Introduction
Ganjam District is one of the famous historical districts of Orissa. It is situated along the border of the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. Ganjam District covers a total area of 8070 sq km. as per the Census report of 2001 the district has an average population of 2,704,056. Ganjam District is popular for its tourist attractions and silk sarees that are woven with silver and gold threads.
History of the Ganjam district
The knowledge of the past history of Ganjam district is limited to the rock edicts and the inscriptions of the earlier kings and the rulers, who had conquered and colonized the region of Ganjam for couple of years. Following the historical records of Ganjam , the district has derived its name from the word "Ganj-i-am" meaning the "granary of world." To follow the other sources, the district of Ganjam is named after the Old Township and European fort of Ganjam situated on the northern bank of river Rushikulya ,which was the head quarter of the district.
The rock edicts of Ashoka and the inscriptions on the pillars constitute to be a significant source of the history of Ganjam. Among the 13 rock edicts of Ashoka, one was found in the present area of the Ganjam district, which clearly indicates that the present tract of Ganjam was a part of the Kalinga Empire, which was under the jurisdiction of Ashoka. As the history of Gajapati depicts, Ashoka conquered the entire part of Ganjam including the Jaugada Parbat, where the rock edict of Ashoka has been deciphered in 261 B.C. The antiquity of the Ganjam district is evident from the Ashokan inscription, which was the only basis of the historical records of the ancient Ganjam. However after the disappearances of the Mauryan empire and the downfall of their absolute supremacy, the Ganjam region was also disappeared from the political scenario of Orissa and was in a dark oblivion till in 1761, it was recognized as The French Bussy. Therefore the authentic historical records of Ganjam district during the episodes of absolute disappearance are not recorded.
According to some critics and historians, the history of Ganjam district was accounted with establishment of the French colony in its core. When the French arrived, Ganjam was subdivided into a several parts each owned by a number of federal chiefs. The French ultimately realized those areas as a tribute from the federal chiefs. But the French were not destined to be at the helm of the administration of the Ganjam district for long and shortly the English invaded the French settlement in Deccan and finally became victorious. Consequentially the French had to cede all their jurisdictional territory to the British including Ganjam, who annexed it to the English territory in 1759. In 1794 , with the establishment of the Collector Office of the English, commenced the historical era of the British imperialism in Ganjam.
As the history of Ganjam recounts, early in the 19th Century Ganjam was the hotbed of Indian politics owing to the revolt of the native zamindars against the British officers. Though the British crushed the rebellion, there was an intense ill feeling among the Native chiefs and the British authorities in Ganjam. However this political dissension among the zamindars and the British chiefs continued for long till 1836.
At the threshold of the 19th century the political struggle of the native inhabitants assume the hue of a regional and linguistic diversity. Following the historical records of the Ganjam district, the struggle for the amalgamation of Oriya tracts was keenly organized in Ganjam and in 1896, Oriya was recognized as the official language. The present area of Ganjam was in the Madras Presidency during the British period and consisted with only three Government Taluks, 16 large proprietary estates, 35 minor Zamidaries. `]
Following the historical documents of Ganjam, it has been deciphered that the headquarter of the district of Ganjam has undergone several changes and has been shifted from one place to another. In 1855, the original headquarter of Ganjam was abandoned owing to the eruption of the epidemic fever in the town for which near about 80% of the population of the town was reduced. Temporarily the capital was shifted to Gopalpur and then to the Berhampore and finally to Chatrapur around 1902.
However the English chiefs were not ready to manage the administrative activities of Ganjam as a subdivision of Madras Presidency. The district of Ganjam was far away from the Madras Presidency and the British do not find it easy to control the administrative activities far from Madras. Hence they wanted to merge it with the province of Orissa. The district of Ganjam was separated from the Madras Presidency and was merged with Orissa Province in the year of 1936 as is deciphered from the available historical documents of Ganjam. The reorganized district of Ganjam , which is annexed with the Orissa province is constituted of whole of Ghumusor, Chatrapur and Baliguda divisions, part of old Berhampur taluk, part of old Ichapur taluk, part of Parlakhemundi plains area and the whole of Parlakhemundi agency area in the old Chicacola division.
According to the recent available documents and the modified plans of the state Government of Orissa, from the present district of Ganjam is separated 7 blocks of Paralakhemundi Subdivision, which is merged with the newly formed district of Gajapati. Hence the present district of Ganjam is constituted with 3 subdivisions, 22 blocks, 14 Tahasils.
Geography of Ganjam District
Geography of Ganjam District is broadly divided into two divisions, the coastal plains area in the east and hilly lands in the west. The Eastern Ghats run along the western side of the district. The plains lie between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal. Since the hills are close to the sea, the rivers flowing from hills are not very long. The plains are narrow because of the absence of big rivers. The coastal plains in the east contain more fertile and irrigated lands. Towards the centre and south it is hilly with beautiful well watered valley. The south eastern portion is fertile. The extreme north east is occupied by a portion of Chilka Lake. The district has alluvial soil in its eastern part (coastal region) and Laterite Soil in the west (hilly land).
The forests of Ganjam District come under the mixed moist peninsular high and low level Sal forests, tropical moist and dry deciduous and tropical deciduous forest types. It provides a wide range of raw materials. The chief economic minerals found in the district are abrasives and grinding materials, line stone, manganese, monazite, sand and talc. Bay of Bengal touches the eastern frontier of Ganjam District and its coast extends over 60 kms. Rivers like Rushikulya, Dhanei, Bahuda, Ghoda Hada are the prominent ones which govern the agriculture and power sectors of the district. The district is characterized by moderate temperature all through the year. The normal rain fall of this district is 1444 mm.
Culture of the Ganjam district
The cultural heritage of the Ganjam district is envisaged from the folk dances of the native inhabitants here. The socio-economic and the cultural life of the native in Ganjam are revealed through the folk dances. The dramas and the songs associated the folk dances depict the cross currents of the daily life. Moreover the folk dances, which are the representation of the cultural life of Ganjam, are even famous across the country.
Prahlad natak is a form of traditional theater with a one-play repertoire from the southern district of Orissa, is commonest in Ganjam. The dance is performed on an open stage at the summit of which the throne of Hiranyakashipu is placed. The text of Prahalad Natak, containing 120 lines is a mixture of Sanskrit and colloquial Oriya. The cultural dance itself is the representation of the social life of Ganjam.
Gotipua Nacha is another facet of the cultural dance of Ganjam, which has attained immense popularity in the recent times. Love in different forms is the key theme of this dance and acting. The participants are two to three boys dressed as female and dance to the tune the beautiful love and cryptic songs of Kavi Samrat Upendra Bhanja.
Ghanta Mrudanga is the representation of the cultural life and beliefs of the Vaisnavas in Ganjam. Ghanta, Mrudanga combined together present the folk music of the Vaishnava sect, where the main deities of adulation are Radha, Krishna, Lord Jagannath etc. During the stage performance of the folk music the performers attired themselves like those deities regarding whom the entire drama and music is performed. They dominate musical scene at Puri during Rathajatra.
The cultural life and habits of Ganjam is also evident from Bharatlila, the most colorful presentation of Folk- Dance prevalent in Ganjam. The leading story of Subhadra Parinaya is the crux of the entire performance of the dance and the associated drama.
The key theme which dominate the folk dances of Ganjam is the presiding deities of the inhabitants, which represent that religiosity is an important trait of the cultural life of Ganjam.
Apart from the folk dances, concentrated on the religious theme, there are also some other dances, which depict the essential social life of the inhabitants of Ganjam.
Kotishala is the most rural from of Folk-dance. Its main instruments Kula (winoing item) and Handi (earthern Pot), accentuate its rural and rustic form of performance. Danda Nritya replicates the development in the art of living since the nomadic till date. The Animal Mask Dance is an important facet of the cultural life of Ganjam. The dance popular enough is mainly performed during the marriage ceremony.
The cultural life of Ganjam is evident from the folk dances and the associated stage performance and songs describing the social life of Ganjam.
Festivals of Ganjam District
Festivals of Ganjam District reflect a fine blend of different shades of culture of the district. Almost all the festivals of this district of Orissa are associated with the underlying principle of the anthropomorphizing of the divinity and the ascriptions of human conduct and affection to it. Ganjam District is not only known for its monuments, historical importance, beaches, waterfalls and scenic beauties, but also for its colourful fairs and festivals. It is generally believed that in twelve months of a year there are more or less thirteen festivals, but in actual practice the number is much more. These festivals are broadly divided into two categories, domestic festivals (observed in each household) and public festivals and fairs (where people congregate in large number on any particular auspicious day and celebrate). Various fairs and festivals are celebrated in Ganjam District. The notable ones are mentioned below -
Dola Yatra: Dola popularly knows as Holi, is the most popular and colourful festival of the district, celebrated on Phalgun purnima. Based on the romantic plays of Radha and Krishna, people converge on the streets with their idols on merrily decorated `Vimans` singing devotional songs in their praise and throwing colour powders and water on each others. Dola Yatra is widely celebrated throughout the district with much pomp and enthusiasm.
Tara Tarini Mela: The Tara Tarini Mela of Ganjam District is not only famous in this district but also throughout the state. Tara Tarini Mela is one of the biggest fairs of Orissa, which takes place on every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra (mid March to mid-April) at Tara Tarini pitha, which is located at a distance of 30 Kms from Berhampur. Thousands of devotees come from different parts of the state in order to have darshan of Goddess Tara Tarini and perform their Manasika after fulfillment of their desire. A grand congregation takes place on the third Tuesday of Chaitra month.
Thakurani Yatra: Thakurani Yatra is considered as the most typical and famous amongst all the folk festival celebrated in Ganjam District. Basically, this is the out come of most flourished sakti cult of Orissa in this particular region. Sakti means power, which is expressed through different phenomena. Goddess Sakti in her many aspects represents various phenomena, like for instance, Goddess Saraswati represents learning and wisdom, Goddess Laxmi represents wealth and prosperity, Goddess Durga represents the benevolent aspect, Goddess Kali represents the malevolent aspect and so on. Sakti cult is so popular in Ganjam District. 
That is why the Thakuranis of Ganjam District are so popularly worshiped with devotion and faith. They are four sisters - Thakurani of Berhampur, Khambeswari of Aska, Buirani of Kabnisuryanagar, and Ram Chandi of Purushottampur. The Yatra takes place biyearly at Berhampur and Chatrapur, once in 12 years at Kabisuryanagar and also in other areas of the district. Usually the Thakurani Yatra is observed in the month of May. The priest invites Goddess Thakurani as his daughter, who comes in the form of flower which is placed in a pot and being placed on the head of a woman and then the procession starts in the evening of every day. The procession is accompanied by musical instruments and different kinds of folk dances.
Durga Puja: Durga Puja is celebrated in the month of Ashwin (September/ October) in honour of Goddess Durga. Durga Puja symbolizes the commemoration of good over evil. It is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout the district. Exquisite image of Gods and Goddess, with artistic decorations are worshiped for four days, on the day succeeding `Vijaya Dashami` the last day of Durga puja, the images are immersed in water.
Shivaratri: This is one of the most important festivals. Shivaratri usually falls during the month of February and March. Devotees keep fast and perform Puja throughout the night.
Ratha Yatra: Ratha Yatra known as "Car Festival" is the grandest of all festivals in Orissa. Ratha Yatra in Puri is famous across the world. This festival is also celebrated in different corners of the district with much zeal and dedication. It is the sacred journey of Lord Jagannath with brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra from Jagannath Temple of Puri to another shrine called "Gundicha Mandir" in Puri for nine days in three gorgeously decorated chariots. The car festival is usually held in the month of June/July every year; the return journey is also celebrated on the 9th day in a traditional manner. This is the most important festival of Lord Jagannath at Puri and also one of the biggest festivals of India. The festival is held in different parts of Orissa, wherever there are temples of Lord Jagannath.
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti or Makar Mela is celebrated with enjoyment in mid-January, when the sun enters the orbit of Capricorn. Sun God is worshipped with great zeal and enthusiasm. Sun God returns northward from the tropic of Capricorn towards the equator, as a result day time rises and the night time reduces from Sankranti, so it is also called "Uttaryan Sankranti". Makar Sankranti is observed for a day but the Yatra or the fair lasts for two to three days.
Danda Yatra: Danda Yatra of Ganjam is considered to be the most ancient traditional form of worship. Galleri and Baibelli villages of Ghumsar of Ganjam District are said to have been the original places of "Danda Yatra". It is a ritual performed usually in the month of Chaitra for 13 to 21 days. The participants of Danda Yatra are usually called "Dandua" and the chief as "Pata Dandua" who move from one village to another to perform the same. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.
Moreover, District cultural festival is organized every year. It includes the traditional folk dances and music of the region. It is followed by exhibitions, competitions, adventure sports, etc. Besides these festivals, there are many other festivals of local importance in which thousands of people participate. In the forest areas there are special festivals of the Adivasis which commence from the spring season.
Education in Ganjam District
The socio-economic genesis of Ganjam encourages the growth of the education in the district. Following the reports of the demographic survey of the 2001 nearly about 1046214 of the total population are educated of which the percentage of the males is greater than the female. However, the standard of Ganjam`s education is essentially the collective endeavor of state and central Government. Bounty of primary schools throughout the district promotes the condition of the elementary education in Ganjam. However the standard of the secondary and higher Secondary level of education till date have not yet successful advancement in Ganjam comparing to the progress of elementary education in Ganjam.
The district of Ganjam attained limelight in the field of education with the establishment of the Berhampur University, of Orissa in 1967. The then president V.V.Giri inaugurated the Berhampore University in 1972.
The only University in Southern division of Orissa, the Berhampore University offers the scenario of education in Ganjam a special dimension. The ranking University in Orissa, the Berhampore University has 19 departments with several disciplines. The inclusion of faculties like Marine Science, Journalism, Linguistics and Professional courses like Computer Application and Business Administration has given the University an international status in the field of education. The education of Ganjam is known nationwide today mainly because of the contribution lies on the part of the Berhampore University. Presently the university offers M.Phil Courses to nearly all the disciplines the university offers to its students. The university is now a seat of the academics not only across India but also from the rest of the world. Quite a good number of degree colleges in Orissa are affiliated to the university of Berhampore. In recent time the education in Ganjam has accomplished a booming progress in India.
Economy of Ganjam District
The economy of the Ganjam district is supported by both industry and agriculture. Ganjam is one of those districts in the state of Orissa, which are privileged both in industry and agriculture.
The Ganjam district is known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity. The agricultural sector supplies about 75 % of the total workforce of the Ganjam district. Agriculture is not only the traditional occupation of the inhabitants of the Ganjam district but also the way of living of the people there. The agricultural sector attains a thriving prosperity in Ganjam district because of the growth of the diversified crops in the fertile soil of the Ganjam district. A variety of crops like paddy, Ground Nut, Sugar cane, Oil Seeds, Ragi, Mung, Biri etc. are grown in the district. The agriculture sector in spite of serving the domestic economy and providing employment to a significant section of ganjam`s population also participates in the export operations.
Among the gross cropped area of 718.80 hectares, the net sown area is 409.20 hect and the rest is the fellow land. Till date , about 3.50 hectare of wasteland is cultivable. During the plan period , Ganjam was included as the agricultural district because of the conducive agro-climatic condition in Ganjam. In the financial years , the Government has arranged the training programs for the farmers and encourages them to exploit the scientific and methodical technology to increase the agricultural productivity. With the induction of the wasteland reorganization and using them for cultivation, the agricultural economy has accentuated a rapid progress in Ganjam.
In the recent years , the infrastructure , providing the agricultural sectors has brought advancement in rapid growth of agricultural sectors, which is helpful for the economic augmentations in Ganjam. The agricultural economy in Ganjam is so prosperous that in the recent years it has even outshined the contribution of the industrial sectors in the royal exchequer of the state.
The Animal husbandry shares no less importance in the economy of Ganjam. In the interior rural areas, there are a considerable section of people who are living on animal rearing. Several allied industries and veterinary hospitals have been constructed in the district by the District Administrator in collaboration with the Orissa State Government. Those allied industries include milk chilling plants and the livestock aid centers and a number of animal insemination centers, which otherwise provide employment to a section of people. Thus the entire agricultural and animal husbandry with the Allied industrial sectors supports the domestic economy primarily.
As it is deciphered from the demographic reports, the share of the industries in the economic development of Ganjam is no less important. Bounty of natural resources including land (Agricultural and forest) and the mineral resources support the industrial economy of the district. With an average geographical area of 8070.6 Sq. Kilometers, the total cultivated land is 4,09,239 hectares, and forests are spread over 2664.25 Sq.Km of land. Moreover the Ganjam district has in store a variety of economically important minerals like limestone, soapstone, china clay, fireclay, graphite, granite and quartz. The cultivated lands supplies raw material to the agro based industries of Ganjam.
Fisheries or Pisciculture constitute to be a significant contributor in the industrial economy of Ganjam. Ganjam is potentially rich in the brackish and the inland fisheries. The coastline of 60 Kms with 26 fishing villages and 14 fish landing centers, Ganjam constitute to be a significant district among the fishing districts of Orissa. The prawn culture, which is the sole supplier of the industrial economy regarding fishery is cultivated in plenty in 5 blocks - Chatrapur, Ganjam, Khallikote, Rangeilunda and Chikiti of the Ganjam district. The long sea and the Chilka coastline are rich with marine products, which supplies a variety of marine product to those industries, which prepare products with the marine products. The Chilka coastline is rich with the resource of the lime shells and consequentially Ganjam district supplies a seizable portion of the total lime needs to the State. Utilizing the plenty of salt available from the coastline has developed the Jayshree Chemicals, a major industry in the Ganjam district. The industries on an average produce annually about 50,000 to 60,000 tons. The industry at the same time provides employment to a considerable amount of labor force, which supports the local economy of Ganjam.
To stimulate the economic growth of the Ganjam during the financial years has categorized the industrial estates and presently there are 3 industrial estates in Ganjam, stationed at Berhampore, Bhanjnagar and Chatrapur. IDCO is the government unit to control the development of industrial economy in Ganjam. IDCO with the Government aid and assistance has developed plots and sheds along with other infrastructural facilities like Road, Drainage, water supply and electricity. The detailed categorization of the industrial estate has brought a sustained development in the rate of development of the industrial economy of the district.
However, the industrial area of Bhanjnagar and Chatrapur is suffering an economic set back for a couple of years, which has an adverse effect to the economic scenario of Ganjam district. The Bhanjnagar estate is covering an industrial estate of 12.5 acres. Though the entrepreneurs are invited to set up industries in the industrial estates, the poor infrastructure becomes the principal hindrance of the development of the industries in these areas. The Chatrapur industrial estate has been principally designed by IDCO for setting up of Chemical industry owing to its proximity to Indian Rare Earth Limited (IRE LTD), Chatrapur and M/s. Jayshree chemicals. Most of its areas have been affected terribly by the devastating cyclone over the areas of Orissa. Presently there are 3 chemical units functioning in the Chatrapur Estate. With the rapid deterioration of the productivity of 2 operational industrial estates has largely affected the industrial economy of Ganjam.
The project of Autonagar Complex has been conjured up in the year of 1987 with the solemn objective of shifting the entire automobile unit from the Aska Road, thereby decreasing the congestion inside the Berhampore City, one of the major functional cities. The concentration of the automobile sectors in a single site ensures a huge work potential, which on the other hand also helps in the economic augmentation of Ganjam. There are the upcoming plans to shift the Truck Terminus and Transport offices to the Autonagar Complex so that Autonagar Complex can be constituted as the separate industrial estate functioning solely concerning the automobile sectors.
The economic genesis in Ganjam in the industrial sectors is mainly brought about by the contribution of the handicraft and the village cottage industries. The handicraft of Ganjam draws international spotlight in the recent years. The Bomkai and the Berhampuri Pata Sarees is the principal attraction about the handicraft of the Ganjam district because of their beautiful fabricated designs. The Sarees exported draws a considerable amount of foreign exchange. The Brass Fish of Bellaguntha are in high demand specially for their attractive designs. The artisans and handicraft workers reside in plenty in the Ganjam district and they produce a variety of works including the appliqué, stone carving, wood carving, brass and bell metal, paper machine, terracotta, Pata chitras, betel nut, Textile toys etc. The varieties of arts and crafts at the same time of serving the rural economy also share a substantial part to the mainstream economy of Ganjam district.
The collective contribution of the agriculture and industrial sectors in the recent years has stimulated the socio-economic progress of Ganjam district.
Tourism in Ganjam district
The exquisite beauty of the district, promotes the development of the tourism industry in Ganjam. Moreover the district of Ganjam is a historical place, which added a splendor to the scenic beauty of the district. The tourism of Ganjam matured by the manifestation of superb splendor in the antique district of Ganjam.
The tourism of Ganjam is the industry solely for the nature loving people. A variety of places in Orissa casting a soothing landscape are dotted all over the district of Ganjam. Aryapalli, a port offers a wide and soothing beach, which is primarily a fisherman village is the center of attraction in the tourism industry of Ganjam. A rare Sand mineral projected in the vicinity of Aryapalli makes the place more unique and alluring to the tourists.
Buguda has a special significance in the tourism industry of Ganjam especially for its antiquity. The center attained significance especially because of the post Gupta paintings and the wooden carvings of Biranchi Narayana Temple erected in 1790 AD by King Srikar Bhanja. This is a milestone in the history of mural paintings and carvings. 3 kms away from Buguda, the site of ancient Pancha Sambhu, the shrine housing the idol of 5 Shivas in a particular posture is the representation of the beautiful fabrication and the art and sculpture in the ancient days. In the temple of Kuruveswar in Buguda, One can witness a rare phenomenon that snakes are coming to take milk offered to Siva Linga. Shinghasini, in close proximity of Buguda is a picnic spot aromatized with wild flowers and the lushly forest. A variety of beautiful places concentrate in Buguda constitutes it as an important center in the tourism industry of Ganjam. During the festivals of Maghasaptami, Samba Dashami, Rath yatra, Danda Yatra (April), Durga Puja and Kalipuja , a vast chunk of tourists arrive to the core.
Snuggled in the heart of coastal Orissa, Chilka, India`s biggest inland lake is a center of immense interest to the tourists in Ganjam. The emerald green island scatter in the surrounding region with colorful names such as Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island, Chilka is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna, which itself is the key interest about Chilka. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia. Encircled with hills, the arch shaped shores, the color of the Chilka Lake changes with the passing cloud, cast an enigmatic view to the visitors. In the tourism industry of Ganjam, the Chilka Lake draws interest because of the exquisite beauty.
Gopalpur on sea is the famous site of the tourist interest because it murmurs the prosperity of Southern Orissa during the British supremacy in the town. It is the remnant of a British port also. Apart from being a historical place, the holy place of Dhavaleswar, 15kms away from Gopalpur greets tourists for its pervading golden beach and sand bleached Siva Temple.
Huma Kantigada, is the important center in the tourism industry of Ganjam for its picturesque view. The place along with the beach can be compared to almost all-important beaches of the world. The place is very close to the confluence of river Rushikulya, which is an ideal picnic spot. There are a cluster of temple namely Kapileswar Temple, Langaleswar Temple etc.
Jaugada is the symbol of historical heritage of Orissa, which shares significant positions in the tourism industry of Ganjam. Jaugada is famous for the rock edicts of Ashoka. Moreover the place draws its principal interest in the tourism industry because of its classical origin associated with Mahabharata episode.
Kulada speaks of the Bhanja rulers of Orissa in the 12th century. The antiquity of the temple has drawn the special importance in the tourism of Ganjam. Presently the temple is the eroded ruin, housing the presiding deity of Bagh Devi. The structure of the temple itself is a matter of profound inertest to the tourists. The temple embodies the Bhanja sculpture, which attained a thriving prosperity in the contemporary era. The festivals of Sankranti, Thakurani yatra, Rathyatra , Dola Purnima, Dashahara (4 days) and Ashoka Ashtam centering Kulada prove profitable in the tourism industry of Ganjam.
Mahurikalua at the junction of the Berhampur & Western Orissa is another major site of interest, offered by the tourism industry of Ganjam. Setting on a rural landscape Mahurikalua is an ideal site for those, who are tired of the urban congestion and seek a tranquil atmosphere for a short visit. Goddess Mahurikalua, having a shapely visage, smeared with red Leo and decorated peacock tails is another important attraction of the place. However, Mahurikalua is primarily renowned as a refreshing picnic spot and its unrivalled ambience of seclusion fetches a vast chunk of tourists.
The romantic setting and the perennial spring, manifest a scenic splendor to Narayani, a matchless spot for the nature loving people. Apart from being an exquisitely beautiful place, min the tourism industry of Ganjam it is equally famous as a religious site for it is the abode of goddess Narayani (Durga), which is one of the important Gods in the district.
Panchama, the small village owes its importance, in the tourism of Ganjam for its traditionality. The famous temple of Panchama Ganesh or is locally known as Siddha Binayaka, was constructed by the Gajapati King Purushottamadeva (15 century), for which the village Panchama shares a considerable interest in the tourism industry of Ganjam.
Potagarh is the historical place built by the British in the 18th century. Situated close to river Rushikulya, the fort is surrounded by a moat. The remnants of royal fort houses and the buried temples murmur the glorious past of Ganjam district. The historical heritage of the place is the key factor, which constitutes Potagarh as the tourism industry of Ganjam.
Tararini is famous as the religious site in the tourism industry of Ganjam. In the southern Orissa, Taratarini is the religious site, where the twin sister Goddess i.e. Tara & Tarini adorn the sanctum situated on the top of a hillock strapped by the waddled holy river Rushikulya
Bounty of important sites, besides being attractive, is manifested with historical significance, which promote the tourism industry to flourish in Ganjam. Presently the tourism industry in Ganjam shares an important part in the economy of the district.
