Gajapati District is named after Maharaja Sri Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deb, the Ex-Raja Sahib of Paralakhemundi estate. The region has a hilly terrain inhabited mostly by tribal people. Headquartered at Paralakhemundi, Gajapati has an area of 3,056 sq km and is home to over half a million people.
The climate and the terrain are ideal for horticulture. Average rainfall is 1,284 mm. Gajapati is also noted for its cane and bamboo handicraft works.
The Vamsadhara and Mahendratanaya are the major rivers traversing the district. The highest mountain in the region is Mahendragiri, which lies at an altitude of 4,923 feet above sea level. Decorative granite stones are found in some parts of Gajapati. There are a few agro processing industries in the region. Taptapani, Harabhangi and Gandahati are some of the tourist destinations.
