Phulbani, Kandhamal, Odisha

Phulbani stands out as the district headquarters of Kandhamal. Rich in its blend of natural beauty, Vibrant Festivals, and warm-hearted people, the place has become a must-visit destination for travelers and professionals seeking an offbeat experience.

Town is located in the very central part of Odisha. Major cities nearby town are Phulabani City, Asika City, Balangir City, and Anugul City. The Town is situated at an elevation of 750 meters above sea level.

It is an excellent destination for explorers and nature enthusiasts. The nearby forests, Including the Putudi Waterfall, Belghar Nature Camp, Tirkarpada Wildlife

Sanctuary, and Satkosia Tiger Reserve have offered a haven for wildlife lovers and trekkers. The region has been home to a variety of flora and fauna, providing ample, opportunities for wildlife sightings and nature walks.

The locals, mainly the Kandha tribe, are well known for their hospitality and traditional way of living. The interaction with locals and the tribe gives visitors a chance to learn about their unique customs, arts, and handicrafts.

The Rushikulya River passes through the district of Kandhamal. The major types of crops being grown here are Paddy, Maize, Pulses, cotton, and oilseeds.

Quick Summary of Phulbani

Facts About  Phulbani, Kandhamal, Odisha
Name of Place	Phulbani
Type of City or Place	District Headquaters
District	Kandhamal
Current DM / Collector of District	Sri Ashish Ishwar Patil,IAS
State	Odisha
Administrative Structure	Phulbani  District HQ
	2 Subdivions/12 TehsiIs/12 Blocks
Pin Code	762001
Subdivisions Details	2 sub divison
Tehsil Details	12 Tehsil
Block Details	12blocks
Railway Station Available	Doesn’t have it’s own railway station
Nearest  Railway station	Rairakhol Railway Station
No of Trains (Up/ Down)	From Bhubaneswar 11
Airport Available	Bhubaneshwar
Nearest Airport	Biju Patnaik International Airport, BBSR
Distance from State Capital	208.1 KM
City/ Town Population	37,371
District Population	7,33,110
Medical College	Not available
Eng College	Government Polytechnic college
Other Degree Colleges	Government  Autonomus College
CBSE/ ICSE Private Schools	Carmel english medium school
	Penji Sahi School
Govt Sr Sec School	Government High school
	Govt.U.P. school
	Govt. Girl’s high school
Apparels Brands Available	Not Available
QSR Brands Available	Not Available
Major Retailers (National / International Chains only)	Apna baazar
	Jio Store
	Patanjali store
Shopping Mall	Not Available
No of Hotels listed on MMT/ Goibibo/ Booking.com	5
5 Star Hotels (National / International chain hotel)	Not Available
Recommended Hotels
Budget Hotels	Phulbani Nature retreat
	Hotel hill View
Private Banks	Axis bank
	Canara Bank
	Bank of Baroda
Government Banks	Allahabad bank
	Andhra bank
	State bank of india, etc
Famous Tourist Places	1.Putudi Waterfall
	2. Mandasaru
	3. Belghar Nature Camp
Famour Temples in City	1. Maa Barala Devi Temple
	2. Lord Jagannath Temple
	3. Birupakhya Temple

Religion wise Population Mix

Religion	Percentage
Hindu	95.31%
Muslims	2.04%
Christian	2.09%
Sikh	0.04%
Buddhist	0.01%
Jain	0.00%
Others	0.00%
Not Stated	0.50%

Sub-Division of District

Phulbani is the district headquarter of Kandhamal District which has 2 sub-divisions namely:

1. Phulbani(83,819 Population)
2. Balliguda(97,084 Population)

With its 12 Tehsils, 12 blocks, and 153-gram panchayats.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Phulbani is during the winter months, which are from October to February. These months offer mild weather favorable for exploration. The weather out here experiences a tropical climate.

The region offers several notable places to visit. Below are some major notable places to visit

• Barala Devi Temple
• Chakapad Temple
• Putudi Waterfall
• Belghar Nature Camp
• Tirkarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
• Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Famous Temples

The place is home to several temples that hold cultural significance. Here are some notable temples of the region:

• Chakapad Temple:- The temple is located in Chakapad village near Phulbani. The temple is dedicated to Lord Birupakshya who is a form of Lord Shiva. The is well known for its religious importance and beautiful surroundings.

• Barala Devi Temple:- The temple is located near Phulbani at a place called Balaskumpa and is dedicated to Goddess Barala Devi, who is believed to be the savior of the world. The temple is about 15 away from city bus stand.

• Bagh Devi:- Located in the Gudari block . The is a significant pilgrimage site, especially during the Chaitra Navaratri festival.

• Jagannath temple:- The temple is dedicated to Shree Jagannath who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. This temple is world famous for its Rath Yatra festival.
• Birupakhya Temple:- It is a well-known temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Phulbani. The temple’s architecture and carvings are notable features of the temple.

Major Festivals

Phulbani is the district headquarter of Kandhmal. The prominent festivals and events being celebrated here are:

1. Kandhmal Zilla Mahostava:- The grand festival is celebrated to showcase the tradition and cultural diversity of Kandhmal district including Phulbani. During the festival, the tribal community displays their traditional dance, songs, and unique rituals.

• Rath Yatra:- Rath Yatra is celebrated in the whole of Odisha as this festival is famous on the globe, the festival involves a procession of the deities on decorated chariots.

• Harvest Festival:- As an agricultural region, Phulbani celebrates a harvest festival called Nuakahi. It marks the harvest season and the offering of the first grains from the new crop to the deities.

• Kui Parab:- Kui Parab is a festival celebfrated by the traibals of phulbani. The festival provides them an opportunity to preserve and promote their cultural heritage. The celebration includes flok songs, storytelling, dancing, and showcasing the unique tradition.

• Local Fairs:- The region hosts local fairs and meals from where people can buy and sell goods, enjoy and participate in various activities. The main feature of this local fair is to promote handicrafts, agricultural products, cultural performances, and some fun rides.

Budget hotels in City

Mentioning some budget hotels in Phulbani so that you can easily check out them as per your budget and convenience:

• Hotel Crown:- The hotel is located at Hatapada Road, 1st floor of axis bank. The hotel provides basic amenities like a pool, free wifi, air conditioning, and a parking facility. The hotel stay prices start at Rs 1,225 and can vary according to your preference.

• Hotel Dreamland:-The hotel is located in front of the Punjab national bank. The hotel provides basic amenities like a pool, free wifi, air conditioning, room service, a restaurant, free breakfast, and a parking facility. The hotel stay prices start at Rs 1,049 and can vary according to your preference.

• Hotel Royal Plaza:- The hotel is located at Jail Road, Amalpada. The hotel provides basic amenities like a pool, free wifi, air conditioning, room service, a restaurant, free breakfast, a child activity area, and a parking facility. The hotel stay prices start at Rs 1,383 and can vary according to your preference.
• Arya Palace:- The hotel is located at Main Road, Ganesh Market. The hotel provides basic amenities like safety, air conditioning, room service, good food, and a parking facility. The hotel stay prices start at Rs 400 and can vary according to your preference.

Premium hotels

Now, suggesting some of the premium hotels in city that you can also have a look at these hotels before planning your trip:

1. Hotel Hill View A/C
2. Hotel KP’s Salunki
3. Phulbani Nature Retreat

Local Market

Some of the well-known markets in Phulbani where you can explore and experience the local shopping culture are:-

1. Sahi Vending Zone
2. Gundicha Market
3. Nadighosa Market
4. Kumaar Market Complex
5. Madikunda Square

Famous Food

Being a part of Odisha, the Phulbani region offers a delectable array of traditional Odia cuisine. Some famous food of the region are:-

• Chhena Poda:- It’s a mouthwatering dessert that is loved there. It is made by caramelizing homemade cottage cheese with sugar, ghee, and cardamom, resulting in a rich, caramelized crust and soft, creamy interior.

• Santula:- It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is commonly prepared there. It is a mix of various vegetables, such as pumpkin, beans, and green leafy vegetables, cooked together with mustard oil and seasoned with a mix of five spices. Served with rice.

• Pakhala:- It’s a traditional food. It is made of fermented rice that is soaked in water and served with curries, Pickles, and fried fish. Especially enjoyed during summers.

Pure Veg Restaurant

Being a vegetarian, it becomes difficult to find out pure veg restaurants that offer vegetarian food. Listing down the name of restaurants for your convenience that serves vegetarian food:-

1. Hotel Manibaba
2. Baba Manu Veg Fast Food

Jain Restaurants

Finding Jain-specific restaurants in smaller towns may become a little challenging, as Jain cuisine is relatively niche. Mentioned below are some of the restaurants that offer Jain food and can make Jain food on demand:-

1. Hotel Manibaba
2. Baba Manu Veg Fast Food

Shopping Malls

There is no such Shopping mall, But here are some popular Shopping destinations

1. Apna Bazar
2. Boyanika Phulbani
3. Patanjali store

Retail Stores

Here are some common types of retail stores in town

1. BK fashion
2. Apna Bazar
3. Jio store
4. Baraladevi Book Store
5. Kalyan Faishon

Multiplex

Being a relatively small region, it does not have a multiplex but has a dedicated cinema theater namely:-

1. Shradhanjali Talkies
2. Film Hall

Major Brands available In Town

As a relatively small region, it may not have a wide range of major or international brands present in the region. Here are some of the brands and stores that you may find

1. For Faishon:- Apna Bazar, BK fashion, etc
2. For Electronics:- L.G, Samsung, Voltas, Haier,.etc
3. For Footwears:-Flite, Bata, Reliance, Relaxo, Etc
4. For watches:- Titan, sonata, fastrack,.etc
5. For Jewelry:- Sai Jewellers, Mahabahu Jewellery, om shree Jewellery, etc
6. For Home Appliances:- Voltas, cello, Samsung, etc

Best Location For Business

The best location for business purposes is the city center, market area, and industrial area as these places have better connectivity with other cities and have a bustling area with good accessibility to the target audience, transportation access, competition, and local regulations.

Best Schools in City

Here are some prominent schools in City-

• Sri Satya Sai High School
• Government Girl’s High School
• Chidananda Play school
• Carmel English Medium School

Colleges In City

Below are some of the prominent colleges in Phulbani:

1. Government Autonomous College Phulbani
2. KB Hist College, Phulbani
3. Phulbani B.Ed College
4. S.M Government Women’s College
5. Government Medical College

Hospitals and Clinics

Some major hospitals present are

1. District Headquarters Hospital
2. OMM Sai Eye Hospital
3. New Primary Health Centre
4. Bhagabati Clinic
5. Community Health Centre

Industries Or Factory

Its primarily an agrarian district with a focus on agriculture and related industries. Some notable industries and factories are operating in the region. Some of them are:

1. Meera Industries
2. District Industries
3. Odisha Agro Industries Corporation
4. Laxmi Metal Industries
5. Agro Industries Pvt. ltd.

Upcoming Project In City

Some major upcoming projects in Phulbani are:

1. Construction of 100 seated New govt. Medical College and Teaching Hospital
2. Berhampur- Sambalpur via Phulbani new Railway line project.

Major Agricultural Crops

Being an agrarian region in Odisha, it is known for its agricultural products. The region has a favorable climate and soil fertility enabling the cultivation of a variety of crops.

Some of them are mentioned below:

1. Paddy
2. Maize
3. Pulses
4. Cotton
5. Oilseeds
6. Vegetable

How To Reach

Some general ways to reach Phulbani:-

1. By Air:- The nearest airport to reach Phulbani is Biju Patnaik International Airport. Different flights are available like Indigo, Vistara, etc you can easily book your tickets from MakeMyTrip, Paytm, and other Platforms. The Distance from the airport to Phulbani is approx 209.9 kilometers. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab, or either you can use public transport.

• By Train:- The nearest railway station to reach Phulbani is Rairakhol Railway Station which is approx 100 Kilometers from Phulbani. You can Book your tickets from www.irctc.com, MakeMyTrip, etc, and through other platforms. You have to make sure that from several railway stations, there are zero direct trains to reach here. Make sure to check that before planning your trip. After reaching the Airport you can hire a taxi or cab, or either you can use public transport.

• By Road:- It is well connected by road with the nearby towns and cities. State and private buses operate regular services to Phulbani from cities like Bhubaneshwar, Balangir, and Berhampur. The NH-59 passes through Phulbani, making it easily accessible by car or bus.

Distance from Bhubaneshwar To Phulbani

The state capital is Bhubaneshwar and the distance between Bhubaneshwar to Phulbani is 209.3 kilometers.

Buses from Bhubaneshwar To Phulbani

Bus facilities available from Bhubaneshwar to Phulbani are mentioned below:

1. Champaty(Oribus)

Departure time:-10:15P.M from Baramunda Bus stand Arrival time:-04:45A.M to Phulbani bus stand

Fair:- Rs 430 and can prefer according to your preference Time:- 6hours and 30 minutes.

• Dixit Travels

Departure time:-10:15P.M, 8:30P.M, 8:15A.M from Baramunda Bus stand Arrival time:-05:00A.M, 2:30A.M, 3:30P.M to Phulbani bus stand

Fair:- Rs 350and can prefer according to your preference Time:- 6 to 7 hours

• Dildar Bus Services

Departure time:-10:00P.M from Baramunda Bus stand Arrival time:-04:00A.M, to Phulbani bus stand

Fair:- Rs 300 and can prefer according to your preference Time:- 6 Hours

More buses are available you can easily check out the tickets on www.Redbus.com, www.makemytrip.com, and several other platforms at your convenience.

Trains From State Capital To Phulbani

There are several trains available from Bhubaneswar to the nearest railway station Rairakhol. Mention below are some trains for your reference:

1. 20823-Puri-Ajmer SF Express
2. 18126- Rourkela Intercity-Express
3. 12893- Balangir Intercity SF Express
4. 20807- Hirakud SF Express 5.18304- Sambalpur Intercity Express

You can check out more trains on www.irctc.com and other platforms at your convenience.

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