Baripada, also referred to as the second Puri is majorly known for its beautiful culture and natural vistas. There are numerous reasons to visit Baripada. For instance, its rath yatra is considered second to Puri’s Rath Yatra in terms of grandeur and religious fervor.
Apart from that, you will be finding the presence of several temples here. Devotees from all over the region visit these temples out of devotion and their love for the almighty.
Best Time to Visit Baripada
Visit Baripada if you want to witness the beautiful Indian heritage, experience nature's beauty in full bloom, and explore the unheard local events and festivals. The months between November and February are the best time to visit Baripada, Odisha.
History of Baripada
Baripada was once the capital of Mayurbhanj State. Earlier, known as Burpuddhah, its etymology remains unknown to date.
The presence of ruins of old mud fort here is now nothing more than a lingering absence. Talking about temples, the primary shrine of the town is considered to be the Jagannath temple which goes back to 1575 AD. Interestingly, this same temple is also considered to be the oldest structure in the area.
In terms of overall development, Baripada saw a major rise under the rule of Maharaja Jadunatha Bhanja. And his successors too, like Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo, contributed several other public buildings in the town.
Since then, it has grown multi-folds in various aspects. Finally, in 1949, it was merged with the independent union of India.
Major Attractions in and Around Baripada
1. Simlipal National Park
Simplipal National Park brims with the beauty of nature. However, it is interesting to know that once it was also used as the hunting ground for the rulers of the province. It is one of the most significant tiger projects in India. The waterfalls, meadows, rivers all make it to be an important component of the park.
2. Jwala Mukhi Temple
This temple is known because of ancient anecdotes that are associated with it along with the beautiful green surroundings. It is interesting to know that the dome of this temple has been made out of gold; gifted by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
3. Palace of Mayur Bhanj
It is fundamentally a beautiful white building that depicts the amazing fusion of the complex engineering skills of those times. There was once a time when the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj controlled the palace. Due to all these things, it has come across as one of the most significant tourist attractions in Baripada.
How to Reach Baripada
Baripada is a city which in its essence depicts the true culture of Odisha and to witness its heritage, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,515, 1,875, 234, 1,692 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the details given below on how you can reach Baripada by the following means of public transportation.
By Air
Depending upon your convenience, you can consider deboarding at either Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar or Netaji Subhash Chandra International Airport (CCU), Kolkata situated 253 km and 241 km away respectively. Both the airports have overall good connectivity with other Indian cities with major airlines operating to and fro. Once you deboard at either of the airports, consider booking a taxi or some other means of public transportation to reach your destination.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Baripada
By Train
You will need to deboard at Baripada Train Station (BPO) which serves the Mayurbhanj district. However, the station has not very good connectivity with other regions irrespective of the nearby cities and towns. Thus, if traveling from faraway places, you may need to change your train to Baripada station. Once off the station, book a taxi or some other available means of transportation to reach your respective destination.
By Road
From the nearby towns and cities, you can consider traveling to Baripada via well-maintained roadways and national highways. Depending upon your choice, you can travel either via interstate or regular/luxury buses which are readily available from the nearby cities and towns. You can also consider traveling via taxis or your own vehicle.
- From Kolkata - 234 km via NH16
- From Jamshedpur - 139 km via NH18
- From Cuttack - 228 km via Kolaghat - Pansila - Cuttack Rd
Frequently Asked Questions about Baripada
Q: Where is Baripada located?
A: Baripada is a city located in the Indian state of Odisha.
Q: What are the major tourist attractions in Baripada?
A: Baripada is known for its rich cultural heritage and has many tourist attractions, including the famous Jagannath Temple, the Baneswar Shiva Temple, the Khiching Museum, and the Mukteswara Temple. The city is surrounded by lush green forests and hills, and is a popular destination for nature
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
