Mayurbhanj, one of the administrative districts of Orissa, offers a wide array of places of tourist`s attraction. Set in the midst of vast forest and wide range of flora and fauna, the district of Mayurbhanj is one of the significant tourist corners in Orissa. Diversified flora and fauna has infested the district with flawless freshness, which is alluring to the tourist. The Simlipal national park is a tourist`s paradise with its wide variety of wild life. Khiching and Manatri are well known for ancient temples with unique architectural style. Bhimkund is a pilgrimage site and Deokund is noteworthy for its picturesque beauty.
Simlipal National Park of Mayurbhanj district is the idyllic habitat of animals like tiger, leopard, elephant, sambar, deer and birds. Added to it is the scenic beauty in extravaganza which keeps one amazed. A nature loving tourist can visually treat himself with the majestic Sal forests, cool, calm and unreserved grassy lands, soaring peaks and the waterfalls of streaming pearls which make Simlipal the paradise of nature. A visit to The Ramtirtha crocodile rearing centre near Jashipur is an exposure of a different kind. It provides insight into the intricacy of nature and the man`s effort to restore the balance in nature.
Khiching is a home to many ancient temples. The temple of Kichakeswari is built entirely of chlorite slabs is unique of its kind in India. A plethora of other temples also dominate the place some of which are still in active worship. The small museum situated in this place boasts of highly significant historical specimens of sculpture and art and is bound to amuse the on lookers. One of the major attractions of Khiching is a temple dedicated to Chamunda Goddess, and is known for its astounding stone carvings. Manatri in Mayurbhanj district is famous for the temple of Kakharua Vaidyanath. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is endowed with a unique architectural style. One can see inscriptions of the Mayurbhanj kings, written in Oriya, on the temple walls. In the western side of the temple, there are remnants of an ancient fort.
Bhimkund of Mayurbhanj district is a pilgrimage site that has a sacred pool. Legend has it that Bhima (the second of the Pandavas) had taken a bath in this pool. Makara Festival is celebrated here ever year with great pomp and show, in the month of January. Travelers usually visit this place to observe and experience its amiable beauty. Deokund, a beautiful scenic spot amidst green forests and has picturesque waterfall. The hill top temple of Goddess Ambika is a special attraction of the place.
Mayurbhanj district is well connected with good network of roadways and railways. The National Highway No. 5 passes through the district and connects it with Kolkata and Bhubaneswar. Balasore station is the nearest railway station to Mayurbhanj. It takes nearly two hours from Baripada to reach Balasore by bus. An aerodrome field is located near Rasgovindpur in Mayurbhanj district. No flight service is available to this destination. Good accommodation facilities makes Mayurbhanj district a much visited destination in the state of Orissa.
