Ganjam District of Odisha

What is Ganjam District of Odisha famous for?

Ganjam District of Odisha is most famous for its spectacular 60-kilometer coastline along the Bay of Bengal, the historic Gopalpur Port, and the breathtaking Chilika Lake—Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a UNESCO bird sanctuary. It is a diverse region celebrated for its religious heritage, vibrant silk ikat textiles, and unique geography stretching from coastal plains to the Eastern Ghats.

Ganjam district is broadly divided into two divisions, the coastal plains area in the east and hill and table lands in the west. The eastern ghats run along the western side of the district. The plains lies 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 and are subject to sudden floods. 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 the famous Chilika lake.

Geographical Diversity:

Features a long coastline, the Chilika Lake ecosystem, fertile river basins (Rushikulya), and the hills of the Eastern Ghats.

Key Attractions:

The historic Gopalpur-on-Sea, the hot springs of Taptapani, the ancient Buddhist site at Jaugada, and numerous temples like Bhairavi and Maa Sankulayee.

Economic & Natural Resources:

Known for ports, fishing, agriculture, mineral deposits (manganese, monazite, garnet), and significant forest resources with rich wildlife.

Cultural Specialty:

Renowned for the traditional Ganjam Silk and intricate ikat handloom textiles.

Geographical & Ecological Significance:

Ganjam presents a dramatic topographical journey from the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal to the forested slopes of the Eastern Ghats. This proximity of hills to the sea creates short, fast-flowing rivers like the Rushikulya, which are lifelines for agriculture but prone to flash floods. The crown jewel is Chilika Lake, a vast brackish water lagoon in the northeast that serves as a critical wintering ground for migratory birds and a hub for biodiversity and local fisheries.

Natural Resources & Economy:

The district’s economy is underpinned by its varied natural bounty. The coastal zone drives a thriving fishing industry and international trade through Gopalpur Port. Inland, the fertile alluvial plains of river basins support agriculture, while the western laterite soils and hills hold valuable minerals like manganese, garnet, and monazite sands. The mixed deciduous forests are not just a source of timber but also habitats for diverse wildlife, adding to the region’s ecological wealth.

Tourist Attractions & Places of Interest:

Beyond the famous Chilika and Gopalpur beach, Ganjam offers diverse experiences. The hot springs of Taptapani are set amidst lush forests, providing a natural spa retreat. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient fortified city of Jaugada, known for Ashokan edicts. The district is dotted with spiritual sites like the Bhairabi Temple, Budhakhol, and Narayani, each with its own unique legend and serene setting, from hilltops to forest groves.

Cultural and Local Life:

Ganjam’s culture is a blend of coastal and inland influences. It is a key center for Odisha’s handloom tradition, particularly known for high-quality silk and ikat weaving. The weekly markets in towns like Chatrapur bustle with activity, offering local produce, fresh seafood from the coast, and the district’s distinctive handcrafted grinding stones made from local granitic rock.

Water

The Bay of Bengal touches the eastern frontier of Ganjam district and its coast extends over 60 Kms. It provides unique oppertunity for fishing and port facility at Gopalpur for international trade. The rivers like Rushikulya, Dhanei, Bahuda, Ghoda Hada are the prominent ones which govern the agriculture and power sectors of the district. The vast river basin of Rushikulya provides Grand potential for explotation of ground water. How ever the rivers only navigable during the rain season only. The Chilika lake which attracts international tourist known for its scenic beauty and a marvelous birds santuary is situated in the eastern part of district.

Soil

The district has allovial soil in its eastern part (coastal region) and laterite Soil in the west (hilly table land) with small patches of black cotton soil at the centre and in the north east close to Chilika.

Mineral resources

The chief economic minerals found in the district are abrasives and grinding materials, line stone (kankar), manganese, monazite, sand and talc. Garnetiferous granitic gnashes and charanokites are used for manufacture of grinding stones in the district white clay deposits are also found in different areas of the district.

Forest Resources

The forest of Ganjam district comes under the mix 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. It is also quite famous for wild life diversity.

Places of interest in and around Ganjam

• BHAIRABI
• Gopalpur-on-Sea
• Taptapani
• BIRANCHI NARAYAN
• BUDHAKHOL
• JAUGADA
• KULADA
• MAHURIKALUA
• NARAYANI
• NIRMALJHAR
• CHILIKA (RAMBHA)
• HUMARI TAMPARA
• PANCHAMA
• BANKESWARI
• Maa Sankulayee

GANJAM DISTRICT WEATHER