Baripada in Mayurbhaj District of Odisha is a major centre of tourists for its textile heritage and the presence of Simlipal Tiger Reserve. The Chandapur handloom products that come in vibrant colours and designs are a special attraction for tourists. The place is also famous for stone carvings. Bangiriposi tusser silk is available here in very cheap rates. Baripada is also known for its scenic beauty. The lush valleys, forest lands and scores of ancient temples add to the natural beauty of the place. Baripada is also the home of Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj District, an ancient Hindu dance form.
Geography of Baripada
The city of Baripada lies in north-eastern part of Odisha. The city lies along the Burhabalang River. It is located at 21.94 degree North to 86.72 degree E and has an average elevation of 36 metres.
Demography of Baripada
Baripada had a population of 94,947. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Baripada has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 57% of the males and 43% of females literate.
Culture of Baripada
Baripada is a land where majority of the people are tribals. For the Ratha Yatra festival or Car festival, we can see a number of chariots. The devotees arrive from every nook and corner of Baripada. The festivals are time of their merry making. All are eager to have a hand in pulling the celestial chariot. This is similar to the famous Puri car festival in which Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra make their annual journey. The only difference is that this chariot is drawn from Baripada, which is the tribal heartland of Odisha. Here the chariot of Subhadra is pulled entirely by women. The women can be seen in all vigour and spirit drawing the chariot. The chariots like the crowds are big. Baripada is the most favoured destination of women from all over. All women are eager to draw the chariots. It`s doubtful whether this special treatment has the sanction of the scriptures. But the locals say that it is a century old tradition.
Education of Baripada
Baripada is the seat for North Odisha University. It is home to the Maharaja Purna Chandra College (MPC), to which many students come from different parts of Orissa and also from neighbouring states.
Economy of Baripada
Baripada is a major trade centre for rice, sugarcane, and timber. There are also several industries that are engaged in pottery making, distilling, and weaving.
Tourism in Baripada
Baripada has the vast tourist opportunities like the exploration of Simlipal Tiger Reserve and the Waterfalls. While the Baripada Museum houses historically significant sculptures and artwork from the Mayurbhanj area. Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve Waterfalls of Simlipal are equally enchanting. Barehipani Fall (399 m) and Jordan Fall (150 m) are the scenic attractions that one ought to visit on tour to Baripada. Jashipur, at the beginning of the Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve, is also a popular spot for spotting mugger crocodiles in their natural habitat. Kiching, the ancient capital of Bhania rulers is famous for its temple complexes.
Visiting information
In the earlier times, a narrow gauge rail network to the Howrah-Chennai railway corridor connected Baripada but now a broad gauge railway line has replaced it. This has benefited over 100,000 of this city`s population. Now a new train from this city to the state capital is on the cards. The nearest railhead is Balasore District (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector. Baripada is located on the junction of NH 5 and 6. The roads are all well tarred and conditioned and travelling is not at all a problem for the people in Baripada. The place is also well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are easily available. The airports near to Baripada are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km).
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