls, which falls from a height of 150ft height. You can see the beautiful hill stations Yogi Pahad and Rani Pahad nearby it.
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