Rayagada District of
Orissa has a predominantly tribal population. The main tribal communities are Kondhas and
Souras. The 7,585 sq km area supports a population of almost a million. Laterite soil is common. With rainfall averaging over 100 cm annually, one-fourth of Rayagada is under cultivation.
The region is rich in bauxite, graphite, manganese, quartz and gemstones. Ferro manganese factory, Ferro silicon factory, paper mill and sugar factory are the major industries. The major river Bansadhara flows here.
Bissamcuttack,
Chatikona,
Devagiri, Hatipathar,
Minajhola,
Padmapur and Niyamgiri Hills are places of tourist interest.
