Explore Kendrapada District

Kendrapada district, located in the eastern state of Odisha, India, is a captivating region with a vibrant history, picturesque landscapes, and a diverse cultural heritage. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to uncovering the remarkable facets of Kendrapada, including its historical significance, geographical features, cultural heritage, transport connectivity, famous festivals, wildlife, tourist attractions, education, economic growth, cuisine, accommodation options, city life, local art and crafts, picnic spots, and enchanting lakes.

The name of the Kendrapara district is quite significant in the Indian subcontinent. The Kendrapara District was formed on 1st of April 1993. Strategically, the Kendrapara district is situated at “20º 20` N to 20º 37` N latitude” and “86º 14` E To 87º 01` E longitude”. According to the Agro- Climatic Classification of Orissa` , Kendrapara district falls under the `central coastal plain zone` .

Other districts of India form the boundaries of this Kendrapara District. Four Indian districts encircle the Kendrapara District; even a portion of it is bordered by the Bay of Bengal. For instance, the Kendrapara district lies in the northern part of the district of Jagatsingpur, western part of Indian district of Cuttack, southwestern part of the district of Jajpur and also southern portion of the district of Bhadrak.

What is Kendrapara District of Odisha famous for?

Kendrapara District of Odisha is world-famous as the principal habitat of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles at the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, hosting the world’s largest known mass nesting phenomenon (Arribada). It is also renowned for its vast and pristine mangrove forests in Bhitarkanika National Park, home to saltwater crocodiles and rich biodiversity, making it a premier ecotourism destination on India’s central east coast.

Wildlife Sanctuary:

Globally known for the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest rookery for Olive Ridley sea t

National Park:

Houses the unique Bhitarkanika National Park, one of India’s most significant mangrove ecosystems and a haven for saltwater crocodiles.

Geographical Position:

A coastal district in the “central coastal plain zone” of Odisha, with a 48-km shoreline on the Bay of Bengal.

Administrative Fact:

Formed as a separate district on April 1, 1993, and is bordered by Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, and Bhadrak districts.

Ecological & Geographical Profile:

Kendrapara’s identity is intrinsically linked to its dynamic coastline and river deltas. Its 48-kilometer shoreline is not just a beach but a globally critical marine habitat. The district’s real fame comes from the confluence of rivers like the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra, which create the unique brackish water ecosystem of Bhitarkanika—a maze of mangroves that is one of Odisha’s most vital ecological treasures and a Ramsar site, supporting an incredible diversity of life.

Cultural & Socio-Economic Glimpse:

Beyond its natural wonders, Kendrapara is a district of vibrant rural life and historical pockets. The area has a notable demographic characteristic with a higher female population and boasts a literacy rate of 77.3%, above the national average. The economy is driven by agriculture, fishing, and a growing focus on sustainable ecotourism. Bustling local markets in towns like Chandol, Marshaghai, and Rajnagar offer a taste of authentic Odia commerce and daily life.

Tourist Places of Attraction

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary:

This is the district’s star attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. The beach here witnesses the miraculous “Arribada” where hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest under the moonlight (typically December to March). Boat rides (from authorized points during permissible seasons) to see this phenomenon or the offshore waters are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Bhitarkanika National Park:

A must-visit for nature lovers. Explore the dense mangrove forests via boat safaris through its creeks and channels. The park is famous for its dense population of saltwater crocodiles, spectacular birdlife including kingfishers and raptors, and other wildlife like spotted deer and wild boar. The Bhitarkanika Interpretation Center at Dangmal provides excellent educational insights.

Ekakula & Habalikhati Beaches:

These serene and relatively untouched beaches near the Gahirmatha sanctuary offer pristine sands and a tranquil atmosphere. While turtle nesting areas are strictly protected, the surrounding beachscapes provide a peaceful setting to enjoy the coastal beauty and observe coastal birds.

Ancient Temples & Local Markets:

Discover the spiritual side at historic temples like Baladevjew Temple in Kendrapara town and Dhamra’s Chandaneswar. For a cultural experience, visit the vibrant weekly markets (haats) in towns like Patamundai or Rajkanika, where you can see local handicrafts, fresh seafood, and agricultural produce, and interact with the friendly locals.

Dangmal & Bhitarkanika Watchtowers:

Within the national park, Dangmal is a key entry point and offers basic accommodation. The watchtowers and trails around Dangmal and Gupti provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

 The shoreline of Kendrapara district constitutes of forty-eight kilometers, which stretches from `Dhamra Muhan to Batighar`. Also the headquarters of the Kendrapara district in about eighty-five kilometers from that of the state.

In order to carry on the study of any district or place it becomes necessary for a person to take a glance at its demography as well. Therefore numerous demographers have been allotted with task of acquiring information about the demography of Kendrapara District. In this regard, the Census report that has been issued out in the year 2001 deserves to be mentioning. According to this report, the total population of Kendrapara District has been enumerated to be1301856. Apart from that exact number of males and females who are residing in the whole of this Kendrapara District too can be identified. As has been highlighted in this report, males are less in number than that of the females. In other words, the number of females is 655500. In Kendrapara District 646356 is the number of males.

Whether a district is developed or not, can be known from its literacy rate. In other words it is a significant yardstick for counting the development of the state. Also from this report, the people also get acquainted with the literacy rate of Kendrapara District as well. It is to be noted that in Kendrapara District the literacy rate is 77.3 percent. Thus it is even higher than that of India, which shows a counting of 59.5 percent. If one has the desire to look at the literacy scenario of males and females on individual basis going through this report becomes must. It has been denoted that rate of male literacy is 87.62 percent. 67.29 is the percentage of female literacy of Kendrapara District.

Few more information also can be known about this Kendrapara district. Chandol, Garadpur, Marshaghai, Gopa, Silipur are the chief markets that have developed in the district.

KENDRAPARA WEATHER