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Districts of Odisha List & their Importance, Map, Names

Districts of Odisha

Odisha is a state located in the eastern part of India, with a total of 30 districts. The districts are spread across different regions of the state and have their own unique features and characteristics. Each district has its own administrative headquarters and is further divided into smaller administrative units. The state of Odisha is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse topography, and abundant natural resources. The districts of Odisha play a vital role in contributing to the state’s economy through agriculture, industries, tourism, and other sectors. 

Read about: Districts of Assam

Districts of Odisha Map 

The map of Odisha with its districts provides information about the location and boundaries of each district. Here is a Map of the Districts of Odisha look at it.

Districts of Odisha Map
Districts of Odisha Map

Read about: Districts of Punjab

List of Districts of Odisha

S. No District Importance 
1 Sambalpur Sambalpur is a district in the western part of Odisha. The Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world, is located here. The district is also famous for its textile industry, producing traditional Sambalpuri sarees and fabrics.
2 Sonepur Sonepur district is located in western Odisha and is known for its famous Sonepur Cattle Fair, which is considered the largest of its kind in Asia. It is renowned for its extensive collection of over one hundred temples, earning it the moniker of “Mandiramalini town” or “city of temples.” The district is known for agriculture and horticulture with major crops including paddy, sugarcane, and vegetables.
3 Sundargarh Sundargarh is a district in the western part of Odisha known for its rich mineral resources. The presence of various tribes such as the Ho, Munda, and Oraon has added to the cultural richness of the region. Mining, especially iron ore mining, is a significant source of income for the people in this district, with several mines and industries operating in the area.
4 Puri Puri is a coastal district located in the eastern part of Odisha and is a hub for fishery resources, particularly prawn farming. The district also boasts of beautiful beaches like Puri Beach and Konark Beach, and the famous Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Puri is also known for its annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival, which attracts numerous tourists from across the world.
5 Rayagada Rayagada is a district in the southern part of Odisha and is known for its significant bauxite reserves. The district is home to the Dongria Kondh tribe, whose unique way of life and rich traditions have gained international attention. 
6 Malkangiri Malkangiri is a district in the southwestern part of Odisha, India. It is situated in the Eastern Ghats and borders the state of Andhra Pradesh. The district is also famous for the weekly market held at the town of Malkangiri, which attracts people from neighbouring regions. The district faces various challenges such as a lack of basic infrastructure and developmental facilities, as well as issues related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
7 Mayurbunj Mayurbhanj is a district in the northern part of Odisha. Mayurbhanj is also renowned for its exquisite terracotta work, bell metal craft, and traditional textiles. The district is also famous for its natural resources, including forests, waterfalls, and mineral reserves. Simplipal National Park is located in this district.
8 Nabarangpur Nabarangpur district is a district in the southern part of Odisha, India. It was carved out of the Koraput district in 1992 and is the largest district of Odisha by area. The district is predominantly rural with a majority of the population engaged in agriculture. The main crops grown here include paddy, maize, millet, pulses, oilseeds, and cotton.
9 Nayagarh Nayagarh is a district in the eastern Indian state of Odisha and it has a significant agricultural sector. Nayagarh has a number of forests and wildlife reserves, including the famous Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
10 Naupada Nuapada is a district located in the western part of the state of Odisha and is known for Maa Manikeshwari temple. The district is also home to many tribal communities and has several areas of natural beauty, including the Kharakhai waterfall and the Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary. Cash crops such as sugarcane and groundnut are cultivated in Nuapada district, while lac and tamarind production from forest-based industries provide livelihood to local tribes.
11 Angul Home to several industries, including NALCO, MCL, and JSPL. It is also called Industiral capital of Odisha. Known for its famous Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ansupa Lake. Angul district is one of the top ten most polluted Indian cities with “very alarming” pollution levels, according to a joint study by IIT-D and CPCB.
12 Balangir Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people of Balangir, and the district is known for its high-quality paddy and cotton crops. Balangir is famous for “Nuakhai” festival celebrates unity among family and friends during Bhadraba month, commencing after Ganesh Puja. Balangir is also home to the Ranipur-Jharial archaeological site. It is known for its cluster of ancient Hindu temples and ruins dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries.
13 Balasore Known for its famous Chandipur Beach, which is a unique beach where the sea disappears during low tide. Home to several defence establishments, including the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE). Balasore District’s revenue comes from agriculture, fishing, tourism, and industries, including Birla Tyres, Balasore Alloys, Emami Paper Mills, and Polar Pharma.
14 Bhadrak Bhadrak is a coastal district located in the eastern part of Odisha. The district of Bhadrak derives its name from the presence of the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali, situated on the banks of the Salandi river. Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people of Bhadrak, and the district is known for its high-quality paddy, jute, and sugarcane crops. The famous Akhandalamani temple, located in the district’s interior, is a popular religious site visited by many devotees.
15 Boudh Boudh is a district located in the western part of Odisha. The district is bordered by the Mahanadi river to the north and the Tel river to the south. Boudh district’s forest produce of economic importance includes Kendu Leaf, Tamarind, Mahua Flower and Seeds, Sal Seeds, etc. Collection of minor forest produce is the primary source of livelihood for the people in the district. The Satakoshia Ganda crocodile sanctuary at Tikarpada is a popular tourist attraction.
16 Cuttack Cuttack is a district located in the eastern part of Odisha and is one of the oldest cities in the state. Known as the cultural capital of Odisha due to its rich heritage and famous festivals like Durga Puja and Bali Jatra. The district is also known for its rich culinary traditions, including its famous sweet dish, Rasagola.
17 Deogarh Deogarh district has 53.06% forest coverage, providing livelihood for the tribal population. Known for its rich cultural heritage, including the famous Sambalpuri handloom sarees. Home to several tourist attractions, such as the Pradhanpat Waterfall and the Deogarh Palace.
18 Dhenkanal Denkanal is a district located in the northern part of Odisha and large part of it is covered by forests. Denkanal is known for its cultural heritage and is home to several historical monuments and temples, including the Balaram Temple, the Saptasajya Temple, and the Kapilash Temple. Kamakhyanagar’s Dussehera festival and Joronda’s Maghamela are significant cultural festivals in Dhenkanal District.
19 Gajapati Gajapati is a district in the southern part of Odisha, predominantly inhabited by tribal communities, and the economy is largely dependent on agriculture and forest produce. Some of the major tourist attractions in the district include the historical Paralakhemundi town, the scenic Mahendragiri hills, and the beautiful Taptapani hot springs.
20 Ganjam Ganjam is a coastal district in southern Odisha. It is also a significant agricultural hub, with paddy and coconut being the primary crops. Home to several famous tourist attractions, such as the Chilika Lake, Gopalpur Beach, and Taratarini Temple.
21 Jagatsinghpur Jagatsinghpur is a coastal district in Odisha. The district is known for its beautiful beaches, mangrove forests, and waterfalls. The district is also home to several industries, including a large fertilizer plant, a steel plant, and a thermal power plant. Some of the popular tourist attractions in the district include the Paradeep Port, the Baladevjew Temple, and the Bhitarkanika National Park.
22 Jajpur Jajpur is a district in the eastern state of Odisha, India. The district is named after the ancient town of Jajpur, which served as the capital of the Kalinga empire. The economy of the district is mainly based on agriculture and industries such as steel, cement, and power. The famous tourist attractions in the district include the Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavation site, the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, and the Biraja Temple.
23 Jharsuguda Jharsuguda is a district located in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha. The district is known for its rich mineral resources and industries. It is known for its industrial development, including several large-scale industries such as Vedanta Aluminum Plant, Jindal Steel Plant, and Ultratech Cement Plant. The Hirakud Dam, which is one of the longest dams in the world, is located in the district and is a popular tourist attraction.
24 Kalahandi Kalahandi is a district located in the southwestern part of the Indian state of Odisha. Kalahandi has the distinction of being home to the world’s biggest collection of Stone Age celts and the largest megalithic age burial ground ever discovered.
25 Kandhamal Kandhamal district is located in the heart of Odisha’s tribal belt and is known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Kandhamal turmeric is well-known for its therapeutic benefits and is utilized in cosmetics and as a spice. It serves as a significant source of income for tribal communities as it is their primary cash crop. Kandhamal District is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts, including Dokra, Terra-Cotta, Cane, and Bamboo works.
26 Kendrapara Kendrapara is a coastal district located in the eastern part of Odisha. The district is famous for its unique wetland ecosystem and the Bhitarkanika National Park, which is home to the endangered saltwater crocodile.
27 Keonjhar Keonjhar district is located in the northern part of Odisha and is known for its mineral resources, especially iron ore. It is home to several tribes and their unique culture and traditions, including the world-famous “Sulia Jatra” festival.
28 Khordha It is located on the eastern coast of India and has Bhubaneswar, the state capital, as its administrative headquarters. The district is known for its ancient temples, such as the Lingaraj Temple and the Mukteswara Temple, which attract numerous tourists. It also houses several research and educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar and the National Institute of Science Education and Research.
29 Koraput Koraput is a district located in the southern part of Odisha. The region is home to many indigenous tribes and is known for its unique tribal culture. Koraput district, situated in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of 3,000 feet, has a suitable cool climate and rainfall for coffee cultivation.
30 Bargarh Bargarh district is located in western Odisha and is known for its famous handloom textile. “Bhata Handi” is a popular term used to describe Bargarh, which is renowned for its extensive cultivation of paddy.

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FAQs

How many Odisha District List?

There are 30 districts in Odisha.

Which is the oldest district of Odisha?

Ganjam is the oldest district of Odisha.

Which district is smallest in Odisha?

Jagatsinghpur is the smallest district of Odisha in terms of area.

Which city is known as Golden city of Odisha?

Puri is known as the "Golden City" of Odisha.

What is the nickname of Cuttack?

Cuttack is known as the "Silver City" of Odisha.

Which hill is called Kashmir of Odisha?

Daringbadi hill station is called the "Kashmir of Odisha".

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