Baripada is a city in northern Orissa that is also the capital of the Mayurbhanj district. If you plan a trip to Baripada, Here is a list of a few of the best places to visit in and around Baripada, known for its artistically rich sites.
It is a culturally and religiously diverse part of the state. It’s a great place to spend the holiday if you live in one of the nearby towns.
It’s also a good place for tourists to stay so they can plan trips to all the major sites in the area.
History Of Baripada
Baripada used to be the capital of the state of Mayurbhanj. It used to be called Burpuddhah. But no one knows where that name came from.
The ruins of an old mud fort used to be here. But now they are just a reminder of what used to be there.
Regarding churches, the Jagannath temple, built in 1575 AD, is considered the town’s most important place. This temple is also thought to be the oldest building in the area.
Under Maharaja Jadunatha Bhanja’s rule, Baripada grew immensely and changed in many ways. His people who came after him, like Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo, also gave the town several public buildings.
Since then, it has grown in many ways by many times. It was finally merged with the separate state of India in 1949.
Places To Visit In Baripada
1. Simlipal National Park
The famous Simlipal National Park is one of the best places near Baripada. It is also known as the most prominent animal refuge in the country.
It is home to one of India’s most important tiger projects and hundreds of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for people who love wildlife and nature.
The park also has beautiful green fields, thick woods, and beautiful waterfalls, which make it an excellent place for picnics and short trips.
This unique wildlife area is open from November to June. Winter is the best time to visit.
2. Khiching
Khiching is about 126 km from Baripada. Its main claim to fame is the Kichakeswari Temple, which is found there.
The temple is the only one of its kind in India. It is made out of chlorite slabs and is dedicated to the holy goddess of the kings who ruled the district.
The area also has a temple to the goddess Chamunda, known for the stone paintings on its walls. In addition, many other churches in the area show how well the Kalinga building style is done.
Khiching also has a small museum with works of sculpture and art that are very important.
3. Jwala Mukhi Temple
The Jwala Mukhi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi, the goddess of light. Inside a rock room of the temple, a blue flame is always burning.
It is a significant Hindu temple, and the Mughal Emperor Akbar gave it a dome made of solid gold as a gift. One of the best times to go to the temple is during Navratri, when many followers go there to enjoy the holiday in a big way.
4. Palace of Mayurbhanj – Places To Visit In Baripada
When the British ruled India, the area of Mayurbhanj was a royal state. The Mayurbhanj palace is a beautiful white building home to the Mayurbhanj Maharajas.
After freedom, it was sold to the government of Orissa. It is now one of the most critical sites in Baripada.
Even though the building needs a lot of work, the lush green area around it is a beautiful place to spend some time.
5. Baripada Museum
Maharaj Sriram Chandra Bhanjadev, the master of Mayurbhanj at the time, opened the Baripada Museum in 1903. Rare artifacts like statues, important historical papers, clay art pieces, and other displays show the rich cultural history and customs of the tribe area.
Due to a lack of staff and upkeep, the museum is often closed. Check it out, though, if you’re fortunate enough to be there on a day when it’s open.
6. Manatri
Manatri is 38 km from Baripada. The Kakharua Baidyanath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most famous thing about the town.
On three sides, water lines from the Gangahar River flow around the temple, making a beautiful scene that draws many people. A lot of people also go to the temple during the Shivratri holiday.
7. Jagannath temple – Places To Visit In Baripada
The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, is held yearly at the Jagannath Temple in Baripada. It is a big event second only to the Rath Yatra in Puri.
The most crucial part of the event is a vast chariot that takes the shrine of Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) through the town. Followers push the chariot.
Rituals and customs of the holiday in Baripada are different from those in other places. For example, women followers carry the cart most of the time and are given more importance than other devotees.
Because of this, many women come to pray in the area, where they pull Maa Subhadra’s car along with Lord Jagannath.
8. Haripur
Haripur is a town about 16 km from Baripada. It was once the capital of the Bhanja Dynasty and was built by Maharaja Harihar Bhanj in the 14th century.
It was formerly called Hariharpur. The main thing to see in this area is the temple of Rasikaraya, which Baidyanath Bhanj built.
The ruins of Ranihansapura, or the queen’s home, are in the temple’s inner courtyard. Even though the temple mainly falls apart now, it is still an exciting piece of an old building that draws many tourists.
Near the Rasikaraya temple are also temples for Radhamohan and Jagannath that are next to each other.
Best Time To Visit Baripada
October to March, when the weather is nice and moderate, is the ideal time to explore Baripada. During this period, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it suitable for outdoor activities such as sightseeing, trekking, or camping.
Moreover, during these months, you can witness some fascinating festivals, like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Christmas, which locals celebrate enthusiastically.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Baripada offers an array of exciting places to visit. From the cultural attractions of the Baripada Palace and Tribal Museum to the natural beauty of Similipal National Park, there is something for everyone.
The city’s shopping districts, food scenes, and spiritual sites are also worth exploring. So, if you’re hunting for a unique and memorable place to visit, consider Baripada. You won’t be disappointed.
Nayana is passionate about discovering the most magnificent places to visit in India! She also loves to uncover the most incredible sights and capture her experiences in her writing through TouristPanda.com.