Mayurbhanj, the erstwhile kingdom of Mayurs and the Bhanjas, was merged with the state of
Orissa in 1949. It is bounded in the north by
Midnapore District of
West Bengal and
West Singhbhum District of
Jharkhand, in the south by
Baleswar District and in the west by
Keonjhar District. It forms the largest district of Orissa in terms of area as well as forest cover.
With its headquarters at
Baripada, Mayurbhanj has an area of 10,410 sq km with a population of 2 million. The forests have a varied flora and fauna and its salubrious climate makes the region an ideal habitat for tropical birds and animals.
The Budhabalanga is the major river. Mayurbhanj is famous for the horn works, stone and clay works,
Tussar silk, jute mills and spinning mills. Sunei is an irrigation and power project. Tourist spots are
Barehipani Waterfall,
Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary,
Deokund,
Haripur,
Khiching, and
Similipal National Park. Tourist season ranges from November to June.
